Prof. R.P. Gunawardane is a distinguished Sri Lankan academic, researcher, and administrator, recognized as an Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of Peradeniya. A leading figure in inorganic and solid-state chemistry, particularly in silicate research, he has made substantial contributions to scientific advancement in Sri Lanka.

As the founding Director, Prof. Gunawardane played a pivotal role in the establishment of PGIS in 1996, laying the institutional, academic, and administrative foundations that continue to guide its development. Prior to this, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Science (1994), where he led significant curriculum reforms.

Beyond academia, he has held key national positions, including Past President of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon and Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. He continues to be an influential voice in national policy discussions on higher education reform and university development.

Prof. Kapila Dahanayake is an Emeritus Professor of Geology at the University of Peradeniya and a leading authority in Earth Sciences. Educated at the University of Ceylon and the École de Géologie (ENSG), he has played a central role in advancing geological education and research in Sri Lanka.

His research spans sedimentology, marine and coastal geology, environmental geology, mineral resources, and geological mapping. He has made significant contributions to understanding Sri Lanka’s sedimentary basins, coastal dynamics, and Quaternary geological history.

During his tenure as Director, Prof. Dahanayake strengthened PGIS’s academic programmes and research capacity, fostering international collaboration and postgraduate training in geosciences. His work has supported sustainable development and environmental conservation, while his mentorship has produced a generation of leading geoscientists.

Prof. M.A.K.L. Dissanayake is a globally recognized Sri Lankan scientist and currently serves as Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya. An Emeritus Professor of Physics and Senior Research Professor at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), he is a leading figure in materials science and condensed matter physics.

His research expertise includes solid-state ionics, nanotechnology, polymer electrolytes, and advanced materials for energy storage systems, with significant contributions to rechargeable batteries, solar energy technologies, and electrochemical devices.

Ranked among the top 2% of scientists globally and recognized as the leading scientist in Materials Engineering in Sri Lanka (2023), Prof. Dissanayake has published extensively and supervised numerous postgraduate researchers.

During his directorship, he significantly enhanced research excellence, international collaboration, and advanced scientific training, strengthening PGIS’s global research profile.

Prof. B.S.B. Karunaratne was an Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Peradeniya and a highly respected academic and mentor. A Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Warwick, he conducted notable research in materials science, particularly on the magnetic behavior of doped SiAlONs.

Renowned for his humility, dedication, and leadership, Prof. Karunaratne made significant contributions to teaching, research, and academic administration. During his tenure as Director, he further strengthened the academic and research environment of PGIS, fostering a culture of excellence and mentorship.

His legacy continues through the many students and academics he inspired, and his lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s higher education sector.

Prof. H.M.D. Namal Priyantha is a Senior Professor of Chemistry at the University of Peradeniya, specializing in electrochemistry and environmental chemistry. His research focuses on low-cost electrochemical sensors, industrial effluent treatment, pesticide detection, and environmentally sustainable technologies.

A PhD graduate of the University of Hawaii, he has made extensive contributions to scientific research and postgraduate education. He has also played an active role in national scientific bodies, including the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka.

As Director, Prof. Namal Priyantha promoted applied research, environmental sustainability, and innovation, aligning PGIS research activities with national development priorities.

Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala is a Senior Professor of Geology at the University of Peradeniya with over two decades of academic and research experience. His expertise includes geochemistry, petrology, biogeochemical cycles, industrial minerals, and stable isotope analysis.

His research has addressed critical areas such as groundwater and soil contamination, mineral resource utilization, sediment provenance, and environmental geochemistry. With over 110 journal publications and more than 250 conference presentations, he has made substantial contributions to geoscience research.

During his tenure, PGIS witnessed significant advancements in:

• Internationalization and offshore programme delivery
• Digital transformation (LMS implementation)
• Quality assurance (establishment of IQAC)
• Expansion of interdisciplinary and emerging academic programmes

His leadership has been instrumental in positioning PGIS as a globally engaged and research-intensive postgraduate institute.