Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Heshan Jayawardane

What are you currently working on ?

I’m currently working on my MPhil regarding the eco-efficiency performance comparison of additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing as an application of life cycle assessment. Eco-efficiency analysis considers the environmental impact and economic impact of manufacturing together to determine a sustainable option to manufacture a given part. This could be used as a decision support tool for the manufacturing industry to select sustainable manufacturing options in a life cycle perspective.

I also worked on remanufacturing as an end-of-life product recovery system with a business model to be implemented in Sri Lanka.

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

The manufacturing industry has caused resource scarcity and environmental degradation. I firmly believe innovative sustainable manufacturing strategies should be introduced to reduce economic, environmental, and social impact in all stages of the product life cycle.

What is the name of your current institute?

Sustainable Engineering Group, Curtin University.

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

I find my inspiration from the current crisis of climate change and global warming that results in wildfires, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. I believe we are in a climate emergency and we need to focus our resources to mitigate the adverse outcomes and drive positive change.

Can you share with us some of your publications?

Yes, you can find it by clicking this URL.

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

I was part of TeamSHARK from the University of Moratuwa, to compete in the IMechE Formula Student UK 2018 competition by designing, building, and racing a formula student race car. We focused on key sustainable manufacturing strategies such as eco-design for weight reduction, additively manufactured parts, and fiber composites.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

I encourage students to become researchers by developing self-motivation to conduct independent research with minimal supervision and thirst for knowledge to continuously push the boundaries of what is possible.

What motivated you to be a researcher?

I always dreamed of becoming a formula one engineer. But after joining the University of Moratuwa to become a mechanical engineer, I understood the gravity of the impact caused by manufacturing. I was fortunate to be supervised and mentored by Dr J. R. Gamage in my final year research project to work on remanufacturing which eventually paved the way to become a researcher in sustainable engineering.

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

I will contribute to academics and research in Sri Lanka in every chance I get.

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?

The Sri Lankan education system needs to facilitate more research practice. Recognize research as an essential step towards building an informed generation. Also importantly the Sri Lankan education system needs to enforce standards and practices that maintain integrity in research.