South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC)

Anusha Karunapala

DesignationChief Engineer (Procurement & Material Management)

Current OrganisationNational Transmission Network Service Provider (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka

SARIC Training SAR100

Professional Bio

Ms. Anusha Karunapala is a chief engineer at the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) with 15 years of progressive experience in substation and transmission line projects. Joining CEB in 2010 as a project engineer, she specialized in the construction of 132 kV and 220 kV grid substations, where she honed skills in electrical design, material procurement, and project execution. Over the years she has advanced through technical and managerial roles, taking on increasing responsibility for complex infrastructure projects. In her current role as chief engineer, she oversees procurement and material management for substation and transmission line construction, ensuring timely delivery, quality compliance, and cost-effective sourcing.

Anuththara Ariyarathne

DesignationAssistant Director (Engineering)

SARIC Training Renewable Energy

Professional Bio

Ms. Anuthara is the assistant director at the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA). In her role, she has the privilege of working on transformative projects that are reshaping the approach to renewable energy in Sri Lanka. She is dedicated to aligning her engineering goals with the national energy policy, ensuring continuous investment in sustainable energy solutions for the country. Witnessing the direct impact of this work on local communities has reinforced her commitment to driving positive change through renewable energy.

Balachandran Piratheep

DesignationEngineer

SARIC Training Dam Safety Principles

Professional Bio

Balachandran Piratheep is a Project Engineer with over 12 years of experience in irrigation, water resources, and rural infrastructure development in Sri Lanka, currently serving under the Climate-Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project of the Ministry of Agriculture. His expertise includes integrated water resources management, climate-smart irrigation, engineering design, contract management, and construction supervision, gained through major government-led and foreign-funded projects. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, is currently pursuing an MEng in Environmental and Water Engineering at the University of Peradeniya, and is an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) and a member of the Engineering Council Sri Lanka (ECSL).

Chenuka Perera

Designation Electrical Engineer

SARIC Training SAR100

Professional Bio

Chartered Electrical Engineer with 12+ years of experience in power systems, power generation, renewable energy integration, and energy market development. Currently serving as Chief Engineer – Renewable Energy Projects, supporting BESS deployment, renewable integration, PPA development, and grid modernization within Sri Lanka's National Electricity Market. Experienced in power plant operations, maintenance, commissioning, and system reliability, with research interests in BESS, power system stability, system inertia, and future energy systems.

D. M. Mahesha Thilini Dissanayake

DD

Designation Chief Electrical Engineer

SARIC Training SAR100

Professional Bio

Ms. Mahesha is a chartered electrical engineer with over 15 years of experience in electricity distribution. She began her career as a design engineer attached to Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) of Sri Lanka and then joined the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). In her early years in CEB, she was in power distribution and rural electrification projects, including initiatives funded by ADB, JICA, and AFD. Her responsibilities included technical evaluations, design reviews, procurement, environmental and social assessments, and stakeholder coordination.

Dr. Kasun De Silva

DS

DesignationSenior Lecturer

SARIC Training Dam Safety Principles

Professional Bio

Dr. Kasun De Silva is a senior lecturer at the University of Moratuwa, specializing in civil engineering with a focus on hydraulics and coastal engineering. His expertise lies in river hydraulics, river sedimentation, water resource management, irrigation, and wave energy. This work has yielded innovative solutions that promote sustainable water management and ecosystem preservation. Additionally, he has actively engaged with industry as a hydrologist and drainage engineer, providing valuable consultancy services in water resource management and drainage infrastructure.

Ebethotha Athukoralalage Dulanka Mihiravi Athukorala

EA

DesignationSenior Assistant Secretary

SARIC Training Green Hydrogen Study and Networking Tour

G Z Miskin Gnei Zavia Miskin

DesignationDirector

SARIC Training Women Trailblazers in Logistics

Professional Bio

G. Zavia Miskin is a seasoned maritime and logistics professional with over 25 years of experience at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, currently serving as Director – Logistics. She has held key leadership roles in Operations and Marketing & Business Development and was the first female Director of Port Operations. Her expertise includes container terminal management, warehouse and Container Freight Station operations, commercial strategy, strategic leadership, port administration, and supply chain management.

Galahiti Kankanamalage Shyamalee Karunasekara

DesignationDeputy Director General (Road Asset Management)

SARIC Training Road Asset Management

Professional Bio

Ms. Karunasekera is a civil engineer by profession and works at the Road Asset Management Division of the Road Development Authority (RDA). She has more than 25 years of work experience in the road sector related to different areas such as road construction, design, supervision, quality controlling, planning & budgeting, and specializes in road asset management. She is also the leading person who implemented the Sri Lanka Road Asset Management System (SLRAMS) in the Road Development Authority to reach the smart objectives.

