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A founding Director of Solar Village SDG, Prof. Dharmadasa is the protagonist and pioneer of the Solar Village concept. He has been actively involved in the promotion of clean energy for sustainable development and the reduction of poverty since 1992. He designed and piloted the first Solar Village in Kaduruwewa from personal funds in 2008 and subsequently has replicated this hugely impactful concept for nearly two decades. He not only implements these projects with the support of many partnerships but regularly monitors all the Solar Village projects. Seven large solar villages have been established, and further replication is in progress under his skilful guidance and committed stewardship.

Professionally, he has five decades of experience lecturing at university and four decades of research experience in both industry (BP Solar) and in academia. His research focused on the development of the next generation, low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells using electroplated semiconductors. His latest efforts were focused on developing graded bandgap multi-layer solar cells. He has published over 260 articles, six patents, and two books on “Advances in Thin Film Solar Cells” and “Graded Bandgap Multi-Layer Solar Cells”. In this process, he successfully supervised 31 PhDs, 14 years of postdoctoral research and examined 32 doctoral candidates.

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Why Dharme supports Solar Village SDG:

“Solar village projects are ideal for empowering deprived communities for their sustainable development, to reduce poverty and mitigate the damaging effects of climate change. My dream is to see our whole planet becoming ONE GLOBAL SOLAR VILLAGE.”

As a founding director of Solar Village SDG, Nilmini’s vision and mission is to expand the Solar Village concept through rural schools, coupled with the introduction of a smart room at each site. Through fundraising activities and grant funding she hopes the programme can be replicated rapidly to enable it to be as impactful as possible to transform the lives of struggling communities. Her role has many facets from outreach to forge partnerships and collaborations with other organisations and individuals with a singular focus on maximising community benefit using commercial strategies, to the nuts and bolts of day-to-day organisation of activities whilst seeking to garner volunteer engagement and support.

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Within two months of founding the CIC, she set about volunteer recruitment, conceptualising and implementing several fundraising and other events and has begun to plant the seeds of sustainable development by planning several pilot projects. 

Nilmini has been a UK immigration lawyer for well over three decades dealing with people from all walks of life and from all over the world. She believes that experience provides her with transferrable skills “to make a meaningful difference” to ameliorating the lives of many, by finding lasting solutions that will make some contribution to plugging a brain drain from parts of the global south.

Whilst being an avid supporter of all the UN’s SDGs her main areas of interest are assuring gender parity, a quality education for all, the environment, economic and general well-being.

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Why Nilmini supports Solar Village SDG:

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“Coupling sustainable development with renewable energy solutions via Solar Village SDG will enhance the lives of many who are struggling in my native Sri Lanka, and in due course, beyond.”

Details to follow

Marisa is a very valuable member of our management team who advises and supports our fundraising campaigns as well as informing and leveraging our proposals for collaboration with partners, trusts and foundations.

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Marisa has extensive experience that encompasses advocacy, policy, international development, human rights and fundraising.

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In her previous role at the Commonwealth Foundation, she developed policy positions for their advocacy and outreach and bringing the voices of civil society to influence Ministerial Spaces. She has worked in the development sector managing WASH, livelihoods and disability inclusion projects in Uganda, Nepal and India. She has also advocated on human rights policy and advocacy in Bangladesh and Pakistan at the UN, EU and with the UK Government.Marisa holds a postgraduate qualification, an MSc in Development Studies, from Birkbeck, University of London.  

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Why Marisa supports Solar Village SDG:

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“As our planet grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change it is time to act. I was drawn to the simple, replicable and transformative impact of Solar Village SDG to use solar power systems to bring environmental, economic and educational benefits to rural communities in Sri Lanka.”

Chathuranga leads the agricultural development initiatives within the Solar Village concept, focusing on fostering agripreneurship in rural Sri Lanka. His role is centered on empowering villagers to build sustainable agricultural businesses. Through technical expertise, strategic market connections, and value addition support, Chathuranga helps transform local farmers into successful agripreneurs, to assure quality produce and products to elevate farmers to meet global standards.

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By leading the agriculture sector within Solar Village SDG, Chathuranga’s mission is to create a sustainable, self-reliant agricultural ecosystems that fosters innovation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity for Sri Lankan farming communities.

Chathuranga has much sector experience having been a manager at Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited. He is currently heading govi.ai - a Smart Agriculture startup based in Sri Lanka and is a visiting Lecturer at Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. 

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Why Chathuranga supports Solar Village SDG:

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​"Solar Village SDG seeks to empower Sri Lankan agripreneurs with innovation and global opportunities which is the key to sustainable rural transformation."

Emma is a much valued and committed member of our social media team promoting our organisation and events across social media platforms (including Instagram and TikTok) to raise awareness for our causes.

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She also engages in outreach to other organisations, societies and universities to build collaborations and partnerships for events. She supports all our fundraising campaigns and events.

Emma also volunteers for our online book club tutoring English to rural school children.

Emma is currently a law undergraduate. She has gained experience collaborating with societies across universities and other students which assists her in her outreach work.

