Willie Gamage awarded doctorate

The Rajarata University of Sri Lanka at its tenth convocation held recently, awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) on SEMA Chairman, Willie Gamage for his contribution as a researcher and social activist.

Dr. Gamage was responsible for taking a number of memorable initiatives by introducing novel ideas in shaping public policies at the national policy development level. In addition, he has contributed considerably in local and regional development schemes in rural water supply and sanitation, small scale fisheries development, community development, local solid waste management, rural enterprise development, rural housing development, setting up of model housing development projects such as Ranavirugama in Ipalaogama for service personnel and promoting Sri Lankan consciousness of "Be Sri Lankan Buy Sri Lankan" business promotional programme in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Gamage who was born in Akuressa in the District of Matara to a farming family, completed his primary education at the Diyalape Government School and the secondary education at the Maliduwa Maha Vidyalaya. He entered the Vidyodaya University of Sri Lanka in 1967 for higher studies and started his active career as a social worker and reformist by associating with several social and political movements in the country. Dr. Gamage completed his Masters in Business Studies at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo last year where he completed a research study on the 'Effectiveness of Information Technology on Infrastructure Development in Rural Schools in Sri Lanka' as a part of his study programme.

Dr. Gamage is currently serving his fourth year as Chairman/CEO of the Strategic Enterprise Management Agency (SEMA).