The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology
Mr. Thilan Wijesinghe is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s business and technology landscape, currently serving as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC). A seasoned professional with a diverse background in finance, investment, and strategic leadership, Mr. Wijesinghe brings a wealth of experience to his role at the helm of the nation’s foremost nanotechnology research institute.
His academic credentials include degrees in Industrial Engineering and Economics from Cornell University, USA, and a degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Fredonia. This strong educational foundation has been a cornerstone of his multifaceted career.
Mr. Wijesinghe has a distinguished track record of leadership in both the public and private sectors. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of TWC (Pvt) Ltd, a corporate finance and investment advisory firm. His career has been marked by several pioneering achievements, including co-founding Asia Capital PLC, which rose to become a leading investment bank in Sri Lanka.
Notably, Mr. Wijesinghe holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever Chairman and Director-General of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in attracting significant foreign direct investment to the country and driving key infrastructure development projects.
His entrepreneurial spirit is further evidenced by his involvement in co-founding and leading several successful ventures across various sectors, including technology, leisure, and real estate. His leadership at SLINTEC is characterized by a strong focus on driving the commercialization of research and fostering innovation to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth. Mr. Wijesinghe is committed to positioning SLINTEC as a global leader in nanotechnology research and development, fostering strategic collaborations, and translating cutting-edge scientific advancements into viable commercial applications.
Professor Ilmi Hewajulige
Chief Executive Officer (Covering)
Professor Ilmi Hewajulige is a distinguished research scientist and executive leader with over 30 years of extensive experience in postharvest biology, food technology, and supply-chain management. Currently serving as the Director General and CEO of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), she brings a wealth of strategic expertise to SLINTEC to drive forward Sri Lanka’s scientific and industrial landscape.
Executive Summary
Throughout her career, Professor Hewajulige has been at the forefront of Research and Development (R&D) in Sri Lanka. She has successfully led multidisciplinary teams of over 350 scientists, engineers, and technologists across diverse sectors, including Biotechnology, Food, Herbal, and Environmental Technologies. Her career is defined by a commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial application, providing critical advisory services to the industry on product development, technology transfer, and quality management.
Professional Experience
Professor Hewajulige’s leadership journey is rooted in a deep technical foundation at the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI):
Director General / CEO – ITI (Current)
Additional Director General (R&D) & Research Professor – 6 years
Director / Senior Director (Food Technology Section) – 6 years
Senior Research Officer – 17 years
Assistant Lecturer – Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
Academic & Research Excellence
A scholar of international standing, Professor Hewajulige has contributed significantly to the global scientific community through over 100 scientific communications and 25+ peer-reviewed papers.
PhD in Postharvest Biology – University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
MPhil in Postharvest Biology & Technology – University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
BSc (Hons) in Agriculture – University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
International Research Fellowships: * University of California, Davis, USA (Mann Lab)
National Food Research Institute (NFRI), Tsukuba, Japan
Awards & National Contributions
In recognition of her impact on science and innovation, she has been honored with over 15 prestigious scientific awards, including:
4 Presidential Awards for Scientific Publications and Patents.
National Science and Technology Award (NASTA) – 2018.
Two National Inventors Awards – 2018 & 2019.
SLCARP Awards for Excellence in Agricultural Research – 2019 & 2021.
Beyond her research, Professor Hewajulige serves on several national advisory committees, playing a pivotal role in shaping national policies and standards for food systems and postharvest technology in Sri Lanka.