Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, an esteemed scientist affiliated with the University of Houston and the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, USA, has been appointed as the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Senior Advisor on Science and Technology. The appointment letter was handed over today (22) at the Presidential Secretariat by Dr. Nandaka Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President.
An alumnus of D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, Professor Udugamasooriya holds a specialized degree in Chemistry from the University of Colombo, a Ph.D. from Wayne State University, USA, and has completed postdoctoral research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He also holds several patents, reflecting his significant contributions to science and innovation.
Responding to an invitation from Mr Anura Kumara, the leader of NPP, Professor Gomika made the extraordinary decision to relinquish all professional responsibilities in the United States, except his academic role at the University of Houston, to serve Sri Lanka voluntarily. This selfless act demonstrates his unwavering commitment to advancing science and technology for the nation’s benefit.
Prof. Gomika, who previously led a team of over 50 local and international science stakeholders to develop a comprehensive R&D policy framework for Sri Lanka, brings his vast expertise to this honorary role. His appointment comes following President Anura’s election victory and signals a strong focus on leveraging science and technology for national development.
The Sri Lankan Scientist Magazine has had a long association with Prof. Gomika, who received a copy from Managing Editor Dilip Fernando during an event at IBMBB, University of Colombo in 2016. In their recent meeting, they discussed future potential collaborations on science communication, fostering science entrepreneurship, and improving research regulations.
This significant appointment underlines the government’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s scientific landscape and engaging its global scientific diaspora.
