Sri Lankan Business Association in New Zealand Incorporated
Our Committee 2024/2025
Chair – Iresh Tennakoon
Iresh is the President of the Sri Lanka Business Association in New Zealand and a dedicated member of the Auckland community. In addition to his role as President, he is also a board member of the Asian Advisory Council at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and an active member of the Auckland Chamber.
As the owner of Harcourts Ignite Realty and a director of several companies, Iresh brings extensive leadership experience and entrepreneurial spirit to everything he does.
Iresh is originally from Sri Lanka and he has called New Zealand home for over 16 years. His passion for both business and community has driven him to become an influential figure in Auckland’s business landscape. He is deeply committed to fostering strong ties within the local community and to helping bridge the gap between diverse cultural groups and the business world.
Through his work with the Sri Lanka Business Association and the Asian Advisory Council, Iresh actively contributes to the success of minority-owned businesses in Auckland. His involvement in these organizations demonstrates his dedication to promoting economic growth and supporting local entrepreneurs.
Iresh’s influence also extends to the political sphere, where his active participation in local initiatives and relationships with political leaders helps to shape policies that benefit the community. His voice is a key one in ensuring that the interests of both the Sri Lankan community and the broader Asian community are well-represented.
Deputy Chair – Nishantha Ariyawansa
Treasurer – Nissanka Herath
Nissanka (Nish) is a Qualified and Chartered Insurance Broker with 18 years of experience in the insurance and finance industries. He has held senior managerial positions, worked as]an Underwriter and Claims Consultant, and specializes in mortgages, life and disability insurance, and commercial insurance. Nish has a strong background in negotiation, risk management, and customer service. He completed his BSc in Insurance & Valuation in 2008
Deputy Treasurer – Thisara Lekamlagge
Secretary – Manoj Isuru Kotigala
Isuru the Director and Founder of Lexcom Legal Barristers and
Solicitors (Lexcom Legal). His educational background includes an
LLB (Hons) from the University of London and an LLM (Hons) from the
University of Auckland.
With expertise spanning property law, corporate law, commercial and
business transactions, Manoj has demonstrated his commitment to
excellence throughout his career.
Amali Weerasinghe – Committee member
Amali is the owner and conductor of ECANS NZ DANCE ACADEMY. She
is experienced and qualified in performing arts. Operating and
planning to build cultural platforms here in New Zealand with the Sri
Lankan community. She has won several international dance
competitions in New Zealand Such as:
1 st place – Bollywood factor talent Asia Pacific Competition
1 st runner up – Sri Lanka’s got talent New Zealand
Poojitha Sanjeewa – Committee member
Is a young entrepreneur based in Auckland, New Zealand. He is the
director and founder of three diverse businesses:
Asters Trading Limited – a car dealership that offers a range of
vehicles to meet customer needs.
Wealth Vision NZ Limited – a management accounting consulting
firm providing expert financial and strategic advice to businesses.
Shark Entertainment NZ – an event organizing business specializing
in creating memorable events.
Poojitha’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in
driving the success of these ventures across different industries.
Shehan Anjuka – Committee member
Shehan Anjuka is the visionary founder behind New Zealand's
largest Sri Lankan community platform, a vital hub that unites and
empowers the Sri Lankan diaspora. Dedicated to fostering
connections and celebrating cultural heritage, Shehan has created
an online space where community members can engage, share,
and support each other. In addition to his community work, Shehan
is the co-founder of Shark Entertainment NZ, an event company
that organizes vibrant and memorable events for Sri Lankans
across New Zealand. He also owns Hype Digital NZ Ltd.
At Hype Digital, Shehan and his team offer a full suite of services,
including social media management, content creation, web
development, and brand strategy. Through his dual roles as a
community leader and digital marketing expert, Shehan Anjuka is
making a significant impact on businesses and individuals
throughout New Zealand
Naleen Dhanushka – Committee member
As the Founder and Director of Mediascape Solutions Limited, Naleen brings extensive expertise in cybersecurity and cloud security, leveraging his role as a Google Cloud Security Engineer. With a robust background in data engineering and SEO digital marketing, Naleen is recognized for his proficiency in implementing advanced security measures and optimizing data solutions.
Naleen is also a Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate, and holds multiple certifications including Microsoft certified professional (MCP), Microsoft certified technologies specialist (MCTS), and APJ 'APT South Asia, underscoring his commitment to continuous professional development and industry excellence.
In addition to his professional achievements, Naleen is the founder of DeeJay at NZSL DJ Ultimate Entertainment, where he blends his passion for music with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Che Delpachitra – Committee member
As the business owner of RED Event and RED TV, Che is dedicated to creating exceptional experiences in both event management and media production. With a strong foundation in these industries, he has successfully brought together creativity, precision, and innovation to deliver high-quality services that meet the specific needs of every client. his goal is to ensure that each project, whether an event or media content, leaves a lasting impact and exceeds expectations.