Thushari Nanayakkara

I was born in Colombo, the Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka, and studied at Kolonnawa Balika Vidyalaya (Ladies College at Kolonnawa). After high school studies, in 1995, I joined Hatton National Bank (HNB), a leading private bank in Sri Lanka, as a Typist. I completed my Diploma in Banking at Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) within 2 years.

I stayed with the same bank for 20 years advancing my career through several promotions, including Banking Assistant, Junior Executive, Executive, Assistant Manager and Branch Manager. My last assignment was Branch Manager of Kolonnawa Branch, until I resigned in 2015. I completed a Postgraduate Executive Diploma in Bank Management at IBSL and was adjudged Best Student in the year 2010/2011 with the highest aggregate marks in the first sitting. I am an associate member of Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) (UK). I was able to secure the Sri Lankan prize for the subject of “Enterprise Operations” in CIMA, UK in the year 2012. I also hold a MBA at University of West London, UK.

I’ve travelled to Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai for holidays. In 2015, I wanted to move to a different country for a better quality of life. Moving to NZ was easy, as CIMA, UK has signed an MOU with NMIT, so CIMA members could move to NZ  on a “Study to Work” pathway. Soon, everything was finalized and I was lucky to achieve my target. I came to NZ in November 2015 and am now following a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Enterprise (level 8) at NMIT.

I started my career in NZ as a Caregiver at SummerSet in the Sun, Stoke. I enjoy working there as I can help elderly people, who cannot look after themselves. I didn’t want to discontinue my administration career, which I had for nearly half my life. Since my working hours as a student are restricted, I opted to continue my administration career as a volunteer. In December 2015, SeniorNet Nelson was looking for a Secretary. I met Hilary at SeniorNet, and she introduced me to the Chairperson and other members of SeniorNet. I would like to mention the support I received from E’beth in settling in to my duties as the Secretary.

I enjoy working at SeniorNet Nelson, and I also volunteer as a Maths Tutor at Adults Learning Support, Nelson. My long term goal is to hold a supervisory role in a New Zealand based company. I have an 16 year old son, who is studying at Nelson College, and a 10 year old son, who attends Hampden Street School. My husband works at NewWorld Supermarket, attached to their Bakery. In my leisure time, I like to listen to music, sing and spend my time with the family.
(From Newsletter - May 2015)