Board Of Directors

Murali Sivaguru

President

Murali Sivaguru is a distinguished professional with an impressive track record spanning
nearly three decades, during which he has played pivotal roles within Hertz Canada
Limited, culminating in his esteemed position as Senior Operations Manager. His journey,
however, extends far beyond the corporate world, as Murali has leveraged his
organizational prowess to establish himself as a successful entrepreneur. Today, he is the
proud owner and operator of two thriving businesses, a testament to his unwavering
commitment to excellence

Murali’s ability to lead, communicate, and manage with skill sets him apart in the world of
business. He skillfully oversees his Hertz franchise in the city of Mississauga, all while ensuring the smooth operation
of a bustling gas station in the town of Mount Forest, Ontario. His remarkable capacity to multitask, combined with his
well-honed interpersonal skills, allows him to efficiently recruit and train numerous employees, creating a harmonious
and productive work environment that benefits both his businesses and the people he employs.

n the midst of his busy professional life, Murali dedicates a significant portion of his time to giving back to the
community that has given him so much. He is a devoted volunteer with multiple non-profit organizations,
demonstrating a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Notably, he has been an integral part of the Canadian
Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce (CTCC) for four years, assuming various leadership roles that have left a lasting mark on
the organization. Murali’s contributions to the CTCC are both extensive and meaningful, ranging from the noteworthy
Building Project to generous financial support for numerous Tamil community events and fundraisers, including the
Scarborough Hospital Foundation. His philanthropic efforts exemplify a man who values community and understands
the importance of giving back.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Murali is a man of diverse interests. An avid golfer, he enjoys
spending leisure time pursuing his passion for the sport. In his personal life, he finds great joy in his role as a devoted
husband and father to three beautiful children, cherishing the moments he shares with his family.

Vithu Ramachandran

Executive Vice President

Vithusan Ramachandran is a lawyer and a small business owner, recognized for his
unwavering commitment to both his legal practice, Ramachandran Law PC, and his
financial services business. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a dedicated community
organizer and a passionate social capitalist. When he is not working to expand his firm, he
cherishes precious moments with his young family, enjoys a round of golf, or generously
volunteers with various community organizations. Vithu has held key positions, such as
serving as a Director of the Tamil Community Centre and as VP Finance on the CTCC board.
He has also been actively involved in various committees within the CTCC, including the
Building Committee and Governance Committee, demonstrating his dedication to community development.

With a wealth of experience, boundless enthusiasm, and a deep well of expertise, Vithu stands as a prime candidate
for the role of Executive Vice President with the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce. His belief in the power of
proactive leadership and the importance of fostering community growth makes him a valuable asset in the pursuit of
economic and social progress. Vithusan Ramachandran’s story is that of a lawyer, entrepreneur, and community
advocate, striving to make a meaningful impact on both the business world and the community he serves.

Darshan Sritharan

Vice President Internal Affairs

Darshan Sritharan is a dedicated mortgage agent at Iconnect Mortgages, bringing his
expertise and financial acumen to help clients achieve their homeownership dreams.

Darshan’s educational journey led him to York University, where he pursued his bachelor’s
degree in Human Resource Management. Following his academic pursuits, he ventured
into the world of banking, where he gained invaluable experience by holding various roles
within major financial institutions. Eventually, his passion for helping individuals secure
their homes led him to his current role as a mortgage agent.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Darshan finds his greatest joy in spending quality time with his loving wife and two
young sons. He believes in the importance of family and cherishes these moments with his loved ones. In addition to
his family life and mortgage career, Darshan is known for his unwavering commitment to community service. His
recent initiative, a car drive for veterans, exemplifies his dedication to making a positive impact. Through this
initiative, he raised funds that were distributed to four different Canadian Legion branches, providing crucial support
to veterans and their families.

Furthermore, Darshan serves as the current Treasurer for the Pickering Rotary Club, a renowned organization known
for its tireless efforts to improve the local community. His involvement with the Rotary Club showcases his strong
sense of civic duty and his willingness to contribute to causes that matter.

With a passion for helping others, a thriving career in the mortgage industry, and a deep commitment to community
service, Darshan Sritharan is a multifaceted individual whose dedication shines through in every aspect of his life.

