Our Team and Structure

Sewalanka is a family of Sinhala and Tamil speakers, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. We prioritize local recruitment, which means the majority of our team members come from the region where they are working. We support our staff to improve their language, computer and technical skills and pursue higher degrees. Many of our district, regional and national leaders started as volunteers or community mobilizers.

We have a decentralized implementation structure, but uniform standards, systems and procedures. Most planning, implementation, decision-making, and monitoring is done at the regional or district level. The headquarters ensures accountability, oversees legal requirements and financial management, monitors projects, programs and impact and coordinates specialized support services. This decentralized structure enables us to respond more quickly and appropriately to local needs.

A simplified diagram of our structure is given below:

The Executive Committee meets quarterly and is responsible for policy decisions and the organization's legal and financial accountability.

The Chairman has overall responsibility and guides the development of the organization.

The Management Committee meets monthly and is responsible for day-to-day coordination, management, operations, and implementation. The Committee includes the Vice Chairmen, Finance, HR, Special Projects, Program, Research and Learning and Field Directors and representatives from Sewa Finance and SEDCO. Sub-Committees meet as needed.

The Finance Division is responsible for overall financial management and accountability.

The Human Resources and Administration Division is responsible for legal compliance and provides the institutional and operational support for Sewalanka's program work.

The Special Projects Division compiles information on projects and partners at a national level, oversees donor coordination and monitors implementation and reporting for donor-funded projects.

The Program Development Team includes sector specialists for all program areas. The sector specialists support regional and district teams to develop programs, incorporate best practices and coordinate training and services.

The Research and Learning Unit is responsible for helping the districts monitor and improve the quality and impact of Sewalanka's work.

Field Directors are responsible for multiple districts and play a regional leadership role. They focus on the impact, quality, and sustainability of Sewalanka work and ensure that all activities in the region are consistent with Sewalanka's mandate, principles, and procedures

District Directors are accountable for all activities within their district. They have overall responsibility for district-level operational management, stakeholder coordination, strategic planning and implementation.