Advisory Council

Sivan Ilangko is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Ilangko is currently an Associate Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, Toronto. Prior to that, Ilangko worked at KPMG in Sri Lanka, Ernst & Young in Bahrain, and on secondment to the Maldives Islands, Kuwait, and New York. Ilangko has extensive experience in providing Assurance services to financial institutions. Ilangko was named a CPA Ontario 2021 Fellow, the highest distinction bestowed upon a CPA in the accounting profession.

In addition to his successful professional career, Ilangko has been active in the community in various leadership roles.

Ilangko served on the board of Canadian Tamil Congress for 6 years of which 4 years as the President. Ilangko is also the Joint Secretary of the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA), an umbrella organization of several Tamil associations in North America, an entity that cultivates, promotes, fosters, and develops the advancement of knowledge in the Tamil language, literature, and culture.

Ilangko initiated and led the historical campaign to establish the Chair in Tamil Studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough, the first of its kind in Canada. From a single conversation with the University, Ilangko took the initiative to a global scale and rallied thousands of Tamils to support this noble cause. Ilangko is instrumental in initiating the Tamil Heritage Month celebration at the University of Toronto Scarborough and proclaiming January as the Tamil Heritage Month by Town of Stouffville. He serves as a member of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campaign Cabinet.

Ilangko is a Co-Founder, Former Director, and Advisor of the Centre for Leadership and Innovation (CFLI), an organization that fosters leadership skills among youth. Ilangko is a Founding Director of the Stouffville Multicultural Association and serves as the Director of Tamil Literary Garden and Tamil Chair Inc, an organization that played a pivotal role in forming the Tamil Chair at Harvard University. Ilangko is also a past director of the Learning Disability Association of Ontario and former Vice President of Internal Affairs at the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce.

In recognition of his services, Ilangko received various awards including, Ontario Volunteer Service Award, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin, a Regional Finalist of EY’s ‘Better begins with you” Award and was featured in Tamil Culture and South Asian Generation Next media. Ilangko was also recognized as an outstanding Tamil of Eminence by Rise at the international conference held in London, UK in May 2022.

Dr. Vadivelu Santhakumar is a highly respected and accomplished Family Physician, with over 25 years of experience at his Center City Medical Clinic, a multi-service primary care clinic in Mississauga. In addition to his clinical work, he is also a member of the clinical teaching staff at the Mississauga Campus of the University of Toronto School of Medicine.

Dr. Santhakumar is not only a dedicated healthcare provider, but also a philanthropist and community leader. He is the key founder and current chairperson of the Canadian community charity, Eekai Foundation. He is also a co-founder, past president, and current director of the Canadian Tamil Medical Association (CTMA), a registered medical charity that has been providing medical humanitarian assistance to developing countries for many years.

Throughout his career, Dr. Santhakumar has been a strong advocate for community health and wellness. He has participated in numerous fundraising activities to support the CTMA, and has organized health education seminars for new immigrant communities. He has also been actively involved in community healthcare education through radio and television shows in their language.

His contributions have been recognized by several awards and honors. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee award in appreciation of his volunteer service to the community. In addition, he has been an active member and supporter of the Canadian Tamil Congress initiatives since its foundation.