A New Era for SLCARP: SLCARP Welcomes Prof Saman Dharmakeerthi as Chairman!

A New Era for SLCARP: SLCARP Welcomes Prof Saman Dharmakeerthi as Chairman!

The Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) is pleased to announce the
appointment of Prof. Saman Dharmakeerthi as new Chairman, marking a significant moment for
the country’s agricultural research and innovation sector. Prof. Saman Dharmakeerthi is a
distinguished academic and researcher specializing in soil science and sustainable agriculture
attached to the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya.

He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from University of Guelph, Canada and has made significant
contributions to soil fertility, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability. A graduate
of the University of Peradeniya, where he also earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in
Agriculture, Prof. Dharmakeerthi has published extensively, supervised postgraduate research,
and collaborated internationally on projects related to soil management and climate resilience.

Prof. Saman Dharmakeerthi was warmly welcomed by the, Mr. Prabath Wimal Kumara,
Secretary/Director, to the SLCARP along with Dr. Chandra Padmini, Deputy Director of
Research Management, representing Research Division and Mrs. R.Y.M.P. Ranathunga, the
Additional Director (Admin), representing Administration Division, Mrs. M.M.G.T. Achintha,
representing the Finance Division. They also conveyed best wishes, highlighting the strong sense
of collaboration and commitment from the entire SLCARP team under Prof. Dharmakeerthi’s
leadership.