Rukshan Para

Vice President Finance

Rukshan Para was an investment banking consultant who has been in the financial industry
for the past 17 years. He managed projects in Equity markets, Lending and Borrowing,
Derivatives, Forex, Money Markets, Fixed Income, and led the innovation and strategy
team in Investment Banking. He has headed and implemented multi million-dollar projects
that are strategically aligned for the business and its stakeholders. He is an experienced
consultant with an outstanding history of achieving operational efficiency within financial
industries specializing in business process improvement, data governance, and
transformation.

Poorany Sornabala

Vice President Membership

Poorany Sornabala is a member of the Canadian Tamils Chamber of Commerce and part of
a Building Committee. Poorany works as a Business Development Specialist for Pace Law
Firm, where she has over 10 years of experience in Business Management and working
with clients in Personal Injury law. Poorany brings a high level of customer service to all
existing and new clients, as well as works collaboratively and proactively with health care
and rehabilitation providers to ensure long lasting relationships.

Poorany uses her experience and knowledge to develop Pace Law’s referral sources by
seeking out new business opportunities in the market and improving business
development strategies. Poorany graduated in 1998 in Dance and is an experienced Indian Classical Dancer and
Teacher. She has various experiences in client services, business development and marketing where she values
fostering good and lifelong relationships within the community.

Christeen Seevaratnam

VP Community Relations

Christen Seevaratnam is a dedicated Licensed Funeral Director helping families during most
vulnerable time. She is the first Tamil woman to hold this position in Canada. Christeen is
compassionate, meticulous and organized. Her services range from funeral planning,
services, burial and cremation services. She can help you make decisions and support you as
you grieve the loss of your loved ones.

Christeen volunteers her time supporting many community organizations, serves as a board
member and as a generous sponsor for the past several years. She served as a board of
director of Canadian Tamil Congress, Canadian Tamils Chamber of Commerce, The Tamils’ Catholic Community of
Toronto and Board of Director at MTCC 999 for the Condominium Corporation (Building 330 Mccowan Road, Toronto)
in various capacities.

Some of her key volunteer initiatives include co-chairing the Tamil Canadian walk-a-thon in support of Holland
Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, organizing the Annual Midland Shrine Pilgrimage, hosting International
Women’s Day and celebrating women empowerment and achievements. Christeen is very passionate about helping
people and especially those who are vulnerable and in need. Her contributions to the Tamil community through
various organizations is highly commendable and her dedication and guidance has helped many organizations to
succeed.

In recognition of her contribution and tireless services to the community, Government of Ontario has recognized
Christeen with the prestigious Volunteer Service Award. She is certainly an asset to the community.

Kanchana Thuraisingam

Director

Ms.Kanchana Thuraisingham is an amazing, versatile socially conscious woman. Gifted and
accomplished when it comes to community work. Kanchana studied at Holy Family
Convent, Bambalapitiya, Sri Lanka. She is a Government Scholar who went to the University
of Pune from Sri Lanka and completed her Bachelor of Commerce Hons. Degree in ’90s.
After coming to Canada in 1992, her perspective changed and she switched her career
toward Community work.

She has been the Past President of HFC PPA Canada and continues to be on the advisory
committee. Founding Director of Sri Lankan Canadian Community Services. Community Champion of Diversity &
Inclusion Charter of Peel. Part of Poverty Strategy Group Member of United Way of Peel South Asian Council Country
Chair Carassauga Festivals of Culture. Kanchana also worked as a Frontline counsellor at Victim Services of Peel. As a
certified Crisis Counsellor, she has established, Healthy Minds Counselling and Consulting Services in Markham,
Ontario.

Kanchana Thuraisingham gives her experience and expertise to the upcoming non-profits as a consultant. Being a
long-standing member of CTCC, she has volunteered and participated in numerous activities. Kanchana is a
professional who believes in walking the talk to make a difference.

Suresh Tharmalingam

Director

Suresh is a dedicated member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering
Technician and Technologists. He has also demonstrated his outstanding leadership skills
as he leads the University of Moratuwa Tamil Alumni Association of Canada as the
president for two full terms. His time with the University of Moratuwa Association spans
decades as he has been a long-standing executive and committee member.

Suresh is also heavily involved with the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates of Canada
(ASGC). ASGC holds annual workshops for high school students in order to advise and guide them in selecting the right
path as they enter their post-secondary education journeys. Suresh has constantly been a significant factor in the
organization of these workshops.

