Biography of Dinali Dandeniya: Founder of Café Kumbuk & Mama D's Artisan Vegan Range
Dinali Dandeniya: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Early Beginnings and Education
Dinali Dandeniya’s professional journey began with a solid
academic foundation. She pursued her education at the University of the West of
England, where she obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Life Long
Learning, from 2009 to 2011. Before this, she had earned a foundation degree in
Human Resources Development from UNSW in 1994, which laid the groundwork for
her career in training and development. Dinali’s education reflects a deep
commitment to lifelong learning, and it is clear that she values both personal
and professional growth.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit
Dinali is a successful entrepreneur who has carved a niche
for herself in Sri Lanka's food industry. In 2021, she founded Mama D's Artisan
Vegan Range, a business that creates locally sourced, hand-made, plant-based
vegan sausages. Her passion for healthy living and sustainability shines
through her products. This venture allows her to combine her culinary talents
with her dedication to the environment and animal welfare, providing a unique,
wholesome option to vegan food lovers in Sri Lanka.
Co-Ownership of Café Kumbuk
As the co-owner and director of Café Kumbuk, a beloved
establishment in the heart of Colombo, Dinali continues to foster her
entrepreneurial spirit. Café Kumbuk promotes healthy and sustainable living by
using local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. The café’s philosophy aligns
with Dinali’s belief in mindful eating and environmental consciousness. Through
this venture, Dinali has been able to contribute to the culinary scene in Sri
Lanka, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in the food industry.
Training and Coaching Expertise
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Dinali is a
seasoned corporate trainer and life coach. She has over two decades of
experience in delivering training programs across diverse industries, including
banking, medical, hospitality, and tech. Her background in human resources
development, combined with her passion for helping others reach their
potential, has made her a sought-after professional in the field of corporate
training. Dinali is also an expert in facilitating DiSC personality assessments,
an essential tool for improving workplace dynamics.
A Passion for Personal Growth
Dinali’s dedication to personal growth is not only reflected
in her career choices but also in her approach to teaching and coaching. She
holds qualifications in lifelong learning and is an associate Master Coach for
Think Solutions Singapore and Sri Lanka. Her ability to tailor her training
style to meet the needs of diverse learners has earned her respect in the
industry. Whether she is coaching individuals or working with corporate teams,
Dinali’s commitment to fostering positive change and growth in others is clear.
Biography of Dinali Dandeniya: Founder of Café Kumbuk & Mama D's Artisan Vegan Range/Entrepreneur/sustainable and healthy living/sri lanka/startup
Leadership in Rotary International
In addition to her work in corporate training and
hospitality, Dinali is an active leader in Rotary International. As a respected
member of Rotary District 3220, Dinali has held multiple senior roles within
the organization. Her involvement with Rotary reflects her dedication to
community service and giving back to society. Through her work, she has helped
further Rotary’s mission of building a better world, showing her leadership
both professionally and within the community.
A Family-Centered Approach
Family plays a central role in Dinali’s life. Alongside her
entrepreneurial ventures, she has nurtured a close-knit family. Dinali is a
proud mother of two daughters, Shana and Tamaia, and a wife to Ajith. Together
with her daughter Shana, who is also actively involved in Café Kumbuk, Dinali
embodies a strong family-oriented business model. The bond between mother and
daughter is reflected in the success of Café Kumbuk, where their shared vision
and commitment to wholesome cooking have flourished.
A Diverse Career Path
Before diving into her entrepreneurial pursuits, Dinali held
various roles in consultancy and business development. As the Divisional
Manager at Glover Daniels International, she was responsible for new business
development and client relationship management. Glover Daniels Consulting
Solutions, where Dinali contributed significantly, is known for its expertise
in training and coaching, offering tailored programs to meet the unique needs
of organizations. This experience helped her refine her skills and expand her
professional network.
Global Experience and Cultural Sensitivity
Dinali’s extensive international experience has equipped her
with a unique ability to work across cultures and tailor her approach to
diverse groups of learners. Having been born and educated in the UK before
moving to Sri Lanka, she brings a global perspective to her work. Her cultural
sensitivity, paired with her expertise in training, allows her to engage
effectively with international audiences. This adaptability has been a
significant asset in her career, allowing her to thrive in different professional
environments.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Dinali Dandeniya’s story is one of empowerment, resilience,
and dedication. From her role as a corporate trainer to her entrepreneurial
ventures, Dinali continues to inspire others with her commitment to growth—both
personal and professional. Her work in Rotary, combined with her businesses,
showcases her multifaceted contributions to society. Through her career, Dinali
has established a legacy of empowerment, particularly for women, as she leads
by example and supports the development of others in her community.
Timeline for story
1994: Dinali earns a foundation degree in Human Resources
Development from UNSW.
2009-2011: Dinali completes a Postgraduate Certificate in
Education, Life Long Learning, from the University of the West of England.
2021: Dinali founds Mama D's Artisan Vegan Range in Sri
Lanka, creating plant-based vegan sausages.
2021: Dinali co-owns and directs Café Kumbuk in Colombo,
promoting sustainable and healthy living.
Over 20 years: Dinali builds a career as a corporate trainer
and life coach across various industries.
Ongoing: Dinali serves as an associate Master Coach for
Think Solutions Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Ongoing: Dinali holds leadership roles in Rotary
International, contributing to community service.
Ongoing: Dinali nurtures a close-knit family and works
alongside her daughter Shana in Café Kumbuk.
Past: Dinali works in consultancy and business development,
including as Divisional Manager at Glover Daniels International.
Ongoing: Dinali leverages her global experience and cultural
sensitivity to work across diverse professional environments.
