Leadership
Great leaders inspire with their vision, integrity, and empathy. They empower teams, foster innovation and lead by example, cultivating a positive and motivating environment where everyone excels
Prof. Ashu Marasinghe
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Professor Ashu Marasinghe is a distinguished scholar and visionary leader, currently serving as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of GSDC. He previously held the esteemed position of Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Nagaoka University of Technology in Japan and also served as a respected member of the Sri Lankan Parliament, combining academic excellence with public service and leadership experience.
Prof. Marasinghe began his academic journey at the University of Colombo, Faculty of Science, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1997. He then pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Aizu, Japan, where he completed both his Master’s (MSc) and doctoral degrees in Computer Science and Engineering, specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI). His pioneering research contributions have been recognized with the prestigious JSPS post-doctoral fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in 2004, during which he collaborated on numerous international research initiatives.
As CEO and Chairman of GSDC, Prof. Marasinghe provides strategic leadership and visionary direction, driving the organization’s mission to deliver high-quality education, skill development, and workforce solutions aligned with Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program. He champions innovation, operational excellence, and international collaboration, ensuring that GSDC maintains its position as a leading institution in preparing candidates for global employment and advancing educational and professional standards.
After completing his post-doctoral fellowship, Prof. Ashu assumed the role of Associate Professor at Nagaoka University of Technology. Due to his dedication and expertise, he was promoted to the distinguished title of Distinguished Professor by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2008. This title enabled him to supervise Ph.D. students and deliver lectures to doctoral candidates. Concurrently, he served as a Visiting Professor at the International University of Japan.
Prof. Ashu’s research has primarily focused on cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cinematic Engineering, Computer Graphics, Multimedia, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Public Health Informatics, U/E/Smart-Governance, Social Informatics and Kansei Engineering. He has authored over 100 articles in prestigious journals and presented his findings at numerous international conferences worldwide. His impactful research has been cited extensively in various scholarly works and has amassed over 600 citations on Google Scholar.
Returning to his homeland, Prof. Ashu ventured into politics and was elected as a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament in 2015. Within the parliament, he assumed a crucial role as the first Sectoral Oversight Committee Chairman on Education and Development of the 8th Parliament of Sri Lanka. His leadership was pivotal in spearheading national initiatives focused on education and human resource development.
Beyond his national contributions, Prof. Ashu played a significant role in strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and Japan. Notably, he served as the former Secretary General of the Sri Lanka – Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association and collaborated closely with various Japanese universities. He represented Sri Lanka on multiple occasions, accompanying former President Hon. Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe during their visits to Japan and being invited by former Prime Minister Hon. Shinzo Abe.
Prof. Ashu Marasinghe’s remarkable achievements in academia and politics have left a profound impact, inspiring advancements in various fields and promoting international cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.
Mr. Hirotaka Tōdō
Director of International Operations
Mr. Hirotaka Tōdō is a strategic leader with extensive foresight and operational expertise in international business and financial services. He founded Seven Seas Servicing Co. in 2012 and, in 2018, successfully integrated it into the Argo Group following a strategic acquisition, later executing a successful sale to Kiraboshi Bank. Expanding his global footprint, he has recently established a Variable Capital Company (VCC) in Singapore, demonstrating strong international operational and business development capabilities. Earlier in his career, he gained foundational experience at the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan (now Shinsei Bank). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the Faculty of Economics, Yokohama National University.
As Director of International Operations at GSDC, Mr. Tōdō leverages his global business experience to oversee and strengthen international workforce initiatives, particularly the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program. He drives cross-border partnerships, ensures compliance with international employment standards, and facilitates smooth deployment of candidates to Japan. His expertise in strategic planning, operational management, and international collaboration enables GSDC to expand its SSW workforce programs, strengthen employer relationships, and enhance the overall success and sustainability of global workforce mobility initiatives.
