Biography

I am a conservation and sustainability professional, extremely fortunate to have been born and brought up in a global biodiversity hotspot with its own share of opportunities and challenges. My childhood travels across Sri Lanka, Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries and my own family’s mission to live sustainably, inspired a passion within me to study further and work in this field. This led me to pursue a BSc. degree in Environmental Science, Botany and Chemistry at the Bangalore University, and a MSc. degree in Biodiversity, Ecotourism and Environmental Management at the University of Peradeniya. As the first woman from Sri Lanka to earn a LEED Accredited Professional title from the Green Building Certification Institute, USA, I also received a scholarship to the Asia Pacific Leadership Programme at the East-West Center in Hawaii. My career spanning the inter-governmental, non-governmental, academic and private sectors in Sri Lanka and abroad for over 15 years, was integral in identifying the legacy I intend to create. I am now incredibly honoured to join the esteemed community of Gates Cambridge scholars, which will empower me to establish an institution that would facilitate the development of future conservation leaders.

Previous Education

University of Peradeniya Biodiversity Ecotourism Env. M 2017
Bangalore University Env. Science Botany Chemistry 2007

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-m-h-desilva-pandithasekera