Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Lebunu Hewage Udara Willhelm Abeydeera

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

Sustainable construction, Green Buildings, Carbon Reduction

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

Global warming is a major concern and construction has been recognized as a major contributor in terms of carbon emissions. Therefore, reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects will reduce the impact and hence pave the pathway for sustainable construction practices.

What is the name of your current institute?

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

Within my self.

Can you share with us some of your publications?

You can get from Link1, Link2, Link3, and Link4.

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

Managing to secure a Ph.D. Scholarship from one of the top universities in the world

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

Always inspire your self. Try to reach the areas which no one has so far explored. Do not rely on anyone else. Just be true to your self and dedicate your self to do something useful for the society at large.

What motivated you to be a researcher?

Researchers can provide valuable input to society by exploring current issues and providing viable solutions. It's an interesting and motivating profession.

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

I will definitely help build research in Sri Lanka. It is an essential requirement and I will be glad to be a part of the development process.

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?

Need to incorporate more skill-based learning. Students should be provided with the opportunity to recognize their skills at a very young age. Then allow them to follow that path to success rather than deciding an entire future on an unskilled but socially recognized profession. In higher education, students should focus more on self-learning and exploring the depths of subjects rather than relying on a spoon-fed study system.