Trainer Profiles

Dr. Mahim Mendis

  • BA (Hons) Kelaniya, Sri Lanka,
  • MA (Lancaster) UK,
  • Phil (Leicester) UK,
  • Phd (NUS) Singapore,
  • Post- Doctoral Scholar, University of Northern Illinois, USA and University of Massachusetts, USA.

Dr. Mendis, is an eminent university academic, specializing in Organizational Development and Communication.  He has been teaching and mentoring students in Sri Lanka and overseas for three decades. He is personally committed to empowering Sri Lankans with skills in analytical thinking and courageous communication.

As the Chief Academic Adviser of the Rainbow Institute of Communication, an acclaimed motivational speaker, he is a highly sought-after trainer by public, private and international organizations. He has conducted 1500+ training programmes and taught undergraduate and post graduate courses at local and international universities.

Dr. Mendis has been honoured by Sri Lankan and foreign governments for his excellence in the field of education. He was awarded the Sri Lanka Presidential Scholarship in 1989, the British Chevening Scholarship by the Government of UK in 1996 and a Doctoral Scholarship by the Government of Singapore in 2003. He received further post-doctoral training in USA,  in 2004 and 2012 through the Government of USA.

Dr. Mendis has been the Spokesman of the Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA), fighting for professional rights of university teachers in fifteen national universities in Sri Lanka. His speeches were granted wide exposure by the media, earning him a reputation as a courageous speaker. He is a popular media panelist and commentator on political affairs.

Mr. Darshana Samaraweera

  • Phd (English Teacher Education) MSU, Malaysia,
  • Phil in English Language Education, July 2011, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, India,
  • Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka,
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Education (English Medium), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka,
  • PG Diploma, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, (English, Sinhala, Language Translation Methods),
  • English Teacher Training Certificate, National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka.

Darshana is the Director, English Language Department, of the National Institute of Education (NIE) Sri LankaHe is responsible for the Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (since 2004) and the Bachelor of Education Degree programme (English) at the NIE. He has designed the curriculum for the subject Computer Aided Language Learning for English Teacher Training, at the NIE.

Ms. Manique Mendis

  • BA (Hons) Kelaniya, Sri Lanka,
  • PG Dip in Marketing PIM, Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka,
  • Dip Journalism (Ladies College) Sri Lanka,
  • Cert in Advanced Presentation skills, British Council, UK.

Manique is a leading Communication specialist with rich work experience in senior management in private, public and international organizations. In 2010, she started her own consultancy and training company, Rainbow Resources Lanka Pvt Ltd. She has been the founder Chief Executive Officer of two national organizations: namely the Business for Peace Alliance (BPA) Sri Lanka’s network of regional chambers of Commerce and the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka.

Starting her career as a Journalist at “The Island” newspaper, she has been the head of Communication and Media for several national and international organizations, including the European Union Embassy in Colombo, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, MTV television and MBC Radio and the Berghof Foundation for Conflict Studies.

Prior to the start of Rainbow Resources Lanka, Manique served as the Deputy Country Director of the International Media Development Organization, Internews. Manique has extensive experience in working on development projects with grass roots level organizations in all parts of Sri Lanka and is committed towards the empowerment of Sri Lankan youth, children and adults with enhanced communication skills.

Ms. Mahishka Samarasinghe

  • BA (Limkokwing Malaysia),
  • T.C.L (London),
  • Dip Management (GSM),
  • ACE (English Trained Teacher), City & Guilds, UK.

Mahishka is a creative communicator, speech and drama trainer and English Language Teacher. As the Director, Academic Affairs of the Rainbow Institute, she is also engaged in academic management. She is also well versed in curriculum development and assessment in education.

She started her career in training at the Clare de Silva, School of Speech and Drama, Colombo and at Bishop’s College, Colombo, whilst pursuing her higher studies. She has conducted training in communication, personality development and grooming and etiquette in many parts of Sri Lanka for several prestigious clients including Bank of Ceylon, Fonterra Brands Pvt Ltd, Central Finance, Hilton Colombo, MAS and Embassy of the United States of America.

She also conducts training for Cambridge English programmes. She especially enjoys teacher training and has conducted teacher training for Gateway College and S. Thomas’ Prep School, Colombo. She also conducts TOTs and has been able to inspire and train many trainers in prestigious companies.

Mahishka who was selected to represent Sri Lanka at the International Youth Conference organized by Three Dot Dash in New York, USA in 2008, brings in the fresh appeal of youth to Rainbow Institute of Communication’s programmes and captures the imagination and interest of her students through creative strategies including drama.

