About us: what is Nūl?
We envision a Sri Lanka where all communities are empowered, interconnected, and sustainable.
We strive to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a harmonious and inclusive society.
The definition of Nūl
Nūl (Tamil; n. நூல் / Sinhala; නූල්)
Nūl means ‘thread’—a thread that connects us to one another, to place, and to possibility. Like thread, we seek to weave connected, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
Nūl is a place where people and ideas come together, threaded by the human condition and shared values to create new and enduring possibilities.
Our vision
“Our vision is bold: We envision a future where all communities are supported to rebuild, heal, and thrive together and contribute to a harmonious and inclusive society.—breaking cycles of inequality and shaping sustainable futures.”
Our long-term vision is to build a resilient, self-sustaining community where education, economic progress, and equity serve as the cornerstones of community building. By prioritising these elements, we aim to create a dynamic environment that adapts to the evolving needs of the community, ensuring lasting social cohesion and opportunity. We are committed to inclusive collaboration and open dialogue to support this vision.
Our mission
Our mission is to build connected and sustainable communities by creating educational, economic, and social opportunities.
Through inclusive collaboration and long-term transformation, we enable marginalised communities to strengthen their foundations, and build vibrant, thriving futures together.
Organisation Overview
Nūl is currently a start-up registered under the interim name Nul Project Incorporated (ABN 137 485 291 67) in Australia, operating as a not-for-profit organisation with the charitable purpose:
“To support community-led social, economic, and educational initiatives for Sri Lankan communities, with a focus on sustainable development and social inclusion.”
The organisation is currently governed by a committee of six office bearers. We are further in the process of formalising our structure in Australia as a charity registered as a company limited by guarantee, with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
In Sri Lanka, we are in the process of registering Nūl as a Board of Investment (BOI) company, with the aim of serving and supporting local communities through inclusive and sustainable initiatives. We are also working with a number of values-aligned local and international organisations through auspicing arrangements to strengthen our reach and impact.
Our partners
We have established strategic partnerships with the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka and the Centre for Communication Training in Sri Lanka, as well as with Paper Boats Architects, Relative and Foolscap Studio in Melbourne. In addition, we are currently in dialogue with several local and international organisations and universities to develop further partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
We have set up an open-plan office with a three-bedroom accommodation in Colombo and are in the process of assessing numerous potential sites across the country, each approximately 50 acres in size, for future development.
Founding of Nūl
Nūl was informally founded around a dining table in Belgrave, Melbourne, in January 2024 by desh Balasubramaniam, with the support of advisor Mohan Bhagwandas and volunteer student intern Kaori Paola Ochoa Aoki. Born from a shared commitment to community, justice, and connection, Nūl emerged as a response to the need for inclusive, sustainable, and locally led development in Sri Lanka. The initiative is also supported by desh Balasubramaniam’s postgraduate thesis at Victoria University—further grounding its work in research, reflection, and community-centred practice.
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Nūl is sustained by a committed team of volunteers—comprising professionals, and university students—who bring their skills, passion, and purpose to help shape the organisation’s vision. Working across Melbourne and Sri Lanka, this diverse group stands united by a shared commitment to social change, lending their time and expertise to build Nūl’s mission with integrity, creativity, and heart.
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Nūl is currently a start-up registered in Australia under the interim name Nul Project Incorporated (ABN 137 485 291 67), operating as a not-for-profit organisation with a charitable purpose.
The organisation is presently governed by a committee of six office bearers:
desh Balasubramaniam
Manju Balasubramaniam
Sri Rangan Muhunthan
Athavan Ravindran
Bawan Ravindran
Santhan Soma
We are in the process of formalising our structure in Australia as a charity registered as a company limited by guarantee, with the intention of securing Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
In Sri Lanka, we are also in the process of registering Nūl as a Board of Investment (BOI) company. This will enable us to better serve and support local communities through inclusive, sustainable initiatives.
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We are supported by a dedicated team of advisors based in both Sri Lanka and Melbourne, whose deep local knowledge, lived experience, and professional expertise are instrumental in bringing Nūl to life. With backgrounds spanning community building, education, social work, peacebuilding, architecture, and design, they offer invaluable insight, cultural knowledge, and strategic guidance. Their presence ensures that Nūl remains grounded, thoughtful, and responsive—bridging communities, shaping possibilities, and guiding our vision with care, humility, and unwavering commitment.
Our Advisory Team
We are supported by a dedicated team of advisors based in both Sri Lanka and Melbourne, whose deep local knowledge, lived experience, and professional expertise are instrumental in bringing Nūl to life. With backgrounds spanning community building, education, social work, peacebuilding, architecture, and design, they offer invaluable insight, cultural knowledge, and strategic guidance. Their presence ensures that Nūl remains grounded, thoughtful, and responsive—bridging communities, shaping possibilities, and guiding our vision with care, humility, and unwavering commitment.
Partners & supporters
