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Dear colleagues and dear friends,

As I get ready to begin a new chapter, I find myself looking back with a full heart at the incredible journey I’ve had at the British Council. It has been so much more than just a career, it has been a life filled with purpose, inspiration, joy and, most of all, truly cherished relationships.

Over the years, it was the work, the vibrant, challenging, and sometimes bold projects that filled my days with energy and passion. The chance to engage with new ideas, to work alongside brilliant minds, and to be part of something that made a real difference kept me going even through the hardest days. There were so many moments of challenges, excitement, creativity, and genuine joy, memories that will always stay close to my heart.

But it was never just about the work. It was about the people. It was about you. It was the friendships formed, the trust built, the laughter shared, and the quiet support during difficult times that made my time here truly extraordinary. The colleagues who became friends, and the friends who became family, they are the real treasures I take with me.

As I step away from the British Council, I realise that I’m not really saying goodbye. The memories, the friendships, and the spirit we built together will stay with me, wherever life takes me next.

I leave with immense gratitude, for every opportunity, every challenge, every friendship, and every shared moment that made these years so special.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of my journey. I am excited to stay connected and to cheer you on as you continue to achieve amazing things.

My mobile number isn’t changing, and you can always drop me a message at  sanjeevshakthi@gmail.com . I’d really love to keep in touch, feel free to reach out anytime, even if it’s just for a quick hello!

With love and warmest wishes

Sanjeevani

Sanjeevani Munasinghe

Head Programmes

British Council, Sri Lanka

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Dear Sanjeevani,

I will always think of the times we worked together with pride for the quality and standards of work we delivered together and the fun we had after work. I can never forget how our car to Batti caught fire, the cabana by the creek there and working on Connecting Classrooms programmes across the wonderful Sri Lankan schools with Dominic, Shubrendu and Thushara and the wonderful Sri Lankan team. Thank you for giving the chance to positively impact Sri Lankan students through your work and being such a great ambassador for both UK and Sri Lanka.

Regards

Rittika

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Sanjini, it's been wonderful to work with you over the last 8 years that I have been in Sri Lanka. We've not worked closely together but yet I feel privileged to have spent time around your work which has clearly had such an impact on so many people here in sri Lanka. You are kind, professional and so well regarded by peers, colleagues and our stakeholders from senior ministers to community groups that we work with. Thank you for all your years of service and for being such a force for good in the world. Wishing you all the very best as you continue on your path to make a difference for others and hoping you also take some time for yourself in this next step! Helen

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Dear Sanjeevani,

It has been a long journey since we first started working together in 2004 — and what a journey it has been. We have worked side by side on so many programmes, and now, with you as my direct line manager, I have come to value the depth of your experience and your ability to see the bigger picture in everything we do.

We have not always seen eye to eye, and we have certainly had our differences. But through it all, I have appreciated your commitment, clarity, and how you always kept the focus on the purpose and impact of our work. I have learned a great deal from you.

Some of my fondest memories are from our shared travels—those long chats on the journey back home, the times we cleaned our own toilets in remote accommodation, and evenings by the Kallady Bridge in Batti or in Polonnaruwa, talking about life, work, and everything in between. These moments, as much as the work, will stay with me.

Wishing you the very best in whatever comes next. You have left your mark in more ways than one.

Hamzi

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Dear Sanjeevani,

I have been in denial about this day as it is too hard to imagine a British Council without you in it. You have been a wonderful colleague - so committed and hardworking. Your kindness, generosity in sharing ideas, and willingness to help others have made such a positive impact on all of us. You care deeply about the work we do and the difference we make, especially in providing opportunities for young people. It's clear how much you value the impact we have, and your passion for this work has been an inspiration to all of us.

Your warm heart, friendly nature, and ever-present smile have always made the office a fun place to be, and your smart, insightful perspective has been invaluable, particularly when it comes to navigating government stakeholders and partners. You know your team so well, and you always find a way to bring out the best in everyone.

You are well-respected externally and loved by all of us here. You’ve been the glue that holds the team together, and you will be deeply missed.

Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!

Kate

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Dear Sanjeevani,

it was a pleasure having lunch with you on a regular basis. the views we shared and arguments we had. all good memories. will miss you at lunch times. :) God bless you in your new endeavors. Hope to see you occasionally at BC. may e we bump into each other somewhere in Sri Lanka.

regards

shanitha

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I hope you leave the British Council with fond memories and the knowledge you will be missed. It's a real testament to what a lovely colleague you are that so many of us who did not work with you directly appreciate your work and having you as a colleague.

I hope whatever is next is really wonderful. Take care!

Georgina

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Thanks for being a good friend, all your support and friendly chats in the office. All the best with the new chapter and hope our paths will cross again.

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Legendary regional Education Leadership meeting - fight of apes!!

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Dear Sanjeevani

Still can’t believe that it is your last day at the British Council! You have been an institution in itself and we are going to miss you quite badly. It has been absolutely amazing to have interacted with you closely over TNE work last year and I am so glad that we had that opportunity. You have been pretty astute with geopolitical developments which we used to good use in our planning along you’re your connect with high office in the SL government.