H.G. Luminda Niroshana Gunawardhana

HG

DesignationSenior Lecturer

SARIC Training Dam Safety Principles

Professional Bio

Dr. Luminda Gunawardhana is a senior lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa since 2021. He worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at Tohoku University, Japan (2010-2013), and later as an Assistant Professor, then promoted to Associate Professor (2013-2021), in the Civil and Architectural Engineering Department at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. His research interests include surface and subsurface water interactions, climate change, and extreme event analysis.

Harini Thalagala

DesignationEngineer, Road Asset Management Division

SARIC Training Road Asset Management

Professional Bio

Ms. Harini Thalagala is an experienced civil engineer, with over 10 years of expertise in road infrastructure asset management, project coordination, and detailed design. In her current role in the road asset management division, she leads road infrastructure asset valuation tasks, ensuring the reliability and validity of data through systematic processes. Her work involves close collaboration with various stakeholders to maintain the Sri Lanka Road Asset Management System (SLRAMS) and contribute to strategic planning and training programs.

Kankanamalage Kamal Purodha Perera

DesignationDeputy General Manager (RE Procurement)

SARIC Training Regional Power Markets

Professional Bio

Mr. Kamal had the opportunity to manage and supervise turn-key contracts for underground cable laying works. As a network planning engineer, his main task is to prepare the network plan for the medium voltage and low voltage networks (both 33kV and 400V) systems to cater to the optimum operation.

Kathirgamathamby Vasanthan

DesignationClimate Smart Agriculture Specialist

SARIC Training Dam Safety Principles

Professional Bio

Mr. Vasanthan is interested in integrated water resources management & related resources, climate resilience agriculture and fisheries sector development. He has 19 years of working experience in the government sector with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He joined Care International as a project officer under the Post Tsunami Recovery project in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. He has worked in the Department of Agriculture (Ext) as a Development Officer (Agriculture) for 5 years and Japan International Cooperation Agency as a Fishery Development Specialist. Thereafter he joined Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nation as a Project Officer.

Manathunga Arachchilage Priyanthi Gunasekara

DesignationLegal Officer

SARIC Training Road Safety Management

Moditha Kodikara Arachchi

Current OrganisationNational Water Supply and Drainage Board

SARIC Training Disaster Management

Professional Bio

Mr. Moditha is a groundwater and hydrogeology professional with extensive experience in groundwater exploration, resource assessment, and water supply development in Sri Lanka. His work involves the interpretation of geophysical surveys, groundwater feasibility studies, aquifer evaluation, and the planning and management of groundwater resources for urban and rural water supply schemes.

NGL Dulmini Indrasiri

Designation Chief Engineer (Transmission Line Construction Projects)

SARIC Training SAR100

Professional Bio

Ms. Dulmini Indrasiri has over 17 years of experience at the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), currently leading a team of 75 in transmission line construction projects, including design, procurement, and on-site implementation. She is committed to continuous professional development, having completed CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programs in Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) systems, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) design, Financial Management for Engineers, Microsoft (MS) Project. She is known for her creativity, empathy, and collaborative leadership style.

Nivanthi Renuka Fernando

DesignationDeputy General Manager (Planning & Procurement)

SARIC Training Regional Power Markets

Professional Bio

Ms. N.R. Fernando is a chartered electrical engineer with more than 25 years of experience. Currently she is working at the Lanka Electricity Company, an electricity utility company in Sri Lanka. She has experience with planning, execution, testing and commissioning, monitoring and controlling of LECO electricity distribution system.

Noor Rizna Anees

DesignationAdditional Secretary to the President

Professional Bio

Ms. Anees has around three decades of working experience in various capacities. Before she joined the Presidential Secretariat, she worked at the Ministry of Power and Energy for 3 years commencing in 2020 with three departments coming under the purview of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. She also has experience in executing and implementing projects related to micro, small, and medium enterprises and infrastructure projects especially power and energy projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, etc. in various capacities.

Priyantha Manoj Perera Moragodage

DesignationDirector (Downstream Development)

SARIC Training River Basin Management

Professional Bio

Mr. Priyantha Manoj is a committed professional serving in the public sector, known for his expertise and dedication to administrative excellence. With a strong background in governance and policy implementation, he contributes meaningfully to national development initiatives. His work reflects a deep commitment to integrity, service, and continuous improvement.

Ranatunga Arachchige Indika Irani Ranatunga

RR

DesignationAdditional Secretary (Development)

Professional Bio

Ms. Irani Ranatunga is a seasoned officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and a practicing attorney, with a career spanning over twenty years. She entered the public sector in 2003, following several years of legal practice before the superior courts in Colombo. Her first government appointment was as assistant director (Development) at the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Investment Promotion, where she later advanced to the position of director. In 2023, she was elevated to the role of additional secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms.

