Dr. Chithral Ambawatte is a distinguished academic, researcher, and public sector leader in engineering and technical education in Sri Lanka. As of 28 May 2025, he has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC), Ekala, Ja-Ela, by the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology.
Dr. Ambawatte brings over three decades of experience in engineering research, academic leadership, and institutional development. From January 2022 to December 2024,he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ruhuna, Galle. Before assuming this leadership role, he was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the same faculty, where he also served as Head of Department from 2003 to 2006.
He earned his Ph.D. in Technical Sciences in 1997 from the Russian Peoples’ Friendship University (Patrice Lumumba Friendship University), Moscow, specializing in Thermal Engines (Internal Combustion Engines) and Environmental Protection. His doctoral research focused on emissions reduction in high-speed direct injection engines using rapeseed (canola) oil additives—a pioneering study in alternative fuels and sustainable energy.
Dr.Ambawatte’s research interests span alternative fuels, solid waste management, and energy technology. He has authored and edited three books, published over30 scientific papers and patents, and has received several best paper awards. He has also mentored numerous graduate students throughout his academic career.
Earlier in his professional journey, Dr. Ambawatte worked for six years as a Senior Research Engineer and Project Manager in the Renewable Energy Department at NERDC. Notably, he led the Rs.33 million Market Garbage Disposal Project in Muthurajawela, collaborating with ministries, NGOs, and local authorities on R&D initiatives in sustainable development.
Dr.Ambawatte’s leadership extended to national vocational and technical education. In 2010, he was appointed Chairman/CEO of the National Apprenticeship &Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and concurrently served as Director General of the Department of Technical Education & Training (DTET) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development for three years.
His international experience includes serving as a Faculty Consultant at the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) in Manila, Philippines (2017–2018), and conducting training and accreditation programs in countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and China. He continues to serve as a Lead Accreditor with the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission(APACC).
Dr. Ambawatteholds several professional affiliations. He is a Fellow and former Council Member of the Institute of Automotive Engineers of Sri Lanka (FIAESL), a Life Member of the Sri Lanka Energy Managers Association (SLEMA), and a member of various academic and scientific bodies, including the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), the Young Scientists Forum (YSF) of NASTEC, and the Association of KOICA Fellows (AKOFE), Korea.
A proud alumnus of Mahinda College, Galle, Dr. Ambawatte was a well-rounded student leader and sportsman. He captained the school’s Under-19 cricket and football teams in 1985, served as vice-captain of the hockey team, competed in athletics, and held the position of Senior Prefect from 1984 to 1986.
Dr. Chithral Ambawatte’s lifelong commitment to engineering excellence, sustainable innovation, and education reform continues to shape Sri Lanka’s technical and scientific landscape.
