Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Tisal Lakshitha Edirisinghe

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

My research interest is in understanding the dynamic coupling present between multiple soil-embedded structures, such as underground railway tunnels, buildings, and foundations, when they are excited by vibration sources. This work ties under the umbrella of ground-borne vibration. I am currently working with the Dynamics and Vibrations Group (DVRG), Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

I am interested in research that offers numerical modeling challenges because it allows me to improve my programming skills. This is a skill that many consulting companies are looking at in candidates, so it offers an industry path after completing my Ph.D. Vibration dynamics is also more mathematics-heavy compared to other engineering fields, and I enjoy solving mathematical problems.

You can find my publications on google scholar.

Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

My inspiration comes from always being up-to-date on the latest research being published in vibration-related journals and conference papers. There are always new ideas being published on ground-borne vibration, as it is a relevant topic in many institutions, which can hopefully help me solve some of my own research problems.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

• When you are a researcher trying to extend the boundaries of your field, you can often feel that you cannot always come up with a solution or answer. During those times it is often good to take a break and come back with a fresh mindset or to take full advantage of colleagues in your research group to get advice.
• If you can, it is just as important to choose a supervisor who you can trust as a research topic you are passionate about. This becomes important when things become difficult so that they can always challenge and push you to produce work to the best of your ability.

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?

• Reduce the time lost between completing exams and starting the next year of a degree.
• Increase the number of international conferences hosted in Sri Lanka to encourage a wider range of academics to present their research work.
• Provide more courses that offer internationally recognized accreditation, then help students understand the different routes to become accredited.
• Focus on tailoring syllabus that can adapt to the new advances over the past 5–10 years.