Interdisciplinary Session on Synergizing Academia and Industry: Showcasing Innovative Solutions for Upcoming Challenges

Overview

Join us for an inspiring session organized by the National Agency for Public-Private Partnership (NAPPP), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in collaboration with the Centre for Mathematical Modelling, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo and Colombo Science and Technology Cell – University of Colombo, as we explore the transformative power of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and sustainable development.

This session brings together government policymakers, industry leaders, academic experts, and international practitioners to:

Strengthen understanding of PPP frameworks and their role in addressing infrastructure gaps.
Showcase global and local success stories across sectors like transportation, energy, and waste management.
Foster collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to promote innovation-driven, sustainable investment strategies.
Navigate regulatory challenges and explore sustainable financing models for long-term development.

Be part of the conversation that shapes Sri Lanka’s future through collaborative, innovative, and sustainable solutions!

Date : March 5th 2025
Time : 13.00 – 16.00 (IST)
Venue : Auditorium – Student Service center, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo

Agenda

Session 01

13.00 : 13.10 – Welcome Address by Senior Prof. Upul Sonnadara, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
13.10 : 13.20 – Welcome Address by Mr. Ananda Atukorala, Chairman- NAPPP
13.20 : 13.40 – Keynote Speech by Professor Emeritus. K. D. N. Weerasinghe– Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna
13.40 : 14.00 – PPP for Progress: NAPPP’s Journey in Transforming Sri Lanka’s Infrastructure & Economy by Mr. Nandana Gunaratne– Senior Project Officer- National Agency for Public Private Partnership

Session 02

14.00 : 14.15 – Public-Private Partnerships in Action: Best Practices from Sri Lanka & Beyond by Mr. David Baxter – ADB Consultant (Virtual)
14.15 : 14.30 – Powering the Future: How PPPs are Shaping Sri Lanka’s Energy Sector by Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardana– Director General- Corporate Affairs Division – MoF
14.30 : 14.45 – Digitalizing Development: The Role of PPPs in a Smart Sri Lanka by Mr. Udesh Seneviratne – Additional Director General- Dept of Information Technology Mgt. – MoF
14.45 : 14.55 – University Session by Prof. M. N. Kaumal
University of Colombo
14.55 : 15.05 – Tea Break
15.05 : 15.20 – Case Study Metro Colombo Solid Waste Management by Mr. Sarath Bandara (Project Director) & Ms. Shankaja Uggalla (Envt. Specialist), Metro Colombo Solid Waste Management
15.20 : 16.00 – Panel Discussion
- Ms. Anusha Jayatilake – ADB Consultant (Legal)
- Mr. E.A. Rathnaseela – Director General, Department of Public Finance, Ministry of Finance
- Mr. Samantha Thamel – Managing Director, Rancrisp Marketing Pvt Ltd
- Mr. Sampath Mallawarachchi, Senior Consultant, Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration

REsource Persons - NAPPP

Prof. Emeritus K.D.N. Weerasinghe is a distinguished agricultural engineer and agronomist, formerly Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Founder Head of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Ruhuna. With international roles at ORSTOM, France, and ADPC, Bangkok, he has worked in 25+ countries on EU-funded projects in resilience-building and entrepreneurship.

Holding five patents and 200+ research publications, he has received multiple national and international awards, including the National Resilience Award (2014). He was Founder Chairman of the Ruhuna Business Incubator and recently consulted for the World Bank’s Agricultural Sector Modernization Project. Currently, he is Program Coordinator at Horizon Campus and President of the Asia Progress Forum, specializing in agricultural innovations.

Mr. David Baxter is an independent consultant specializing in sustainable Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). He advises global institutions on procurement, planning, and implementation, with a focus on transparency, resilience, and market-tested solutions. As a Senior ESG Advisor to the International Sustainable Resilience Center and a Steering Committee Member of WAPPP, David also contributes to the World Bank, Global Infrastructure Hub, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe. He has supported major initiatives across North America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, helping governments develop ethical practices, leverage resources, and foster private sector collaboration in infrastructure projects.

Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, was the former Secretary of the Ministry of Power & Energy, brings over 21 years of experience in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service. With a strong focus on managing government projects, particularly in the power sector, he has made significant contributions to renewable energy initiatives and policy development.

