IDEAS [Initiatives in Development of Entrepreneur Approaches and Strategies] is a private non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting socioeconomic growth through support to micro- and small-scale enterprises, and community-led development projects.
ABOUT
Who We Are
IDEAS is a Sri Lankan non-profit founded in 1996, dedicated to empowering micro and small enterprises and community-led projects. With a diverse 17 member team, IDEAS continues to drive socioeconomic growth through voluntary service and multidisciplinary expertise.
IDEAS was established in 1996 by senior Sri Lankan professionals with multidisciplinary expertise and deep experience across public and private sectors.
From national to international arenas, the initiative has remained entirely voluntary, driven by service, integrity, and enduring commitment.
↘The 17-member IDEAS team,
one-third of whom are women, actively contributes its accumulated knowledge, expertise, and experience with deep commitment to fulfilling the goals of IDEAS.
✳
What We Do
IDEAS supports entrepreneurship and community empowerment across Sri Lanka. We provide funding, mentoring, and training for micro and small enterprises, while also backing vital community initiatives in housing, water, sanitation, education, health, and disaster relief. Our funding includes grants and interest-free loans to help both businesses and communities thrive.
Entrepreneur Development
We provide funding, mentoring, and training support to a diverse and geographically dispersed collection of entrepreneurial projects and initiatives throughout Sri Lanka.
Community Empowerment
We support community development initiatives including housing, water supply, sanitation, education, community health, and disaster relief.
Core of IDEAS
Founded by senior Sri Lankan professionals in 1996, our team continues to serve through multidisciplinary expertise, voluntary commitment, and community-centered action.
17 MEMBER CORE TEAM
One-third of our team are women, and every member contributes accumulated knowledge, expertise, and experience to advance the mission of IDEAS.
Team Strength
17+
Professionals with cross-sector experience.
Women Representation
1/3
A strong and growing women-led contribution.
Service Model
1996
Voluntary commitment sustained over decades.
PROJECTS
200+
A diverse portfolio of entrepreneurship and community development initiatives successfully launched and managed.
BENEFICIARIES
100,000+
The number of individuals, families, and micro-entrepreneurs whose lives and livelihoods have been directly improved.
DISBURSED
LKR 50 Million
The total volume of interest-free loans and grants provided to fuel local business growth and community stability.
Meet the People Behind IDEAS
A quick view of the core team that supports micro enterprises and community initiatives through voluntary service and multidisciplinary experience.
Chairman
Dr Hilmy Sally
Secretary
Tilak Dias Abeysinghe
Treasurer
Virendra Godamunne
Director
Vimal Dias
Director
Chandima Gunawardena
Director
Ms Shakuntala Kuruppu
Member
Nanda Abayawickrama
Member
Dr Ms Tanuja Ariyananda
Member
Dr Sunil de Silva
Member
Ms Sudharma Dias
Member
Maj. Gen. (Ret) Harsha Gunaratne
Member
Mitabi Gunawardene
Member
Dilip Jayawickrama
Member
Mahesh Mendis
Member
Ms Lonali Rodrigo
Member
Mahima Wijesinghe
Programme Coordinator
Ms Kumari de Silva
Empowering through
Creative Action
Join our mission to transform lives and livelihoods across Sri Lanka.
IDEAS ✦ EMPOWERING ✦ TRANSFORMING ✦ ENRICHING ✦ SERVING ✦