Originally from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Pravtha fled the country in 1990 and spent 30 years living as a refugee in India. She earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and M.Phil. degrees in Mathematics there. Despite her academic background, she began her professional journey as a social worker, engaging in humanitarian service with OfERR (Organization for Eelam Refugees’ Rehabilitation), an organization dedicated to the protection and empowerment of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees residing in camps across Tamil Nadu. It was through this work that she developed a deep interest in youth empowerment and community development.

Upon returning to Sri Lanka, Pravtha joined Visions Global Empowerment Sri Lanka, where she contributes to the “Creating a Thousand Leaders” initiative that equips school students with essential life skills, leadership training, and the confidence to face real-life challenges.

Over the years, Pravtha has facilitated numerous youth leadership camps and workshops across the Northern and Eastern Provinces, helping young people – especially young women – discover their potential and pursue their goals. She is passionate about using creative and participatory approaches to promote problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional resilience among youth.

Through the AllPeopleBeHappy Fellowship, Pravtha hopes to deepen her expertise in youth development, expand her network of change makers, and strengthen life skills education programs for rural communities in Sri Lanka.