Over the past fifteen years, my research has been driven by a sustained commitment to understanding some of the most fundamental questions in human evolutionary history, particularly within the South Asian region. My work integrates bioanthropology, archaeology, and population studies to investigate the origins, biological adaptations, and migratory trajectories of both recent, aboriginal and ancient human groups. By combining field-based research with laboratory analysis, I aim to build a comprehensive picture of population diversity and evolutionary processes in a region that remains critically important yet underrepresented in global conversations about human evolution. In 2017, I was invited to join the archaeological fieldwork team at the Niah Caves in Sarawak, Malaysia—one of Southeast Asia’s most significant prehistoric sites. This international project, jointly managed by the University of New South Wales and the Sarawak Museum Department, offered a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research on early human presence in the region. My involvement in this work reflects both the relevance of my expertise and my ongoing commitment to collaborative, regionally grounded archaeological science.
In addition to my field and analytical research, I had led a major initiative to develop a comprehensive skeletal reference collection representing contemporary Sri Lankan populations. Supported by Peradeniya University Research Grants, this project involves the meticulous preparation of 80 complete skeletal specimens with accurately documented sex and age. This will be the only systematic, demographically known collection of its kind in Sri Lanka. It will significantly advance the capacity of the Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Dental Sciences, to support high-quality teaching, research, and forensic applications. The establishment of this collection represents an important long-term resource for scholars working in human biology, forensic anthropology, and related disciplines.
Taken together, my work reflects a broader scholarly vision: to enhance our understanding of human evolutionary history in South and Southeast Asia through integrative, evidence-based research. I remain committed to advancing the field by building research infrastructures, cultivating international collaborations, and generating high-impact knowledge that contributes to both academic and applied domains.