Our Team

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Thilina Weerasekera

HEAD OF JOHN KEELLS RESEARCH

Chamali

Chamali Malaarachchi

Assistant Manager - Research Scientist

Having specialized in chemistry with an MSc in Nanotechnology (reading) and many years of experience in R&D, Chamali coordinates and manages the research conducted at the chemistry lab of JKR. She is responsible for linking the projects related to nanotechnology, nanocomposites, graphene-related materials and energy storage with the business team.

Lakna

Lakna Wijesinghe

Senior Executive - Research Scientist

While reading for her MSc. in Food Science and Technology with a background in Biotechnology, Lakna’s projects are at the Bio lab of JKR where she diligently focuses on innovations related to plant tissue culture, microbiology, molecular biology, and food science.

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Akitha Ekanayaka

Executive - Research Engineer

With a background in Mechanical Engineering and having specialized in Mechatronic Engineering, Akitha’s contribution is at the Makerspace lab where he is engaged in the development of energy harvesting technologies, designing of mechanical systems and electronic circuits.

Shehani

Shehani Efrem

Executive - Research Scientist

With a firm background in biotechnology, Shehani contributes to the developments in the Biology lab of JKR where her meticulous work is focused on plant tissue culture, microbiology and molecular biology, food science and biotechnology.

Madhushani

Kumudu Madhushani

Executive - Research Engineer

With a background in Materials Science Engineering and Entrepreneurship, Madhushani is based at the chemistry lab where her research centres on rubber and latex compositions. Her interests include sustainable research and product development and material chemistry.

Prathibha

Lakshani Prathibha

Executive - Research Scientist

Having specialized in chemistry with an MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry (reading), Prathibha works on novel optimization methods for graphene oxide in the chemistry lab of JKR. She is also interested in research related to polymer science, bio gas and organic fertilizer.

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Kavindya Thilakarathna

Executive – Research Scientist 

Joining our chemistry team with a background in Science and Technology with a specialization in materials and working on nanotechnology, nano-enabled cosmetics and nanocomposites. She also engages in multitude of extra-curricular activities which includes photography, travelling, taekwondo music and a devoted Zoophilitst. 

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Sanduni Gunaratne

Executive – Research Engineer

One of the latest additions to our Makerspace team with a background in engineering with BSc (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Her research areas include Electronic and automated systems, control systems and IOT with expertise in machine learning, programming and renewable power. 

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Danuka Kushan

Executive – Research Engineer

Another latest addition to our Makerspace team with a background in engineering with BSc Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineering. His research areas include mechatronic systems, embedded designs and IOT with expertise in robotics and system automation. 

Nethmi

Nethmi Senerath

Executive – Research Scientist

Recent addition to our Bio team with a background in engineering with BSc (Hons) Agricultural Technology and Management specialized in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Her research areas at JKR include microbiology and molecular biology with interest in food science and agriculture as well. Her leisure time activities include travelling, music, blog writing & a foodie.