OUR STORY
At the Animal Wellness Trust, we are dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable animals in Sri Lanka, particularly street dogs and cats. Our mission is to ensure the protection, care, and well-being of animals in need through our various initiatives.
Our team is led by a group of passionate and experienced individuals from diverse backgrounds, including animal welfare, law, corporate management, international development, and psychiatry. We bring together a wealth of knowledge to support our cause and provide practical solutions for animal welfare challenges.
Through our compassionate approach, we aim to create a positive impact on the lives of animals and inspire others to join us in our mission. With the support of our partners and donors, we are working towards a future where every animal has the chance to live a healthy and safe life.
WHO WE ARE
FOUNDERS
DR KRISHANTHI RONDON FUENTES
Former senior executive, UNESCO headquarters, Paris and UNICEF offices in New York, Vietnam and Liberia. Author of several books and an animal welfare advocate.
MR HECTOR RONDON FUENTES
Consultant and former senior executive of various United Nations’ Agencies.
DIRECTORS
DR DEBORAH WYBURN
Australian international development consultant working with the ADB, World Bank, DFAT (formerly AusAID), BRAC and the British Council Resident in Sri Lanka for more than 20 years.
MS. SANNI KAARINA AALTO
With a strong foundation in banking and experience in planning and communications with the European Union Regional Development Fund in Finland, Sanni brings a versatile skill set to Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka. Her background spans administration, development, and communications, gained through diverse roles in Finland and internationally, including the tourism and hotel industry. Passionate about animal welfare, Sanni also volunteers with Emmaus Finland, where she served on the board for three years.
JASMINE ATHENA CLEGG
Dedicated marketing professional with experience in driving revenue growth, Jasmine brings a dynamic approach to Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka. With a background in lead generation and campaign management, she has a proven track record in achieving and exceeding targets through tailored marketing strategies. Jasmine’s passion for animal welfare has guided her work, particularly in defending and protecting Sri Lanka’s street dogs and cats, a mission that has grown through her extensive global travels. She is committed to expanding her expertise in strategic planning, marketing and fundraising to benefit the Trust.
MS. SAMADARA MAMPITIY
An Attorney-at-Law, Notary Public, and Company Secretary with over two decades of specialized experience in corporate law, real estate law and company secretarial practice. Bringing a unique legal perspective to Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka. Her dedication to animal welfare aligns with the Trust’s commitment to providing essential care and protection for animals in need.
DR MAITHRI AMERESEKERE
A Clinical Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the Boston University School of Medicine (BUCASM) and Director of Women’s Mental Health at Boston Medical Center and BUCASM, Dr. Ameresekere is a psychiatrist with specialized expertise in post-traumatic stress disorder. Daughter of the founder of Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka, she has a deep commitment to the welfare of Sri Lanka’s street dogs and cats, drawing on both her medical knowledge and her compassion to advocate for animal care and support the Trust’s vision of providing safe, nurturing environments for animals in need.
MS. SONALI RANASINGH
With a successful career as a Senior Manager in a prominent private corporation, Ms. Ranasinghe offers valuable expertise and strategic vision to Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka. A committed advocate for animal welfare, she actively supports the Trust’s mission to safeguard and improve the lives of vulnerable animals across the country.
OUR MISSION
At the Animal Wellness Trust, we are deeply committed to enhancing the lives of vulnerable animals in Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on the countless street dogs and cats who face immense challenges every day. Our mission is to ensure these animals receive the protection, care, and love they deserve, while improving their overall well-being through a range of carefully designed initiatives and programs.
Our dedicated team is led by a diverse group of passionate professionals with extensive experience in various fields such as animal welfare, law, corporate management, international development, and even psychiatry. This unique blend of expertise allows us to approach animal welfare challenges from multiple perspectives, developing creative and practical solutions to address the most pressing issues facing animals in Sri Lanka.
In our work, we combine compassion with action, working tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals who need it most. We are also committed to raising awareness and inspiring others to join us in this important mission, believing that together, we can create a powerful movement for animal welfare.
With the continued support of our dedicated partners and generous donors, we are steadily progressing toward a future where every animal has the opportunity to lead a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life. Through our efforts, we are working to transform the lives of street dogs and cats across Sri Lanka, creating a better, more compassionate world for all animals.
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