S.P. Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha has been appointed as the new Director General of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), filling the previously vacant position. The appointment letter was officially handed over yesterday (25) by the Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabedhi, at the Ministry of Environment.
Rajapaksha holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Ruhuna, a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Planning from the same university, and a Master’s Degree in Forestry and Environmental Management from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
He has served as an Environmental and Social Development Specialist for the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) under the “Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE)” regional project. In addition, he has worked as an Environmental Specialist in the JICA-funded Rural Infrastructure Development Project (RIDEP) in Sri Lanka.
Mr.Rajapaksha has also served as a Senior Environmental Officer in the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project (MCUDP) and as a Specialist in the ADB-funded Secondary Towns and Rural Community-Based Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
With extensive experience as an environmental professional, he is recognized as a seasoned expert in the field.
The Central Environmental Authority, operating under the Ministry of Environment, plays a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s environmental protection efforts, including the issuance of environmental protection licenses, environmental impact assessments, public awareness and education, as well as implementation of special environmental regulations and programmes.
