As a social enterprise development officer at the Emerge Lanka Foundation, Manahari Panditharatne oversees operations of Beads-to-Business, the social enterprise arm of Emerge Lanka Foundation which works with young women who are survivors of sexual abuse. In addition, she is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships and donor relations. During her fellowship in the United States, Panditharatne hopes to learn more about gender development work, specifically in regards to policy and advocacy. Upon returning from the Community Solutions Program, Panditharatne plans to create self-employment opportunities for unemployed urban women through the development of skills as well as creating networking opportunities.