The University of Moratuwa proudly celebrates the recognition of Prof. (Mrs.) Dileeka Dias and Ms. Vishaka Nanayakkara in the landmark Asian publication Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advancing SDGs in Asia, published by the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) through its Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Committee.
Their inclusion marks a significant achievement for both the University and Sri Lanka. The publication which features 49 women scientists, researchers and leaders from 14 countries across Asia, includes four from Sri Lanka. Significantly, two of the four Sri Lankan women featured are from the University of Moratuwa.
The publication celebrates women in STEM whose work is advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing challenges in areas such as health, education, infrastructure and climate change. It focuses on five SDGs: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
Prof. (Mrs.) Dileeka Dias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UoM and a Senior Professor of the Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering is featured under SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure for her contributions to telecommunications innovation and resilient digital infrastructure. Her work spans telecommunications engineering, intelligent networks, disaster communication, smart infrastructure and emerging communication technologies, bringing together academic research, industry collaboration and public service.
Among her notable contributions is research following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which contributed to the development of the Disaster Early Warning Network (DEWN) through collaboration involving the University of Moratuwa and industry. Designed to rapidly disseminate disaster warnings through mobile networks, DEWN demonstrated the potential of telecommunications research to provide practical solutions for public safety. Her research has also extended to smart metering, intelligent transport systems, industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications and next-generation mobile communications, including an open-source 5G research testbed.
Beyond her research, Prof. (Mrs.) Dias has made an important contribution to strengthening the University's research ecosystem. She helped establish an early industry-sponsored research laboratory at UoM and, as the Founding Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, contributed to strengthening postgraduate research, multidisciplinary collaboration, international doctoral partnerships and research centres. Her commitment to mentoring young engineers and encouraging women's participation in engineering and technology further extends the impact of her academic leadership.
Ms. Vishaka Nanayakkara, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Director of the Centre for Open and Distance Learning of the University of Moratuwa, is featured under SDG 4 – Quality Education for her work on expanding digital education and opportunity through open learning. A computer scientist, educator and academic leader, her work has focused on using technology to widen access to computing and digital education, particularly for learners who may face geographical, economic or other barriers to conventional university education.
A major part of her contribution has been her leadership in open and distance learning at the University of Moratuwa, including open.uom.lk, the University's large-scale open learning platform. Through online courses, open educational resources and flexible learning approaches, the platform has expanded educational opportunities beyond the conventional campus environment. The initiative received first place at the European Conference on e-Learning Awards in 2022 and the ASOCIO Digital Excellence Gold Award in Education Technology in 2024.
Ms. Nanayakkara also contributed to the development and modernisation of the University's Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) programme, providing a flexible pathway into computing education through online and blended learning. Her wider work in digital capacity building and inclusive education demonstrates how technology can broaden participation in higher education, develop digital skills and create new pathways into the technology sector.
The other two Sri Lankan scientists featured are Dr. Nadira Karunaweera of the University of Colombo, recognised for her contributions to neglected tropical disease research and public health under SDG 3, and Professor Emerita Ruchira Cumaranatunga of the University of Ruhuna, recognised for her work in fisheries science, coastal ecology and marine environmental protection under SDG 13. Together, the four showcase Sri Lanka's contribution to STEM and sustainable development across health, education, engineering, technology and the environment.
The distinction is particularly noteworthy given the publication's selection process. Nominees from AASSA member Academies and Societies were evaluated with emphasis on Professional Excellence (30%), Contributions to Advancing the SDGs (40%), and Societal Impact (30%), recognising not only academic achievement but also the translation of knowledge and innovation into meaningful societal outcomes.
The recognition of two University of Moratuwa academics among an inspiring group of STEM leaders from across Asia reflects the University’s contribution to innovations in education, research, technology and sustainable development. It also recognizes the University’s strength in STEM and its evolution into a multidisciplinary academic and research environment.
The University of Moratuwa warmly congratulates Prof. (Mrs.) Dileeka Dias and Ms. Vishaka Nanayakkara on this distinguished recognition, together with the other Sri Lankan scientists featured in the publication.
Download the publication:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19uO0JtRZjzA8DA7hIxQ35vRoGCm0p-5Q/view?usp=drive_link
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