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Why Emma supports Solar Village SDG:

 “I believe Solar Village SDG’s manifesto helps the most vulnerable in society whilst providing long term sustainable solutions and is an organisation I am so proud to be a part of!”

Neo contributes towards our social media campaigns, helps to plan and run events, organises fundraisers etc. Neo also acts as a liaison officer between Solar Village SDG and other organisations seeking partnerships and collaborations.

Neo has experience of working on projects within the SSLES, i.e. Maho Junction project, organising the Sapphire Ball in 2025. He has also created a Bioengineering themed Escape Room to promote outreach of Engineering to underprivileged students.

Why Neo supports Solar Village SDG:

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'We need to use our resources and skills to uplift, upskill and support the ones who need it the most'

Lilani supports our fund-raising through artistic endeavours and believes strongly in making use of the healing power of art to support others.

Lilani is an artist and a mental well-being advocate. She has exhibited her own work and won many prizes and award for her art work. She supports many charitable endeavours.

Newman leverages his expertise in training, capacity-building, and project management to support impactful community initiatives. He designs and delivers training programmes, writes proposals to secure funding, conducts monitoring and evaluation to ensure effectiveness, and implements strategies for sustainable development. Through these efforts, Newman aims to empower individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge necessary for long-term development.

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Newman has extensive experience in all of the above notably in training, capacity-building, and project management, with a strong focus on rural community development. This includes human rights and child protection, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, business counselling, conflict resolution, early childhood development, and economic empowerment. He has delivered training in Tamil, English, and Sinhala, helping individuals build resilience and achieve sustainable growth.
 

Why Newman supports Solar Village SDG:

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"Empowering communities with the knowledge, skills, and sustainable solutions is the foundation for lasting change and Solar Village SDG provides me with a significant platform to continue this important work "

Rashmi organises and leads our Online book club initiative to tutor English to village children in Sri Lanka as a “Reader leader” and by organising and assisting other reader leaders.  Rashmi helps promote our ongoing fundraising initiatives for the online book club as well as our female empowerment projects. 

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Rashmi is currently an undergraduate student in the United States reading for a Bachelor of Science degree. Her intention is to attend medical school next and would love to continue to work with Solar Village SDG in the many years to come. 

Why Rashmi supports Solar Village SDG:

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“I believe supporting Solar Village SDG is important because every child in Sri Lanka deserves a chance to thrive and achieve all the things they want to in life. Solar Village SDG aims to make this happen, and I'm grateful to be a part of this uplifting team. “

Salma is a high school student based in Sri Lanka and is a Reader-leader in our online book club which aims to tutor English remotely to rural children using fascinating and enjoyable material to engage the interest of young children.

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Salma’s studies in social sciences have given her a solid foundation in understanding environmental issues and the importance of sustainable development. She is a strong believer in teamwork and enjoys problem-solving through group projects. Her involvement in school clubs and volunteer work has provided her with opportunities to engage with the community and promote eco-friendly practices.

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Why Salma supports Solar Village SDG:

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“Solar Village SDG is important to me because I care about creating sustainable solutions for local communities.”

We are always on the look out for committed individuals who are "doers" and who put first the interests of the communities we seek to serve and who are passionate about furthering our objectives. We are in search of people who are willing to commit time and energy to making a positive and lasting difference to the lives of those who are less fortunate than us, always following the principle of sustainability. 

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Why You would support Solar Village SDG:

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"We believe in teaching a man or woman to fish, than giving them a fish. Our driving force is not about "charity". We believe in supporting the dignity of less advantaged people to learn to help themselves in a meaningful and lasting way"

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Kanishka aids very valuably in our fundraising initiatives and is an important member of our social media team. He is also one of our Online book club volunteers who tutors English to rural children.

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Kanishka has a broad range of experience as a Retail Manager, Product Consultant/Specialist, Musician, Audio live/postproduction Engineer and Producer and this prior experience provides him highly transferrable skills which provides pillar support for all our work.

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Why Kanishka supports Solar Village SDG:

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"I wish to help build sustainable livelihoods and educate under privileged families on self-sufficiency "

Devni has a multifaceted role in advancing the organization’s mission to promote renewable energy and sustainable development. Leveraging impressive educational and professional expertise, Devni volunteers as an advocate and educator, raising awareness about climate change and renewable energy technologies. Devni also contributes through administrative and IT/digital support.

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Devni is an Electrical Engineer with technical consulting experience in power and control of renewable energy systems and is currently pursuing a research-based Master of Applied Science at the University of Toronto, Canada focusing on protection and control of microgrids dominated by renewable energy sources.

Why Devni supports Solar Village SDG: 

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"The words 'We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children' has been the driving force behind my passion for sustainability and energy equity. This principle has shaped my educational pursuits, professional experiences, and now my commitment to supporting Solar Village SDG."

Sarah is a committed and much valued member of our Online book club. She provides support to our social media team and is a great proponent of female capacity building.

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Sarah currently works with children aged 3 to 4, and her experience will benefit the younger children when conducting engaging online after-school Book Club sessions.

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Why Sarah supports Solar Village SDG: 

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"I am honoured to be a part of Solar Village SDG, and will always support their worthy causes, including educational projects and female empowerment."