Sanduni Hettigoda
Wadduwa, Sri Lanka
Summary
Proven expertise in strategic project and program management, combining high-level administrative precision with strong leadership and people-development capabilities. Adept at designing and implementing operational systems that drive efficiency and eliminate errors. Skilled in cross-cultural stakeholder engagement, public speaking, and advocacy, with a strong focus on gender equality, sustainable development, and social change. Demonstrated ability to lead creative teams in film, media, and visual storytelling projects, translating complex social messages into impactful productions. Exceptional communication, research, and analytical skills, with the versatility to excel in corporate, academic, and humanitarian environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Assistant
Pebblebed Venture Capital
San Francisco
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Provided comprehensive administrative and operational support to the General Partner, ensuring smooth workflow and timely deliverables.
Program Manager – Solar Training
Gaia Green Energy Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
06.2024 - 01.2025
- Led inclusive trainee recruitment, successfully onboarding female candidates from NAITA and VTA for the first time.
- Designed and implemented Method Statements, SOPs, and policies ensuring quality control and performance monitoring.
- Secured funding opportunities, boosting ROI and program reach.
- Strengthened community engagement and visibility through targeted public awareness campaigns.
- Key Achievement: Pioneered gender inclusivity in solar technician training, setting a benchmark for the industry.
Project Manager
Asia Lanka Social Development Cooperation
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Developed and executed project plans, risk mitigation strategies, and budget frameworks.
- Authored high-quality proposals and donor reports.
Executive Assistant to CEO & CTO
Oceans XYZ LLC – Digital Gaia
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Managed executive scheduling, project coordination, and communications for a sustainability-focused AI start-up.
Independent Consultant – Cash & Voucher Assistance Project
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
09.2022 - 12.2022
- Directed field implementation to improve nutrition and reproductive health in underserved districts.
- Produced detailed outcome reports to enhance future program efficiency.
Junior Research Assistant
United Nations Volunteers
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Supported research for Sri Lanka’s Voluntary National Report on SDGs 2022.
- Coordinated stakeholder consultations and youth leadership programs.
Digital Marketing Executive
Conexus Solutions
03.2021 - 07.2021
- Executed primary tasks including content creation in Sinhala and English, enhancing strategic planning for various advertising campaigns
Executive Secretary & Operations Coordinator
BCAS & Oryx Universal College
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Executed various secretarial tasks to support senior management efficiently.
- Managed event logistics, fostering collaboration among Marketing, Sales, and Human Resources.
- Contributed to ZOHO CRM implementation to enhance operational efficiency and guided internal audits.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for cofounders across UK, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Australia and oversaw logistics and ticketing for senior management and visiting foreign academics.
- Developed website and marketing materials to promote startup effectively.
- Sourced and recruited new staff from Sri Lanka and other countries for employment in Qatar.
Personal Assistant to General Manager
Jinasena Industrial Park (Pvt) Ltd
01.2017 - 05.2018
- Established organized filing system for all secretarial and legal documents of 11 companies by updating SAFEs.
- Maintained comprehensive records from 1993 to 2018, collaborating with directors and finance team.
- Created instructional manual for solar sales promoters' conference alongside a co-worker.
- Managed diaries, appointments, and payment records for GM efficiently.
- Prepared and coordinated essential documentation with government entities such as NGO Secretariat and Industrial Development Board.
- Oversaw bookkeeping for Lucy Trust, ensuring accurate accounts while liaising with Finance Division.
Course Coordinator – Audio Engineering
Music Oven Institute
08.2015 - 11.2015
- Executed role of Course Coordinator for City and Guilds Sound and Music Technology Level 2 Diploma, encompassing front office management responsibilities.
Production Manager
Viento Films
Colombo Sri Lanka
07.2025 - Current
- Oversaw filming and TVC projects managed by organization.
