Our Team
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— Guiding Southern Ferns with vision and integrity —
The Leadership team
Our leadership team brings together founders, academic experts, and regional leaders who share one goal: creating clear, ethical pathways for Sri Lankan students and professionals to succeed globally. They combine deep experience in education, immigration, and international partnerships to drive Southern Ferns’ strategy, quality, and growth while keeping student outcomes at the centre of every decision.
Mohan Dissanayake
Founder | CEO
Meet Mohan Dissanayake, Founder and CEO of Southern Ferns Education Limited. A visionary leader with a strong background in education consulting and over a decade of IT industry experience, he has held senior roles such as IT Manager, System Administrator, Enrolment Manager, and Account Manager in leading New Zealand organisations. As a Microsoft Certified IT Professional and member of Chartered IT Professionals NZ, Mohan combines technical expertise with education sector insight to drive Southern Ferns’ strategic vision and help students achieve their academic and career goals.
Dr. Dushmantha Subasingha
Academic Advisor
Dr. Dushmanta Subasingha is the Academic Advisor at Southern Ferns Education Limited, bringing extensive experience in tertiary education and public health. A former lecturer in New Zealand, he holds a Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, and both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. With a background spanning leading tertiary institutions and healthcare organisations in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, he is dedicated to empowering students and guiding them towards successful international study and career pathways.
— Expert guidance for your migration journey —
Immigration Advisory Team
Our Immigration Advisory Team is led by licensed experts who specialise in student and migrant visa pathways for New Zealand and other key destinations. They provide clear, compliant, and personalised guidance at every stage of the process—assessing your eligibility, choosing the right visa, and preparing strong applications—so Sri Lankan students and families can move forward with confidence.
David Mason
Principal LIA & Managing Director
Southern Ferns Immigration Services
David Mason is the Principal Licensed Immigration Adviser and Managing Director of Southern Ferns Immigration Services, with over 45 years of experience in immigration and employment services. He has advised clients from 36 countries and supported major New Zealand companies with their migration needs, drawing on a decade as a consular official with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in posts across Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Germany, and Australia. A former Director of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI), David now also manages international relationships for Southern Ferns, ensuring strong global partnerships and trusted guidance for students and migrants.
Tharanga Gunasena
Licensed Immigration Adviser
Tharanga Gunasena is a licensed immigration and visa adviser, accredited by the Immigration Advisers Authority in New Zealand. With many years of experience and a robust network in immigration and visa services, she has successfully assisted numerous international students with their visa issues. Over the past decade, she has also helped many clients obtain Permanent Residency and work visas.
— Setting the standard for academic excellence —
Academic Board & Consulting Trainers
Our Consulting Trainers are seasoned industry professionals and Microsoft Certified Trainers who bring real project experience into every program. They design and deliver practical, hands‑on workshops and certification courses so Sri Lankan learners can build in‑demand skills, stay current with modern technologies, and progress confidently in their careers.
Dr. Dushmantha Subasingha
Academic Advisor
Dr. Dushmantha Subasingha is the Academic Advisor and co-founder of Southern Ferns Education Limited, with a strong background in tertiary education and public health. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from New Zealand, along with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. As a former lecturer, he brings extensive academic experience and expertise in curriculum design and student development. Dr. Subasingha oversees academic quality, ensuring programs meet global standards and deliver outstanding learning outcomes. His commitment to excellence in education and student success makes him a trusted leader in our Academic Board.
Susantha Silva
Consulting Trainer | Microsoft Certified Trainer
Susantha is a Microsoft Certified Trainer, delivering professional development programs and certification courses. His expertise empowers learners to excel in technology-driven careers. Susantha Silva is an experienced IT consultant, educator, and career mentor with over 15 years of expertise in Microsoft Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation. A former Microsoft MVP and Certified Trainer, he has led training programs across Asia-Pacific and Europe, simplifying complex technologies for diverse audiences. Now with SouthernFerns, Susantha helps students align international study opportunities with high-demand tech careers, offering guidance on IT pathways, certifications, and global job market trends.
Poojitha Rajapakse
Senior Consultant Trainer & Business Coach
Poojitha Rajapakse is a seasoned corporate leader with over 30 years of experience in technology, leadership, and strategic business development. A former Director – Public Sector & Education and OEM at Microsoft Sri Lanka, he has played a key role in driving innovation and growth across corporate and education sectors.
At Southern Ferns Education Ltd, Poojitha leads leadership development programs, corporate training workshops, and career growth coaching initiatives. He is passionate about empowering professionals and students to unlock their potential and achieve long-term success.
— Certified experts delivering world-class training —
Our Consulting Trainers
Our Academic Board ensures the highest standards of education and training across Southern Ferns’ programs. Led by experienced educators and industry-certified professionals, the board oversees curriculum design, quality assurance, and alignment with global certification standards to deliver exceptional learning outcomes that prepare Sri Lankan students for success in international careers.
