02 September 2025 Lincoln PhD student honoured for outstanding community engagement

The annual awards, run by ChristchurchNZ, celebrated seven outstanding international students whose leadership, cultural contributions, and service have enriched Waitaha Canterbury socially, culturally, and economically.

Arriving from Sri Lanka almost exactly one year ago, Sanduni has quickly become a familiar face on campus. Alongside her doctoral research in agricultural economics and digital finance, she has devoted countless hours to mentoring, student support, and volunteering in the wider community.

Her PhD examines how digital financial tools and policy changes affect Sri Lanka’s smallholder paddy farmers, to develop practical solutions to strengthen rural livelihoods.

Seeing the opportunity to connect with others and the culture at Lincoln, Sanduni was quick to sign up as a Kaiwhakamanawa Tauira (Student Inspirer). In this role, she helps facilitate the compulsory sexual harm prevention workshop, Respectfully Lincoln, for all first-year students at Lincoln, and supports her colleagues with their equity, diversity and inclusion projects throughout the year.

“I had to start from scratch. So I started to busy myself, and within a week I found this volunteer job. From there I found my friends and other PhD students,” Sanduni said.

She has since gone on to tutor and support fellow PhD candidates, and volunteers with the Department of Corrections, running budgeting sessions with people preparing to re-enter society – a role she first undertook without a car, relying on buses and walking more than 5km each time. 

Kaiwhakamanawa Tauira supervisor, Alex Michel-Smith, said her enthusiasm stood out immediately. 

“She was very keen to get involved and make a difference on campus right from the start. She has such a positive nature that really makes people feel comfortable and welcome when she's around.”

The awards night itself was a squeeze to fit into Sanduni’s packed schedule, but was a night she will long be grateful for.

“When I found out I started crying, because I didn’t believe I would win it. It hasn’t been easy, I came here alone, first time out of the country, and I’ve just tried to put all my strength and positivity into everything I do. To be recognised for that means so much.”

Sanduni said the support of her supervisor, Associate Professor Simeon Kaitibie, has been key.

“Without his flexibility, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this.”

She added that Lincoln’s inclusive environment has made a real difference.

“Although it’s been hard, I don’t regret any of my decisions. Here it’s so inclusive, and I’m so happy for each and every person who appreciates the small steps I’ve taken. My pronunciation is different, my skin tone is different, but I’ve never felt discriminated against here. Everyone has been so supportive.”

Lincoln University also congratulates international student James Yeon, who received a Special Mention in the Cultural Ambassador Award category.

We’re proud of both Sanduni and James for their remarkable contributions to our community, and we look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future.