Alumnus Profile: Asantha Sumanarathna
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Degree: MEngSc (1995)
Current Position: Director of Ministry of Science and Technology's Gamma Irradiation Project, Sri Lanka
A GROUNDBREAKING project is set to boost Sri Lankan export industries by sterilising local products such as foods, spices, and medical items.
Engineering alumnus Asantha Sumanarathna has landed the job of directing the Sri Lankan Ministry of Science and Technology’s first Gamma Irradiation Project, providing critical decontamination services to local businesses. Mr Sumanarathna shares his story of success.
An exciting career opportunity
"I was a student at Melbourne University funded under AusAid, the Australian Government’s aid program to Sri Lanka. Soon after my return to the country after graduation, I was made the head of the Engineering Division of the Industrial Development Board of Sri Lanka. Then I became the Deputy General Manager of State Engineering Corporation of Sri Lanka. Currently I am giving leadership to a nationally important project to set up a gamma irradiation facility, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. The Gamma Irradiation facility will provide sterilisation services to small and medium scale entrepreneurs to enhance the quality of local products."
What is Gamma Irradiation and how is it useful?
Gamma Irradiation is a sterilisation technique used on more than 45 percent of medical products globally. It is also widely used on food products. One of the major advantages of this technology is that is has the capability of sterilising even after packaging, which prevents recontamination. This sterilisation method does not leave any residues and is not energy intensive. The new facility is expected to boost the local export market for latex gloves, which are currently exported un-sterilised. They are expected to quadruple in value if sterilised with Gamma Irradiation and exported as sterile surgical gloves.
Looking forward to the future...
"Having observed the progress I have achieved in this irradiator project the Ministry officials have requested me to take over another project that belongs to the Industrial Techonology Institute, which under the same ministry is to set up a Modern Research and Development Centre spreading over 10 acres of land in a Colombo outer suburb."
Reflections of Melbourne
"Apart from the theoretical and technological knowledge I gathered during the course of studies at Melbourne, the modern management skills training I improved my leadership skills which helped me rise to the senior management position I am holding today. I always remember the lovely time we had in Melbourne. I was the overseas student officer of the post graduate student association and vice president of the Melbourne council for overseas students in 1993. I consider Melbourne Uni the best place to study while having a joyful student life."
