Sedillagae Don Danushka Warnapura Wickramarathna
Alfredon,Australia
Summary
Results-driven environmental specialist with over 18 years of leadership experience in sustainable development, environmental compliance, and climate adaptation across the country. Adept at guiding cross-functional teams through multimillion-dollar infrastructure and conservation projects funded by the World Bank, ADB, and IFAD. In strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, GIS-based decision-making, and regulatory compliance. A proven change agent with a PhD in Environmental Management, and a passion for biodiversity, green innovation, and community empowerment.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales and Marketing Manager
SUKHI GROUPS PTY LTD
Sunshine West, Australia
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Developed and executed sales strategies to drive business growth and market expansion.
- Managed client relationships and coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve operational targets.
Head of Environmental Management, Climate, Business Development & Geospatial Engineering
Central Engineering Services Limited (CESL)
Colombo
11.2023 - 03.2025
- Strategic Leadership: Directed environmental management divisions across 72+ infrastructure projects, (20Mn $) ensuring compliance with national regulations (CEA) and international standards (World Bank/IFAD).
- Key Achievements:
- Spearheaded EIAs for eight large-scale projects (e.g., highways, dams), reducing ecological risks by 40% through innovative mitigation designs.
- Developed CESL’s first Climate Resilience Framework, integrating GIS-based vulnerability mapping for coastal zone projects.
- Led a $2M business development initiative for green construction technologies, securing three new contracts with UNDP and private sector partners.
- Established an in-house Geospatial Engineering Unit, cutting survey costs by 25% through drone/UAV applications.
- Team Management: Supervised 35+ professionals (environmental scientists, GIS analysts, engineers, QSs, and others).
Natural Resources Management & Environmental Expert Consultant
Smallholder Agribusiness Resilience Project (SARP), Ministry of Agriculture
Colombo
05.2023 - 11.2023
- Developed training modules on soil conservation and agroforestry for over 2,500 smallholders in drought-prone areas.
- Conducted watershed management studies utilizing hydrological modeling tools, including SWAT.
- Designed educational programs targeting sustainable agricultural practices for smallholder farmers.
- Implemented strategies to enhance soil conservation techniques among local communities.
- Utilized SWAT modeling to analyze watershed dynamics and improve resource management.
- Facilitated workshops on agroforestry to promote biodiversity and resilience in farming systems.
- Collaborated with local stakeholders to assess training impacts on farming productivity.
- Evaluated effectiveness of training initiatives through feedback from participating smallholders.
Project Manager
Ecosystem Conservation & Management Project (ESCAMP), Ministry of Forest and Wildlife
Colombo
04.2019 - 05.2023
- Managed a $15M budget for biodiversity conservation in the Knuckles and Sinharaja reserves.
- Pioneered community-based ecotourism programs, boosting local incomes by 35%.
- Oversaw implementation of initiatives funded by World Bank, totaling $50M.
- Developed partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance program sustainability.
Environmental Scientist & Specialist – Moragolla Hydro-power Project
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)
Kandy
05.2016 - 01.2019
- Reduced downstream ecological impacts through design support for Sri Lanka's first fish ladder
- Evaluated existing environmental policies for effectiveness and recommend changes as needed.
- Developed plans for restoring damaged habitats due to human activity or natural disasters.
- Performed field studies to assess the potential impacts of land development activities on natural resources.
- Conducted research on the impact of different pollutants on air, water, and soil quality.
- Investigated complaints of violations of environmental laws and regulations.
- Developed and implemented environmental management systems to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Conducted public outreach programs to educate communities about current environmental issues.
Environmental Officer - Moragahakanda Dam Development Project
Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka
Colombo
06.2014 - 05.2016
- Ensured compliance with environmental regulations for $250 million China and Sri Lanka project.
- Developed corrective action plans to address non-compliance with regulations and policies.
Regional Environmental Officer
Gamidiriya – Economic Development Ministry
01.2010 - 06.2014
- Ensure Environmental Compliance for all Community Development projects within World Bank funded initiative totaling 100Mn USD
Education
PhD - Environmental Management
University of Cambodia
01.2022
Diploma - Landscape Management
ACTA
01.2018
M.Phil - Environmental Science
University of Peradeniya
01.2010
B.Sc. Special Degree - Botany
University of Ruhuna
Matara, Sri Lanka01.2006
Diploma - Computer Sciences
MIBM Computer College
01.2005
GCE A/L -
01.1998
GCE O/L -
01.1994
Skills
- Environmental impact assessments and audits
- Climate change strategies
- Geospatial analysis and GIS applications
- Waste and water management
- Donor project coordination
- Construction compliance
- Biodiversity planning
- Stakeholder engagement and capacity building
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- ArcGIS expertise
- ISO 14001 certification
- ISO 9001 certification
- ISO 45001 certification
Languages
English
Full Professional
Tamil
Elementary
Hindi
Limited
Sinhala
Native/ Bilingual
Publications
International:
- Water treatment through phyto-remediation technique for Cd and As ions at Viranagama Water Project
- Seed availability as a limiting factor for the succession in degraded grasslands in the Knuckles Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
National:
- The effect of some biotic and abiotic factors on the establishment of Macaranga indica in grasslands at the Knuckles Conservation Area
- Post-establishment barriers faced by four native tree species on degraded man-made grasslands in Knuckles, Sri Lanka
- Effect of some biotic and abiotic factors on tree seedling emergence in degraded grasslands in Knuckles, Sri Lanka
- Preliminary study on the distribution of Austroeupatorium inulifolium in the Knuckles Conservation Area
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sales and Marketing Manager
SUKHI GROUPS PTY LTD
12.2024 - 05.2025
Head of Environmental Management, Climate, Business Development & Geospatial Engineering
Central Engineering Services Limited (CESL)
11.2023 - 03.2025
Natural Resources Management & Environmental Expert Consultant
Smallholder Agribusiness Resilience Project (SARP), Ministry of Agriculture
05.2023 - 11.2023
Project Manager
Ecosystem Conservation & Management Project (ESCAMP), Ministry of Forest and Wildlife
04.2019 - 05.2023
Environmental Scientist & Specialist – Moragolla Hydro-power Project
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)
05.2016 - 01.2019
Environmental Officer - Moragahakanda Dam Development Project
Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka
06.2014 - 05.2016
Regional Environmental Officer
Gamidiriya – Economic Development Ministry
01.2010 - 06.2014
PhD - Environmental Management
University of Cambodia
Diploma - Landscape Management
ACTA
M.Phil - Environmental Science
University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. Special Degree - Botany
University of Ruhuna
Diploma - Computer Sciences
MIBM Computer College
GCE A/L -
GCE O/L -
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