Empowering Communities.

Advancing Equality.

Building a Sustainable Future.

Our vision & Misson Statement

Our vision

We envision a world in which every individual enjoys their human rights, and where political systems and fundamental freedoms are rooted in equality, including the right to be free from discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, and religion. We strive for a future where our economy and social systems allow individuals to thrive, and where the natural environment is safeguarded and preserved for generations to come. Our efforts aim to foster reconciliation and unlock both individual creativity and organizational resources to tackle social challenges and strengthen communities around the world.

Our Misson

TURN engages leaders across political, business, academic, and civil society sectors to shape a better world. At the core of our mission is the belief in the transformative power of human ingenuity, entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration.

We are dedicated to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society capable of effectively addressing its complex challenges.

In short, we foster bold ideas and enforce changes through meaningful conversations.

Meet TURN

 
TURN was conceptualized by Sivamani Kandiah in 2023 and later transformed into an organization.
Our small but dynamic team is the heart of our mission for change. Driven by a deep commitment for enhancing public services and the economy for all, we consistently exceed expectations, as reflected in the high quality of our work across key areas: political systems, people sustainability, communications, and fundraising.
 
We are proud to be supported by a diverse, cross-party Advisory Board, bringing together expertise from politics,
public services, business, and the media, alongside a dedicated Board of Trustees who guide our strategic direction. 
 
Meet the people shaping, governing, and delivering our work below.

Ms. Meleni David

President

Ramanan Santhirasegarmoorthy

Vice President

Vincent Sinnathurai

Treasurer

Tharini Mahesan

Secretary

Sivamany Kandiah

Political and Public Diplomacy

Bhavan Mahen

Public Health and Social Welfare

Transparency

TURN is committed to organizational transparency and the independence of our thought leadership and performance output.

Like any charity, we fundraise to support our work. We receive donations from individuals and foundations support and sponsorship from private, third and public partners, and collect money from cultural events and shows.

As is common practice for many charitable organizations, we do not disclose the names of individual supporters. These are private donors who contribute philanthropically to the charity’s general funds.

Companies that support our work through the Corporate Partnership Programme are listed here for transparency.

We publish a list of sponsors who have supported individual events or economic participation each year. This includes companies, public sector institutions and not for profits. You can find a list of supporters every year and their donation levels via the link below. In addition, if an event or written output is sponsored, this is transparently declared on the relevant materials. We maintain high ethical standards and are proud of our work, enabled by our partners’ generous support.

Support us

Membership

Interested in joining TURN’s dynamic team?
The membership involves members who wish to contribute to our development. We work to change the lives of people, and we want them to become part of this change. For this reason, we would like to invite you to become a member of our organization and make an impact!

Volunteer

TURN welcomes everyone to volunteer and take an active part.  We encourage the participation of volunteers who support contributing to the formation of a fairer society. Here is your chance – come and volunteer with us!

Corporate membership

TURN brings together businesses and organizations who share our commitment to finding innovative solutions for changes. Our Corporate Partnership program is part of this impactful network.
We highly value the commitment of our partners and take great pride in cultivating strong, mutually beneficial relationships. We work closely with our partners to ensure they fully maximize the opportunities and advantages of being part of our network.

Individual support

We are deeply grateful to our donors whose support enables us to deliver our independent and robust solution. We keep in regular contact with all our donors about our work and hold regular events that allow our supporters to get involved in the progress of TURN.
We’d love for you to join our supporters’ network. Please get in touch with us at info@turn.ngo

Event

Upcoming events

Past events

Slide 1 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
Slide 2 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
Slide 1 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
Slide 2 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor

project

ongoing Project

Past Project

Slide 1 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
Slide 2 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
Slide 1 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
Slide 2 Heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor

Press & Views

We are always happy to comment on policy issues relevant to our work. If you would like a quote, an interview, or a background briefing,
please email press@turn.ngo.

Mailing Address

Tamil United Reform Network
703 – 100 Allstate Pkwy, Markham, ON L3R 6H3, Canada

Get in touch

Phone: +1-416-526-1000
Email: info@tutn.ngo

Contact

us by

Phone, email or feel to leave a message below

Ms. Meleni David

President

Meleni David is one of Canada’s leading female civil litigation lawyers, practicing in Scarborough, Ontario. She has over 20 years of experience defending the rights of victims affected by personal injuries.

From an early age, Meleni had a passion for social justice. Growing up in Mannar, Sri Lanka, Meleni was inspired by her aunt and uncle, well-respected lawyers who worked with vulnerable members of their community to help improve their clients’ quality of life. As a consistent top student, Meleni was accepted to the Faculty of Law at the University of Colombo in 1985, but the burgeoning conflict in the country made it impossible for Meleni to complete her studies. Industrious and resourceful, Meleni secured employment with a communications company and Sri Lanka’s national airline before immigrating to Canada.

