Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Sachinthana Prabhashini Yatamalagala Pathiranage

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

My current work is based on theoretical research related to the development of quantum optical devices. I am working on the development of theoretical quantum optical models that could be ultimately engaged in the treatment of cancers which one of the major health issues at present. For example, the laser treatment methodologies that are currently involved in the process of treatment of cancers have several concerning drawbacks. Attention is now being drawn towards the development of quantum optical solutions that focus on the problem in hand from the nano-scale to replace conventional lasers thereby helping mitigate most of these issues.

Even though the capabilities of nano-optical solutions have long been foreseen, the area of research still needs enrichment through various theoretical research followed by several experimental research in order for these solutions to be brought into a state where they could be extensively used in treatments. Thus my contribution is in the development of theoretical models that help define various observations made in experimental research while developing novel models that could be put into experiment afresh.

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

I was always passionate about an engineering field that helps provide good quality health care. At the same time, I had the desire to learn and work on an area that has several scientific fascinations yet to be explained to society. The area of research I am now engaged in fulfills both my objectives.

Every day I learn the beauty of physics that I have never thought of or seen before. Therefore, even though I am an engineering graduand, I enjoy learning in an area that is totally new to me which will ultimately help another engineer somewhere else in the world to advance the lives of humankind.

What is the name of your current institute?

Advanced Simulations Laboratory, Monash University, Australia

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

In that incomprehensible feeling of achievement, you get after doing something the society around you assumed you could never do!

Can you share with us some of your publications?

My undergraduate publications can be found here.

At the moment I’m working on the development of a couple of quantum optical models. I will provide the relevant details once they are published.

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

Becoming a first-generation graduate in a field that is still dominated by a majority of males itself is an achievement. Having worked in the industry for nearly 3 years and then coming to a totally new society with a fully-funded scholarship to study in a renowned university pushes it further up. Apart from that, I became a Google Women Tech Maker Scholar for the Asia Pacific Region in 2019.

I’ve been selected as a Research Scholar to attend the prestigious Heidelberg Laureate Forum in 2021 which will be held in Heidelberg, Germany.
None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for my family, my research supervisor, and my colleagues at the Advanced Simulations Laboratory, Monash University.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

Never hesitate to try that daring thing your mind compels you to do just because the wind around you blows against you!

What motivated you to be a researcher?

My never quenching thirst to add something new to my knowledge bank.

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

Of course. I’m more than happy to join hands with you to build an innovative nation.

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?

Well, this topic has been one I always wanted to bring into the discussion. I have had some experience as a Teaching Associate for some time now. I now realize that there are a lot of pros and plus points in the system of education that is provided in Sri Lanka. You are taught for 13 years almost free of charge and you are urged to sit for a very competitive examination at the end again to choose that limited number of people to be further educated freely with more advanced knowledge.

What I notice is despite the competition that is being built inside, there are many who get the practice for research from within this system. And then within the Sri Lankan university education, they are not spoon-fed and the majority learn to get their skill set polished in a way that most of the Sri Lankan university graduates find the best industry and research opportunities outside the country.

This is true for both governments as well as the few private universities offering high standard education. The scarceness of resources itself most of the time brings out the best in those people who are passionate themselves.
In my opinion, the parents shouldn’t be that persuasive as they are currently in our society when it comes to decision making related to their children. As a country, if we could really invest some more in the research sector within the university system as well as outside (schools and freelancers), Sri Lanka has the potential to become a technology and innovation hub.