Who’s who
Child Rights Law (C R L) International is a legal entity established for the purpose of promoting and protecting child rights. C R L International’s registered office is in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
DIrectors
Dr (Mrs) Charika Marasinghe [LL.B (Hons) M.Litt. (Oxford) D. Phil. (Oxford) Attorney-at-Law (Sri Lanka), Solicitor (UK)], who is a Human Rights and Child Rights Law Consultant, is the Founder-Director of the Company. In May 2005 Charika was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Law by Balliol College, University of Oxford for her thesis entitled “A Child’s Right to Privacy in International Law”. For the first time in international law this thesis carries out an in-depth analysis of Article 16, the privacy clause of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. She is the first Sri Lankan woman to receive a doctoral degree in law from Oxford. For 17 years Charika was a Senior Lecturer in Law, in the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. She has also been engaged in work relating to child rights law for the Government institutions of Sri Lanka, several NGOs and for UNICEF, Sri Lanka.
Janantha Marasinghe [BEng (Hons).Internet Engineering] the 22 year old son of Charika, who is an engineer at TechCERT, joins the Company as the Co-Director, not only to give his input to the Company’s work as a young adult but also to serve as the Web Developer of the Company’s official Web site.
The Members of the Company:
Revd. Dr. Mervyn Fernando [Founder-President, SUBODHI - Institute of Integral Education]
“Love, guidance and pragmatism blend together with a wealth of experience - that is Revd. Dr. Mervyn Fernando, with his dedication to children and youth of our country.”
Mr Prasantha Lal De Alwis [LL.B., Attorney-at-Law, Director, Sampath Bank]
“Extending experience in criminal law, family law and human rights to ensure rights for children with a strong sense of integrity.”
Mrs Jeeva Niriella [LL.B. (Hons),Attorney-at-Law, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Colombo]
“Well – versed in the tenets of law yet human enough to spare valuable time working for children.”
Mrs Subodhya Wijetunga Weliamuna, [LL.B., Attorney-at-Law];
“A legal practitioner using her multifaceted experiences to nurture the causes she believes in.”
Mrs Kusum Ariyapperuma [B.A., Assistant Secretary Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka]
“A person experienced in administration at the highest level but sharing time for deeper commitments.”
Company Secretary
Mrs Savanthi Bakmeewewa [Attorney-at-Law, Notary Public, Commissioner for Oaths, Registered Company Secretary]
“A person with a deep sense of social responsibility making unprecedented changes in midlife offering her services to humanity.”
Wisdom Elders
Mrs Rose Perera
Started her career at UNILEVER Lanka, joined the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka as the Personal Assistant to the late Mr Raju Coomaraswamy, the Economic Advisor to the then President of Sri Lanka late, Mr J R Jayawardane. She left Government Service to join the Sarvodaya Movement to be the Secretary to Dr A T Ariyaratne, President of the Sarvodaya Movement. The book “A Child’s Right to Privacy in International Law” attracted Rose to the cause of Child Rights advocated by C R L International (Gte) Ltd. At her age, she says that she feels blessed to be part of the life transforming work of C R L.
Mrs Badra Rodrigo
Knowledge, experience and commitment with an open receptive mind combine to make our elder volunteer Ms. Rodrigo. Initially a teacher of Political Science and Economics, turned publisher in mid-life she is familiar with all aspects of book making - manuscript to the book on your shelf. A translator who has worked with the new generation she has kept in touch with current trends. Children, books and people in general are her interests and the passion for the well - being of children of all ages and strata understanding their likes and dislikes hopes and failures achievements and constraints has directed her towards C R L in its voyage of transformation for a better future world for children.