Dr. Charith Wegodapola Giragama
Chief Operating Officer
A respected academic and industry leader with over 25 years of experience in information technology, higher education, and management, he brings a strong combination of academic insight, operational leadership, and strategic execution. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics from the University of Colombo, and later completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Aizu, Japan, obtaining both an MSc and a PhD in Computer Engineering and Engineering. During his studies, he was awarded the prestigious Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship in recognition of his academic excellence and leadership potential.
As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees the end-to-end operations of the campus, ensuring academic, administrative, and support functions operate efficiently and in alignment with institutional goals. His responsibilities include managing academic operations, infrastructure and facilities, faculty and staff coordination, student services, compliance, and quality assurance.
Drawing on his deep background in technology and systems thinking, he drives digital transformation across campus operations, improves operational processes, and implements data-driven decision-making frameworks. He works closely with academic leadership to enhance learning environments, optimize resource utilization, and maintain high standards of academic delivery.
Known for his disciplined, collaborative, and results-oriented leadership style, he plays a critical role in translating institutional vision into effective operational outcomes, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across campus management.
Mr. Hector Mahanama Gamage
Senior Advisor – Campus Operations and Administration
Mr. Gamage is a highly respected public service professional with over four decades of distinguished service in the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Appointed as a permanent parliamentary employee on 1 July 1983, he built an exemplary career marked by dedication, integrity, and institutional knowledge.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Gamage served under successive national administrations—from the presidency of His Excellency J. R. Jayewardene to that of His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe—demonstrating unwavering commitment and adaptability across changing political landscapes. He rose through the ranks to conclude his parliamentary career as a Senior Parliamentary Services Assistant before retiring in 2023.
Drawing on his extensive experience in parliamentary operations, governance processes, and public administration, Mr. Gamage now serves as a Senior Advisor – Campus Operations and Administration, offering strategic guidance grounded in deep institutional insight and decades of trusted public service.
Mrs. Dakshika Nonis
Director – Japanese Language Education & Academic Operations
Mrs. Dakshika Nonis is an accomplished education and academic operations leader with over eight years of lived, academic, and professional experience in Japan. Her engagement with Japan began at the age of 17, when she was selected as an AFS Intercultural Program student under the International Youth Exchange Program. During this formative period, she experienced Japanese culture and school life firsthand while living with a Japanese host family.
After completing her exchange year, she returned to Sri Lanka and subsequently went back to Japan to complete her high school education. She later entered Obihiro Women’s Junior College as a Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholar, where she completed an Associate Degree in Life Science and Computer Studies.
Following her graduation, Mrs. Nonis was employed at Obihiro City Hall in Hokkaido as an International Relations Coordinator (CIR). In this role, she served for four years as an interpreter and translator, supporting cross-cultural communication and international engagement.
As Director – Japanese Language Education & Academic Operations at GSDC, Mrs. Nonis oversees Japanese language education programs and academic operations, ensuring high standards in curriculum delivery, academic governance, and student outcomes. Drawing on her deep cultural understanding, bilingual proficiency, and public-sector experience in Japan, she plays a vital role in aligning language education with academic excellence and Japan-focused career pathways.
After leaving Japan she moved to Abu Dhabi, U. A. E. and was employed at Hitachi Transport System, Ltd. – Abu Dhabi Representative Office where she served as a Secretary / Freight Forwarding Coordinator for 10 years.
Returning to Sri Lanka in 2006, She joined “The British School in Colombo” as a Japanese Language Teacher and began her career as a Japanese Language Teacher. Mrs. Nonis joined GSDC in 2021 to teach the 1st batch of students.
Mrs. Nonis has completed several Japanese Language Training Courses conducted by the Japan Foundation, Japan and New Delhi. She has been a member of the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of Sri Lanka (JALTAS) since 2008 and has served as the President, Vice President and Secretary. She is an Exam Director for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Ms. Yukako Sato
Director – SSW Job Placement & Employment Relations
Ms. Yukako Sato brings valuable international exposure and strong industry insight to her role at GSDC. She conducts Japanese language classes and provides structured interview preparation, supporting candidates to meet Japanese workplace and communication standards with confidence.
