Professor (Ms.) P. Shiromi Perera assumed duties as the new DG of the NSF

Professor (Ms.) P. Shiromi Perera assumed duties as the Director General of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the premier national institution responsible for promoting and supporting scientific research and innovation in Sri Lanka. With an extensive academic and research background in biomedical sciences, Professor Perera has made significant contributions to the fields of biochemistry, clinical research, and scientific leadership.

Professor Perera completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Colombo, followed by her Master’s degree at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She later obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Kelaniya, where she developed her expertise in clinical biochemistry and hematology.

Prior to joining the National Science Foundation, she served as the Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, where she was actively engaged in teaching, research, and academic mentoring. Her academic career reflects a strong commitment to developing scientific knowledge and nurturing future researchers and medical professionals.

Professor Perera’s research interests focus on red blood cell disorders, particularly hemoglobinopathies, red cell membranopathies, and enzymopathies. Her research contributes to improving the understanding, diagnosis, and management of hematological disorders in Sri Lanka and internationally, supporting advancements in clinical and laboratory medicine.

Prof. P. Shiromi Perera has also undergone several prestigious international training programmes to enhance her expertise in hematology, molecular biology, and laboratory sciences. These include:

Professor Perera has received several prestigious awards in recognition of her outstanding academic and research contributions:

• President's Awards for Scientific Research 2023 at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exposition Centre (21st November 2023).
• Vice Chancellor’s Award (2023) for bringing honour to the University at the Vice Chancellor’s Award Ceremony held on 1st January 2023 at the University of Kelaniya.
• Professor Sir Nicholas Attygalle Award for the Best Free Paper (2019) at the 132nd Anniversary International Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, for the research titled “Identifying haemoglobinopathy traits and iron deficiency in Sri Lanka using the dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) and one-tube osmotic fragility (OF) tests and measurement of red cell zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP)”.
• NRC Merit Award for Scientific Publication (2019) awarded by the National Research Council for the scientific publication in Scientific Reports, Volume 9, Article No. 10116 (2019).

NRC Merit Award for Scientific Publication (2015) awarded by the National Research Council for the scientific publication in Anesthesia and Analgesia, Volume 121, Issue 6, pages 1488–1494 (2015)

In addition to her academic and research achievements, Professor Perera actively contributes to national science and research development through several key appointments under the Ministry, she is a Member of several Research Committees appointed by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Through these roles, she contributes to strengthening research governance, policy development, and scientific quality assurance in Sri Lanka.

As the Director General of the National Science Foundation, Professor Shiromi Perera plays a crucial role in enhancing Sri Lanka’s research ecosystem, promoting scientific excellence, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and supporting innovation-driven national development. Her leadership combines academic excellence, research expertise, and national-level policy engagement, positioning her as a key figure in advancing science, technology, and innovation in Sri Lanka.