In a leadership role across multiple projects, GBPG’s expert guided diverse social development and welfare programs, with a strong focus on child development, protection, and education. This included successfully implementing UN projects and emergency relief initiatives, which left a positive impact on the communities served. The expert also oversaw a sports-for-development initiative in collaboration with various local and international stakeholders, providing technical support, conducting training programs, and ensuring effective progress reporting. Additionally, they drove child development, protection, cash transfer, and scholarship programs across 25 districts. Notable achievements included coordinating various projects, supporting UN initiatives, and playing a key role in the success of several relief projects. Their active participation in international forums further contributed to the launch of national initiatives aimed at enhancing child protection and welfare.

As a CSR Centre Manager, GBPG’s expert coordinated formal and informal education and social protection programmes related to diverse social development projects, including education, vocational training, and empowerment programs. This encompassed conducting awareness programs for parents of underprivileged youth as well as training sessions for teachers and therapists. Efforts contributed to fostering inclusive education and social protection networks in marginalized communities.

In response to the child protection challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, GBPG’s expert worked closely with government bodies and child welfare agencies to develop and implement critical strategies. These efforts centered on equipping Child Rights Promotion Officers (CRPOs) across 25 districts in Sri Lanka with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and address child protection cases during this challenging period. By focusing on enhancing the capabilities of CRPOs, the initiative aimed to mitigate the heightened risks facing vulnerable children during the pandemic. The collaboration resulted in the creation of comprehensive guidelines designed to address the unique challenges brought on by the pandemic, such as increased risks of abuse, neglect, and exploitation due to lockdowns, school closures, and economic hardship. GBPG’s expert designed  a series of capacity-building training programs to ensure that CRPOs were well-prepared to identify, report, and manage child protection cases under these new conditions.

In partnership with international collaborators, this Sri Lankan initiative sought to empower marginalized girls and women by fostering income generation and community resilience through the establishment of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs encouraged non-formal savings methods, while also emphasizing the importance of building trust, social cohesion, and mutual support among women in local communities. The project provided job training opportunities tailored to the needs and aspirations of girls and women in selected areas, aligning their skills with long-term business goals. As the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) advisor, GBPG’s expert oversaw the regular monitoring and evaluation of the program in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the expert led the development of training modules and sessions focused on child rights, women’s rights, gender equality, and income generation, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to community development.

GBPG’s expert played a crucial role in a project designed to strengthen child protection and social protection networks in Sri Lanka, with a focus on combating child labor. The initiative integrated child labor monitoring into the existing national system, enhancing the responsiveness and effectiveness of child protection measures. The expert led training programs at national, district, and divisional levels, equipping local authorities, community leaders, and Child Rights Promotion Officers (CRPOs) with the skills to identify and address child labor cases. These programs also emphasized the need to connect child labor prevention efforts with broader social protection systems, creating a more cohesive approach to child welfare. In addition to training, the expert launched awareness campaigns targeting communities, employers, and policymakers to highlight the harmful effects of child labor and the need to protect children’s rights. Research studies were conducted to evaluate the state of child labor and social protection systems, providing valuable insights for future policy development. These combined efforts not only improved child labor monitoring but also strengthened Sri Lanka’s overall child protection and social welfare networks, fostering a more resilient system for safeguarding vulnerable children.

In collaboration with a prominent consultancy as a consultant and evaluator, GBPG’s expert played a significant role in the final evaluation of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) project in Sri Lanka. This extensive assessment covered 10 districts, involving direct engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government authorities, preschool administrators, educators, and parents. Through interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions, the expert gathered valuable insights into the effectiveness and impact of the ECD initiatives, examining aspects such as curriculum implementation, teaching methodologies, and parental involvement. The findings were meticulously analyzed and compiled into a comprehensive report, which was then disseminated to relevant stakeholders in both France and Sri Lanka. This collaborative effort not only highlighted the successes and challenges of the ECD project but also provided actionable recommendations for future improvements, ultimately contributing to enhanced early childhood education policies and practices in the region.