Dr. J. L. Ratnasekera, Senior Lecturer (Grade I) in Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka has been appointed to the Post of Vice Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University by His Excellency the President, for a period of three years with effect from January 28, 2017.
Dr. Ratnasekera has graduated from People’s Friendship University, Moscow, Russia with a honors degree in Chemistry in 1988. Subsequently, in 1993, he has obtained his PhD in Chemistry from the same university. Dr. Ratnasekera has joined Rajarata University of Sri Lanka as a Senior Lecturer in August 1996 and hold that position to date. He has been the Head, Department of Physical Sciences of Rajarata University for a period of three years (1996-1999), and the Dean of Faculty of Applied Sciences for a period of six years (1999-2005). In addition, Dr. Ratnasekera has served in three World Bank funded higher education and school education projects (i.e. IRQUE, HETC and TSEP) in different capacities, such as Consultant on Quality Assurance, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Deputy Project Director and Project Director.
Thus, he has a wide knowledge and hands-on experience on the Sri Lankan higher education and school education systems. His research interests are in the fields of renewable energy sources, environmental chemistry, theoretical chemistry, quality assurance in higher education, science education etc. Dr. Ratnasekera is also well known as a freelance writer for newspapers, author and a translator.