Ms. Krishani Kumarasinghe

  • MA Politics with Special reference to International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India (May 2007),
  • Post-graduate Diploma in International Relations at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka (2002),
  • A (English) Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Krishani is an English Language Teacher, as well as a Programme Management Specialist. She is currently a visiting lecturer at the University of Jayawardenapura, Faculty of Management Studies, lecturing university students in Business Communication, Study Skills and General English. She has also served as a Teacher of English Language and Literature at Gateway International School (2002 – 2004) and as an Instructor in English at the University of Peradeniya, (from 1998 August – 2002 March). Her experience in Programme Management includes serving as Programme Coordinator at Korean International Cooperation, Programme Manager/Officer India and Sri Lanka,  follow up at Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) (from 2007 – 2013) and serving as a Programme Officer at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (2004 – June 2005).

Mr. Dileepa Samarasinghe

  • BSc (Mechanical Engineering) Nottingham, UK,
  • Diploma in Management, Graduate School of Management, Sri Lanka.

Dileepa is a highly motivated, creative and versatile trainer. As an accomplished public speaker, he has obtained training in Public Speaking from Toast Masters and the Rainbow Institute. He conducts training on personality development, communication and soft skills at the institute’s in-house training and for corporate clients including those in the banking and financial sector such as Bank of Ceylon, NTB, AIA, Central Finance and Serendib Finance.

Dileepa shifted his career from Mechanical Engineering to Banking in 2013. He thereafter took the leap to venture into full time training and consultancy in sustainable banking and international finance.

He is continuing his education, reading for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Dileepa is a product of St. Peter’s College, Colombo.

Ms. Jumana Amiruddeen

  • BA in Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences, (Boston) USA,
  • BA in Business Administration & Management, (School of Management, Boston) USA,
  • Performer’s Certificate from Trinity College, UK, London,
  • Gold Medal (2007), London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, UK.

Jumana, who hails from a well-known family in the Colombo Western Theatre and Drama scene excels in drama, theatre and dance, with many accolades including directing stage plays to her credit. Armed with double Degrees from the Boston University, USA, she has returned to Sri Lanka. She is employed in the field of Business Development, in her family Company, which is a very old standing private tea exporting company in Sri Lanka. With a penchant for teaching English and Drama and her credentials in this subject from the Trinity College of London, UK.

Jumana has been teaching English, Speech and Drama from her young days. She is a trainer in Spoken English and Speech, at the Rainbow Institute of Communication. Jumana is a product of Asian International School, Colombo. She is also a highly sought-after trainer in personal grooming and etiquette combining her unique experience in theatre and the business sector.

Ms.Shazzana Hamid

  • LLB, Degree in Law, University of London,
  • Diploma in Speech & Drama (ATCL) Diploma in Dramatic Art (LDDA),
  • Gold medal in performance, Trinity College, School of Speech &Drama, London, UK,
  • Certificate in International Relations, Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies.

Shazzana is a multi-skilled trainer in the field of English Speech and Drama. She is a firm believer in the use of creative activity based training techniques to make learning fun-filled and enjoyable. She is equipped with Degree in Law and Training in Diplomacy, combined with high credentials in Speech and Drama from UK.

She is known in the western theatre in Colombo, as an Actress, Director of Stage Plays and Back Stage Manager. She also contributes as a freelance Journalist for the Daily Mirror newspaper on lifestyle issues. She has worked in many prominent organizations including one of the leading advertising agencies in Sri Lanka, where she worked with both local and international clients.

Shazzana has also got experience in designing and carrying out Communication Campaigns on social issues. She is well versed in designing communication strategies with social media. She is currently engaged as a trainer in Spoken English, Speech Craft and Public Speaking, at the Rainbow Institute of Communication. Shazzana is a product of Bishop’s College, Colombo.

Ms. Devika Rohana

  • Access Certificate in English Teacher Training from City & Guilds, UK,
  • Certificate in Marketing, CIM, Sri Lanka.

Devika is a professional English Language teacher who has a rich experience in teaching for various levels and nationalities. She specializes in teaching English to those whose level is low, including foreigners and also teaching corporate groups, English for Business Communication. Having started her career as a Banker at Seylan Bank. She switched onto training at the bank and got a taste for teaching through her experience as a corporate trainer. Devika shifted fields and thereby went on to become a professional English language teacher.

Devika’s pleasing personality, experience and qualifications, have gained her a reputation of being one of the most sought out teachers at RIC. Devika is a product of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya.

