Connect to Care NGO has officially registered as a voluntary social services organisation in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in its institutional growth while strengthening its governance framework to support national development priorities.
Connect to Care NGO strengthens governance to drive sustainable development initiatives
Connect to Care (CTC) Consulting announced that it has been officially registered as a Voluntary Social Services/Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the Voluntary Social Services Organisations (Registration and Supervision) Act No. 31 of 1980, as amended. The registration formalises the organisation’s expanded role in supporting Sri Lanka’s development agenda through practical implementation, cross-sector collaboration and measurable outcomes.
The move represents more than a change in legal status. According to the organisation, it reflects a broader institutional transformation designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, financial stewardship and programme delivery. Alongside its NGO registration, Connect to Care has completed a comprehensive organisational strengthening programme aimed at enhancing governance systems and operational effectiveness.
The Connect to Care NGO operates at the intersection of government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society and the private sector, helping organisations translate policy priorities into practical development programmes. Its portfolio covers a wide range of national priorities, including Digital Public Infrastructure, digital agriculture, health innovation, nutrition, institutional strengthening and public sector transformation.
The organisation said its enhanced governance structure comes at a time when Sri Lanka is placing greater emphasis on institutional reform, digital transformation and evidence-based policy implementation. Through strengthened systems and improved oversight, Connect to Care aims to position itself as a trusted implementation partner capable of managing complex, multi-stakeholder development initiatives.
As part of its governance reforms, the organisation has appointed three new members to its Board. Rehan Anthonis, Senior Director – People Operations at Sysco LABS Sri Lanka, brings more than 25 years of experience in organisational transformation, talent strategy and corporate governance. Anjali Nayyar, Executive Vice President at Global Health Strategies, contributes over two decades of international expertise in public health, policy, strategic advocacy and programme leadership across Asia and Africa.
Joining them is Dhamitha Cooke, a senior finance and business transformation professional with more than 45 years of experience across banking, aviation, capital markets and diversified business sectors. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the organisation’s expertise in financial governance and institutional development.
In addition, Laksiri Abeysekera has been appointed Strategic Advisor for Governance, Institutional Strengthening and Financial Management. With more than four decades of international experience, including leadership roles at organisations such as the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), World Agroforestry (ICRAF) and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), he will provide strategic oversight on governance, financial management, risk management and organisational systems.
Existing board members Chairman Chandita Samaranayake and Lakshi Nethicumara will continue to serve on the Board, providing continuity as the organisation enters its next phase of development.
To improve institutional accountability, the Connect to Care NGO has also invested in enterprise-grade management systems. Microsoft Dynamics has been implemented to strengthen financial management, donor reporting and financial transparency, while Asana has been adopted as the organisation’s enterprise programme management platform. Together, these systems provide real-time visibility into programme implementation, financial performance and project delivery, supporting stronger decision-making and accountability.
Chief Executive Officer Emaali Gunasekara said the registration represents a long-term investment in institutional capacity rather than simply a change in status.
“This milestone represents much more than a change in institutional status. It reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more accountable and more trusted organisation that can help deliver complex, high-impact development initiatives,” Gunasekara said.
Looking ahead, Connect to Care plans to establish a global advisory panel through its “GiveBack” initiative, enabling accomplished Sri Lankans living both locally and overseas to contribute expertise towards national development. By combining its strengthened governance framework with expanded leadership and technology-driven management systems, the organisation aims to bridge the gap between strategy and implementation while delivering sustainable, measurable outcomes for Sri Lanka.