With a professional background as a cabin crew member for a major Japanese airline and experience in the hospitality industry, Ms. Sato possesses a deep understanding of Japanese service culture, professionalism, and employer expectations. In her role as Director – SSW Job Placement & Employment Relations, she oversees the end-to-end coordination of Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) recruitment and placement processes.
Her responsibilities include ensuring full compliance with Japanese employment laws and standards, building and maintaining strong relationships with Japanese employers, and supporting candidates throughout the entire placement lifecycle. She actively addresses workplace concerns, monitors employee performance and well-being, and serves as a key liaison between employers and candidates.
Ms. Sato also leads strategic initiatives to expand job opportunities, strengthen employment partnerships, and maintain high-quality, sustainable placements. Her cross-cultural expertise, attention to detail, and candidate-focused approach play a vital role in delivering successful outcomes for both employers and skilled professionals.
Ms. Ryoko Kiyohara
Director – Academic Administration
Ms. Ryoko Kiyohara plays a key leadership role in academic administration at GSDC, with responsibility for overseeing academic operations and ensuring the effective delivery of academic programs. She conducts free-conversation classes and interview training, helping students develop practical communication skills and confidence aligned with real-world expectations.
With a strong background in Japanese arts and culture, Ms. Kiyohara thoughtfully integrates cultural knowledge into her teaching approach, enriching the learning experience and deepening students’ understanding of language and professional etiquette.
In her role as Director – Academic Administration, she ensures smooth coordination between academic departments, manages academic policies and procedures, and supports effective curriculum implementation. She supervises academic staff performance, maintains high academic and quality standards, and addresses academic and operational issues in a timely and structured manner.
Ms. Kiyohara also ensures compliance with institutional guidelines, monitors class schedules and academic planning, and works closely with faculty and management to enhance student learning outcomes and uphold overall academic excellence at GSDC.
Mr. Sinichi Sugiyama
Director– SSW Skill Training & Development
Mr. Sinichi Sugiyama is a highly experienced professional in skill-based training and workforce development at GSDC. He leads specialized classes, interview practice, and hands-on practical training in key SSW sectors including caregiving, building cleaning, and hotel operations, while also imparting essential knowledge of Japanese workplace culture and professional standards.
A certified care worker in Japan, Mr. Sugiyama brings extensive firsthand experience from the Japanese caregiving industry, enabling him to deliver training that is both practical and aligned with real workplace expectations. In his role as Director – SSW Skill Training & Development, he oversees the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of skill-training programs in accordance with Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) requirements.
His responsibilities include ensuring full compliance with SSW standards, leading curriculum development, coordinating and mentoring trainers, and managing operational planning for training programs. He closely monitors trainee performance and readiness, ensuring high-quality outcomes and employability.
Mr. Sugiyama also plays a key role in building strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to strengthen workforce readiness and ensure GSDC trainees meet the skills, discipline, and cultural expectations required for successful employment in Japan.
Mr. Yusei Sakamoto
Director – SSW Recruitment & Collaboration
Mr. Yusei Sakamoto plays a strategic leadership role at GSDC, bringing strong expertise in business management, recruitment, and international collaboration. He is actively involved in conducting interview training for students while also leading GSDC’s marketing and outreach initiatives in Japan, strengthening the organization’s visibility and employer engagement.
In his role as Director – SSW Recruitment & Collaboration, Mr. Sakamoto oversees strategic planning, recruitment operations, and partnership development in alignment with Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program. He coordinates closely with government bodies, industry partners, and employer organizations to ensure smooth recruitment pipelines and regulatory compliance.
His responsibilities include leading candidate recruitment initiatives, ensuring adherence to SSW program standards, strengthening training-to-employment pathways, and facilitating cross-border collaboration. Through effective stakeholder engagement and structured coordination, Mr. Sakamoto plays a key role in supporting workforce mobility and ensuring the successful placement and deployment of qualified candidates for employment in Japan.
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