Ms. Manesha Udawatte

  • Certificate in Teaching of English as a Second Language, TESOL, (Holmesglen Institute, TAFE,) Australia,
  • BA in early childhood education (Holmesglen Institute TAFE).

Manesha is a highly experienced English Language teacher with rich experience in teaching English as a second language to students, both adults and children in Australia and Sri Lanka.

Currently, she teaches students at the Rainbow Institute of Communication and also young adults, following the Diploma in English at the University of Boston UK, Sri Lanka Center. She has served as an English Teacher from grade eight up to Cambridge O/levels at the Western College Colombo.

Manesha has worked in internationally accredited schools such as the Overseas School in Colombo, where she worked with ESL students from diverse nationalities. Manesha is a past pupil of Musaeus College and Gateway.

Ms. Eranthi Abeywardena

  • LLB (Hons), University of London,
  • Certificate in Training, Rainbow Institute

Eranthi Abeywardena, an outstanding past pupil of Ladies College Colombo 7 has recently obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of London and is currently reading for the Attorneys at Law at the Sri Lanka Law College.
Eranthi’s record at Ladies College includes excellence in academic achievement being a frequent prize winner for overall class work, leadership, Geography, History, Mathematics, Sinhala and Buddhism. She also excelled in oratory, debating, singing, drama and essay writing in both English and Sinhala and represented the school in sports, Netball, Swimming, Athletics, Hockey & Badminton.
Having left school, Eranthi worked at the Rainbow Institute of Communication as an intern, whilst awaiting university entrance. During her internship at Rainbow Institute she obtained training as an English Language teacher and also obtained a certificate in training. She has since then been a visiting trainer at the Rainbow Institute, conducting training in Public Speaking and individual coaching in English Language and personal grooming and business etiquette. She is responsible for value added training on this subject for Rainbow Institute in-house courses and also for corporate clients. She has also completed an apprenticeship in Law with an eminent Lawyer. She engages in free-lance journalism for Daily Mirror and Educational Times newspapers.

Ms. Vinodhini Dissanayake - Beautician & Hair Stylist

Armed with a Diploma in Hair Dressing and Beauty from Toni and Guy Academy Singapore, Vinodhini started her career twenty five years ago, at the popular salon, “Salon de Sara” in Dehiwela, founded by her mother, late Mrs Sara Gunaratne. After the demise of Sara, Vinodini manages the salon. Vinodhini is well versed in all aspects of beauty and hair care. She has dressed over 1000 brides and is able to win the confidence of all her clients through her pleasing personality and strong sense of professionalism.
Vinodhini adds value to Rainbow Institute by conducting practical demonstrations on sari draping and make up. She advises trainees on simple techniques to do their own makeup and hair styles to suit the corporate environment and bring out the best of their personal features. Vinodhini is a product of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya

Ms. Harini Samarasinghe

Harini Samarasinghe is an energetic youth with a passion for teaching, a proud product of Bishops’ College and an aspiring management accounting professional. Currently, Harini holds an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA UK).
Harini received a full scholarship from the Government of India to pursue her bachelors in Bangalore in the year 2013. She completed her degree in Commerce specializing in Finance. She was appointed as President of The Foreign Student’s Body in her college and during her tenure of 3 years she looked in to the utmost welfare of the international students while also organizing academic programs that would benefit their stay in India.
Harini is a successful recipient of the MEXT scholarship and will be migrating to Japan to conduct her research on social entrepreneurship in April’18 as she aspires to be a social entrepreneur one day. She will also pursue her MBA in International Project Management in Japan.
Harini’s interests include mountain climbing, strength training and playing instruments. She’s also currently in the course of finishing her music diploma in Violin performance from Trinity School of London. She currently works as an accountant in an Australian BPO providing accounting, tax and Superfund solutions to Companies, Partnerships, Trusts, Funds and Individuals.

Ms. Fareeha Haddad

Equipped with a BA in English at the University of Sri Jayewardenapura, Teaching Knowledge Test, British Council, Colombo and Diploma in Information Technology.

Fareeha is an experienced and an enthusiastic person with a strong passion for teaching. She is a visiting Lecturer at Sri Jayewardenapura Univesity and also a lecturer at the  American College of Higher Studies. She is familiar with all key areas of teaching and can support students with Emotional or Behavioral problems. Fareeha adopts a creative approach to teaching and is committed to comprehensive education for all. She has successfully coached students for the Colombo District at the National Level Dictation Competition.

Ms. Raiza Refai

  • CELTA, (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Cambridge UK (Reading),
  • MBA (Australian Institute of Business), Australia,
  • Member ABE (Association of Business Executives), UK,
  • Member IAM ( Institute of Administrative Management), UK.

