Chamila Wijethissa
Gold Coast,Australia
Summary
Strategic and research-driven Sport Management professional with a PhD and over 10 years' experience across sport governance, policy research, higher education, and community sport development. Skilled in data analysis, program evaluation, policy research, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong ability to deliver evidence-based insights and collaborate across government, academic, and sporting organisations. Seeking opportunities to contribute to sport policy, research, governance, community engagement, recreation facility development or program development roles that strengthen inclusive participation and support evidence-based decision making.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Administration Officer / Finance Officer
Special Olympics Australia
05.2026 - Current
- Appointed to the Queensland State Sub-Program Committee to provide administrative coordination and financial management support, contributing to program operations, governance activities, stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of inclusive sporting initiatives across Queensland.
Ad Hoc Committee Member - 'Prioritisation of Research for Sri Lanka - 2026'
Ministry of Sport & Youth Affairs
, Sri Lanka
09.2025 - Current
- Contribute to setting national research and innovation priorities under the forthcoming NRDP and Collaborate with academics, sector experts, and institutions to align research with long-term development goals.
Board Subcommittee Member - Diversity & Inclusion
Netball Queensland
Brisbane
06.2025 - Current
- Advise on D&I strategies, support community outreach to 100+ associations and CALD/underrepresented groups, and collaborate with board members and stakeholders on strategic initiatives and decisions to strengthen inclusive participation and align with organisational governance.
Sport Programs Officer
Australian International Sports Organisation (AUSISO)
Gold Coast
09.2025 - 05.2026
- Plan, deliver, and coordinate inclusive sport and education programs across 50+ Queensland schools, coaching multiple sports to enhance participation, engagement, wellbeing, and ensuring safe, high-quality program delivery.
Research Officer - Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) Project
Roy Morgan Research
Gold Coast
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Conduct 150+ face-to-face field research to collect high-quality, representative data for workforce planning and Uphold ethical standards and data integrity using digital capture tools, consistently meet daily targets.
Researcher in Sport Management
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Australia
11.2018 - 04.2024
- Conducted research on board governance across 70+ Australian State Sporting Organisations, analysing data from 500+ directors and producing evidence-based recommendations to strengthen governance, diversity management, and strategic decision-making.
Lecturer in Sport Management
University of Kelaniya
, Sri Lanka
02.2012 - 01.2024
- Lectured and coordinated undergraduate and postgraduate sport management units, including curriculum development, assessment, and moderation, consistently achieving excellent student feedback and contributing to course quality.
Sessional Lecturer in Management
Trobe University & La Trobe College
Melbourne, Australia
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Delivered undergraduate teaching in Organisational Behaviour and Leadership & Management, developing learning resources and assessments while maintaining strong student engagement and outcomes.
Advisory Committee Member - Sport & Recreation Facilities
Ministry of Sport
, Sri Lanka
10.2014 - 07.2015
- Contributed to facility planning and policy discussions; assisted with solutions and action plans for complex issues.
Assistant Manager - Sport Facilities
Gahakola Landscaping (Pvt) Ltd
Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
11.2011 - 02.2012
- Assisted in planning and developing sport facilities; supported operational readiness and coordination.
National Technical Officer
Athletic Association
Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
01.2011
- Supported the technical delivery of athletic events; ensured standards compliance and resolved technical issues.
Education
PhD - Sport Management
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Australia01.2024
Master of Business (Advanced) - Sport Management
Griffith University
Gold Coast, Australia01.2017
Postgraduate Diploma - Exercise & Sport Science
University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka01.2014
BSc (Hons) - Sport & Recreation Management - First Class Honours
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka01.2011
Certificate of Sports Administration -
National Olympic Committee
Sri Lanka01.2008
Skills
- Project and program management
- Risk management
- Performance monitoring
- Policy research and evaluation
- Evidence-based reporting
- Data analysis and insights
- Executive reporting and governance
- Board advisory services
- Sport Australia-aligned frameworks
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy
- Implementation and stakeholder management
- Program design and delivery
- Event coordination and facilitation
- Communication and public speaking skills
- Training and workshop delivery
Awards
- 2024, Nominee For Nancy Millis Award for PhD Theses of Exceptional Merit, La Trobe University, Melbourne.
- 2015, Won The Trophy for The Best Discipline University in South Asia In 8th South Asian Universities Youth Festival, Sukhadia University, Udaipur In India.
- 2011, Rev: Bamba Randa Siri Sivali Memorial Gold Medal for Highest Marks at The Bachelor of Arts (Special) Degree Examination of The Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
- 2011, Gold Medal For the Best Performances in Sport & Recreation Management At The Bachelor of Arts (Special) Degree Examination, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
- 2007 - 2011, Awarded University Colors for Sport Achievement (Athletics), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Timeline
Administration Officer / Finance Officer
Special Olympics Australia
05.2026 - Current
Ad Hoc Committee Member - 'Prioritisation of Research for Sri Lanka - 2026'
Ministry of Sport & Youth Affairs
09.2025 - Current
Sport Programs Officer
Australian International Sports Organisation (AUSISO)
09.2025 - 05.2026
Board Subcommittee Member - Diversity & Inclusion
Netball Queensland
06.2025 - Current
Research Officer - Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) Project
Roy Morgan Research
06.2025 - 01.2026
Sessional Lecturer in Management
Trobe University & La Trobe College
06.2019 - 06.2020
Researcher in Sport Management
La Trobe University
11.2018 - 04.2024
Advisory Committee Member - Sport & Recreation Facilities
Ministry of Sport
10.2014 - 07.2015
Lecturer in Sport Management
University of Kelaniya
02.2012 - 01.2024
Assistant Manager - Sport Facilities
Gahakola Landscaping (Pvt) Ltd
11.2011 - 02.2012
National Technical Officer
Athletic Association
01.2011
PhD - Sport Management
La Trobe University
Master of Business (Advanced) - Sport Management
Griffith University
Postgraduate Diploma - Exercise & Sport Science
University of Peradeniya
BSc (Hons) - Sport & Recreation Management - First Class Honours
University of Kelaniya
Certificate of Sports Administration -
National Olympic Committee