OBT FACILITATORS OF COGNITO ASIA (PVT) LTD
1. Chief Learning Facilitator.
Major Anura Pandithage (Retd), MBA (OUSL), psc (ACSC), Dip in HRM (IPM), Chartered FCIPM,
MISMM.
Retired Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army experienced in both operational and peace areas.
Has a dynamic initiative in Military Strategy and wide exposure to Personal Administration and Logistic
management at various levels. Has achieved expertise in above fields by successful completion of variety
of courses local and foreign and is seasoned with military experience for well over 20 years.
Commandant, Army Service Corps School, Staff Officer Grade I at QMG branch – Army Head Quarters
(AHQ) and Second in Command, 1 Regt Sri Lanka Army Service Corps are mentioned a few key
appointments. Further, gained more than 15 years of experience by holding various appointments such
as Head of HR, Group General Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
In addition, holding the position of Director, Management consultant and cooperate trainer of Cognito
Asia (pvt) Ltd. Further, was a member of the Panel of Experts of the Curriculum revision for the Master
of HRM – 2020/21 University of Kelaniya.
Has shown talents in the field of sports having represented Sri Lankan team in sport shooting (IPSC),
Army team in cricket (P. Sara trophy) and mercantile tournaments in cricket and badminton. He was a
marksman and marksman coach in the Army and followed and obtained above average grade in Officers
physical training course in Pune, India. Participated as an International Judge and Range Officer –
(International Shooting Sport Federation – ISSF) SAF games held in Colombo 2006. Fellow Corporate
member and visiting lecturer at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka and
visiting lecturer and corporate member of the Institute of Supply and Material Management (ISMM).
Has conducted many numbers of OBT and soft skills training programmes for the public and cooperate
sector.
2. Deputy Chief Learning Facilitators.
a. Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd) ndc, IG, Msc in Mgt (KDU), MNSA (Philippine).
A professional with over 35 years of profound experience in military service, including senior grade
management, by providing leadership and guidance in the areas of crisis management, health hazard
management, threat analysis, contingency planning, and project management. Also specialized in
operational deployment, training and development, administrative and logistical management.
Furthermore, a distinguished member in the regiment of the Sri Lanka Artillery and he is an Instructor of
Gunnery (Artillery) with skills of an extensive knowledge on gunnery. He has excelled his training
capabilities as a Commandant School of Artillery. General Officer Commanding 55 Division. Commander
– Security Forces Headquarters Kilinochchi, District Coordinating officer of the National Operation center
for prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak, Colonel Commandant of Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery,
Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lankan Army (Third
in Command in the SL Army) final key appointments held.
During his illustrated career in the SL Army, he held many positions as Chairman of the committees
(Different nonmilitary projects and sports events) in local and overseas. He has followed number of
foreign and local courses including the National Defense Course (ndc) course in Philippine and few other
military courses conducted in India and Pakistan.
b. Maj Gen Duminda Gamage (Retd) psc, (ACSC) MSc in Management (Pak), AOWC (Pak),
ACCC(US)
Army Veteran with 37 years of experience in training, operations, and administrative areas. During the
military portfolio, contributed as a qualified trainer, operational expert, administrator, and a planner in
operational and strategic level. He was an innovative training concepts development expert and
operational management expert in civilian portfolio. He was an expert in outward bound training.
He was awarded as the sword of honor in his intake, and he was also awarded with army colors for
badminton and firing. He represented as manager for the Sri Lankan badminton team in the
commonwealth games held in Australia and Viatnam.
He held the responsibility as a Director Personal Administrations, Director plans and Armour Adviser and
Commander Armoured Brigade of Sri Lankan Army. He was also the Additional Director General of the
Department of Multitask Development Task Force and held the responsibility of training, operations, and
employment over 35000 civilian trainees.
c. Major General Jayanath Jayaweera (retd) RWP RSP USP rcds
He is a retired Major General belonged to the Sri Lanka Light Infantry who commanded four infantry
battalions, two infantry brigades and one Infantry division during the period of ethnic conflict. He
commanded the Infantry Brigade of the Reserve Strike Force throughout the period of final stage of the
war. He held the appointment of Commandant of the Officer Career Development Centre – the training
institution where the middle grade officers of the Sri Lanka Army are trained and developed. In addition
to that he was appointed to hold the appointment of Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Light Infantry,
Military Spokesperson of Ministry of Defense, Director Media, Psychological Operations and Personnel
Administration of Army Headquarters. Jayanath also commanded the contingent of 11th United Nations
Peace Keeping Operations deployed in Haiti during the period where this country was hit by a massive
earthquake in year 2010.
He has followed number of foreign and local courses including the Royal College of Defense Studies (rcdc)
course (Strategic thinking and leadership) in UK, Crisis Management course in the Asia Pacific Centre for
Security Studies in Hawaii and few other military courses conducted in India and Pakistan. Jayanath has
also obtained his master’s degree in public management from SLIDA in addition to two HRM Diplomas
(Foreign and local). Presently, he is serving as one of the supervisors/examiners to correct the dissertation
submitted by the students at National Defense College.
