Malitha Fernando

Education Enterprise Service

Malitha
Fernando.

Entrepreneur. Rotary President. Curious by nature.

I build education partnerships between Sri Lanka and the UK, lead businesses, and serve my community through Rotary.

Portrait of Malitha Fernando in a navy jacket and white shirt
Create lasting impact

Sri Lanka UK education partnerships

Rotary President 2026–27

Helping people take
their next step.

“Driving growth through education, innovation and ethical leadership to create lasting impact.”

I’m a Sri Lankan business leader, entrepreneur, and education strategist with more than a decade of experience in education management, business development, sales, and strategic leadership. I’ve managed academic operations, built education partnerships, and established ventures in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

My work spans student advising, institutional growth, and the day-to-day responsibility of leading teams and businesses. I hold an MBA from the University of Northampton. I value integrity, disciplined work, and the relationships that make good partnerships last. Lifelong learning and community service continue to shape how I lead.

Education & enterprise.

From customer service and academic operations to company leadership and international education partnerships.

Current roles

Jan 2024 – present

MIOB Educational Services Ltd

Director United Kingdom

I set the direction for a UK-registered education company and develop international academic partnerships and professional education programmes. I oversee business development, operations, and corporate governance, and lead marketing and institutional growth initiatives.

Jan 2025 – present

Luminary Crown & Co.

Founder & Director Sri Lanka

I founded and manage this education and business consultancy. I lead strategic planning, business development, and client relationships, build partnerships with local and international education institutions, and oversee operations and project delivery.

Jan 2021 – present

Catalyst of Academics

Education Consultant United Kingdom

I advise prospective students on higher education pathways, university admissions, programme selection, applications, and career progression. I also develop relationships with universities and education providers, support business development, and work directly with clients.

Earlier experience

Jan 2020 – Dec 2021

Royal Gateway Higher Education

Manager, Marketing

Managed student recruitment and marketing operations, developed partnerships with educational institutions and corporate clients, and ran campaigns to increase enrolment. Led the admissions and sales team and maintained student service standards.

Aug 2018 – Dec 2019

Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing

Assistant Manager, Education Operations SLIM

Managed academic operations and student services, including examinations, evaluations, and programme administration. Worked to improve student retention and operational efficiency and supported budgeting and quality assurance.

Jun 2015 – Aug 2018

London School of Marketing

Business Development Manager Sri Lanka & Dubai

Managed institutional partnerships, business development, and key accounts. Worked across academic support, compliance, credit control, and customer relations. Also served at the Dubai sales office, supporting international business development and growth.

2014 – 2015

Kephri International (Pvt) Ltd

Call Centre Executive

Handled customer enquiries, managed client relationships, and generated sales opportunities while maintaining customer satisfaction.

What I bring.

Training in business and law, with practical experience leading teams, building partnerships, and managing education operations.

Qualifications

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)University of Northampton, United Kingdom
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business ManagementLevel 7
  • Diploma in LawAquinas College
  • G.C.E. Advanced Level
  • G.C.E. Ordinary Level

Core competencies

  • Strategic leadership
  • Business development
  • Corporate governance
  • Stakeholder relationship management
  • Ethical leadership & professional integrity
  • Marketing & brand strategy
  • Operations management
  • Client relationship management
  • Team leadership & coaching
  • Analysis & problem-solving

Leadership & service

  • President, Rotary Club of Ja-Ela–Kandana2026–27
  • Vice President, BNI Brilliant Chapter2024–25

My community work spans education, youth development, health, and humanitarian service. I value clear communication, practical problem-solving, and continuous professional development.

Create lasting
impact.

President, 2026–27

Rotary Club of Ja-Ela–Kandana
Rotary International District 3220

I served as Club Secretary in 2025–26 before becoming President. Our club works with volunteers, schools, and community partners to create opportunities for young people and respond to local needs.

Club projects

2026

Education · August 2026

30 A/L students

Scholarships across three schools

Click here to see photos

Our club supported Advanced Level students at G.B. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya in Ekala, Nimala Maria Balika Maha Vidyalaya in Tudella, and St. Sebastian’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya in Kandana. The club also donated books to support a school library in Kandana.

Community health · 1 November 2026

Pink Pledge 2026

Click here to see photos

Our club held a breast cancer awareness and screening programme at Ramada by Wyndham Katunayake.

Humanitarian service · 11 July 2026

Singhe Elders’ Home

Click here to see photos

Club members and donors came together for an almsgiving at Singhe Elders’ Home in Minuwangoda.

Student well-being · Nattandiya

Mindfulness at school

Click here to see photos

Club members and facilitators ran a mindfulness session for children at a school in Nattandiya, with activities focused on mental and spiritual well-being.

Youth leadership · 9–10 May 2026

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Click here to see photos

Our club helped co-host two days of leadership and team-building activities at Dutch Trails, Negombo, with Rotary District 3220 and the Rotary clubs of Colombo Port City, Pamunugama, and Negombo.

