University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
What kind of work do you do now?
I’m currently working as a Senior Lecture at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. I have been teaching for both undergraduate and post-graduate students in the faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna for last 6 years. I’m also working as a visiting lecturer at several other universities in Sri Lanka. I’m also currently engaged in different administration activities, projects and collaboration work with different international and local stakeholders of various academic and professional institutes. Moreover, I’m working as an editor and a reviewer in many international journals and international conferences. My primary research interests are environmental science and engineering, with emphases on micro pollutants in urban waters, sustainable water managements, water safety plans and green technology.
What did you learn in Urban Engineering?
I got my Ph.D. from Department of Urban Engineering under the supervision of Dr. F. Nakajima and Prof. H. Furumai in year 2008. For my doctoral degree, I studied “Characterization of organic ligands in urban wastewaters and analysis of heavy metal speciation in water environment”. Upon completing my Ph.D, I also got an opportunity work as a research staff member in the University of Tokyo for 4 years. My experience in the Department of Urban Engineering is always more than just completing a degree program. Getting to know people, networking and participating in various academic and extracurricular activities have shaped my professional carrier. Moreover, the Japanese culture that is very discipline, spirit and respect gave significance influence to my life. Further, strong alumni network that I could build during my study in the Department with which I still keep in touch, is always helpful for my carrier development.
Message to students who wish to enter Urban Engineering.
If you are a person who wants to take challenge in a multicultural and international academic environment and who want to improve their technical skills and see the next level of achievements, then the Department of Urban Engineering is the place for you. The department is more suitable for young students who want to be tough researchers, engineers or academics. You always get the opportunity to be exposed to wide range of cutting edge researches and technology, excellent teachers to learn from. You will always get chance to get to know students from different countries with different cultural background which make you to enhance your network, friendship, professional relationship that will become a very valuable asset for you future carrier. Moreover, student will also get a chance to enhance your social and cultural experiences in Tokyo as well as their academic achievement.