· A community leader who has worked tirelessly assisting immigrants and refugees with settlement issues, including housing and employment

· Born in Sri Lanka, arriving in Canada 16 years ago

· Has lived in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United States

· In his native Sri Lanka, was twice elected to political office, serving as Chairman of his local council

· Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Almeda University, a Diploma in Business Administration from Ryerson University and Civil Engineering Diploma from the Polytechnic Institute of Sri Lanka

· His community work has included a founding role in the Tamil Catholic Community, as Administrator and Editor of a Tamil Catholic publication, as a family and youth councilor, as Vice President of the Tamil Catholic Community Committee, as program coordinator of World Tamil Radio and Tamil Canadian Radio, as a Pastoral Assistant and as a marriage preparation instructor

· Has received numerous awards and citations, including awards from the United Way, The Toronto Star and the World University

· Married, the father of four.