Financial Advisor - CEO

Shehan Saparamadu

MBA, CIM[UK], Pharmacist[SLMC], NSC[NZ], NZCFS[Lfe/Health,ResLndng,Invstmnts]

My Journey to New Zealand and Passion for Supporting the Community

I arrived in New Zealand in 2012, having already earned several key qualifications, including an MBA, a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification from the UK, and a Pharmacist certification. Upon settling in New Zealand, I expanded my skillset by completing a Diploma in Valuation and Property Management from Lincoln University, as well as Real Estate and Level 5 qualifications in Life and Health Insurance, Investments, and Residential Lending.

My introduction to Kiwi culture came during the four years I worked at a service station in Lincoln. This was an invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of local values and the unique needs of the community. My unexpected shift into the insurance industry occurred when my wife was at risk of losing her job—proof that some opportunities arise when least expected. As they say, everything happens for a reason, even if we only realise it later in life.

One of the first pieces of advice I received from my initial manager was, "Don’t think of selling insurance to Sri Lankans." However, I chose to go in the opposite direction. I recognised that the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand needed greater support when it came to understanding the complexities of insurance and selecting the right coverage for their needs. My passion for helping people and supporting the community led me to specialise in this area.

Through Aarakshaa, we now assist clients across New Zealand, from Whangarei to Invercargill. Beyond our work locally, we’ve also embarked on our first corporate social responsibility (CSR) project overseas. We are proud to be supporting a school in Sri Lanka by providing all their stationery needs for the entire year of 2025, with hopes to expand our efforts to other schools in the future.

With nearly a decade of experience in New Zealand, I have gained a deep understanding of the insurance, home loans, and KiwiSaver industries. This enables me to offer personalised advice, ensuring that my clients receive the most suitable solutions for their unique circumstances.