In the past, Suresh has also been a committee member of the City of Markham’s Rate Payer’s Association. Throughout
his many years of Residential and Commercial mortgage service to the community, he has helped support numerous
individuals through their financial endeavours.

Volunteering has always been a passion of Suresh’s and he has received recognition for this passion from the Ontario
Provincial government by receiving the Ontario Volunteer Service Award twice. Suresh works exceedingly hard to
always provide outstanding support to his clients and community.

Rakhavan Ketheeswaran

Director

Rakhavan began his journey with The Chamber in the early 2000s as the trumpeter and
drummer for multiple Chamber Events. He is now the President of 7 Diamond Group of
Companies, providing a myriad of services, including specialized security and event
management related services.

A Network Engineer by education, Rakhavan is a 11 Year Veteran with the Canadian Armed
Forces. He continually innovates and remains on the cutting edge of the Private Security
industry for the last 15 years. Rakhavan is instrumental in 7 Diamonds moving to the next
level.

Rakhavan is also a Mental Health trainer and an instructor to Private Security corporations in theoretical and Physical
defence procedures. He provides Close Protection for local and international artists, Dignitaries, corporate clients,
organizations, and other Security related Services.

With logistical planning as his forte, he carries an ongoing passion for music and production which initiated an AudioVisual division under the 7 Diamond umbrella and continues to provide various event related services to its’ clientele.

Ken Kirupa

Executive Director

The Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ken Kirupa as its new Executive Director. With a wealth of experience and a passion for serving the Tamil business community, along with having previously served as the president of the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce Ken brings a unique blend of leadership and expertise to the role.

As the new Executive Director, Ken will be at the forefront of the Chamber’s efforts to further its mission. He will work closely with the board of directors to develop and implement a strategic vision, while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Chamber. Ken will also be instrumental in building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including members and community leaders.

The Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that plays a vital role in supporting and representing the interests of Tamil businesses across Canada. With a commitment to providing valuable services and resources, the Chamber is dedicated to helping its members achieve their goals and succeed in their respective industries.

Please join us in welcoming Ken to his new role, effective February 06, 2023. We are confident that under his leadership, the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce will continue to grow and thrive.

Vina Devadas

Immediate past president

Professional Background

Mr. Devadas is a Lawyer cum Accountant attached to DevadasLaw Professional Corporation in Toronto. He focuses in the accounting related areas of law such as Tax Law, Business Law, Employment Law and Civil Litigation. In addition, his law firm deals in real estate law, family law, wills and estates law. Prior to that, he was the Senior Financial Analyst / Financial Analyst at CGI in Toronto for 6 years. CGI is the fifth largest independent information technology (“IT”) and business process services (“BPS”) firm in the world. He was also the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) for 8 years where he counts 12 years of experience.

Academic Background

Mr. Devadas is a Barrister & Solicitor licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant of Ontario and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), United Kingdom (UK). He obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree with Merit from the University of Colombo.

Lecturing Background

He possesses over 15 years of lecturing experience as a visiting lecturer for various Professional Courses including the CIMA Examinations UK. His students have obtained CIMA World Prizes & CIMA Sri Lankan Prizes. He had conducted intensive revision courses for the CIMA students in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and in India.

Community Involvement

Mr. Devadas is actively involved in the community. He was a Past President of the SriLankan Accountants Association of Canada (SAAC) and a Past President of the Araly Cultural Organization, Canada. He is involved with the Old Boys Associations of Royal College and Hindu College Bambalapitiya where he was the Secretary in 2016. He was awarded the Mentee-To-Mentor award by Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) in 2011. He volunteered in the fund raising activities for the setting up of the Harvard Tamil Chair and the Toronto Tamil Chair. He has supported many community organizations through his Law Firm Devadas Law Professional Corporationby way of sponsorships.

CTCC Involvement

Board

He served the CTCC Board as the President in 2021-2022, as the VP Membership in 2019-2020 and as the VP Finance for two consecutive terms in 2017-2019.

Building Committee

He is one of the five founding members of the Building Committee that was created in 2017 which successfully completed the purchase of CTCC’s own building in August 2020 that was ceremonially opened in August 2021. He raised approximately $100,000 in contributions/donations towards the purchase of the building.