English-Connection2-

A BULLER'S LANE INITIATIVE

Empowering Children Through English

ChatGPT Image Aug 7, 2025, 04_03_04 PM

At the heart of every well-run lesson, every confident volunteer, and every thriving learner in The English Connection, there is a Coordinator quietly working to make it all possible.

Our Coordinators are the vital support system that connects our vision with action. They are the people who ensure the right volunteers are in the right place at the right time, that every learner has access to consistent sessions, and that our programs function with care, efficiency, and human warmth.


While volunteers may be the ones in the spotlight, it is the Coordinators who manage the stage. They work tirelessly behind the scenes — planning timetables, liaising with partner communities, responding to last-minute changes, guiding new volunteers, and keeping the communication channels flowing. They are the calm in the chaos, the encouragers in times of uncertainty, and the problem-solvers when challenges arise.


Each Coordinator brings a unique blend of leadership, empathy, and organizational skill. They are mentors, listeners, communicators, and friends — deeply committed to the mission of providing free, high-quality English education to underserved communities.  Without them, The English Connection simply wouldn’t function.


This page is a tribute to these incredible individuals. It is a space to recognize their efforts, share their stories, and offer a glimpse into the dedication it takes to keep a volunteer-driven movement running smoothly. Whether you're a current volunteer or someone curious about the work behind the scenes, we invite you to learn more about our Coordinators — the steady hands and compassionate hearts that hold our community together.

For your info: Gnomes are magical beings that help humanity. They each have different roles but come together to help humanity

Sharika Jayewardene – Chief Co-ordinator

Sharika Jayewardene

Chief Co-ordinator

The Cogwheel Conductor Gnome

At the heart of The English Connection stands our Chief Co-ordinator, whose unwavering passion for teaching— especially underserved neighbourhood children—is truly inspiring. She drives our initiatives forward, from cultivating meaningful partnerships with donors, to guiding our dedicated teaching team.

She personally plans a systematic syllabus of: grammar, spelling and spoken English; oversees the preparations of tutorials, the creation of exam papers and the design of engaging learning activities, that empower students. Through tireless dedication and visionary leadership, she remains one of the true heartbeats of the programme, ensuring every child has the chance to learn, to grow, and to thrive.

Menaka Balendra
Menaka Balendra
Co-ordinator
*The Cosmic Nook Gnome*
Menaka is the vibrant strength behind the constant challenges of sourcing of a space to work in and ensuring the smooth running of EC. She co-shares the financial expenses of renting the spaces we use, while ensuring every physical resource is available.Menaka also heads our 2012 seniors. This is a challenging group where exam pressures are mounting and children must be able to hold their own in pre-olevel classrooms. Armed with recent personal experience of her own children in a similar curriculum, Menaka ensures confidence in writing skills while ensuring accurate grammar and comprehension
Anarkali Moonesinghe
Anarkali Moonesinghe
Co-ordinator
*The Fiscal-Fairy Gnome*
Anarkali makes every donation count. Sponsorships for the space rental, book vouchers, stationery gifts for our 70 and still growing youngsters, are all carefully developed by her. Anarkali also watches over and mentors our youngest students. From teaching basic social skills, to learning the fundamentals of phonetic English, she elicits the best of each of them.
Mali Liyanage
Mali Liyanage
Co-ordinator
*The Snapshot-Sprite Gnome*
Mali is the sheer magic behind the photos that encapsulate our vibrant programme. Candid photos and smiles documenting lessons, celebrations, action rhymes and kind donors are all immortalised by her camera. Mali also oversees and welcomes the youngest of our charges. With extreme patience she carefully sets their first steps in motion. From phonetic reading to letter formation, she helps our babies become familiar with the challenging English language.
Minali De Silva
Minali De Silva
Co-ordinator
*The Tome-Tending Gnome*
Minali maintains our library. Sourcing reading material for 60+ youngsters is no small feat but she manages to do this with her engaging smile, always encouraging further borrowing and reading. Book cupboards are kept in order, with her attention to detail and the fascination of exciting reading, continues to enliven lessons. Minali also heads our 2015 group, comprising intermediate students, just branching into written grammar and comprehension. By creating a nurturing circle, she encourages each youngster to reach a little higher and do a little better, than they had done before.
Thanuja Karunaratne
Thanuja Karunaratne
Co-ordinator
*The Gentle Guardian Gnome*
Thanuja is the epitome of kind persuasion. Recalcitrant youngsters and those with more rambunctious behaviour patterns, are often assigned to Thanu. Somehow, her gentleness tempered with a must-do attitude, yields results and learning grows. Calm sets in and the work is done.
Mubeena Wijetilleke
Mubeena Wijetilleke
Co-ordinator
*The Goodwill Gnome*
Having a young one herself, Mubeena juggles hectic schedules to be part of the team. When a youngster needs extra support, be it food or clothing, Mubee is sure to prioritise it. At Christmas, Santa liaises with her directly and his conveyance and chauffeur turn up, with the sleigh load of gifts, that kind donors have provided. No child is missed out and Mubeena’s own youngster is often part of the celebrations, ensuring a unified neighbourhood.