The South Asia Sustainability and Security Research Institute (SASSRI) is a multidisciplinary research and policy institute dedicated to advancing sustainable development, regional security, economic resilience, and effective governance across South Asia.
Who We Are
SASSRI aims to promote evidence-based research, foster regional cooperation, and support innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing the region, including climate change, environmental degradation, resource management, socio-economic disparities, and geopolitical tensions.
At SASSRI, we analyze pressing regional issues, publish high-impact research, and engage with governments, academic institutions, international organizations, non-government organizations and private sector to inform policy and drive change. Our work includes organizing conferences, workshops, and training programs to build capacity and encourage dialogue among stakeholders.
Through strategic partnerships and collaborative projects, we develop educational initiatives, advisory services, and risk assessment models that address sustainability, environmental security, disaster risk reduction, and economic stability. We also provide consultancy to public and private sector entities, offering expert guidance on corporate social responsibility, clean energy, and regional security frameworks.
Committed to integrity, innovation, and impact, SASSRI serves as a hub for research, policy development, and knowledge exchange, empowering the region to build a more resilient, secure, and sustainable future.
Vision
A stable, prosperous and well-governed South Asia that safeguards people, nature, and opportunity for generations.
Mission
Mobilize knowledge, partnerships, and innovation to advance sustainability, security, and resilience in South Asia.
Board of Directors
Dinuk Hettiarachchi
FCA, FCMA (SL & UK), FCPA (AUS)
Managing Partner - Nihal Hettiarachchi & Company
Partner - Wijeyeratne & Company
Chairman - RNH Ventures (Pvt) Ltd
Dinuk Hettiarachchi is currently the Managing Partner of Nihal Hettiarachchi & Company, a leading firm of Chartered Accountants, Partner of Wijeyeratne & Company, Chartered Accountants and Chairman of RNH Ventures (Pvt) Ltd, which is a diversified holding company operating in several business sectors with branch operations in Singapore, Australia & UAE. Further, he is a board member at the National Institute of Language Education and Training Sri Lanka. Former board member at the Skills Development Fund Limited & HVA Foods PLC.
Hirantha Goonasekara
BSc (Hons) Business Studies (Manchester
Metropolitan University, UK), MBA
(Long Island University, USA)
Managing Director – NF Pharma & 3DH
Group of Companies
Hirantha Goonesekara is an accomplished business professional with a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. As the Managing Director of NF Pharma & 3DH Group of Companies, he possesses extensive expertise in business administration. With a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Long Island, USA, Hirantha excels in strategic management and leadership.
Dr. Nirmal De Silva
PhD | Multi-award-winning Business
Professional & Entrepreneur
Co-Founder/CEO – Paramount Realty &
Capazity Pvt Ltd
Independent Non-Executive Director – PMF Finance PLC
Board Member – Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Sri Lanka
Dr Nirmal De Silva is a multi-award-winning business professional & entrepreneur with close to two decades of ‘C Level’ experience across the world, where he has provided leadership to a number of Multinational and Fortune 500 companies. Over the last few years his focus has been on Entrepreneurship Development, Strategy Consulting & Start-ups.
Ambassador Saroja Sirisena
Senior Diplomat | Executive Leader |
Strategic
Advisor
Former High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United
Kingdom
(2020–2023)
Ambassador Saroja Sirisena is a distinguished career diplomat whose 26-year tenure is defined by strategic acumen, transformative leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s interests on the global stage.
Air Vice Marshal Waruna Gunawardana (Retd)
Former Deputy Chief of Staff - Sri Lanka Air Force
Officer served in the Sri Lankan Air Force and completed over 36 years of distinguished service and joined the private sector recently after the retirement. Joined the Air Force in 1988 as an Officer cadet and gradually reached the top of the career and held the prestigious appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Air Force in 2023/24.
Rear Admiral TWW Leelarathna (Retd)
USP, psc, MPA, BSC(DS) EE Eng (Hons), CEng
(I), FIE (I), AMIE (SL), AEng (ECSL), JP (Whole Island)
Former Director General Electrical & Electronic Engineering – Sri
Lanka
Navy
Rear Admiral Wasantha Wiraj Leelarathna (Retd), USP, psc, MPA, BSC(DS) EE Eng (Hons), CEng (I), FIE (I), AMIE (SL), AEng (ECSL) a product of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda, Southern Province of Sri Lanka, joined the Sri Lanka Navy on 14th November 1989 as an Officer Cadet in the 07th Intake of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He graduated from Sir John Kotelawala Defence University , Rathmalana, as a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 1991. He followed his Electrical Engineering Specialization Course in INS Valsura, Jamnagar, India and also attended the Naval Command and Staff Course in NCC, Nanjing, China.
Air Commodore Mahasen Herath (Retd)
Former Chief Procurement Officer – Sri Lanka Air Force
Air Commodore (Retired) Mahasen Herath is a seasoned professional with over 34 years of distinguished service in the Sri Lanka Air Force, where he rose through the ranks to hold senior leadership roles in procurement, logistics, human resource management, and operational command. His career reflects a proven record of strategic leadership, governance, and operational excellence in both public sector administration and commercial ventures.