Sri Lankan Researcher Wins Best Thesis Award at World Sustainability Forum

Windula Gammanpila, a researcher and attorney from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, earned top international recognition by winning the Best Research Thesis Award at the 12th World Sustainability Forum in Hong Kong.

Held from August 21 to 24, the summit brought together over 500 elite researchers from around the globe to share transformative ideas on sustainable development. Gammanpila represented Sri Lanka and stood out among international peers to secure the prestigious honor for her research paper evaluating sustainable policy frameworks for integrating green energy solutions into the power sector.

Her award winning research paper, titled "A Policy Framework for Sustainably Assessing New Entrants under Green Energy Policy for the Power Sector," addresses crucial policy gaps needed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Windula brings an interdisciplinary background to her research, holding an engineering degree from the Faculty of Engineering - University Of Sri Jayewardenepura and a law degree. She actively balances her roles as an academic researcher and practicing attorney at the Hulftsdorp court complex in Colombo.

Her unique combination of legal expertise and engineering technicality enabled her to draft a policy model that won acclaim from international experts.

Upon returning to Sri Lanka at the Katunayake International Airport, Windula was warmly received for her academic triumph. Her international recognition underscores the capacity of Sri Lankan researchers to address global energy challenges through rigorous, multi disciplinary scholarship.

Her achievement serves as an inspiring reminder that technical innovation, paired with robust legal frameworks, is essential for shaping sustainable power systems worldwide.