Our Vision & Mission
Lion’s Roar Aotearoa was created with the vision of building a strong, united Sri Lankan community in New Zealand and beyond. Our mission is to provide a dedicated platform where Sri Lankans can stay connected with New Zealand affairs while also preserving their cultural identity. Through this channel, we aim to inform, educate, and entertain, ensuring that every Sri Lankan, regardless of their ethnic background, feels a sense of belonging.
Our goal is to be the bridge that links Sri Lankans across the world, fostering cultural understanding and strengthening ties between those living in New Zealand and those back home. By delivering high-quality content on topics that matter, we aspire to be the voice of the Sri Lankan diaspora, sharing real stories, challenges, and triumphs of our people in New Zealand and beyond.
We believe in inclusivity, unity, and progress. Through engaging news coverage, community discussions, and cultural programs, we hope to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankans to embrace both their heritage and the opportunities that New Zealand provides. Our mission extends beyond media—we strive to build a thriving and empowered Sri Lankan community worldwide.
Co Founder’s Message– Anuradha Wanigasekara
The idea for Lion’s Roar Aotearoa was born out of a deep passion for connecting people and creating a strong, united Sri Lankan voice in New Zealand. As someone who has spent years witnessing the struggles and triumphs of our community in a foreign land, I realized the need for a dedicated platform that not only informs but also empowers and inspires. This channel is my way of giving back to the community that has given so much to me.
Lion’s Roar Aotearoa is not just a media initiative—it’s a movement. It represents the collective strength, resilience, and determination of Sri Lankans, no matter where they are in the world. I firmly believe that media has the power to bring people together, to break barriers, and to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. Through this channel, I hope to share meaningful stories, celebrate our culture, and address the real issues that affect Sri Lankans in New Zealand and worldwide.
I invite you all to be part of this journey. Whether you are a student, a business professional, or a community leader, your voice matters. Let’s build a community where Sri Lankans from all walks of life can thrive, support each other, and celebrate our shared heritage. Together, we can make a difference.
Meet the Team
Indika Herath (C0- Founder, Program Director)
The second co-founder of Lion’s Roar Aotearoa brings a unique and powerful blend of expertise, bridging the realms of New Zealand’s media landscape and cutting-edge information technology. This individual, a seasoned veteran of the NZ media industry, has navigated the complexities of broadcasting, journalism, and digital content creation for numerous years, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of effective communication and audience engagement. His extensive experience within the New Zealand media sector has provided him with a deep understanding of the local cultural nuances and the specific information needs of the community.
Anuradha Wanigasekara (Co- Founder/ Chief editor)
Introducing the driving force behind Lion’s Roar Aotearoa, a YouTube channel dedicated to amplifying the voice of the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand, is a visionary co-founder whose diverse expertise bridges the gap between technology, media, and community engagement. This individual, a seasoned entrepreneur hailing from the dynamic IT sector, brings a wealth of experience cultivated through years of dedicated service in various IT roles. His professional journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Kuluni Bandara (Community Outreach Coordinator])
At the heart of Lion’s Roar Aotearoa’s mission to connect and uplift the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand lies our dedicated Community Outreach Coordinator. This individual embodies the spirit of community engagement, serving as a vital bridge between the channel and the diverse individuals it aims to serve. Possessing a genuine passion for fostering connections and building meaningful relationships, they are the driving force behind our efforts to ensure that Lion’s Roar Aotearoa remains deeply rooted in the community it represents. They are a natural communicator, adept at listening to the needs and concerns of community members and translating those insights into actionable initiatives.
Johanna Brings- (Finance and event coordinator)
This individual seamlessly blends financial acumen with exceptional organizational skills, ensuring that every dollar allocated to Lion’s Roar Aotearoa is managed with prudence and transparency. Beyond their financial expertise, our coordinator plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the channel’s events, which serve as crucial platforms for community engagement and cultural celebration. From planning and logistics to execution and post-event analysis, they handle every aspect of event management with precision and care. They possess a natural talent for bringing people together, creating memorable experiences that foster a sense of belonging and connection. They are skilled at managing budgets, coordinating vendors, and ensuring that events run smoothly and seamlessly.
Each member of our team shares a common passion for empowering the Sri Lankan community and is committed to making Lion’s Roar Aotearoa a trusted source of news, culture, and inspiration.
Why We Exist
The Sri Lankan community in New Zealand is growing, but staying connected with our roots while integrating into a new culture can be challenging. Lion’s Roar Aotearoa was created to bridge this gap, providing a space where Sri Lankans can celebrate their identity while embracing new opportunities in their adopted homeland.
We exist to inform, educate, and entertain. By covering news, business trends, education opportunities, cultural events, and social issues, we ensure that Sri Lankans worldwide stay informed about both New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Our content is designed to be a voice for our community, highlighting success stories, addressing challenges, and fostering meaningful conversations.
More importantly, we exist to unite all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds. Our platform is open to Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, and all other Sri Lankan groups. Through our programs, we promote inclusivity, harmony, and shared cultural pride. In a world where divisions often overshadow unity, Lion’s Roar Aotearoa strives to bring people together, reinforcing the idea that we are stronger as a collective.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on community engagement, collaboration, and empowerment. Whether you are in New Zealand, Sri Lanka, or any other part of the world, our mission is to keep you connected, informed, and inspired.
