Field Records

A professional journey dedicated to primate behaviour, wildlife conservation, and the human–wildlife interface. My work bridges raw field observation with research coordination, from remote field stations in Sri Lanka to graduate research in Finland.

LAB & FIELD

Research Assistant (Summer Position)

Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku

Mar 2024 — Aug 2025
  • lens Supported greenhouse and field research: maintaining plant trials and measuring growth and chlorophyll content.
  • lens Prepared samples for chemical analysis and set up insect traps for field trials.
CONSERVATIONFIELD RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT

Project Coordinator

Leopard Research & Conservation Program, Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka

May 2022 — Jul 2023
  • lens Coordinate six research centres of Multiregional monitoring system for Sri Lankan leopard Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, funding agency and stake holders to meet project objectives.
  • lens Provide training on field data gathering, GIS and spatial analysis for regional researchers.
  • lens Collate data, analysing and report, and article writing.
  • lens Conduct awareness programs for public.
FIELD RESEARCHCONSERVATION

Research Assistant (part-time)

Probe for Nature (Pvt) Ltd

Oct 2020 — Apr 2022
  • lens Habituating primate groups and mapping home ranges of different groups.
  • lens Carrying out vegetation sampling to determine food availability for primates.
  • lens Researching the ecology of endemic primate species and experimenting with methods to mitigate human animal conflict.
  • lens Coordinating a reforestation project to make a wildlife corridor between two fragmented forest areas.
TEACHING

Visiting Lecturer (Guest Lecturer)

University of Sri Jayewardenepura

03 APR 2021
  • lens Delivered a specialized lecture on Sri Lankan serpents for the Certificate Course in Tourism, contributing to interdisciplinary biodiversity education.
CONSERVATIONFIELD RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT

Field Station Manager

Primate Research & Conservation Project, Kaludiyapokuna

Dec 2017 — Apr 2020
  • lens Managed field station operations and coordinated between the station, Rajarata University, Stony Brook University, University of Georgia, and other partners.
  • lens Collected acoustic recordings of grey langurs (Semnopithecus priam) and biological samples for genetics research.
  • lens Contributed to studies on food availability, gut parasites, forest occupancy, and primate behavioral ecology in Sri Lanka's dry zone.
BIODIVERSITY SURVEY

Taxonomic Group Leader

Greentech Environmental Consultants

Jan 2017 — May 2017
  • lens Led the Odonata (dragonfly and damselfly) group for a biodiversity survey of the Kala Oya river basin, covering species identification, mapping, and reporting.
PROJECT COORDINATION

Co-ordinator Assistant

Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Coordination Center, Department of Wildlife Conservation

Aug 2017 — Dec 2017
  • lens Assisted field-based practical sessions for Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (BIOL 3640).
  • lens Assisted DWC officers and community members in marine and coastal conservation and capacity building activities.
  • lens Coordinating meetings and events for the stakeholders.
TEACHING

Visiting Demonstrator (part-time)

Department of Botany, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Mar 2017 - Jun 2017
  • lens Led practical classes and field visits for undergraduate courses in Fundamentals of Ecology.
TEACHING

Temporary Research Assistant (Part-time)

Department of Botany, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Dec 2016 - Sep 2017
  • lens Contributed to a study of Floristic composition in Colombo municipal area and Carbon fixation
TEACHING

Temporary Teaching Assistant

Dalhousie University, Canada

Jul 2016
  • lens Assisted field-based practical sessions for Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (BIOL 3640).
BIODIVERSITY SURVEY

Wildlife Field Biologist

Green-Tech Consultants

May 2016 — Nov 2016
  • lens Conducted field survey to identify species of dragonflies and damselflies in Kala Oya River basin.
  • lens Created maps of the species distribution.
  • lens Identified and reported potential threats and impacts from a proposed development project.