Board of Directors

Kumar Ratnam brings a unique blend of technological expertise and social purpose to Canadian Tamil Congress. With over 25 years of professional experience in information technology, he has worked with Fortune-1000 companies worldwide, consistently demonstrating his ability to drive innovation and lead large-scale transformation initiatives.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kumar’s commitment to the Tamil community is truly inspiring. Since 2009, he has been a dedicated member and volunteer with the CTC, actively contributing to successful projects. His leadership extended beyond membership as he served on the Board of Directors from 2010 to 2012. During this period, he co-founded the Centre for Leadership and Innovation, a remarkable academy to nurture and develop leaders of tomorrow.

Kumar’s passion for social impact extends beyond the Tamil diaspora. He currently serves on the boards of two registered charities in Canada, dedicating his time and expertise to aiding marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka and around the world.

An individual with a narrative heart, Kumar is also an accomplished writer of Tamil fiction and poetry. For the past five years, he has edited the CTC’s annual publication, “Voice,” lending his creative voice to amplify the stories and experiences of the Tamil community.

A seasoned traveler with a global perspective, Kumar has explored over 50 countries, fostering a deep understanding of diverse cultures and an unwavering commitment to human rights. This empathy for the voiceless shapes his approach to advocacy, ensuring he champions inclusivity and respect for all, regardless of background.

Shan A. Shanmugavadivel has been an integral part of the Canadian Tamil Congress since its inception. He has actively participated in all of its programs and generously supported its fundraising efforts. Dr. Shan was the first Sri Lankan Tamil dentist to qualify to practice in Canada and his success has paved the way for other immigrant Sri Lankan dentists to establish their practices and serve the community. He not only provides comprehensive dental care, but also educates new arrivals on oral health.

Last year, Dr. Shan was honored with a 30-year membership recognition and appreciation for his long-standing commitment to the Ontario Dental Association. He also served as a government dental surgeon for 7 years in Sri Lanka and 8 years in Nigeria before immigrating to Canada. In 2003, he received the “Best Entrepreneur” award from the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce for his professional and business excellence and dedicated service to the community. He also received the Service Excellence award from Tamils’ information at the same time. Early last year, Dr. Shan was awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service award for his volunteer service over the past 25 years.

Dr. Shan has served on the board of directors of the Canadian Tamil Medical Association for more than twelve years, including a 3-year term as president. During his presidency, he supported several charitable projects in North and East Sri Lanka and visited the country annually to monitor the association’s programs. He also served as president of his old school’s alumni association in Canada for 3 years.

Piragal Thiru is a seasoned public sector professional and a long-standing active member of the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) since 2006. With a master’s degree in public policy and administration, he has extensive experience in developing and implementing policies, strategies, and action plans. His career includes significant contributions to community development through his service on various committees, such as the United Way and York Regional Police.
Piragal’s dedication to his community and his impactful work through the Maatram Foundation highlight his commitment to making a difference. His efforts not only support vulnerable populations but also promote sustainable development and long-term positive change. Piragal brings a wealth of experience and a deep sense of purpose to every project he undertakes, making him a respected and influential figure in both his professional and community endeavor.

Dilshan Navaratnarajah is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Charted Professional Accountant. He currently serves as the Vice President of International Sales for Lloyd & McMurray Limited, a Canadian company that exports agricultural products to Asia & Southeast Asia. Prior to that, he worked in the finance field for over 20 years, including positions at KPMG and Teknion Ltd.

Dilshan is deeply committed to the economic empowerment of Tamils and has played a key role in establishing the North East Economic Development (NEED) center, which aims to help rebuild the livelihoods of people in the war-affected northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. He has also contributed to and supported the establishment and growth of many small businesses in Canada.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dilshan has been an active member of the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) for over 15 years and has received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2018 in recognition of his contributions to the community. He is a dedicated and passionate individual who brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to economic empowerment to every project he takes on.

Nathan Veerasingam is a highly experienced Real Estate Professional with over 15 years of experience in helping clients grow their portfolios. He began his career in Canada in Retail Management, where he established a strong track record of growth and exceptional customer service. Before coming to Canada, Nathan held various departmental responsibilities as a government official in Sri Lanka.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Nathan is also a dedicated community leader and volunteer. He has been actively involved in a wide range of cultural, religious, and political organizations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. He has been a member of the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) for over 15 years and has supported numerous projects during that time.

Nathan’s commitment to his community and his passion for helping others are evident in his many volunteer efforts. He is a highly involved leader who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to every project he takes on.

Ravi Ponnampalam (Aathman) is an accomplished entrepreneur with a strong background in accounting and computer studies, specializing in information technology, computer programming, and system analysis. He has established himself over the years as a leader in entrepreneurial ventures.

With over 25 years in print media and as a radio television presenter and producer, Ravi has extensive experience in media, contributing significantly to the field’s growth and innovation.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Ravi is deeply committed to community service. He not only volunteers his time to support the Canadian community but also works tirelessly to enrich the lives of people from back home, particularly students. He served as the President of his old school’s Alumni Association in Canada for four years and as Secretary for an additional four years. His active involvement extends to the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC), where he contributes significantly to the community initiatives.

Ravi Ponnampalam’s multifaceted expertise in media, entrepreneurship, and dedication to community service exemplifies his role as a dynamic leader and contributor within his community and beyond.

Sahila Shankar is a highly skilled engineer with a specialty in wireless communication. She is currently an Equipment Engineering Planner at Rogers Communications Inc., one of Canada’s leading telecommunications companies. With over 14 years of experience at Rogers, Sahi has held various positions and has progressed to overseeing key regions within the province of Ontario.

Sahi holds a Master of Applied Science (Honors) from the University of Guelph-Humber and has a proven track record of leadership and community involvement. During her time as a student at Guelph-Humber, she served as the President of the Student Association and Tamil Committee for consecutive terms over three years. As the leader of the Tamil Committee, she was instrumental in organizing many events to support the advancement of students, the university community, and those in need in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sahi has also been actively involved in promoting employee morale and team spirit at Rogers. She served as the President of the Social Committee for over five years, where she organized events to increase job satisfaction and employee morale. She is also the Employee Co-Chair for the Health & Safety Committee, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

Sahi’s combination of technical expertise and leadership experience make her a valuable asset to any organization. Her dedication to community and employee well-being sets her apart as a well-rounded and caring individual.