OPA elects Nishadi Rajapakshe as 29th General Secretary

Nishadi Rajapakshe 

The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) has elected Nishadi Rajapakshe as its 29th General Secretary for the 2026/2027 term at its 51st Annual General Meeting, held on 30 October  2026.

Rajapakshe assumes this important institutional responsibility at a pivotal juncture in the Organisation’s continuing endeavour to advance professional excellence, uphold sound institutional governance and mobilise professional expertise in furtherance of national development.

In her capacity as General Secretary, she will play a central role in the administration and coordination of the Organisation’s affairs, working closely with the President, Office Bearers, Executive Council and Member Associations. Her responsibilities will encompass facilitating institutional decision-making, ensuring administrative continuity and coordinating the implementation of the Organisation’s strategies, programs and activities.

Rajapakshe holds a B.Sc. in Export Agriculture from Uva Wellassa University; an M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from the University of Peradeniya; an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura; a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (NIBM); a CTHE from the University of Colombo; and a SEDA (UK) qualification. SEDA (UK) is the Staff and Educational Development Association, a UK-based professional association for staff and educational developers that promotes innovation and good practice in higher education. She is also reading for a PhD in Economics at the University of Colombo.

She is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Management and a consultant with over 15 years of experience across academia, research, quality management and industry. She currently serves as the Honorary Secretary of the Agriculture and Forestry Section (Section B) of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) and the Honorary Secretary of the Institute of Quality and Productivity Management (IQPM).

Her contributions have been recognised through several awards, including the Best Presenter Award at the International Research Conference 2024 at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, a Silver Award at the National Convention on Quality and Productivity 2024, and a Bronze Medal at the CPM Management Research Forum 2022. She also received a Gold Medal for the Best Innovative Business Idea at the Youth Enterprise Award, organised by HSBC and the British Council, in 2011.

With a career that bridges academic scholarship, professional leadership and practical industry experience, Rajapakshe stands out as a dedicated contributor to quality and productivity management, export agriculture, food science and technology, industrial management and applied management in Sri Lanka. She also contributed to the establishment of the B.Sc. (Hons.) in Industrial Quality Management degree program at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) through her involvement in the Department Industry Consultative Board (DICB).

As General Secretary for 2026/2027, Rajapakshe will contribute to the advancement of the OPA’s institutional mandate, with particular emphasis on strengthening collaboration among Member Associations, enhancing organisational effectiveness and fostering a more cohesive and representative professional community.

Through this role, she will support the Organisation’s broader endeavour to harness the collective intellectual capital, professional competence and institutional experience of its membership in addressing national priorities and contributing to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development.