Kishara Manique Gunaratne
Global Leader in Disability Rights and Inclusion
Kishara Manique Gunaratne is an internationally recognised disability rights advocate, accessibility expert, and social entrepreneur from Sri Lanka. For more than two decades, she has championed the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities at both national and global levels.
A visionary leader and pioneer in disability inclusion, Manique has led transformative initiatives promoting accessibility, inclusive education, employment opportunities, independent living, and digital empowerment for persons with disabilities. Her work spans multiple sectors, creating meaningful change through advocacy, innovation, training, and community engagement.
As a vision-impaired professional, Manique’s personal journey of resilience and determination continues to inspire her mission of building a more inclusive society. Drawing from lived experience, she actively works to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life.
Manique is widely recognised for introducing and promoting accessible information technology solutions that empower individuals with disabilities. Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including nine national awards and four international awards in recognition of her leadership and impact within the disability community.
Her influence extends far beyond Sri Lanka. She has represented her country at international conferences, workshops, and training programmes across the world, contributing valuable perspectives on disability inclusion and accessibility. She has also held leadership and advisory roles in several regional and international organisations, including the Asia Pacific School on Internet Governance, South Asian Disability Forum, Asia Pacific Women with Disabilities United, and the World Disability and Rehabilitation Professionals’ Association.
Her professional credentials further reflect her expertise and commitment to empowerment and inclusion. Manique is a certified Cisco IT Instructor and a Disability Equality Facilitator, dedicated to equipping persons with disabilities with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for independent and dignified living.
Through her advocacy, training programmes, community initiatives, and leadership, Manique continues to inspire individuals, organisations, and communities to embrace accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
A Vision for an Inclusive World
Manique believes in a world where persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and full participation in society. Her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and fostering inclusion continues to inspire advocates, policymakers, educators, and communities around the globe.
Join Manique in Making a Difference
Be part of the movement towards a more inclusive and accessible world. Explore Manique’s work, learn more about her advocacy initiatives, and support efforts to create equal opportunities for all.
