Meet Raki Wanigatunga - our Operations Manager

At T & K Support Services, strong operations aren’t just about systems - they’re about people. As our Operations Manager, Raki Wanigatunga brings more than 25 years of experience across community services, homelessness, employment services, and the private sector. What truly sets him apart, however, is his unwavering belief that dignity is a basic human right.

A Passion Grounded in Dignity and Respect

Raki’s journey into support work began with a deep passion for helping those who are vulnerable or marginalised.

“I believe that dignity is a basic human right,” he says. “Everyone - regardless of their circumstances - deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and care.”

From a young age, Raki was involved in charitable work and community initiatives. Those early experiences shaped his values and ultimately led him to build a career in social and community services - a path defined by service, fairness, and impact.

Why T & K Support Services?

When considering his next step, Raki was drawn to T & K’s ethos immediately.

“The commitment to supporting people who may be seen as ‘too complex’ elsewhere really stood out,” he explains. “There’s a focus on the person rather than the diagnosis, and a trauma-informed approach that genuinely lives its values.”

For Raki, it wasn’t just about joining an organisation - it was about becoming part of a team committed to meaningful, person-centred change.

Making an Impact Behind the Scenes

While many see operations as systems and spreadsheets, Raki sees it as the engine that enables great care.

“What I enjoy most is knowing that the work we do has a real and meaningful impact on people’s lives,” he says. “Whether it’s directly supporting someone or strengthening processes behind the scenes, it’s rewarding to help people live with dignity, independence and choice.”

In his role, Raki focuses on strengthening systems and processes to ensure both staff and participants are supported.

His strategic thinking, organisational strength, and calm, solution-focused leadership style help create environments where services run smoothly - and people can thrive.

A Wealth of Experience

Raki brings extensive experience across multiple sectors. Most recently, he worked with The Salvation Army in homelessness services, supporting operations across multiple sites and working alongside individuals facing complex challenges including trauma, AOD, and mental health.

His career also spans employment services, recruitment, sales, and customer service -giving him a unique blend of operational expertise and people-focused leadership.

He has significant experience supporting individuals with:

• Homelessness and trauma backgrounds

• Mental health challenges

• Complex support needs

• Barriers to employment

  
  

One of his key strengths? Staying connected to the frontline.

“Even though I work in operations, I value stepping in to support where needed and building relationships with staff and participants. It keeps me grounded in the purpose behind the work.”

Life Beyond Operations

Outside of work, Raki is a creative at heart. Whether it’s woodworking, gardening, small-scale renovations, or cooking bold-flavoured meals (rarely following a recipe), there’s always a project on the go.

He enjoys spending time with family and friends, heading out for long drives, and attempting to convince his daughters to embrace camping - despite their fondness for their “princess lifestyle” at home.

Weekends are about balance: good food, good company, and sometimes a movie night at home.

He enjoys inspiring true-story films like The Greatest Showman and Braveheart, and his music taste spans almost everything - except heavy metal.

If he could travel anywhere tomorrow?

“The Moon,” he says. “Space is scary, but incredibly fascinating.”

Values That Lead the Way

Respect, dignity, compassion, and fairness are at the centre of Raki’s work. He believes meaningful support begins with listening - understanding that every person’s journey is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

To him, community inclusion means creating opportunities for people to feel connected, valued, and empowered to make their own choices. It’s about building confidence, independence, and belonging.

A small thing that makes his day better?

“A smile - or seeing someone genuinely happy where I’ve contributed. It’s the small moments that count.”

Looking Ahead

Raki is excited to be part of T & K’s growth journey - exploring new ways of working, expanding services, and continuing to strengthen a culture built on innovation, care, and collaboration.

With his steady leadership, strategic mindset, and deep commitment to human dignity, Raki plays a vital role in ensuring T & K Support Services continues to grow - without ever losing sight of the people at the heart of the work.