Our Core Team
Our core clinical team is drawn from within Sri Lanka and internationally. Experts in psychology, psychiatry, counselling and nursing bring a deep understanding of and experienced approach to the challenges of addiction, mental health, and trauma.
Ryan
Director of Wellness and Admissions Manager
Ryan serves as the Wellness Director and Admissions Manager, bringing both professional expertise and personal understanding to his role. Before entering the wellness and recovery field, Ryan enjoyed a successful career in advertising in the US, where he developed strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Having navigated his own recovery journey, Ryan brings genuine empathy and insight to the clients he supports. His personal experience allows him to connect with individuals facing challenges, offering understanding, encouragement, and practical guidance from a place of authenticity.
At Emerald Sri Lanka, Ryan coordinates the day-to-day schedules and activities of clients, ensuring that each individual receives the structure, support, and attention needed throughout their recovery process. His calm and compassionate approach helps create a safe and supportive environment where clients can focus on healing and personal growth.
David
Founder
David is a graduate of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and spent over 20 years working in investment banking in London, including being Head of Europe for an ASX 100 global financial services group.
He moved to Sri Lanka in 2008 and has since developed businesses in hospitality, wellness and sustainable tourism, including hotels, restaurants, wellness centres and retreat properties.
David is passionate about combining international standards with Sri Lanka's natural beauty and culture to create environments that support healing and personal growth. This vision led to the establishment of The Emerald, providing high-quality addiction recovery services in a peaceful and restorative setting.
David's long-term ambition is to help position Sri Lanka as a destination for world-class recovery, wellness and mental health support for both local and international clients.
Nisal
Head of Therapeutic Services
Nisal is a dedicated mental health and addiction professional specializing in substance use disorders, behavioural addictions, and psychological rehabilitation.
Nisal has contributed to the mental health and addiction treatment sector through clinical practice, program leadership and mental health consultation for leading private sector organizations, with advanced qualifications in Addiction Psychology and Psychiatry.
He was also a Former Board member and Chief counselor to the Ministry of rehabilitation, Prison committee and Community corrections as well as an expert committee member appointed by the Speaker of parliament to build a national Treatment/prevention policy.
John
Head of Admissions
Originally from Australia, John built a successful career in Marketing spanning more than 30 years. Throughout his professional journey, he developed extensive experience in business development, client relations, leadership, and strategic growth across multiple industries.
John is passionate about helping individuals navigate challenges and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
In addition to his leadership and client support responsibilities, John works closely with individuals and families, offering guidance, encouragement, and ongoing support throughout their recovery journey.
Rushma
Clinical Psychologist
Rushma is an accomplished psychologist, with over a decade of experience. Her approach to healing encompasses a unique blend of movement and nutrition, emphasising holistic well-being.
In addition to her clinical psychology expertise, Rushma's journey extends to her roles as a social entrepreneur, a dedicated suicide prevention instructor, and a certified personal trainer. She focuses on holistic healing for individuals. She also conducts workshops and training programmes for fellow professionals in the mental health field.
Her commitment to making a difference is evident in the various projects she is involved with, ranging from special needs advocacy and women's empowerment initiatives.
Muby
Psychotherapist
Muby is a BACP Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, with over 20 years of experience working across mental health, trauma, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Muby specialises in working with individuals affected by childhood trauma, complex family dynamics and the long-term impact of relational experiences.
She is passionate about creating a calm, compassionate and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients can deepen self-understanding, develop resilience and work towards meaningful and lasting change.
Kusal
Operations Director
MBA (PIM),BSc Psychology, ACCA (Member), BBA (Specialized in Finance), BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting, Lean Black Belt
Bringing over 13 years of experience in strategy, operations, and process management across diverse industries, Kusal has developed extensive expertise in organizational leadership and operational excellence. With more than 6 years of involvement in counselling and community development initiatives, his work reflects a strong commitment to mental health and wellbeing.
Also serving as a senior lecturer and corporate trainer in the psychology and management fields, Kusal supports the delivery of a seamless, supportive, and restorative environment, ensuring clients experience the highest standards of care and comfort throughout their recovery journey.
Fred
Addiction Counsellor
Frederick is a dedicated professional with clinical experience in the fields of addiction treatment, prevention and recovery. Holding a credential as an Internationally Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP), he combines a strong academic foundation with an intuitive, client-centred approach.
Specialised in Motivational Enhancement approaches, Frederick integrates techniques from Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and 12 Step Therapy, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of the individual. His therapeutic philosophy bridges Psycological and Spiritual healing traditions to help clients cultivate mindfulness, practical, and deeper emotional connection.
With empathy, intergrity, and evidence based techniques backed by 25 years of corporate experience and family based methodology, Frederick creates a space of authenticity through lived experience where sustainable recovery is not just a dream, but a reality.
Dr Sapumal
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Sapumal is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, specializing in General Adult Psychiatry in Sri Lanka.
He offers extensive clinical expertise in treating various mental health conditions, including addiction disorders.
Azma
Trauma-Informed Psychologist
Azma is a Trauma-Informed Psychologist specialising in Substance Use and Addiction treatment, Suicide Prevention, as well as stress, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing. She provides both individual and group interventions, using evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
With a compassionate, client-centred approach, she supports people to build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and achieve lasting positive change in their lives.
Her goal is to empower individuals and communities to strengthen wellbeing, foster recovery, and create meaningful, sustainable growth.
Herath
Head of Nursing
Snr. Matron Herath has over 33 years of dedicated service in the healthcare sector, with extensive experience across a wide range of clinical areas, including psychiatry.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has held key leadership positions, serving as the Matron in charge of both the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Her wealth of knowledge, clinical expertise, and commitment to healthcare excellence have made her a respected nursing professional. She currently serves as an NVQ Examiner, contributing to the development and assessment of future healthcare professionals.
Angelo
Recovery Support Worker
Angelo is a Recovery Support Worker with a number of years of experience supporting individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives. He works closely with the people he supports, helping them manage daily challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
Angelo is known for his calm and supportive approach, strong work ethic, and commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect.