Professor Janaka Yasantha Ruwanpura is a highly respected academic, researcher, and global leader in construction engineering, project management, and international higher education. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. He recently concluded over 11 years of service as the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (International), during which he significantly advanced the university’s international engagement and reputation.

During his tenure as Vice-Provost International, Professor Ruwanpura played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the University of Calgary’s international strategy. His leadership led to the creation of several collaborative degree programs, research partnerships in countries like China and Mexico, and the acquisition of more than $57 million in research and infrastructure funding. He also secured over $25 million in international development grants and more than $5 million for student research internships through MITACS. Notably, he became the first Canadian and non-American to be elected Executive Chair (2019–2021) of the Commission of International Initiatives of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU).

Professor Ruwanpura’s work has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award (2022) and fellowships with the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE), the Engineering Institute of Canada (FEIC), the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (FCSCE), and the National Academy of Construction, USA (NAC). In 2022, he was also recognized as a Gold Seal Certified Professional by the Canadian Construction Association.

Abstract Title : Igniting Research Excellence: Building the Next Generation University for Global Impact

This plenary will present an evidence-based eleven-point framework for advancing institutional research excellence, drawing on global best practices and implementation experience from leading universities. The framework emphasizes transdisciplinary research clusters, targeted funding strategies, publication culture, international collaborations, and industry-engaged innovation. It also highlights internal enablers such as performance-linked incentives, structured research support, and the role of postdoctoral and community engagement. Using this framework, the presentation proposes a tailored roadmap for developing a comprehensive Research Strategy for the University of Kelaniya. Key components include aligning research with national and global priorities, building flagship institutes, and strengthening partnerships for co-funded, high-impact research. The session will demonstrate how strategic planning and structured implementation can transform research ecosystems, improve institutional rankings, and position universities as regional leaders in innovation, knowledge creation, and sustainable development..