Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Sumali Hewage
Sumali S. Hewage is an experienced Ph.D. Candidate with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. She is skilled in lecturing, management, report writing, teamwork, and data analysis. She is also a strong research professional with a focus in Health Systems & Behavioral Sciences.
What are you currently working on or worked on before?
Previously, I have done research on women’s health, health systems, and lifestyle behaviours.
What encouraged you to pursue this topic?
Actually many people encouraged me to pursue several topics in different ways. At the moment, I want to understand the health-seeking behaviours of the general population and underlying mechanisms to minimize non-communicable disease risks.
What methodology are you using or used for your research?
I use systematic review and mixed methods research, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
Where are you currently based?
I’m currently working in Danone Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, Singapore.
Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?
Well, my inspiration is the need to uncover the reasons and how people would make decisions to improve health in a real-world setting.
What do you hope to achieve with your research?
The final outcome of my research is to find ways to improve the health of the general population.
Can you share with us some of your publications?
Of course. You can find my ResearchGate profile here.
What’s one of your biggest personal achievements so far?
I perceive any achievement as my biggest achievement and I always believe that tomorrow brings more opportunities.
What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?
Success is falling love in the process, not in the outcome! Love your passion and find ways to experience it! Keep going and once in a while take time to admire your own work and achievements.
What motivates you to be a researcher?
I get inspiration from people and the environment around me. I make my own never-ending questions, suggestions, and explanations to motivate me.
What are the barriers you faced in Sri Lanka to become a world-class researcher?
I believe you may have received similar lists. But, let me point to a few barriers such as lack of openness to global research developments; prioritization, facilitation, and mentoring young scholars; engagement with suitable stakeholders; and translation and implementation of impactful research findings to the real-world setting.
How did you overcome them?
Collaborations are very important. In the past, I made collaborations with stakeholders of similar interests and looked for experts who can see the impact of possible outcomes.
How can we all support to build STEM research?
In research, I believe the geographical location and physical presence are not barriers. With technological advancements, we definitely can find ways to engage international researchers to help improve STEM research in Sri Lanka. I am always willing and happy to provide my assistance for effective outcomes.
What are the changes the Sri Lankan education system needs to meet the requirement of high tech industries?
Primarily, aim for a systematic mindset change in young kids and teenagers and appreciate all skills and dreams. We need to minimize unnecessary waste of time, effort and money and understand, discover and channel correct competencies and proficiencies where suitable. In parallel with long-term reforms in the preprimary, primary, secondary and tertiary education curriculum, with the help of experts, we need to introduce different STEM fields to schools and industries. For that, we can carry out talks, seminars, research conferences, etc.
