About
Us
Our Journey
Empowering Communities through Experience, Modern Tools, and Participatory Approaches
The International Institute of Development Training (Private) Limited (IIDT) was established in 2009 and registered under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 (Reg. No. PV 70899). In 2022, the organization was rebranded as the International Institute for Development Transformation (Private) Limited (IIDT), while retaining the same registration number.
IIDT is committed to delivering high-quality services in development training, research, and consultancy. Its core areas of expertise include socio-economic research, training, and consultancy in Project Cycle Management, enterprise development, governance, organizational development, personal productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Over the years, IIDT has significantly expanded its client base and expert network, successfully implementing projects both locally and internationally. At present, IIDT collaborates with a multidisciplinary panel of over 100 experts across diverse fields of specialization
Meet The Team
The success of any organization depends largely on its people. IIDT is supported by a highly knowledgeable and experienced internal team with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The following personnel represent the pioneers and the backbone of IIDT, driving its vision and operations forward.
Avanthi Jayatilake
An Institution and Management Specialist brings in much invaluable expertise and professionalism gained through his over 30-year career experience in public, private, and international organizations. He started as an SLAS Officer in 1980 and served in many important positions in government agencies, including the Ministry of Planning, CEA, and the Ministry of Environment. In 1991, he was employed by the International Development (USAID), as a Management Specialist and was later appointed as the mission Environmental Officer to look after the environmental aspects of all projects supported by the USAID. He has undertaken many consultancy assignments in environmental management and institutional development in many countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Oman, Solomon Islands, and Canada. He had been instrumental in setting up successful business corporations in several service sectors related to consultancy, logistics, and banking sectors locally and abroad.
Manitha Weerasuriya, PhD
Dr. Manitha Weerasuriya is a Working Director of the International Institute for Development Transformation (IIDT). He was the Managing Director of IIDT since its inception in 2009 to 2021, CEO EML Consultants, CEO of Nikini Automation Systems (Pvt) Ltd, Lecturer at the City University of New York and Assistant Soil Chemist at the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Dr Weerasuriya obtained his PhD in Environmental Biology and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Biology from the City University of New York. He obtained his MPhil in Botany and BSc in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He has received several awards, fellowships, and grants during his academic career. He has extensive experience in Environment and Social Management System (ESMS) integration and training for Financial Institutions. His expertise in other areas of training includes local governance capacity building, conducted through the USAID-funded Supporting Regional Governance, Transparent and Accountable Local Governance, and Good Urban Governance of South Asia programs. In addition, his experience covers areas of Agriculture, Remote Sensing, MSME & SME Development, Social Research, and Surveys.
Anura Dissanayake, PhD
Dr. Dissanayake is a distinguished expert in participatory rural development and agricultural extension, bringing decades of experience across research, policy, management, and advisory roles in both national and international initiatives. He has played a pivotal role in the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of development programmes, leading multidisciplinary teams and promoting data-driven, inclusive approaches to knowledge sharing and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has held several key leadership positions, including Chairman of the Thurusaviya Fund and Additional Director of the nationally recognized Gemidiriya Project. His work has significantly contributed to strengthening smallholder livelihoods and advancing rural development in Sri Lanka. With over 70 research publications, a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, and a strong academic foundation in agriculture from the University of Peradeniya, Dr. Dissanayake is widely respected for his contributions to research, innovation, and effective technology transfer, as well as for building strong, collaborative networks across the agricultural sector.