Meet Sri Lankan Researcher- Biyanka Ekanayake

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

My Ph.D. research focuses on increasing automation in the progress measurement process of the interior construction environment of building projects. I’m working on imaging technology and machine learning algorithms to improve onsite intelligent progress measurement platforms, which will in turn help in minimizing cost and schedule discrepancies.

My MSc (by Research) was focused on the application of the Value Management technique in refurbishment projects. I developed a framework tailored for hotel refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka to assist the construction professionals in enhancing value in their projects.

You can find my publication work here.

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

I participated in a Webinar on intelligent onsite progress measurement applications in the USA and became passionate and curious right away about the on-going research and industry applications. I wanted to explore more and research on the avenues to increase automation with state-of-the-art technologies. Around the same time, University of Technology Sydney (UTS ) offered a Ph.D. scholarship to a project, which was in line with my interests.

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

Since I’m engaged in construction industry-related research, I like to believe that I can contribute (even in a small capacity) to the betterment of the construction industry through my research work.

What’s one of your biggest personal achievements so far?

Winning the Ph.D. Scholarship from the UTS, which is one of the best technical universities in Australia.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

I consider myself to be a budding researcher too. For me, there are two most important lessons.

The first is “grow through what you go through” because you will encounter many challenges that will shape you up. And the other lesson is “‘you rise by lifting others” because this is not a journey that you take alone. You will meet incredible friends, mentees, mentors, etc and you will learn so many things while working together and helping out each other.

What motivated you to be a researcher?

I have a curious mind to explore new things and a passion to disseminate knowledge.

If there is a chance, will you help build research in Sri Lanka?

Definitely. I received the fullest support and guidance to become a researcher. I will do the same for future researchers.

According to your opinion, what are the changes that the Sri Lankan education system needs to do, in order to meet the requirement of the international industry and academia?

I think a major revision in the university curriculum is needed to increase industry collaborations and field experimentation because we lack the practical exposure to many of the concepts, theories that we learn in the classroom. The collaborations with international universities through exchange student programs, research projects can help in disseminating knowledge on state-of-the-art technologies in use.