Dr. Dushmantha Subasingha
Co-Founder | Academic Director
Dr. Dushmantha Subasingha is a consulting trainer with extensive experience in healthcare and education. As a former lecturer at FuturSkills and AGI, he brings a wealth of academic and practical knowledge to his training programs. Dr. Dushmantha designs and delivers targeted courses that bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world industry requirements. His focus is on empowering students and professionals with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the healthcare sector. Through hands-on workshops and tailored guidance, he ensures learners are well-prepared for both local and international career opportunities.
Susantha Silva
Consulting Trainer | Microsoft Certified Trainer
Susantha is a highly skilled Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) with extensive experience in delivering professional training programs across Microsoft technologies. He specializes in Microsoft 365, Azure, and enterprise productivity solutions, helping learners and organizations adopt modern digital tools effectively.
With a strong background in IT consulting and corporate training, Susantha has conducted numerous workshops and certification programs, empowering professionals to achieve technical excellence and career growth. His expertise ensures that Southern Ferns’ training offerings meet global standards and industry demands.
— BRIDGING BORDERS, BUILDING FUTURES —
International Team
Our International Team connects students with the right opportunities across the globe. From identifying the best-fit universities to handling applications, visa guidance, and pre-departure support, our specialists work closely with you to make studying abroad straightforward and confident. With strong relationships across partner institutions worldwide, we ensure your international journey is informed, supported, and successful.
Sandra Saw
Country Manager, Thailand
Sandra Saw brings over 20 years of experience in education, tourism, and operational leadership across Thailand and New Zealand. She has served as a university lecturer at Mahasarakham University and held leadership roles in planning, education assessment, and service operations. With an MBA in Tourism Management and a strong academic background, Sandra leads Southern Ferns Education’s Thailand operations, building international partnerships and supporting students on their global education journeys.
Dr. Frederick Iguban Rey
Country Lead, Philippines
Dr. Frederick Iguban Rey is an accomplished political sociologist, researcher, and educator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, research, and public service. Holding a Ph.D. in Political Science, an M.Sc. in Sociology, and an M.A. in Creative Writing, he has worked extensively with international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions worldwide. As Southern Ferns Education’s Country Lead for the Philippines, Dr. Rey plays a key role in strengthening educational partnerships, supporting student success, and creating global opportunities through his expertise in research, leadership, and international collaboration.
Hendrik T. Saldua
Student & Community Relations Manager – Philippines
Hendrik T. Saldua brings over nine years of New Zealand living experience and a strong passion for supporting Filipino students and migrants. With expertise in customer relations, community engagement, and settlement guidance, he helps individuals and families confidently navigate their journey to New Zealand. Through his approachable nature and commitment to service excellence, Hendrik ensures clients receive the support, information, and guidance needed to build successful futures abroad.
— Your Support from Start to Success —
Client Relations Team
Our Client Relations Team is dedicated to providing seamless support throughout your journey with Southern Ferns. From initial enquiries to post-arrival assistance, our team ensures every step is smooth, clear, and stress-free. With a focus on personalised service and timely solutions, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Tharinda Madushanka
Center Manager
Tharinda Madushanka is the Center Manager at Southern Ferns. He holds a BA (Hons) in Creative Multimedia from Limkokwing University of Malaysia and a Diploma in IT from Esoft Metro Campus. With a strong blend of leadership, creativity, and technical expertise, Tharinda oversees daily operations, ensures smooth service delivery, and drives initiatives that enhance the company’s performance and client satisfaction.
Chathuri De Silva
Customer Support Executive - New Zealand
She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Business Computing from the University of Wolverhampton, UK. With over 15 years of experience in the education sector, including student counselling, IT training, and academic administration, Chathuri is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and support. She ensures that clients receive timely, accurate, and personalised assistance, fostering strong relationships and contributing to the smooth operation and success of the New Zealand Center.
Prisila Chirani
Customer Support Executive - Australia
She is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Management (Business Management) at Future Skills, New Zealand, and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (UK – OTHM).
With over nine years of experience in the education sector, she specialises in student support and client services. In her role as Customer Support Executive – Australia, she is committed to delivering timely, accurate, and personalised assistance, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for all clients.
Kasuni Umeshika
Operations Manager
As Operations Manager at Southern Ferns, Kasuni plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the company’s daily activities. She manages workflows, coordinates between teams, partners, and clients, and ensures that every process is handled with accuracy and professionalism. With strong organizational skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a dedication to maintaining high standards, she contributes significantly to delivering exceptional outcomes for students pursuing their international education goals.
Sajani Punsara
Customer Support Officer
Sajani is a dedicated professional with over two years of experience in customer service and client relationship management. She is known for her strong communication skills, reliability, and ability to build positive client relationships. With a proactive and professional approach, she consistently supports business growth and delivers quality service.
Dahamya Sewandi
Customer Support Officer
Dahamya is a motivated and dedicated professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills, committed to delivering excellent customer service and building meaningful client relationships.She demonstrates a proactive attitude, quick learning ability, and a strong willingness to grow in a professional environment. With a customer-focused approach and keen attention to detail, she contributes effectively to supporting business goals.Dahamya brings a positive mindset, adaptability, and professionalism, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve success.