Esha Wellakkage
Esha Wellakkage is an accomplished business analyst with UNICEF USA, bringing over a decade of international experience in financial management, grant oversight, and strategic planning within humanitarian and development settings. With a Master’s degree in Business Studies from the University of Colombo and training in public finance through CIPFA, Esha has held key roles across multiple UNICEF country offices, including Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, and Sri Lanka. Her work has focused on improving efficiency in budget management, capacity building, and the integration of finance systems—making her a vital asset in driving organizational performance and transparency.
Esha is passionate about leveraging data and systems to support the impactful delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly in complex and high-risk environments. She is known for her expertise in resource mobilization, payroll oversight, and VISION/Insight systems, as well as her dedication to strengthening financial processes across global teams. Through her leadership, she ensures that funding is utilized effectively to support critical programs, helping UNICEF reach vulnerable populations around the world.
• Verified International Academic Qualifications
• Leading with Emotional Intelligence (2018)
• Honored Listee
• CIPFA
• University of Colombo- Master's
• University of Peradeniya- Bachelor's
• CIMA
• Society on Agricultural Economics
• CIMA
• CIPFA
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Her advice to young women entering the humanitarian field is to stay committed, be a good human, and work hard—especially in challenging contexts—while embracing opportunities as they come and carving a path toward their passions, rather than waiting for the "perfect" starting point.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are faith, inner peace, and resilience—especially after surviving a life-threatening medical condition while serving in high-risk areas. I prioritize spiritually fulfilling activities like meditation and church, and I value moments of reflection, whether through evening riverside walks or quiet time for myself.