Advisory Consortium

Dr. Jerry Jayawardane

Dr. Jerry has a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology and M.Sc. in Rice Agronomy from the University of Kyoto, Japan. He has significant experience in scientific leadership in natural resource and environmental management, and research and development (R&D), having served Dept. of Agriculture over a period of 33 years in conducting research in rice, fruits, vegetables, and root crops.

During this period, He has served at the regional and national levels as a research officer, deputy director, and director, leading a team of scientists in achieving national food production targets. Additionally, He has 14 years of experience serving the plantation sector of agriculture, covering Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Oil Palm, and Sugar in Sri Lanka.

Prof : Sirimevan Widyasekara

Prof. Sirimevan Widyasekera is a seasoned academic and technology expert who has dedicated his career to shaping Sri Lanka’s ICT and media landscape. With a deep passion for education and innovation, he has held key leadership roles, including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of ICT and Media at SAITM and contributing to academia at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU).

His journey blends academic excellence with real-world impact—whether as a consultant for leading organizations, a mentor to aspiring professionals, or an advocate for open-source geospatial technologies. Prof. Widyasekera’s commitment to integrating ICT into education and industry has made him a respected thought leader. Beyond titles and credentials, he is known for his unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation, believing that true progress comes from sharing knowledge and fostering innovation.

Peng: Upul Kumara

Kumara is an accomplished International Engineer with over 27 years of experience in engineering project management, site and shipyard operations, and inspection services. He has worked extensively across Sri Lanka, Africa, the Middle East, and the Maldives. He specializes in the design, installation, and management of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. His expertise includes LPG storage tanks, petroleum storage tanks compliant with API 650 and API 653, water and wastewater treatment systems, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical installations.

Kumara is highly proficient in quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) functions. He has in-depth knowledge of international standards, including ASME Section VIII, ASME IX, and API 650/653. He is experienced in the technical review of contractor designs, welding, and fabrication works. He also specializes in project engineering for oil and LPG terminals, gas pipeline contract administration, and project execution in accordance with FIDIC guidelines.

Cnslt: Mahendra Jayalath

Mahendra Jayalath is a sustainable infrastructure development consultant and a green building specialist with over twenty-five years of project management experience, working on a wide range of tasks related to MEP system development, project financing and third-party certification.

Mahendra has a Bachelor’s (Hon) degree in Electrical Engineering and a postgraduate on Utility Demand-side Management. He is a LEED-accredited professional of the United States Green Building Council and a Green Accredited Professional and executive director of Sri Lanka Green Building Council. Mahendra is a certified chartered engineer and a fellow of both the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka and Institution of Engineering and Technology, UK.

Presently, he is the Chief Executive Officer of EnergySolve International (Pvt) Ltd and EnergySolve Engineering (Pvt) Ltd., leading organizations in Green Building certification and development of building services in Asia.

Dr. Akila Dalpathadu

Dr. Akila Dalpathadu is a seasoned expert in plantation management, manufacturing, and sustainability with over 25 years of experience. He holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya and an M.Sc. in Management from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura. A Fellow of the Institute of Plantation Management, his specialization is in plant extracts. He is a certified lead auditor in quality, food safety, and environmental management systems and an accredited auditor/trainer for the Sustainable Agriculture Network (Rainforest Alliance).

Dr. Dalpathadu spent 14 years at Kelani Valley Plantations as Manager of Corporate Sustainability, where he upgraded several tea and rubber factories to international standards. He then served 9 years as Deputy General Manager at Martin Bauer-Hayleys (Pvt) Ltd., overseeing instant tea production. At STAY Naturals (Pvt) Ltd., he led the manufacturing of essential oils, oleoresins, and nutraceuticals from indigenous plants. Currently, he is the General Manager of Manufacturing at Power Hands Plantation (Pvt) Ltd., driving sustainable innovations to uplift Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector and rural economy.

Cnslt: Rajeev Kaushalya Alptiarachchi

Rajeev Kaushalya Alptiarachchi is a Chartered Electrical Engineer and Renewable Energy Specialist with over 15 years of experience in power systems, project management, and electrical consultancy across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Myanmar. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Amithi Power Consultants (Pvt) Ltd and is a Director of Operations at Ried International Trading Associates (Pvt) Ltd. Rajeev holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Peradeniya and a Post Graduate Diploma in Electrical Installations from the University of Moratuwa. He is a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (C.Eng., MIE(SL)), and is certified in green building and thermal imaging.

His portfolio includes leading roles in major renewable energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Mannar Wind Power Plant, 150 MW Solar Park in Hambantota, and multiple large-scale diesel power plants. Rajeev’s expertise spans power system analysis, regulatory consultancy, substation design, earthing systems, and implementing safety and technical management programs for electricity licensees. Known for his technical excellence and leadership, Rajeev continues to drive innovation and sustainable solutions in the energy sector.