Dr. Jayawardena holds a Ph.D. and several diplomas, reflecting his expertise in project management and various other fields. Known for his integrity, dedication, and strong work ethic, he currently serves as the Director General of the Corporate Affairs Division at the Ministry of Finance, where he also oversees the National Agency for Public-Private Partnership (NAPPP).

Mr. Udesh I. W. Seneviratne is a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), serving as Additional Director General (Policy & Development) at the Information Technology Management Department (ITMD). He has held key roles such as CEO of the National Agency for Public Private Partnerships (NAPPP) and diplomat in Germany. Mr. Seneviratne is a member of several national boards and holds a Master’s in MIS from Japan, graduating Summa cum Laude. He is also certified in Public Private Partnerships by APMG.

Ms. S. A. Anusha Jayatilake is an experienced legal expert with over 15 years of experience in foreign investment & trade, financial & economic, digital & commercial domains across both public and private sectors. As a trusted advisor, she excels at identifying legal vulnerabilities and crafting ef
fective solutions. Anusha is currently an Independent Legal Consultant, providing expert advice on foreign direct investment and international trade, including consulting for the World Bank.

She also serves as Legal Consultant for Dialog Axiata PLC, managing litigation and intellectual property portfolios. Previously, Anusha served as a Senior State Counsel at the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka for over a decade. She holds an M.A. in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School, Tufts University, and is an Attorney-at-Law.

Mr. Samantha A. Thamel is the Managing Director of Rancrisp Marketing Pvt Ltd, boasting over 20 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s value-added agriculture sector.

He specializes in cultivation, processing, and B2B operations, and has presented Sri Lankan products at trade exhibitions in countries like Japan, the USA, and China.

Mr. Samantha has expanded Rancrisp’s global presence with branded shops in Malaysia and China. His achievements include receiving the SLIM Brand Excellence Award for three consecutive years and the NCE Export Award for six years, reflecting his impactful role in advancing the agricultural industry.

Mr. E. A. Rathnaseela is the Director General of the Department of Public Finance, a role he has held since 2022. With extensive experience in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, he has served in various key positions, including Director/Additional Director General of Public Finance and Director in National Planning.

Mr. Rathnaseela’s career spans departments such as Fiscal Policy, Sri Lanka Customs, and Trade and Investment Policy. He holds an M.A. in Policy Economics from Williams College and has received several awards, including the Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship and the South Asia Region National Procurement Award.

Mr. Sampath Mallawarachchi is a highly qualified development expert and public policy specialist with extensive academic and professional experience. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) (UOR) and multiple postgraduate qualifications, including MAs in International Development (International University of Japan), Economics (UOR), and Sociology (UOR). Additionally, he has earned Postgraduate Diplomas in Conflict Resolution and Peace Preparedness (University of Bradford), Development Studies and Public Policy (OUSL), and Development Planning (UOR), along with Diplomas in Public Management (SLIDA) and Public Procurement & Contract Administration (NILS).

Currently serving as a Senior Consultant at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), he actively promotes Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) by leveraging his practical experience in Sri Lanka, contributing to policy awareness and implementation in the field.

Mr. Sarath Bandara is an accomplished engineering professional with extensive experience in infrastructure development and project management. He currently serves as the Project Director of the Metro Colombo Solid Waste Management Project, overseeing critical waste management initiatives in the region.

He holds a B.Sc. in Engineering from the University of Peradeniya and has a distinguished career spanning multiple sectors, including fisheries, road development, harbor development, and water treatment. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles, including General Manager of Fisheries Harbors, and has contributed to various foreign-funded projects, United Nations (UN) initiatives, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

His expertise in engineering and project execution continues to drive sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

Ms. Shankaja Uggalla is a Chartered Environmental Specialist currently serving in the Metro Colombo Solid Waste Management Project under the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing. She holds a B.Sc. (Special) Hons and a Master’s Degree in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya.
A Chartered Member of the Institute of Environmental Professionals of Sri Lanka, he brings over 18 years of experience in the environmental sector, with expertise in solid waste management and sanitary landfill management in Sri Lanka.