Dr. Nirekha De Silva
University Degrees | |
2016 | Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith Law School, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. Thesis: ‘Healing and Wellbeing: Culture, Practices and Role of Government’ |
2008 | Masters in Human Rights, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka |
2005 | Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights (Distinction) University of Colombo, Sri Lanka |
2001 | B.A. in Sociology (Dean’s List, International Award for Academic Recognition) York University, Canada |
2023- | Graduate Certificate in Humanistic Buddhism, Nan Tien Institute, Australia (In Progress) |
Diplomas | |
2005 | Diploma in Counseling Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Sri Lanka |
1999 | Diploma in Psychology, Institute of Psychological studies, Sri Lanka |
1999 | Diploma in Human Rights, Institute of Human Rights, Sri Lanka |
1999 | Diploma in Media Studies William Carey Institute for Religious and Vocational Training, Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Training Progammes / Short Courses | |
2023 | The Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use Disorders. Drug Advisory Program of the Colombo Plan |
2023 | SMART Recovery Facilitator Training, NSW, Australia |
2022 | Certificate in Community Pastoral Education, Buddhist Council of NSW |
2020 | Global Network for Women Shelters Webinars on COVID 19 Impact on Women and Girls |
2020 | Accounting and Reporting for US Government Funded Projects, Davis Associates, USA |
2020 | Procurement for US Government Funded Projects, Davis Associates, USA |
2020 | Internal Controls for US Government Funded Projects, Davis Associates, USA |
2008 | Training Program on Community Participatory Approaches, Red R (UK) – CHA |
2008 | Capacity Building and Mentoring on Rights Based Child Participation in Governance DHRUVA, India and Save the Children |
2006 | International Summer School on Forced Migration, Refugee Studies Centre (RSC), University of Oxford, United Kingdom |
2005 | Winter Course on Forced Migration Culcutta Research Group (MCRG), India |
2003 | International Relations and Diplomatic Training, The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute, Sri Lanka |
2002 | The Training Program on Data Collecting Methods for Research on Participatory Rural Development, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka |
2000 | The Training Program on Field Research on Participatory Rural Development, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka |
I am an experienced and driven researcher, clinical practitioner and program specialist with a strong focus on cultural diversity, migration, and the wellbeing of vulnerable communities. With over 20 years of experience in research and project implementation across various countries, I have honed my skills in the fields of addiction, rehabilitation, human rights, and social research. My educational background includes a PhD in Law, a Masters in Human Rights, a BA in Sociology, as well as Di...
- Publications
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
2018-2022 |
U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF) |
2017-2018 |
U.S. Department of States, Afghan Child Support Centre Fund (ACSCF) |
2017 |
UN Women, Policy Brief on Migrant Women Workers |
2017 |
European Union, Final Evaluation ‘Sri Lanka Mobilized for Reconciliation’ |
2016 |
Unicef – National Child Protection Authority, New Multi-Stakeholder Mechanism for Child Protection |
2009 |
Save the Children Research Grant. ‘Children on the Move’ |
2005 |
The Scholar of Peace Fellowship, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India. Study on ‘Transitional Justice and Women Combatants in Sri Lanka.’ |
2005 |
Calcutta Research Group, India and National Peace Council Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Convener for the SAARC Research Project ‘Recording the Voices of the Internally Displaced Persons.’ |
2002 |
Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship. Study on ‘Effective Prison Rehabilitation System for Sri Lanka.’ |
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2018-2022
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2017-2018
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Child Support Centre Fund (ACSCF)
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2018-2022
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2017
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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UN Women, Policy Brief on Migrant Women Workers
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2018-2022
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2017
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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European Union, Final Evaluation ‘Sri Lanka Mobilized for Reconciliation’
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2018-2022
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2016
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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Unicef – National Child Protection Authority, New Multi-Stakeholder Mechanism for Child Protection
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2018-2022
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2009
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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Save the Children Research Grant. ‘Children on the Move’
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2018-2022
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2005
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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The Scholar of Peace Fellowship, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India. Study on ‘Transitional Justice and Women Combatants in Sri Lanka.’
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2018-2022
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2005
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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Calcutta Research Group, India and National Peace Council Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Convener for the SAARC Research Project ‘Recording the Voices of the Internally Displaced Persons.’
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2018-2022
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2002
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U.S. Department of States, Afghan Women Shelter Fund (AWSF)
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Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship. Study on ‘Effective Prison Rehabilitation System for Sri Lanka.’
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2023 |
Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship |
2020-2021 |
South Asian Association Regional Cooperation Cultural Research Fellowship |
2016 |
Griffith Law Futures Publication Scholarship |
2012-2015 |
Griffith University International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship |
2012-2015 |
Griffith University Post-Graduate Research Scholarship |
2008 |
Distinction Award (Masters in Human Rights) |
2005 |
The Scholar of Peace Award, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India. |
2002 |
Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship. |
2001 |
York University Award for International Recognition for Academic Excellence; Dean’s List (BA Sociology) |
1999 |
York University Entrance Scholarship |
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2023
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2020-2021
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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South Asian Association Regional Cooperation Cultural Research Fellowship
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2023
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2016
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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Griffith Law Futures Publication Scholarship
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2023
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2012-2015
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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Griffith University International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship
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2023
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2012-2015
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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Griffith University Post-Graduate Research Scholarship
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2023
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2008
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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Distinction Award (Masters in Human Rights)
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2023
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2005
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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The Scholar of Peace Award, Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, India.
