New Directors Appointed to Interdisciplinary Disaster Resilience Research and Response Centre (ID-3RC), Innovation & Startup Incubator and Statistical Unit

The University of Colombo established three key units and appointed Directors to lead these initiatives in line with its strategic priorities in disaster resilience, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. The appointment letters were formally presented by the Vice Chancellor on 16 March 2026 at the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

Professor W S Chandrasekara, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), assumed duties as the Director of the Interdisciplinary Disaster Resilience Research and Response Centre (ID-3RC). Professor Chandrasekara brings extensive academic and research expertise in human resource development and institutional resilience. His leadership is expected to significantly strengthen the Centre’s interdisciplinary approach to disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response, aligning academic research with national and community resilience priorities.

Dr Asanka P. Sayakkara, University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC), assumed duties as the Director of the University of Colombo Innovation & Startup Incubator. Dr Sayakkara is a distinguished academic in computing and digital innovation, with strong engagement in entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions. His appointment marks a strategic step towards strengthening the University’s innovation ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Incubator is expected to expand its role in nurturing startups, promoting industry collaboration, and translating research into impactful commercial and societal applications, thereby contributing to the national innovation landscape.

Dr Rushan Abeygunawardana, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, assumed duties as the Director of the Statistical Unit and his expertise in data analysis, research methodology, and applied statistical modelling will support the enhancement of institutional research, data governance, and evidence-based planning across the University, while the Unit, under his direction, will play a vital role in strengthening data governance, supporting academic and administrative research, and promoting the effective use of statistical evidence in policy and planning.