Director – SRI LANKA GAMMA CENTER

Mr. Kumarawadu Ruwan Chandima De Silva graduated from University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1999, with a Bachelor of Science degree specialized in Chemistry. He joined Atomic Energy Authority (predecessor to the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board) as a Scientific Officer in 2001 and currently holding the position of Director, Sri Lanka Gamma Centre. He is a Chartered Chemist from Institute of Chemistry Ceylon and possesses a Masters in Public Administration & Management from University of Colombo.

During his tenure at SLAEB, he has engaged in research and development focusing on the material development and value addition using ionizing radiation. Notable inventions developed under his leadership includes environmental friendly plant growth promoter/elicitor “CHITOPOWER”, cassava starch based Super Water Absorbent (SWA), cover-pellet plant/seed growing medium using Radiation Vulcanized Natural Rubber Latex (RVNRL) named “AGROWIN” and silver nano hydrogel wound dressing, where CHITOPOWER was awarded first place in the open category under the technical field of environment at the “Sahasak Nimavum – 2014”, national competition and exhibition organized by the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission.

Further, Mr. De Silva served in number of national policy making bodies including the Technical Advisory Committee for Management of Industrial Chemicals (TACMIC at Central Environmental Authority) for implementation of Rotterdam Convention in Sri Lanka and the Committee for development an export procedure for ekanite as a gemstone at Ministry of Industries. Also, he involved in provision of consultancy and technical assistance in identifying radiation compatible raw materials for medical device manufacturing and assessing their performance.

Mr. De Silva continues to lead initiatives that enhance the application of radiation technologies in agriculture, industry, and healthcare, aligning with SLAEB’s mission to promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in Sri Lanka.