Chan Sri Manukalpa

I am an academic and emerging data scientist with a strong foundation in Physics and Electronics (BSc, University of Kelaniya) and an MSc in Information Technology from the University of Kelaniya. I currently serve as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology at SLIIT City Uni, where I design and deliver undergraduate modules in Data Science, Software Engineering, and IT, while also supervising final-year research students.
My ongoing postgraduate research focuses on Human-Robot Interaction, specifically robot-assisted interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Sinhala language using the NAO robot. My broader research interests lie at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Deep Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing, Image Processing, Advanced Analytics, and Data Warehousing.
I am particularly passionate about developing computer vision-driven assistive technologies and intelligent data mining systems with real-world applications. I aim to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice by translating complex models into accessible, impactful solutions.
Beyond teaching and research, I actively contribute to academic communities by sharing knowledge and promoting collaborative learning. I am keen to expand interdisciplinary research collaborations, offer consultation on data-driven initiatives, and support evidence-based practices that benefit both academia and industry.