Read the co-host’s update

Fellowship & fundraising · 19 July 2026

Kick Off Rotary

Click here to see photos

Our World Cup final screening brought 101 people together for fellowship and raised funds for the club.

Upcoming projects

2026–27 Rotary year

These are the community projects we’re working towards at the Rotary Club of Ja-Ela–Kandana. We’ll share dates and participation details as plans are confirmed.

Community economic development

Money Matters 2026

Our Financial Literacy & Empowerment Summit will bring together practical training and an expert panel on managing money, with business and entrepreneurship guidance for young people and aspiring entrepreneurs.

How it helps. Participants can practise budgeting, ask questions about financial decisions, and learn what to consider before starting a business.

Fundraising for community service

Rotary Charity Stage Drama

We plan to stage a theatre performance to raise funds for our Rotary community service projects. It’s a chance for families, local performers, and volunteers to come together for an evening of theatre.

How it helps. Ticket sales would help fund practical work in areas such as education, health, and community support.

Education

Back to School

We plan to provide school bags and stationery to students who need help getting ready for the school year.

How it helps. Covering the cost of basic supplies eases pressure on families and helps students arrive in class with the materials they need.

Rehabilitation

Second Chance

Our prison rehabilitation programme aims to offer life-skills sessions, vocational guidance, and encouragement to people in prison as they prepare for life after release.

How it helps. Participants can explore options for work and develop practical skills for rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with their communities.

Environment

Green Ja-Ela–Kandana

We plan to bring residents and volunteers together for tree planting and clean-ups in shared spaces.

How it helps. Clean-ups remove litter from the places neighbours use every day, while trees can provide shade as they grow.

Water, sanitation & hygiene

School Water & Sanitation

We plan to support schools that need better access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities.

How it helps. Reliable water and usable facilities give students a place to drink water and wash their hands during the school day.

Community health

Community Health Camp & Blood Donation

Our club roadmap includes a community health camp with free screenings and consultations, alongside a blood donation drive.

How it helps. Residents would have a local opportunity to speak with health professionals, and eligible donors could help replenish the blood supply.

Digital skills

AI for Everyone

This planned programme will introduce students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and professionals to practical uses of AI in learning and work. We’ll cover how to check AI-generated information and use these tools responsibly.

How it helps. Participants could apply what they learn to everyday tasks, from preparing a lesson to drafting a business proposal, while learning when to verify an answer.

Community well-being

Mental Wellness Initiative

The roadmap includes mental health awareness sessions, stress-management workshops, and counselling support for students and community members.

How it helps. The initiative would give people a chance to talk about stress, learn ways to manage it, and find out where they can turn for support.

Youth development · In development

Youth Leadership & Peace Camp

We’re exploring a camp where young people can practise leadership, teamwork, and peaceful conflict resolution through group activities and discussion.

How it helps. Participants could take those skills back to their schools and youth groups to lead projects, listen to different views, and work through disagreements.

Club fellowship

Rotary Family Day

We plan to bring Rotary members and their families together for recreation and to thank the people who support the club’s service work.

How it helps. Spending time together can strengthen relationships among the families and volunteers who help the club carry out its community projects.

The 52nd Installation Ceremony.

President Malitha Fernando and fellow Rotarians at the installation ceremony, behind a table draped with club pennants.
Rotary Club of Ja-Ela–Kandana Photograph by N Studio Photography

11 October 2026 · Ramada by Wyndham Katunayake

I was installed as President of the Rotary Club of Ja-Ela–Kandana for 2026–27, with District Governor Kumar Sundararaj as Chief Guest. The evening brought together Rotarians, guests, and supporters to mark the club’s 52nd installation and introduce the incoming board.

In my address, I reflected on what serving as club secretary had taught me about friendship, leadership, and community service. I shared my commitment to bringing club members and partners together around projects that create lasting impact.

Read the story and see photos

Beyond Work

I love photography and hiking, and I enjoy spending my downtime playing guitar, reading books, or watching a good movie. Badminton is one of my favourite ways to stay active.

Philosophy is the interest I keep returning to. I’m drawn to questions about what makes a life meaningful, how we decide what counts as success, and how we know when we have enough. I often think about how to stay ambitious while appreciating the life I already have. I’m also curious about what we learn from choosing a difficult path and how to respond with perspective when circumstances are beyond our control.

Reading gives me different ways to approach those questions, and meditation gives me space to sit with them. I like seeing how an idea holds up in ordinary life, whether I’m making a difficult decision, listening to someone who sees things differently, or deciding where to put my time and energy. That’s what keeps philosophy interesting to me. A question I pick up in a book can change how I handle a conversation, lead a team, or show up for the people around me.

Let’s work
together.

I’m based in Sri Lanka. Get in touch about education partnerships, business enquiries, or Rotary service projects.