Ashan Perera

Ashan Pushpakumara Perera, (born 4 February 1990 as අශාන් පෙරේරා [Sinhala], is a Sri Lankan youth advocate, social entrepreneur and philanthropist. Founder of the "The Road to Rights" youth-led organization and
United Nations SDG action award winner, Perera has engaged several social activities, speaking at forums, facilitating events, conducting training, contributing to policy papers designing campaigns and activities for Youth. 
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Ashan Perera developed a deep-rooted passion for social justice and human rights from an early age. Ashan’s first attempt at community service was initiated as a little 8 year old boy, which was set up and functioning in his backyard.
==Family and Education==
He was born on 4 February 1990 in Piliyandala as the youngest of three siblings. His father is a mechanic and a businessman whereas his mother is a housewife. His elder brother is a theatre director as well as a lecturer at university of Sri Jayewardenepura who teaches theatre and drama. His younger sister has reading her degree at the university of Kelaniya. 
He first attended to Piliyandala Central College and then completed secondary education from Royal College, Colombo. During his school years, he was an active participant in numerous societies and clubs, showcasing his diverse interests and involvement. He took part in various extracurricular activities, demonstrating his passion for music, leadership, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Some of the societies and clubs he was a member of include: Cadet Band, Junior Prefect, UNESCO Club, Drama Society, Royal College Orchestra etc. He also excelled in cricket and rugby.
in 2014, In 2016, Perera completed a National Diploma in Training and Human Recourse Development from Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM). Later, he graduated from University of Colombo with a Diploma in Travel and Tourism Economics and Hotel Management in 2017. In 2017, he followed a Diploma in Diplomacy and World Affairs in Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI). 
Then, he was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership from the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (OTHM) in England. In 2020, Perera graduated with Masters degree of Business Administration from University of Gloucestershire. Meanwhile in the same year, he completed Bachelor of Laws degree from Buckinghamshire New University.
In the year 2023, he received the prestigious Chevening Scholarship Award, UK government's global scholarship programme.
==Activism==
===Childhood Work===
At the age of 8, Perera initiated his first ‘Social Group’ called "United Children Association". The reason for him to start the club was, three children were living next door who were unable to attend school due to various economic difficulties. In response, Ashan, along with his siblings, took the initiative to establish the United Children's Association in 1998. They set up a playhouse in their backyard to provide a space for these children to play. learn and grow together with them. Ashan brought his school books, educational papers and toys to share with the children next door. similarly, all six children brought their books and toys to play and learn each day. later on, more kids joined the United Children Club after their school hours. He drew inspiration from the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Muthuhara Children's Club, where he learned valuable lessons in community leadership. Additionally, the 1998 Commonwealth Games left a lasting impression on him, as he was deeply moved by the unity displayed and the mutual appreciation of diverse cultures.
As their efforts gained attention, a Buddhist monk who visited their home noticed the play house and recognized the valuable work they were doing. Impressed by their dedication, the monk extended an invitation to Ashan, inviting him to bring the children's society to the Sunday school of the Siri Wijayaramaya Buddhist temple in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka. During the years of the Sunday School Ashan together with his brother and other friends, was able to organize various types of activities including sports competitions, shramadana (community cleanups), dansälas (Food stalls set up by Buddhist devotees) school trips and meetings to showcase student's talents. Their work gradually got the support of the entire village and neighboring villages. 
Growing up during the Sri Lankan civil war throughout his teenage years, he was looking for ways to address the societal challenges he witnessed. He regularly visited different schools and community organizations to conduct speeches and deliver presentations on motivating youngsters to make a positive difference while also establishing a wider network of volunteers for him. At the same time, he had the opportunity to study the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and he believed that if we practiced all 30 rights as responsibilities, society would be more united, respectful, and harmonious. As a result, he concentrated on promoting human rights education and values. 
===Founding the Movement===
In 2009, he founded 'The Road to Rights' International Youth-led Organization, where he currently works as the president. The organization focuses on value based education, Human Rights Education, knowledge and skills development as well as sustainable development. 
In 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Youth forum, Perera involved as a facilitator and an official delegate. Then in 2014, he was the official Sri Lankan delegate and regional contributor for World Conference on Youth. 
In the same year, he was in chair of South Asia Summit on Youth & Human Rights which was organized as a collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development, Ministry of Mass Media, Ministry of Sports and National Youth Council. 
On 1 March 2013, he was awarded with the “International Human Rights Hero award 2012” at the 9th International Human Rights Youth Summit held at Brussels, Belgium. The award was presented during the South Asia Human Rights Youth Summit in Chennai in which he was the Sri Lankan speaker. In November 2014, he was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) where he received the award for the contribution to Children, Human Rights and World Peace. 
In 2015, he was awarded with Ferguson Humanitarian Foundation International Humanitarian Award. During 11th and 12th International Human Rights Summit at United Nations, Perera distinguished as a guest speaker. In 2016, The Road to Rights organized international summit and Peace Expo together with Ministry of Sports with the participation of 33 Countries and over 70 delegates. Perera was the chair of the summit 
In 2018, Perera received the United Nations SDG Action Award at Global Festival of Actions in Bonn, Germany. He also received the People’s Choice Award out of 125 countries. 
In 2018, he initiated the Gamata Technology, an accelerator platform to reduce high percentage of youth misuse the technology due to lack of knowledge and empowerment. Apart from various social activities, he has been in part of several volunteer services including, ICC Cricket World Cup Secretariat, Media unit for 2010 ICC World Twrnty20, Rotaract club, recycling ocean plastics, drug free world international, Nena Guna Weduma Sisu Diriya educational project, habitat for humanity and Commonwealth Asia youth program.
Apart from that, he is a director of Chief Strategist & Head of Corporate social responsibility (CSR) at Layer7 Innovations Incorporation, and also in KOLAB Co-working Spaces that are empowering all levels of entrepreneurs from startups to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). 
He was also the chairman of Smart Ideas private limited from 2018 to 2019. Perera is also a board member of 'Mithuru Mithuro' Movement. From 2010 – 2015, he was the director of Ferguson Humanitarian International which was based on Los Angeles, USA. 
Category:1990 births
Category:Sri Lankan people
Category:Alumni of the University of Colombo
Category:Advocates
Category:Social entrepreneurs
Category:Philanthropists