Raiza is a dynamic and result-driven professional with an impressive international background in teaching and counseling. She counts over 8 years of experience, with a wealth of knowledge in the development and implementation of educational technology tools and applications in the classroom. She utilizes creative teaching strategies to engage students actively in the learning process. She is self-motivated with strong organizational and leadership skills, poised, competent and manages to maintain a sense of humor under pressure. Raiza’s experience in teaching English Language and Soft Skills has been developed at the Arabian Infotech Training Institute, Dubai, UAE. Raiza is happy to share her expertise with the students she coaches at the Rainbow Institute.

Ms. Minoli Wijetunga

  • Diploma in International Relations(BCIS), Colombo,
  • BA in English and English Language Teaching (First Class – Gold Medal) Open University of Sri Lanka,
  • MA in teaching Literature in the second Language Classroom (Graduate Institute of English) Open University, Sri Lanka.

Currently lecturing at the University of Colombo, Department of English, Minoli has over 5 years of experience in teaching English for local and international students. She is also a visiting lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka. She has been a Teacher of English language, English Literature and Drama at Gateway College Rajagiriya.
She is a Global Shaper, Blogger, Digital Marketer, Creative Writer and an enthusiastic Volunteer. She is a multi-skilled trainer and firmly believes in activity based leaning and incorporates drama and other fun filled activities into her training programs.
Minoli has many academic publications and her ethos is to nurture the minds of her students to be creative thinkers and be well versed in the English language. She has been a visiting lecturer at the Rainbow Institute for several years.

Dr.Ajit Chittambalam

  • BA, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, USA,
  • MA, Emory University, Graduate Institute of the Liberal Arts Atlanta, Georgia, USA,
  • PhD ( Emory University, Atlanta) USA,

           Ajit is equipped with a wealth of experience in teaching in universities in USA, specializing in English language and literature, politics and philosophy and has many years of experience in academic administration, mentoring, advising and counseling of university students.
Ajit also has rich experience as a freelance editor and writing consultant/tutor for academic documents, academic applications, academic and public presentations, and literary and popular documents.
He served as the House Director, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. as the director of a residential academic house for over 50 students and was honored for distinguished service with the renaming of the annual award for best House Director as the “Emory University Ajit Chittambalam House Director of the Year Award”.
He is able to teach or tutor high school grades 11-12 (A Level, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate) courses in English Language and Literature, Politics, Philosophy, and History. A truly assertive and inspiring individual he has been awarded numerous grants and fellowships over the last 16 years. He returned to Sri Lanka recently and serves the Rainbow Institute as a visiting trainer in Business Communication.

Ms. Shara Mackey

Trainer - Sharaa

  • CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Cambridge, UK,
  • BA (Staffordshire University) UK.

Shara is a passionate English teacher. Currently she is an associate lecturer at BMS, Sri Lanka and an in plant trainer at MAS, Sri Lanka. Being an extremely gifted trainer, she also conducts training for companies and personal coaching for Rainbow Institute.

Ms. Clair Prakash

Trainer Clair

  • CIM ( UK),
  • Certificate in Business Management (London Business School), Colombo.

Clair has been the Deputy Manager, Training, at Nations Trust Bank, Contact Center. There she conducted numerous training programs related to product development, soft skills, voice training, sales and negotiation and customer service for an 80 plus staff. She has also served as Senior Banking Assistant, of the Premium Call Center – American Express.
Having completed her G.C.E. Advanced level examinations at Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, she went on to finish her Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK, qualifications, at Strategy Institute Colombo. She currently conducts corporate training at Rainbow Institute.

Mr. Graeme Vonhagt

  • MSc in Applied Psychology – Behavior Change Reading, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK,
  • Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management, NIBM, Sri Lanka,
  • Diploma in Educational Psychology, Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka,
  • Diploma in Counseling and Psychotherapy, Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka,
  • Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology, Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lank.

Graeme has conducted training programmes throughout his career including in sales, marketing, soft skills, personality development and communication in Sri Lanka as well as in the UAE. He has conducted training for industries including telemarketing, hospitality, finance and insurance industries. Motivated and enthusiastic, armed with qualifications in behavioral studies and psychology. Graeme has an unique and unconventional approach in finding the most effective and customized methods in achieving targets and goals. A drive time radio host (English medium), Graeme is an approachable communicator adept at making personal connections and persuasive speaking skills, which he has diligently fine-tuned over the course of his career. Graeme is also a licensed rescue diver and first aid responder.