MEET OUR TEAM

From 2001, Lynn organized the first youth county cricket tours from the UK to Sri Lanka, as well as weddings, honeymoons and cultural tours of the island. She returned as a volunteer after the Asian tsunami in February 2005 and has since fundraised tirelessly dedicating her focus on ending institutionalization and in the meantime improving quality of care and conditions, reuniting families, supporting disadvantaged families to prevent abandonment and providing education and vocational training to change the cycle of poverty, and as a result, reduce child abandonment in the future.

Joel Stanier has been part of Their Future Today’s journey since 2005, first getting involved in fundraising events as a teenager. At just 13, he channelled his creativity into writing and producing a short promotional film to help share TFT’s mission. By 16, he was supporting community outreach and representing TFT at local events, including Small Charity Week in London and the Sunbury Regatta. At 18, he joined TFT through an apprenticeship in business and administration, deepening his commitment to the organisation and its long-term vision.

​

Today, as Chief Operating Officer, Joel oversees the charity’s day-to-day operations and helps turn strategy into practical, measurable action. With a decade of experience in a small but impactful international charity, his work focuses on child protection, care reform, and supporting the shift from institutions to family and community-based care.

He has completed specialist training in deinstitutionalisation with Lumos, including Getting Care Right for All Children: Implementing the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, alongside training in safeguarding, International Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, and introductions to transforming care.

“Being inspired by my mother from such a young age shaped everything for me. It’s why I’m so passionate about protecting children’s rights and keeping Their Future Today effective, accountable and resilient. I take real pride in ensuring we remain cost-effective, holistic and people-centred, so more children can be safe and supported within loving families wherever possible.”

Mr Percy Gunarathna has been a cornerstone of Their Future Today for over 15 years, bringing steady leadership, deep local knowledge and unwavering commitment to children and families in Sri Lanka. A highly respected businessman and Justice of the Peace, Percy combines strong operational expertise with a values-led approach that earns trust across communities and institutions alike. He has represented TFT at international alternative care conferences, ensuring our work remains connected to global learning and best practice.

​

As the senior lead for TFT’s work in Sri Lanka, Percy is responsible for the smooth running, management and development of our projects in the Southern Province and nationwide, supporting our team to deliver consistently high-quality, child-centred programmes. Known for his exceptional generosity of spirit and practical support, Percy is an invaluable asset to TFT, strengthening the work of our 36 staff and helping reach more than 4,000 beneficiaries each year.

Nimali, known as Nimmu, is a care leaver from Sri Lanka who spent over a decade in institutional care. Drawing from her lived experience, she has become a passionate advocate for children’s rights and alternative care.

​

She holds a degree in Journalism, Advertising and Mass Communication from NIILM University in India, alongside additional qualifications in criminal investigation, psychology, and social sciences. Nimmu has represented Sri Lanka at international conferences on child protection and women’s rights, and in 2024, was honoured as a Young Change-Maker by the UN Ambassador and Neon Media.

​

At Their Future Today, she leads the foster care programme, helping to ensure children grow up in safe, loving families. Nimmu is also the co-founder of two national care leavers networks and continues to raise awareness through public speaking, advocacy, and her social media platforms. Her work is guided by a strong belief that no child should grow up alone.