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LEGAL ENTITY INFORMATION
Entity Name: NZLanka Media Trust
Type of Entity: Charitable Trust
NZBN: 9429051956592
Incorporation Number: 50202613
Charitable Trust Board Status: Registered
Date of Incorporation: 13-Mar-2024
Charities Services Registration Status: Registered (01-May-2024)
Registration Number: CC62553
Governing Document: Trust Deed
Objectives and Purposes:
- To provide news and information services tailored to the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand through various media platforms.
- To offer media-related services, encompassing website design, marketing, SEO, and social media services, to assist non-profit community organizations within New Zealand.
- To serve as a hub for Sri Lankans in New Zealand to educate, share views, and information about Sri Lanka and New Zealand, fostering a sense of digital life, community, and cultural connection.
- To engage in activities that align with the Trust’s objectives, promoting traditional values and activities among the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand.
Conflict of Interest Policy:
No officer or related party will gain financially from business dealings, employment, or programs/services provided by NZLanka Media Trust. Any relations will not affect the charitable purpose nor benefit any individual directly. We have established clear conflict of interest policies and procedures to ensure transparency, impartiality, and integrity in all our activities.
Trustees
CJ Ekanayake
TrusteeCJ Ekanayake is a multifaceted professional based in Palmerston North, New Zealand. CJ Ekanayake is the founder, multimedia specialist, and journalist at NZLankaNews, a digital community news platform dedicated to the Sri Lankan diaspora in New Zealand. His work plays a crucial role in connecting and informing the Sri Lankan community by providing insightful news coverage and fostering cultural engagement. CJ is passionate about design and has applied his skills to various projects that reflect cultural and
community values.
Nuwan Weerasooriya
TrusteeNuwan Weerasooriya is a community enthusiast with a special focus on cricket. He actively engages in local initiatives that aim to foster unity and strengthen cultural connections through the sport, enhancing social ties within diverse communities.
Menaka Jayasinghe
TrusteeMenaka Jayasinghe is a community enthusiast and one of the founding members of a community initiative. She is committed to promoting educational and cultural programs, aiming to enhance learning opportunities and deepen cultural appreciation within diverse communities.
Advisory Board Members
Ranjith Nanayakkara
AdvisorRanjith Nanayakkara is a seasoned financial analyst who retired from Statistics New Zealand in 2023 after over 15 years of service. His career also includes a notable tenure as a Senior Bank Examiner at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, where he specialized in financial institution compliance, market operations, and regulatory policy formulation. Ranjith holds advanced degrees in finance from Victoria University of Wellington and the University of New South Wales. He currently serves as the president of the USLA in Wellington.
Chamanthie Sinhalage-Fonseka
AdvisorChamanthie Sinhalage-Fonseka is a senior public relations professional who has advised major international companies in PR matters and handled some of the most complex and high-profile PR issues faced by the New Zealand private and public sectors in recent years. As a result, she has had extensive involvement with the NZ news media for over a decade.
She is a passionate believer in the role that a strong and diverse news media environment plays in connecting all New Zealanders with issues of interest and significance.
Her involvement with news and media reaches well beyond her day job. She currently writes on PR matters for prestige NZ news outlet, BusinessDesk, and has also been published in other media outlets including Stuff and The Spinoff. She has also often featured on NZ TV, radio, web, and print news as a commentator on issues of the day.
She is also the co-founder, along with BusinessDesk Editor Victoria Young, of Kaimac – a nationwide nonprofit network of Kiwi-Asian media and communications professionals.
Outside of her news and media activity, she is involved with several other commitments, including as a board member of Heart of the City, which represents more than 10,000 businesses in Auckland’s central city.
Chamanthie lives in central Auckland with her husband.
Daham Balasooriya
AdvisorBased in Hamilton, Daham Balasooriya boasts a distinguished background in education, having previously served as a teacher educator in Sri Lanka. With a specialization in chemistry education and innovative teaching methodologies, he is deeply committed to enhancing educational practices. His passion for writing is evident through a prolific portfolio of newspaper articles and drama scripts, showcasing a talent for engaging and informative communication.
Prasad Perera
AdvisorPrasad Perera is a dynamic business and channel manager currently based in Auckland, where he spearheads new business initiatives and channel management. His prior role as a Key Account Manager focused on maximizing revenue and market share in the home entertainment sector, leveraging deep industry knowledge to foster client relationships and enhance customer satisfaction. Prasad’s leadership was recognized during his tenure as a Senior Store Manager, where he earned accolades for exceptional performance as “Retailer of the Year.” for 2016.
Athula Wanasinghe
Advisor
Athula Wanasinghe is a distinguished community leader and professional based in Wellington, New Zealand. He holds multiple credentials including a BCom (Hons), PGDipM, CPM, MCIM (UK), MRSNZ, MSLIM, JP (NZ), and QSM, showcasing his extensive qualifications and commitment to community service. As the President of the Rotary Johnsonville, Athula has been an active contributor to the community.
Athula’s extensive experience spans several roles: He is a Business and Budget Advisor, an NZ Cricket Umpire and Coach, and an accredited Interpreter/Translator. He also plays a crucial role in community safety as a Community Patroller and contributes to sports as a Club Cricket Administrator. Beyond these responsibilities, Athula supports refugees and migrants, helping them integrate and thrive in their new environments. Athula has been a national board member of the Community Languages Association of New Zealand Inc. for over a decade.
His finance career is highlighted by a 15-year tenure at ANZ Bank in Commercial & Business Banking, where he also specialized as a Franchise Specialist. Currently, Athula leverages his vast experience as a Consultant in Property & Real Estate Management.
Our Core Values
Committed to Integrity and Community Engagement
Diversity
Celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the community, embracing different perspectives and experiences.
Empowerment
Empowering individuals to voice their stories, ideas, and opinions, fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging.
Innovation
Driving innovation in media services, constantly evolving to meet the dynamic needs of our audience and community.