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2023
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2002
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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Sri Lanka Foundation- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Research Fellowship.
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2023
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2001
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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York University Award for International Recognition for Academic Excellence; Dean’s List (BA Sociology)
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2023
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1999
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Hsing Yun Education Foundation Scholarship
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York University Entrance Scholarship
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Throughout my research career, I have been dedicated to promoting healing, wellbeing, cultural understanding, and empowering vulnerable communities. My work has encompassed a wide range of areas, including the protection and rehabilitation of individuals facing various challenges such as prisoners, combatants, children in institutions, trafficked victims, survivors of gender-based violence, refugees, and those struggling with substance abuse. Additionally, I have delved into cultural diversity, preservation of cultural heritage, healthcare systems, knowledge systems in healing and cultural dimensions of the healing process.
In Sri Lanka, my contributions have been instrumental in driving societal reforms. I have played a key role in shaping prison reforms in 2004 and developing a rehabilitation program specifically designed for combatants in 2006. Furthermore, I have been involved in establishing case referral and response mechanisms for survivors of Gender Based Violence, improving child abuse reporting and responding mechanisms, and introducing standards for safeguarding migrant domestic workers.
Internationally, my focus has been on promoting and safeguarding cultural diversity, fostering harmony within diverse communities, and conducting projects on culture and rights in South Asia and beyond. In Afghanistan, I have influenced legal and organizational systems to protect victims of GBV and trafficking.
Since joining the Odyssey House NSW in Australia I have been actively engaged in developing guidelines and specialized courses tailored to specific needs of multicultural clients in AOD treatment. These efforts have included introducing courses on mindfulness, kindness, supporting friends and family, as well as a workshop for Buddhist chaplains involved in treating AOD clients. Currently, I am collaborating with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre of UNSW Medicine on AOD treatment research and evaluations.
2023- |
Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery |
2022-2023 |
Chaplain Coordinator, Buddhist Council of NSW |
2022 -23 |
Designed and Facilitated the Mindfulness and Recovery Group for CALD AOD Clients. |
2017-22 |
Mentored Implementing Partners of AWSF and ACSCF projects in developing project applications; conducted training programmes in managing shelters; providing psychological, social, legal support. Advocated with Afghanistan Government for legal & policy changes related to protection of victims of GBV & trafficking. |
2018-21 |
Organized 3 International training programmes on gender empowerment and on child protection in Indonesia. |
2019 |
Convener, 3rd Gender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Nepal. |
2018 |
Convener, 4thGender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Vietnam. |
2016 |
Trained Government Officials on implementing the new multi-sectoral GBV referral mechanism. |
2013 |
Member Secretary, Plenary Committee of the SAARC Literary Festival 2013, Bhutan. |
2013 |
Member Secretary, SAARC International Committee on Development of Archives in South Asia. |
2013 |
Co-Convener, SAARC Regional Seminar on Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions |
2013 |
Member of the Steering Committee of University Harmony, University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka |
2006 -2010 |
Conducted training for researchers working on child rights research projects. |
2005 |
Coordinator, National Working Group on Relief Monitoring for Tsunami Affected Persons. |
2003 |
Coordinator, Working Groups on Reconciliation, Convened by Sri Lanka Prime Minister’s Office |
2003 |
Advisor, Department of Prisons, Developing the National Action Plan for Sri Lanka Prisons |
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2023-
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2022-2023
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Chaplain Coordinator, Buddhist Council of NSW
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2023-
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2022 -23
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Designed and Facilitated the Mindfulness and Recovery Group for CALD AOD Clients.
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2023-
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2017-22
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
-
Mentored Implementing Partners of AWSF and ACSCF projects in developing project applications; conducted training programmes in managing shelters; providing psychological, social, legal support. Advocated with Afghanistan Government for legal & policy changes related to protection of victims of GBV & trafficking.
-
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2023-
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2018-21
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Organized 3 International training programmes on gender empowerment and on child protection in Indonesia.
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2023-
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2019
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Convener, 3rd Gender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Nepal.
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2023-
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2018
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Convener, 4thGender Focal Point Conference, Colombo Plan Members in Vietnam.
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2023-
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2016
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Trained Government Officials on implementing the new multi-sectoral GBV referral mechanism.
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2023-
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2013
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Member Secretary, Plenary Committee of the SAARC Literary Festival 2013, Bhutan.
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2023-
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2013
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Member Secretary, SAARC International Committee on Development of Archives in South Asia.
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2023-
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2013
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Co-Convener, SAARC Regional Seminar on Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions
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2023-
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2013
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Member of the Steering Committee of University Harmony, University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka
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2023-
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2006 -2010
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Conducted training for researchers working on child rights research projects.
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2023-
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2005
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Coordinator, National Working Group on Relief Monitoring for Tsunami Affected Persons.
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2023-
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2003
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Coordinator, Working Groups on Reconciliation, Convened by Sri Lanka Prime Minister’s Office
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2023-
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2003
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Public Officer, Santi Forest Monastery
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Advisor, Department of Prisons, Developing the National Action Plan for Sri Lanka Prisons
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