Nimali, affectionately known as Nimmu, is a care leaver from Sri Lanka who spent over a decade in institutional care. At just 10 years old, she left her family due to severe physical and mental abuse. Her case went to court multiple times, and she was even held in a prison until a decision was made about her future. Which was difficult for her to understand. After a month, she was placed into institutional care, completely separated from her family.

 

Throughout her 15 years in various children’s homes, Nimmu faced numerous challenges, exhibiting complex behaviours shaped by her experiences. Despite these obstacles, she has achieved significant success in her life.

 

Nimmu holds a degree in Journalism, Advertising, and Mass Communication from NIILM University in India, along with additional qualifications in criminal investigation, psychology, and social sciences. She has worked as a still photographer and costume designer for the Indian film DREAMZ in 2013.

 

She has represented Sri Lanka as a speaker at numerous international conferences, including those focused on child protection and women’s rights in Nepal (2017), the BICON International Conference in India (2018), and virtually in 2021, as well as in Nepal (2023). Recently, she spoke at the 35th FICE International Conference in Croatia (2024) and is set to speak at the upcoming BICON in Malaysia (2025). In 2024, she was honoured as a Young Change-Maker by the UN Ambassador and Neon Media. Nimmu is also an active member of the Global Care Leavers Committee and the Care Leaders Committee led by Better Care Network. Also represented South Asian care leavers in the UN Resolution Focused Group (2019). Additionally, she completed the Justice-Based Approach Foundation Course at United Edge, USA (2021).

 

Since 2021, Nimmu has appeared on various TV programs discussing her life experiences and has become a social media influencer. Drawing from her lived experiences, she is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and alternative care. Her work focuses on reuniting orphaned children with their families and ensuring they have access to education and employment opportunities. She worked for one of the largest NGOs, Sarvodaya, for 10 years and later for the Egyptian Embassy. Currently, she is employed at the UK and Sri Lankan registered Future Today, where she leads the foster care program, ensuring that children grow up in safe, loving families.

 

Inspired by her own 15 years in orphanages, Nimmu co-founded the Asian First Care Leavers Network Generation Never Give Up in 2017, which supports youth leaving alternative care by providing legal aid and job placements. She continues to raise awareness through public speaking and her social media platforms, guided by her belief that no child should grow up alone.

 

On a personal note, Nimmu is happily married and receives love and respect from her husband’s family. Now at 35 years old, she has decided to share her life story as a Book.  Nimmu’s story is not just her own; it reflects the experiences of many children who have faced similar hardships. Writing about her life is a profound endeavour, and she aims to achieve several goals:

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1. To Empower Others: Nimmu hopes her story will inspire fellow siblings in children’s homes to find their strength and advocate for those without a voice, particularly children without parental care.

2. To Highlight Challenges: She aims to shed light on the struggles faced by care leavers—young individuals who as adults must leave the care system.

3. To Advocate for Change: Her goal is to reform the system by supporting youth transitioning out of care and encouraging those in power to provide quality services for children in care.

4. To Promote Deinstitutionalization: Nimmu believes every child deserves to grow up in a loving family, not an institution.

5. To Inspire Action: She hopes her story fosters compassion, love, and meaningful support for children in care and young adults transitioning out of it.

6. A Story of Resilience: This is more than a memoir; it is a testament to resilience, courage, and hope, and she believes it can serve as a beacon for others navigating similar challenges.

 

Nimmu is excited to announce the launch of her book, Sinhala - Dumburu Pathok, translated as The Caged Girl: A Journey to Justice, which will take place on September 4, 2025, at the Sri Lanka Foundation.

Link to come