Professor Oscar Kithsiri Dissanayake is one of Sri Lanka's most accomplished engineering academics and public sector leaders, with over three decades of experience in geospatial intelligence, remote sensing, GIS, mining engineering, environmental science, sustainable energy, business administration, computer technology, and law. He currently serves as Professor in the Department of Earth Resources Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, where he contributes to teaching, research, and industry collaboration.
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Dissanayake has successfully led several of Sri Lanka's premier national institutions, driving innovation, policy reform, research excellence, and sustainable development. His expertise spans earth observation, natural resource management, renewable energy, environmental protection, and strategic national planning.
At WHY, he serves as Chief Advisor – Geospatial Intelligence & Natural Resources, providing strategic leadership for geospatial technologies, satellite intelligence, natural resource management, earth observation, environmental sustainability, and research-driven innovation.
Areas of Expertise
- Geospatial Intelligence (GIS)
- Remote Sensing & Earth Observation
- Satellite Data Analytics
- Natural Resource Management
- Mining Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Sustainable Energy
- Climate & Disaster Intelligence
- Renewable Energy Policy
- AI-enabled Geospatial Analytics
- Business Administration
- Engineering Leadership
Professional Highlights
- Professor, Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa
- Former Director General, Geological Survey & Mines Bureau
- Former Chairman, Geological Survey & Mines Bureau
- Former Chairman, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority
- Former Chairman, Sri Lanka Standards Institution
- Former Chairman, National Gem & Jewellery Authority
- Former Head, Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa
Academic Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Electrochemical Engineering – Seoul National University, South Korea
- MBA – University of Colombo
- M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences – Open University of Sri Lanka
- Postgraduate Diploma in Remote Sensing & GIS – Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, India
- LL.B – Buckinghamshire New University, UK
- Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Technology – University of Colombo
- Diploma in Management – Open University of Sri Lanka
- B.Sc. Engineering (Mining & Minerals Engineering) – University of Moratuwa
Key Contributions to WHY
- WHY Geolume Insight
- Satellite Intelligence Platform
- AI-powered Earth Observation
- National Geospatial Data Infrastructure
- Environmental Intelligence Systems
- Mineral & Natural Resource Analytics
- Climate Risk & Disaster Monitoring
- Research & University Collaborations
- Geospatial Innovation Strategy