Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Sanath Sameera Wijesinghe

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

Ph.D. in Law (Global health law, intellectual property and tobacco plain packaging)

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

There is an ongoing debate over trademark rights and tobacco control measures in national as well as international levels. There is also a pressing need to make suggestions for a coherent legal framework to harness this debate. This need motivated me to select my current research topic.

What is the name of your current institute?

Queensland University of Technology

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

I was selected as an intern and volunteer to work at the Weeramantry International Centre for Peace Studies and Research (WICPER) when I was studying at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo. There I met Professor Weeramntry, one of the eminent international law scholars in the world and one of the most renounced jurists at the international court of justice. His wisdom and guidance inspired me to take challenges, acquire knowledge and disseminate that knowledge for the common good.

Can you share with us some of your publications?

Sure, you can find them here.

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

Being able to start my PhD research in a short period of my academic carrier.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

A researcher means a person who can change and challenge what we already know or what we like to see. Being a person who challenges the existing knowledge would not be an easy task. You may need courage, absolute faith in yourself, and strong determination to reach your intended destinations. You might not choose to do research looking only for money and the achievements of your carrier.

What motivated you to be a researcher?

I have been motivated by two factors to be a researcher. First, my childhood dream to be an academic. Second, the inspiration which I got from Professor C.G Weeramantry (a former Vice — President of the International Court of Justice).

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

Indeed. I am a result of free education in my country. I am indebted to its people.

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 that the educators, policymakers and relevant stakeholders of the Sri Lankan education system need to be ‘out of box thinkers’.