Inside the woman bridging ambition with ethical leadership in Sri Lanka’s education sector
For Nishadi, leadership was never about a title but about responsibility. Raised within the values of the Asliya Group, she learned the business from the ground up, shaped by trust, people, and purpose. Today, she stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation, redefining overseas education by the birth of Asliya EduConnect.
You’ve been part of the Asliya Group for nearly a decade — what was your very first role when you stepped into the business world?
I actually started quite humbly helping with documentation, client calls, and marketing follow-ups at Asliya Foreign Employment Agency. My father’s idea was to first give me an opportunity to understand the business from the ground up rather than step straight into a leadership position. Those early days taught me discipline, empathy, and the pulse of the people who trusted our brand. More than a “position,” it was my initiation into responsibility
Did you always envision following in your father’s footsteps, or did your path into entrepreneurship unfold naturally?
It wasn’t something I planned — it was something that unfolded naturally. Growing up around a family business teaches you to see opportunity in service. I didn’t just want to continue his journey;I wanted to evolve it, to create my own space within that legacy.
Looking back at those first few months of Asliya EduConnect, what were the biggest challenges and the proudest wins?
The biggest challenge was earning trust as a new name in a crowded field —despite being part of a known group. But within months, we saw our first batch of students successfully begin their studies in Australia and New Zealand. Seeing theirs and their parents’ eyes made every obstacle worth it.
It’s been almost four years since you founded Asliya EduConnect —how has the journey evolved from what you first imagined?
When I first started AsliyaEduConnect, I imagined building a consultancy that helped students study abroad. Over the last four years, the journey has evolved into something far deeper. I’ve come to realise that this business carries real responsibility — not just for students, but for their families and their futures. As the organisation grew, so did I as a leader, moving from being involved in every detail to building strong systems, clear values,
You work with many young people chasing global dreams, what advice do you give them most often?
When I first started Asliya EduConnect, I imagined building a consultancy that helped students study abroad. Over the last four years, the journey has evolved into something far deeper. I’ve come to realise that this business carries real responsibility , not just for students, but for their families and their futures. As the organisation grew, so did I as a leader, moving from being involved in every detail to building strong systems, clear values, more disciplined, and far more purpose-driven than I originally imagined, and that evolution has been the most meaningful part of the journey.It’s been a beautiful evolution from local roots to international reach.
“THE FOCUS
HAS
ALWAYS BEEN
STUDENT-CENTRIC COUNSELLING,
NOT
ENROLMENT-
CENTRIC
COUNSELLING.”
What’s your core philosophy when it comes to leadership?
Lead with integrity, communicate with clarity, act with discipline, inspire example and empower through trust. I believe a leader’s energy sets the tone of the entire organization. If you are calm, structured, hearing and fair, your team mirrors that.
Could you share a story or student success that truly reminds you why you started this venture?
One that stays close to my heart is a girl from a small town who came to us unsure if she’d ever qualify for international study. With our support, she not only went abroad but also secured a scholarship. Moments like that remind me why we do what we do.
What has been the most rewarding part of running Asliya EduConnect so far?
I’d say the most rewarding part for me is seeing the real-life impact on the student and families we’ve helped. Knowing those moments when a student gets that acceptance letter or a family feels that genuine trust in our guidance that really makes it all worth it. So yeah, I think it’s that human connection and seeing dreams come to life that’s been the most rewarding for Asliya EduConnect so far.
“EVERY BUSINESS WE RUN
TOUCHES REAL LIVES
LIKE FAMILY,
A CAREER, A DREAM, A FUTURE.”
What’s your long-term vision for the Asliya Group over the next decade?
My long-term vision for Asliya Group is to build an enduring, multi-generational organization that grows with purpose and responsibility. I want the Group to remain relevant across changing times and industries, while staying firmly anchored in its core values. For me,success goes beyond expansion, it’s about building strong institutions with empowered people, disciplined processes, and a culture which creates sustainable value long after individual leadership transitions.
What brings balance and joy to your life?
My daughter brings me my deepest joy and grounding. She reminds me why I work hard and why balance matters. I enjoy moments that are simple yet meaningful — workouts, quiet time, travel, nature, and spending time with people who bring peace into my life. Those moments recharge me, bring me joy and help me with the work-life blend.
QUICK TAKES WITH NISHADI
1. Strategy or instinct – what drives your Biggest business decisions?
Instinct grounded by strategy.
2. Work-life blend or work-life balance –Which do you believe in more?
Work-life blend – when you love what you do,they coexist beautifully.
3. Early morning planner or late-night thinker?
I would say I am an Evening thinker. that’s when my clarity is highest.
4. People or process – what defines a strong company culture?
People define culture. Processes just support it making the culture more consistent andscalable.
5. Leadership through discipline or empathy – which comes first though it must be a mix?
Empathy first, discipline follows.
6. Numbers or narratives – what convinces you more in a meeting?
Numbers convince me, but narratives make me understand the person behind them.
8. Growth or stability – which one do you Chase first?
Growth, anchored by stability.
9. Kurunegala or Colombo — where do you feel more in your element?
Kurunegala — it’s home, it’s heart, it’s where my purpose.
10. If you had one word to describe this chapter of your journey — what would it be?
Grounded.