At personal level, I had been touched with your concern about my welfare during my work trips to SL and also when I did my solo holiday trip there.  I always felt that extra warmth and affection. You have been more than a colleague.

I wish you joy, good health, inner calm and fulfilment as you venture into the next chapter of your life and hope that we will continue to be in touch.

Best wishes

Sandeepa

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Wish you all the very best for the new chapter. God blessings.

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Many thanks for all your support and advice.

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Thank you so much for all that you did for GGP Sri Lanka! It is really appreciated and how you managed on two separate occasions to do your best! Wishing you all the best for the future and your next steps.

Brenda Giles

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Dear Sanjeevani,

It's been an amazing 6 years of working with you, though we've not worked in the same team, I've had the privilege of working with you as part of the Sri Lanka leadership team. You've been professional and I valued your fresh people-centric perspective.

I've always enjoyed our random chit-chats and certainly contributed to making British Council a great place to work.

Wishing you all the very best and may your journey continue to be meaningful and enjoyable!

With a big virtual hug for now and will meet up soon x

Anurangi

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I still remember the day I started my role here; you told me that resilience is the key to succeed in this position. Your words really stuck with me, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my own resilience as a skill, especially when it comes to managing work-life balance situations. Wishing you all the best and take care!! KIT

Love Pini

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Dearest Sanjeevani

What wonderful memories we have from 10 years of working on Active Citizens together and you were a great host in Sri Lanka for all the international events we had - I think I came to Sri Lanka a few times!! I remember your calm manner, kindness and professionalism 😊

It makes me feel emotional thinking about the brilliant work and impact we were involved in. What fun we had too with all the team meetings! You played such an instrumental role – with your drive, insight, passion - you should feel so proud 😊

Enjoy your new path

BW

Mono

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Strong and steady personality!!!

Dear Sanjeewani, you are bringing your own value base which is nicely blended with the values and culture that British Council is promoting and practicing. Your passion for teamwork has inspired me throughout. Your experience in the different phases of the British Council has been positively capitalized for efficient decision making and your institutional memory is wonderful. I have observed that you have created a lot of diplomatic relationships with the key government stakeholders, development agencies and corporate sector which is immensely helpful for the current partnership projects of the British Council.

I really enjoy your leadership and personality which holds the people connected and motivated. Sanjeewani, we will miss you a lot and it will create a vacuum which will not be easy to fill out. All the best with your future endeavours and let’s stay in touch.

Best Regards,

Tissa

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Dear Sanjeevani

You are someone who would always smile and greet me wholeheartedly if and when I see you upstairs or wherever in the premises! Your greeting was always a genuine one and it was felt!! Thank you for that! I am going to miss it! It was lovely having you at the BC and wishing you all the very best in the time you are going to spend enjoying your freedom! :)

Loads of love

Chaandima

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Dearest Sanjeevani,

It was a pleasure to have had you as part of CLT as your fresh views were always valuable. Wishing you the very best in your future endeavours! keep in touch and know that you will be missed by us all.

Rajitha

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It's actually hard to imagine the British Council without you! I will fondly remember the little chit chats we had at office whenever we bumped into each other. Those chats were always refreshing and carried a sense of warmth as we caught up on stuff.

I know how passionate you were about every single programme you steered and your drive to improve lives in the far corners of the island was truly inspiring. I'm sure wherever you go, there will be people whose lives have been touched by the incredible work you've done over the years.

I wish you happiness and good health as you move on...

Dilanie

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Dear Sanjeevani,

Today marks the end of an era—not just for the British Council, but for colleagues like me who had the privilege of working with you 13 years ago on the Connecting Classrooms project (linking UK and Sri Lankan schools). Those memories still shine brightly in my mind!

You've always inspired us with your dedication, warmth, and the quiet brilliance you brought to every initiative. Working with you was never just about completing tasks—it was about learning from your wisdom, being moved by your integrity, and sharing moments of true camaraderie.

As you begin this new chapter, I wish you boundless joy and success. May your path ahead be filled with bright opportunities, continued growth, and the same remarkable fulfillment you brought to all of us. The impact you've left behind will endure forever!

With deepest gratitude,

MNM Faizal

Teacher

Oddamavadi

Batticaloa

0777 249325

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Hi Sanjeewani

I’m delighted to pen a few lines at the time you are going to close another chapter in your life.

It was almost like two decades ago that we met with the Global School Partnership Program.

You provided the school children a great opportunity to join hands with the students in UK schools and that was a novel experience for them. Memories still linger in our hearts and bonds still remain!

Thank you once again for your untiring support given.

Congratulations on your retirement. You have worked so hard to earn this milestone. May this new journey bring you best of everything’

Senani

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Hi Sanjeevani. I can’t believe you are leaving. I have memories of you as an incredible colleague – all those years ago, and I was so delighted to have been able to cross paths again recently. You have been a constant source of kindness and positivity, embodying the very essence of why we do what we do. Hard to hear you are leaving and now regret missing my chance to say goodbye last week!!! Hopefully not my last chance to see you though. Wishing you every success and happiness in this next chapter—you will be greatly missed. Keep in touch. Sam