University Grants Commission - Sri Lanka

Senior Professor K.L.Wasantha Kumara

Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara is a distinguished academic and researcher who currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka. With a career spanning several decades, his work has significantly shaped the fields of agricultural science, higher education, and institutional development both in Sri Lanka and internationally. As a Senior Professor in Plant Pathology at the University of Ruhuna, he has made notable contributions to research, teaching, and academic leadership.

Born on August 31, 1966, Professor Wasantha embarked on an academic journey that would define his career and legacy. After completing his secondary education at Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda, he went on to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours) degree program at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna in 1987 and was awarded the degree in 1993 becoming the top of the batch. Prof. Wasantha began his career as a lecturer at the University of Ruhuna in 1994 and earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, India, in 2004. His postgraduate education also includes an M.Sc. in Plant Protection from the University of Peradeniya. These formative years laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in plant pathology and agricultural innovation.

Throughout his career, Professor Wasantha has held numerous leadership roles. He has served as the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ruhuna, Head of the Department of Agricultural Biology, and the Director of the Centre for International Affairs (CINTA), fostering global collaborations in education and research. His academic reach extends beyond Sri Lanka, with positions such as Visiting Scholar at the National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Melbourne in Australia under the prestigious Endeavour Research Fellowship.

His research is characterized by its practical applications and innovative spirit. Professor Wasantha has made significant advancements in the fields of plant pathology and mushroom cultivation. His academic and research career now spans over 30 years, training several PhD (local and abroad) and MPhil students in addition to supervising number of master’s level students and undergraduate students. He has large number of publications published in peer-reviewed journals, the majority of which, he is the first, corresponding, or lead author.

His extensive body of work includes co-authoring books on plant diseases and pests, such as Major Diseases of Tea and Pests and Diseases of Cinnamon, as well as writing practical guides for farmers and students on mushroom production. He was the former Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of “Tropical Agriculture Research & Extension” (TARE) published by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna.

In addition to his scholarly work, Professor Wasantha has led numerous development projects. He has been instrumental in securing funding for research initiatives supported by international organizations such as the European Union. His worldwide collaborations include scientists from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Norway, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the Netherlands, UK, and USA.

Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Wasantha has dedicated himself to public service. Since 2005, he has actively worked to popularize mushroom cultivation in Sri Lanka, empowering farmers and improving livelihoods, particularly in the Southern Province. He is one of Sri Lanka's foremost mushroom researchers and works closely with growers in the Southern Province to promote mushroom production. He has also contributed his expertise to national policy-making as a member of national level committees such as addressing climate change adaptation, agricultural practices, and sustainable development.

His contributions have been widely recognized through numerous awards and accolades. These include the Australian Alumni Excellence Award in 2015, various best presenter awards at national/international conferences, and recognition for his inventive work on mushroom-related activities at the national level competitions. His ability to bridge the gap between research and practical application has earned him a reputation as an innovator and problem solver in the agricultural sector.

As the Vice Chairman of the UGC, Professor Kumara is committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s higher education system. He envisions a future where universities are globally competitive, inclusive, and driven by innovation. His leadership is marked by a focus on sustainability, collaboration, and the empowerment of young scholars, ensuring that education continues to play a transformative role in society.

Professor K.L. Wasantha Kumara’s career reflects a deep dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and its application for the betterment of the society. His contributions to agriculture, education, and public service stand as a testament to his vision and commitment to creating a brighter future for Sri Lanka and beyond.