Asoka Nalanda Abeygunawardana is a distinguished B.Sc. Engineering graduate from the University of Moratuwa with over four decades of multifaceted leadership and expertise. His career spans 42 years as a political activist and analyst, 40 years as a sustainable development strategist, 37 years in renewable energy and energy sector planning, and 25 years as a participatory strategic planning expert.
He has held several high-profile positions, including:
- Chairman & CEO of the Strategic Enterprise Management Agency (SEMA), Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka
- Adviser to the Minister of Power & Energy and the Minister of Science & Technology
- Executive Director of Energy Forum
- Head of Training Institute at Cargills Ceylon PLC – AAPI
Key Contributions
Across his four-decade career, Asoka has been instrumental in shaping Sri Lanka’s sustainable future through visionary planning and execution. His landmark initiatives include:
- Designing a Strategic Plan for mainstreaming toxin-free regenerative agriculture in Sri Lanka.
- Formulating a National Strategic Plan to achieve 100% renewable energy.
- Developing a transportation plan to increase public transport usage from 38% to 75% within three years, strengthening sustainable mobility.
- Leading the creation of a 5-year National R&D Investment Framework for Sri Lanka.
Legacy & Impact
Asoka’s work reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, political insight, and ethical leadership. His contributions have consistently advanced Sri Lanka’s energy independence, environmental sustainability, and participatory governance, positioning him as a thought leader in both national and global contexts.