Artisanal Collective welcomes Himali Jinadasa as its new Senior Advisor for Development. A distinguished leader in international development, Himali brings over two decades of diverse experience, both as a senior government and UN official, having headed several institutions, and represented the government in international delegations for peace talks, trade, and development.
Her experience spans UNESCO, UNDP, UNHCR, and national institutions in Sri Lanka. Her extensive background includes roles such as UNESCO Country Coordinator for Sri Lanka, Director-General of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and first female Chairperson of the National Enterprise Development Agency. sihl.edu.lk
Himali holds an MSc in the History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and is also a professional flutist, embodying the harmonious blend of culture and development that defines our mission.
“Himali brings a rare combination of strategic insight and relational depth. Her ability to foster strong partnerships and develop impactful programs is precisely what Artisanal Collective needs as we advance our innovative development ecosystem.”, said Charles Kao, Founder and CEO.
“I am honored to join Artisanal Collective and collaborate with visionary leaders like Charles Kao, said Himali. “Working alongside esteemed board members such as Ish, former UNESCO Director of Natural Science and World Heritage; Lele Lelalu, 2025 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and former Chairperson of the UN Small Island Nations Group; Sean Mann from IFC, World Bank; and Jack Whelan, a seasoned development and sustainability specialist, is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to our mission of empowering artisan communities globally.”
Artisanal Collective is also pleased to announce the confirmation of a development project aimed at empowering artisans in Sri Lanka, in partnership with the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE). Himali is collaborating with her colleague, Shailendra Kumar Shrestha, a recognized leader in Nepal, to initiate a development project in the country in conjunction with the Nepali government and multinational development groups.
Himali’s appointment marks a significant step forward in our commitment to cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
For more information, please visit: https://artisanalcollective.org/