While her flame was diminished, the fire that drove Meleni to pursue law in the first place was not extinguished. Despite balancing the competing priorities of raising two young children and working odd jobs to bring in an income, Meleni began her studies anew in 1998 at York University where she completed her undergraduate studies in psychology. In 2001, Meleni was accepted into one of Canada’s top law schools, Osgoode Hall Law School, where she completed her LLB and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2005.

With one goal set in her mind; giving back to the community, Meleni David, started her own practice and was able to walk in to her very own office the day she was called to the Bar of Ontario. Apart from servicing her community through her practice, Meleni David has provided employment opportunity to over 40 families.

With a team of experts who have gained extensive knowledge in handling thousands of personal injury cases throughout the years, The Law Offices of Meleni David offers professional and ethical legal services for almost all forms of personal injury including, Motor vehicle accidents, Slip and fall accidents as well as injuries due to negligence.

Her services through the years towards the growth and wellbeing of the community, was appreciated, recognized and awarded by several foundations within the community as well as among the Main Stream Foundations.

Other notable professional highlights include being selected to deliver the keynote speech at York University’s graduation ceremony for a class of the University’s Bridging Program for International Education Professionals (IEPs). Meleni has also been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the community, including: Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award; the National Ethic Press and Medial Council of Canada Award from the Lieutenant Governor; a Community Service Award from the Canada-Sri Lanka Business Council, the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce Award.

Her history and her commitment to community service, along with her active involvement in numerous charitable events has empowered her to confidently lead the Tamil united reform Network TURN.

Ramanan Santhirasegarmoorthy

Vice President

Ramanan Santhirasegarmoorthy is an entrepreneur, broadcaster, writer, motivational speaker, and passionate advocate for Tamil concerns in the GTA. He hosts a popular radio show on East FM 102.7, focusing on current affairs, self-development, capacity building, and motivation. Through this role, and as a writer in public forums, Ramanan has bridged connections with the different cross-sections of the Tamil Canadian community including businesses, civic and political spheres, and service providers.

Through Ramanan’s years of volunteer work and relationships with the different intersectionalities of the Tamil Canadian community, he has become instrumental in bringing together the wide range of stakeholders of the community for this project. His efforts were foundational in developing community consensus and setting up the Steering Committee to conduct the initial needs assessment for a Tamil Community Centre.

Ramanan brings a deep and comprehensive understanding of community stakeholder needs, contributing valuable insight to the project. He has a keen interest in engaging all areas of the Tamil community to shape the Tamil Community Centre and hopes to build an inclusive intergenerational space where all members of the community feel welcome and engaged.

Vincent Sinnathurai

Treasurer

Vincent Sinnadurai began his banking career working with Hatton National Bank in Sri Lanka. He then moved to the United Kingdom for further studies in Chartered Banking and worked for Union Bank of Switzerland and Moscow Narodny Bank. In 1988, he moved to Canada and spent over 30 years working in the Mortgage Division of both the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), specializing in managerial and sales roles.

In 2018, he established his own brokerage with his business partner Hiren Patel, with only 4 agents. Presently, the brokerage has 270 active agents.

Vincent’s dream is to become an organic farmer in his home country, Sri Lanka, utilizing the skills that he has learned over the years with modern technology.

 

Tharini Mahesan

Secretary

Tharini Mahesan is a seasoned financial l with over 25 years of progressive experience in the financial industry. Her expertise spans marketing, project management, relationship building, fund administration, and investor relations. As an accomplished leader with an MBA, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to make sound business decisions, solve complex problems, make sound business decisions, manage intricate operations, and build strong client relationships both locally and internationally.

Tharini aims to give back to her communities in both Canada and Sri Lanka, a passion that aligns with her lifelong dream of making a meaningful impact through community service and empowerment initiatives.

Sivamany Kandiah

Political and Public Diplomacy

Sivamani is an accomplished IT Service Delivery professional with over two decades of experience. He began his career in 1998 in New York, leading the IT division at SanVision Technology, where he played a key role in strategic technology deployments and client relationships. Sivamani also founded and led “Mani,” a brand specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of consumer electronics across North America, Europe, and Australia for 20 years.

Passionate about broadcasting, he hosted popular programs at the Canadian Tamil Broadcasting Corporation from 2000 to 2017, becoming a well-known figure within the Tamil community.

Sivamani holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Baruch College, City University of New York, where he was president of the Indian Student Club. He has also earned various technical and project management certifications, strengthening his expertise in IT.

Bhavan Mahen

Public Health and Social Welfare

Bhavan Mahen (RN- Mental Health), has been deeply committed to fostering a peaceful, supportive and enthusiastic environment where people can thrive despite challenges, achieve their full potential, and help each other regardless of the many constraints.

We always welcome feedback. This allows us to continue learning and improving our work.
We treat complaints seriously and with discretion.
We will always strive to resolve any issue during the first instance.

However, if you are unsatisfied with our response, your complaint will be escalated to TURN’s Director.
…………………………………………………..