Rathuvithanage Don Chandika Yasantha Rathuvithana

RR

DesignationDirector (Consumer Affairs)

Professional Bio

Mr. Rathuvithana has nearly 20 years of experience in infrastructure regulation. He is an economist by academic qualification, also an accredited mediator, having completed certification from the London School of Mediation in the United Kingdom. In his professional role, he is dedicated to protecting consumer interests across regulated industries, including electricity and petroleum.

Roshani Dharmaratne

RD

DesignationDirector (Business Development)

SARIC Training Regional Power Markets

Professional Bio

Ms. Roshani Dharmaratne is responsible for engaging with line ministry secretaries and authorities of government sectors and leading organizations in the private sector to align with their new business plans & future projects. She works closely with key accounts, including construction firms, power markets, financial institutions, and large conglomerates to build close rapport. She engages in negotiating contracts and closing with favorable terms and conditions to the company.

Shantha Jayasinghe

SJ

DesignationDirector Compliance and Reserach

Current OrganisationPublic Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka

Professional Bio

Shantha Jayasinghe has more than 25 years of experience in the public sector, having served in a variety of roles spanning public enterprise reform, research in infrastructure regulation, and public policy education. Since 2010, he has been serving at the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, where he has contributed to the development and regulation of key utility sectors i.e. Electricity and water services. Committed to advancing reforms in critical infrastructure sectors, focusing on promoting efficient, sustainable, and consumer-oriented public services.

Sisil Krishnan Hewagama

DesignationDirector General (Mahaweli Development)

SARIC Training River Basin Management

Professional Bio

Mr. Hewagama initially joined as a young professional to the Public Enterprises Reform Commission of Sri Lanka where he worked for five years. He then joined as a research officer at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka which is the apex body of public policy. After five years of experience in policy research, he moved on to a lecturing position at Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration where he contributed as the course coordinator of induction training for public officers.

Thanuja Fernando

DesignationChief Engineer

Current OrganisationLanka Electricity Company Private Limited

SARIC Training SAR100

Professional Bio

Ms. C.T.J. Fernando is a Chartered Electrical Engineer with more than 14 years of experience. Currently she is working at the Lanka Electricity Company Private Limited, an Electricity Distribution Utility company in Sri Lanka. She has experience with Automated Demand Response, Distribution system automation, HV/LV construction and Regulatory affairs through working in LECO.

Tharshinie Prasanth

DesignationAdditional Secretary

SARIC Training Renewable Energy

Professional Bio

Ms. Tharshinie had the privilege of holding various leadership roles. She has also served as deputy director at the Ministry of Women and Child Development and as assistant secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs. These diverse experiences have allowed her to contribute to shaping and implementing policies that drive development and improve governance in Sri Lanka.

Theja Gayani Jayathilaka

DesignationElectrical Engineer

Current OrganisationNational Transmission Network Service Provider (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka

SARIC Training SAR100

Professional Bio

Eng. Theja Gayani Jayathilaka is an Electrical Engineer at the National Transmission Network Service Provider (NTNSP), Sri Lanka, with experience in electricity transmission, divisional coordination, procurement, asset management, and corporate planning. She has contributed to the establishment and strategic development of NTNSP following the electricity sector restructuring, coordinating Board Procurement Committee (BPC) activities, preparing technical and procurement documentation, and supporting corporate planning initiatives. She has served as a member of several Technical Evaluation Committees (TEC) for transmission projects and has been actively involved in technical evaluations, procurement, and stakeholder coordination. In addition, she has represented Sri Lanka in regional initiatives under the WePOWER network, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration in the power sector. She has served as a member of several Technical Evaluation Committees (TEC) for transmission projects and has been actively involved in technical evaluations, procurement, and stakeholder coordination. In addition, she has represented Sri Lanka in regional initiatives under the WePOWER network, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration in the power sector.

Wigendra Gedara Asanka Dineshan Dharmarathna

WD

DesignationEngineer

SARIC Training Road Safety Management

Professional Bio

Mr. Asanka has a postgraduate diploma in Highway Engineering. He is currently the member of the following bodies - Associate member of the Institute of Engineers of Sri Lanka Associate member of the College of Road Safety in Australia.

Y.A.C.R. Kumara

DesignationChief Engineer

Current OrganisationIrrigation Department

SARIC Training River Basin Management

Professional Bio

Mr. Kumara has 15 years of extensive experience in the water sector, as a civil and environmental engineer specializing in dam safety engineering, irrigation engineering, river basin management, and construction project management. Currently, he serves as the chief engineer for dam safety at the irrigation department in Sri Lanka.