Punya Wijetunge Kuruwita
New Hartford,NY
Summary
I started as a cub reporter and worked my way unto a Grade II Journalist at Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Then, My interactions were versatile, I got to interview past presidents, politicians, religious leaders and business leaders. I also wrote about social injustice and made a voice for the voiceless.
In the Recent-past I worked for retail and found my hidden talent - selling. A customer observing me at my salesdesk remarked, "If I am gonna stay here too long, You are gonna sell me too !",
I like customer service. Skills through my journalistic career has helped me approach people with ease. I am a people person. I do like writing. I am also a caring individual who loves to take care of the elderly.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
Presbyterian Nursing Home
New Hartford
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Followed directions from supervisors and completed tasks within the appropriate time frame.
- Provided assistance to staff in the daily operations of the organization.
Utica Phoenix
Volunteer Columnist and News Reporter
Utica
04.2022 - 08.2023
- https://uticaphoenix.net/our-asian-neighbor-feature-thoughts-from-my-teal-chair/
- https://uticaphoenix.net/min-htet-win-your-local-oriental-store-a-journey-through-sweat-and-hard-work/
- https://uticaphoenix.net/rain-and-muggy-weather-didnt-keep-crowds-from-attending-the-11th-annual-mediterranean-festival/
- https://uticaphoenix.net/utica-temple-celebrates-cambodian-new-year/
- https://uticaphoenix.net/new-hartford-students-recognized-for-achievements/
Salesperson
Boscov's Department Store
New Hartford
11.2016 - 12.2022
- Counted cash, made change, and stored coupons to keep organized and balanced cash register drawer.
- Arranged merchandise for display to highlight new styles, attract customers, and enhance sales.
- Greeted and assisted customers to foster positive experiences.
- Drove sales of company products and services by meeting with customers using strategic and organized approach.
- Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
Holiday Sales Associate
Macys Department Store
New Hartford
11.2015 - 01.2016
- Opened and closed cash registers by counting money, separating charge slips and balancing drawers.
- Operated cash registers to process payments from customers.
- Greeted customers to determine wants or needs.
- Computed purchases and received and processed cash or credit payment.
Volunteer
New Hartford Public Library
New Hartford
02.2015 - 10.2015
- I wrote about the public library and its events for the PJ Greens Town Crier (monthly).
- I wrote a piece for the Op-Ed page at the Utica Observer-Dispatch about libraries in Oneida County and their events.
Journalist
Daily Mirror. Sri Lanka
Colombo
06.1998 - 01.2005
- https://thuppahis.com/2020/09/24/the-ahikuntika-roaming-gypsies-of-sri-lanka/
- Interviewed sources, contacts and leads to gather information for stories.
- Submitted assignments ahead of deadlines while adhering to editorial guidelines.
- Developed connections with public relations contacts, providing exemplary sources for news stories.
- Met deadlines with reliable, in-depth news coverage.
- Cultivated relationships with sources and key figures in local area to reliably produce top-notch news coverage.
Education
Mid-career Diploma in Investigative Journalism
Sri Lanka Foundation Inst. & FojoKalmer University
Colombo, Sri Lanka 09-2003
High School Diploma -
Sujatha Vidyalaya (PVT) Girl's School
Nugegoda, Sri Lanka12-1995
Some College (No Degree) - Understudy At EOSL Under Britt Hysell
Hamilton College
Clinton, NYSkills
- American Sign Language (ASL) beginner level
- Time management
- Public speaking
- Volunteer coordination
- Friendly and outgoing
- Telephone and email etiquette
- Disability awareness
- Multitasking and organization
Timeline
Volunteer
Presbyterian Nursing Home
10.2023 - 12.2023
Utica Phoenix
Volunteer Columnist and News Reporter
04.2022 - 08.2023
Salesperson
Boscov's Department Store
11.2016 - 12.2022
Holiday Sales Associate
Macys Department Store
11.2015 - 01.2016
Volunteer
New Hartford Public Library
02.2015 - 10.2015
Journalist
Daily Mirror. Sri Lanka
06.1998 - 01.2005
Mid-career Diploma in Investigative Journalism
Sri Lanka Foundation Inst. & FojoKalmer University
High School Diploma -
Sujatha Vidyalaya (PVT) Girl's School
Some College (No Degree) - Understudy At EOSL Under Britt Hysell
Hamilton College
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