Country Director, Edward (Ned) Thomas Espey

Ned Espey has worked with Plan for 24 years in Asia, East Africa and Latin America. He assumed the role of Plan Sri Lanka Country Director in 2010.

Ned has been astounded by the change that has taken place in development in the past 2 decades. He welcomes the way in which local agendas are now set by mothers and fathers, their sons and daughters, and local communities, using organisations like Plan to develop their abilities and satisfy immediate needs.

Across the globe, Ned has been impressed by the quality of participation that young people bring to the planning and implementation of programmes that affect their future.

“Everything we do is measurably better if done with increasing dependence on what young people want, need, and demand,” says Ned. “The greatest challenge that we have as development professionals is to ensure space for young people in decisions that affect their lives.”

Ned moved to Sri Lanka with his wife in August 2010. The country is well into a new phase that couples economic dynamism with Island wide peace. There is more opportunity for addressing everyone’s needs now, especially those of the poor and disenfranchised. There continues to be significant gaps in the application of Sri Lanka’s development plans. This is where NGOs come in, organizations that can support the government and people of the country, to develop the capacity and confidence necessary to realize rights….from the duty bearer and right holder points of view.

Plan Sri Lanka has developed a new strategic plan and is now using it to guide program focus and develop the capacities and resources necessary to see it successfully implemented. Ned is tickled pink to be working with Plan Sri Lanka, and with the region and global organization.