Production Assistant
The Film Team Sri Lanka
04.2025 - 04.2025
- Contributed to Australian Reality Show, "The Amazing Race Australia - Season 09" as Production Assistant for Producer
Freelance Production Coordinator
Idea Route Films
Colombo, Sri Lanka
07.2022 - Current
- Coordinated various aspects of filming and TVC projects handled by organization
Education
Master of Arts - Sociology
University of Peradeniya
08.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
The Open University of Sri Lanka
01.2023
Skills
- Project & Program Management – Planning, executing, and delivering large-scale projects with measurable outcomes
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development – Building strong relationships with donors, government bodies, NGOs, and corporate partners
- Strategic Planning & Policy Development – Creating SOPs, Method Statements, and operational frameworks to ensure quality and efficiency
- Gender & Diversity Inclusion Advocacy – Designing and implementing initiatives that promote equitable participation
- Research & Data Analysis – Conducting qualitative and quantitative studies, report writing, and academic publication
- Training & Capacity Building – Designing and delivering engaging training programs, particularly in sustainability, gender, and SRHR
- Media & Production Management – Film production coordination, creative direction, and event management for high-profile projects
- Digital & Marketing Communication – Social media strategy, campaign execution, and public awareness initiatives
- Administrative Excellence – Executive-level support, process optimization, and operational management
Other Professional Roles
- Part-time Trainer – Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights
- Rapporteur & Interpreter, European Union Presidential Elections 2019
Volunteering And Leadership
- Rotaract Club of Panadura, 2016 – Present, President (2020–2021), Rotaract Queen (2018), Rotary Youth Leader Award (2016)
- Youth Advocacy Network Sri Lanka, 2018 – Present, Advocacy on Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights
- Interact Club of St. Paul’s Milagiriya, 2010 – 2012
- Wildlife Trust – Ministry of Sustainable Development
Affiliations
- 2nd Runner-Up Miss Universe Sri Lanka
Publications And Research
- Potential of Utilizing Social Media in Preventing Plastic Pollution at Adam’s Peak, Asanka, H.G.S., 2024, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Plastics and Environmental Sustainability, Open University of Sri Lanka
- Is Your Business Ready for the Next Disaster?, Contributing Author, 2024, Toolkit for SMEs in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
- Impact of Spousal and Parental Commitment on Postgraduate Studies, Asanka, H.G.S., Wickramasekara, Y., 2024
- Undergraduates’ Readiness for Self-Directed Learning for Academic Performance, Asanka, H.G.S., 2024
Certification
- Certificate in Marketing, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing
- Certificate in Human Rights, Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies
- Certificate in Merchandising Management, Sri Lanka Textile & Apparel Institute
References
- Luke Byrne, General Partner, Pebblebed, luke@pebblebed.com
- Senal Perera, DSI Group of Companies, +94702635401, senal@dsienergy.lk
Timeline
Production Manager
Viento Films
07.2025 - Current
Production Assistant
The Film Team Sri Lanka
04.2025 - 04.2025
Executive Assistant
Pebblebed Venture Capital
01.2025 - 07.2025
Program Manager – Solar Training
Gaia Green Energy Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
06.2024 - 01.2025
Project Manager
Asia Lanka Social Development Cooperation
01.2024 - 06.2024
Executive Assistant to CEO & CTO
Oceans XYZ LLC – Digital Gaia
02.2023 - 07.2023
Independent Consultant – Cash & Voucher Assistance Project
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
09.2022 - 12.2022
Freelance Production Coordinator
Idea Route Films
07.2022 - Current
Junior Research Assistant
United Nations Volunteers
11.2021 - 06.2022
Digital Marketing Executive
Conexus Solutions
03.2021 - 07.2021
Executive Secretary & Operations Coordinator
BCAS & Oryx Universal College
10.2018 - 08.2019
Personal Assistant to General Manager
Jinasena Industrial Park (Pvt) Ltd
01.2017 - 05.2018
Course Coordinator – Audio Engineering
Music Oven Institute
08.2015 - 11.2015
Master of Arts - Sociology
University of Peradeniya
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
The Open University of Sri Lanka
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