Shenali Perera is an activist who specializes in social justice and Inter-Religious Dialogue. She currently works as a Project Manager for the Sabrina Yusoof Women’s Empowerment Initiative (SYWEI) of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement. Sarvodaya is Sri Lanka’s pioneer and the most widespread community development organization. Her work mainly involves developing and engaging grassroots female entrepreneurs affected by the repercussions of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the present Sri Lankan economic crisis. She disburses grants and designs skill trainings, as well as providing emotional and social support for the beneficiaries to sustain their businesses. Prior to her employment with Sarvodaya she was employed as a Researcher at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She is a translator and a trained Counsellor.

Shenali holds a Master of Philosophy in Intercultural Theology and Inter-Religious Studies from the Trinity College, Dublin. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in Entrepreneurship from the University of Kelaniya, and a Higher National Diploma in Family Counselling from the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. Currently, she is reading a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from the Coventry University, UK. She is a member of the Asian Theological Association and Jesus Today Youth Group. Jesus Today Youth group is a group of young Christian activists who are working on the ‘National Question’ and issues related to Social Justice.

Shenali voluntarily works with war-affected people in the North and East of Sri Lanka and provides psychological support to the families of the disappeared. As a social media influencer, she uses her platforms to raise awareness on the ‘National Question’, Social Justice and other issues faced by political minorities in Sri Lanka. She started visiting war-affected communities and other marginalized communities since she was a teenager and such encounters have transformed her perspective towards the oppressed. Shenali believes that Justice is what Love looks like in public.

Participant in: November/December 2022 Fellowship: Peacebuilding and Women’s Meaningful Participation in Peacebuilding Processes