In recognition of his unblemished and illustrious career in the battlefield, he was awarded Uththma Seva
Padakkama and bravery medals of Ranawickrama Padakkama (Two times) and Ranasura Padakkama
(Three times).
d. Brig Jinendra Thanthitiwatta (Retd) RWP, RSP
A retired Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army experienced in both operational and peace areas.
Has a dynamic initiative in Military Strategy and wide exposure to Personal Administration at various
levels. Has achieved expertise in above fields by successful completion of variety of courses local and
foreign and is seasoned with military experience for well over 34 years. He was decorated with two
gallantry medals (Rana Wicrama Padakkama and Rana Sura Padakkama). He has held significant
appointmentssuch as Infantry Brigade Commander, Commanding Officer, Infantry battalion, Instructor
of Air mobile training school and KDU.
3. Assistant Learning Facilitators.
a. Mr.Chandana Wedisingha – Retired Warrant Officer 1 – Army Commandos Regiment
Retired Non-Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army experienced in both operational and peace
areas. During his 22 years tenure in the Army, he has successfully completed a variety of courses both
local and foreign. Commando basic and advanced courses, marksmanship, sniper, and parachute diver
courses locally. Further, he has followed, Air mobile course, United States special operation course,
Indian & Pakistan commando courses. He has shown talents in the field of sports having represented Sri
Lankan team in sport shooting (IPSC) on many occasions. He became production division (practical pistol
shooting) national Champion in 2004 and 2010. He performed duties as an instructor at Commando
training school as well. Participated as a facilitator for more than 15 OBT sessions.
b. Mr M Senarathna. Retired Warrant Officer 1 – Army Special Force.
Retired Non-Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army experienced in both operational and peace
areas. During his 22 years tenure in the Army, he has successfully completed a variety of courses both
local and foreign. Commando basic courses and parachute diver courses in India mentioned a few. He
has shown his capabilities as Instructor at Special Training school Maduruoya. Due to his bravery
commitment and leadership, he has been awarded Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) by then President.
Participated as a facilitator for more than 15 OBT sessions.
c. Mr. W. A. Sanjeewa, RSP – Retired Sargent from the Sri Lanka Army Gamunu Watch.
Sanjeewa is retired Sargent from the Sri Lanka Army Gamunu Watch and trained Special force veteran.
He has more than 15 years of experience in the Army who got injured on the battlefield as well. During
his active service he followed Special Force basic course in Sri Lanka and Basic Commando course in
India. He has worked as an instructor at the Gamunu Regiment training center and as physical training
instructor at Panagoda Gymnasium. Further, he represented Sri Lankan peace keeping force under UN
and worked at Haiti Island. Due to his battlefield efficiency and courageous, he was awarded with Rana
Soora Padakkama (RSP) by then President of SL. After his retirement he worked as chief instructor of
OBT section at Laya Hotel – Kukulegaga. Participated as a facilitator for more than 25 OBT sessions.
d. Mr. Nuwan Maduranga
Maduranga is an expert in aquatic and adventurous sports. He has conducted many programmes during
the last 10 years. He is a certified trainer of PRO- Whitewater Rescue Technician – Professional 2017, UK
Canyon Guides Level 1 2017, Raft Guide Level 3. He has obtained those qualifications from Wilderness
first aid and CPR, AED and Basic first Aid American Safety and Health institute training program 2020. He
has conducted over 100 programmes related to water activity training.
e. Ms. Chanika Fernando.
A retired Corporal of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps having completed 12 years of service. She had
worked as a physical training instructor in the Army and represented Sri Lanka netball team as well. After
her retirement she worked as a Netball and physical training instructor / coach at Royal Institute
International school. Participated as a facilitator for more than 20 OBT sessions.
f. Ms. Dinithi Pandithage. BSc. Computer Engineering (Hons) KDU
Dinithi Pandithage is a Computer Engineering (Hons) graduate with second class upper from KDU. Had
worked as an Instructor at USJP (Faculty of Engineering) and at present working as a lecturer at SLIIT.
She was a sportswoman during her school days and represented Sri Lanka school Badminton team
toured Singapore in 2014 and captained the school team (Sirimavo Bandaranayke Vidyalaya) in 2015.
Participated as a facilitator for more than 10 OBT sessions.
g. Ms Achini Lasanthika.
She is a skilled professional in the field of Human Resources with a rich background and diverse
experience. Currently serving as the Human Resource Assistant Manager at Leading Garment
manufacturing company. Achini has been instrumental in shaping the human capital strategies of the
organization. Achini is well-versed in employee relations and counseling, apart from her more than ten
years of experience as a Training instructor in the apparel sector. She is dedicated to continuous learning
and is currently pursuing a Human Resource Management Diploma at LPEC Sri Lanka. She holds a
Diploma in Industrial Psychology and Employee Counseling. She is capable of with her practical
experience and educational background, of performing duties as First-aid assistant