Chandra Kumara Gunathilake
Staten Island,NY
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in ICT and information systems management at the University of Vocational Technology. Proven ability in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and improved educational delivery. Skilled in crisis management and team development, driving initiatives that align with workforce needs and increase institutional visibility.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director - Media & Information Services
University of Vocational Technology
Sri Lanka
08.2024 - Current
- Lead the university policy directives as a member of the Senior Management Committee.
- Directing the ICT Services Division, Media Division, and Library as the Division Head.
- Develop and implement strategic campaigns and projects that enhance university visibility and engagement.
- Member of academic policy directives, representing the Academic Council and faculty boards.
- Developed strategic plans for vocational programs and community engagement initiatives.
- Led faculty and staff training to enhance educational delivery and student support.
- Collaborated with industry partners to align curriculum with workforce needs.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation for academic departments.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather feedback on program effectiveness.
- Implemented technology solutions to streamline administrative operations and reporting.
- Mentored department heads in leadership practices and team development strategies.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
IT Consultant
CodeLogic Business Solutions (Pvt) Ltd
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Consulting to develop, integrate, and optimize the IT systems to achieve business objectives.
- Developed IT strategies to enhance business operations and efficiency.
- Advised clients on IT infrastructure and software solutions.
Commanding Officer (Lt Col), 11th Regiment (IT)
Sri Lanka Signal Corps
04.2022 - 12.2023
- Commanded 44 officers (IT engineering) and 1,150 soldiers (IT professionals).
- Supervised IT infrastructure, operational continuity, security, backups, and support services.
- Supervised the Army Software Development and Engineering Wing, NOC, Data Center, DR site, Web and Media Cell, islandwide Network, IT Repair Center, and troubleshooting of systems islandwide, etc.
- Supervised to provide ICT and media facilities, 450+ events (national and international), and productions.
- Led operational readiness and training for military personnel and units.
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance team performance and efficiency.
Staff Officer 1 - Electronic Warfare (Lt Col)
Chief Signal Officer's Office
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Reported to the Chief Signal Officer as the staff officer for all IT ops and policy matters in the Sri Lanka Army.
- Coordinated communication between departments to support operational efficiency.
Information Systems Project Manager (Major)
Software Engineering Wing
12.2019 - 07.2021
- Supervised, led, and managed over 40 software development projects for the Sri Lankan Army.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on project goals.
Staff Officer - 2 IT (Major)
Directorate of Information Technology
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Reported to the Director of IT as the staff officer for all IT operations and deployments in the Sri Lankan Army.
- Managed information technology projects to enhance operational efficiency.
Second in Command (Major) of 6th & 7th Signals ICT Regiments
Sri Lanka Signal Corps
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Commanded and administered ICT matters for the two ICT Regiments in the Sri Lanka Signal Corps as the Second in Command.
- Assisted in planning and coordinating operational activities for military communications.
Project Supervisor (Major)
Directorate of Information Technology
04.2016 - 07.2017
- Supervised and led over 20 software development projects for the Sri Lankan Army.
- Coordinated communication between departments to streamline project workflows.
- Developed project plans outlining key milestones and deliverables for stakeholders.
Military Staff Officer (Major)
UN Mission in Central Africa
03.2015 - 03.2016
- Performed duties as an Information Management Staff Officer for the United Nations mission.
- Coordinated logistics for mission operations across diverse regions in Central Africa.
Assistant Lecturer - IT (Major)
Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU)
06.2014 - 02.2015
- Served as an Assistant Lecturer for Information Technology and Information Systems for undergraduates.
- Developed course materials for various subjects in accordance with university standards.
Staff Officer - 2 IT (Major)
Directorate of Pay & Records
03.2012 - 05.2014
- Led and supervised the largest ERP development for the Sri Lanka Army's Pay and Records.
- Managed information technology projects to enhance operational efficiency.
Information Technology Officer (Major)
UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
07.2011 - 02.2012
- Developed and maintained network security protocols and measures.
- Managed IT infrastructure for the UN mission in Haiti.
Information Technology Instructor (Captain)
Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA)
11.2007 - 03.2010
- Served as an IT instructor for undergraduate officer cadets.
- Developed and delivered an IT curriculum for military personnel at a training academy.
Software Engineer (Captain)
Army Pay & Records, SF Brigade & Staff College
05.2005 - 10.2007
- Served in various establishments as an IT officer for several technological operations.
- Developed software solutions for payroll processing and record management.
Education
Ph.D. - Law
Girne American University (GAU)
Cyprus12.2024
Master of Science - Information Systems Management
University of Colombo (UOC)
Sri Lanka01.2022
Master of Arts - Mass Communication
University of Kelaniya (UOK)
Sri Lanka01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIT)
Sri Lanka02-2005
Skills
- ICT, information systems management, media, and information services
- Vocational technology education, leadership development, and motivation
- Crisis, disaster, and emergency management
- IT consulting
- Information security
- Curriculum development
- Business strategy
- Crisis management
- Government relations
- Information technology management
- Staff development
- Team management
- Problem-solving
- Leadership development
- Staff management
- Rules and regulations
- Negotiation
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
Certification
- Civil Society Alliance for Digital Empowerment (CADE), www.diplomacy.edu, and European Union.
- Internet Governance and Digital Rights-Based Digital Literacy Program – CADE Tier 1
- Army War College Sri Lanka (AWC).
- Senior Command Course in 2021 for Military Management.
- Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), India.
- Information Technology Project Management (ITPM) in 2017.
- Advanced-Data Processing Systems ADP (System) in 2010.
- United Nations in the Central African Republic & Haiti.
- Information Security Awareness Foundational Assessment (UNDSS), Central African Republic, in 2015.
- 20 Courses, followed at the UN Peace Operations Training Center, Haiti, in 2011.
- Multinational Communication Interoperability Program Nepal.
- Pacific Endeavor MCIP in 2014 for Strategic Communication.
- Information Assurance / Computer Networks MCIP in 2014.
- DMS Training Centre, Sri Lanka.
- Oracle 9i, Certification in Database Administration in 2007.
- Oracle 9i, Certification in Forms Developer in 2007.
- Oracle 9i, Certification in Reports Developer in 2007.
- Certification in HP Systems & Network Training in 2007.
- Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA)
- Basic Cadet Training Course in 2005 for Military Management.
Affiliations
- Member of the College of Military Engineering and Technology, Sri Lanka (CMETSL) since 2022.
- Member of the Inaugural Executive Committee and First Army Secretary for CMETSL.
- Member of the Computer Society Sri Lanka (CSSL) since 2014.
Languages
English
Professional
Sinhalese
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
USP (Uttama Seva Padakkama) - Awarded for long and distinguished & unblemished service rendered to Sri Lanka with dedication, merit, and exemplary conduct after at least 15 years of service, 11 medals were achieved during the Army career for dedication, merit, and exemplary service to the nation.
Timeline
Director - Media & Information Services
University of Vocational Technology
08.2024 - Current
IT Consultant
CodeLogic Business Solutions (Pvt) Ltd
01.2024 - 08.2024
Commanding Officer (Lt Col), 11th Regiment (IT)
Sri Lanka Signal Corps
04.2022 - 12.2023
Staff Officer 1 - Electronic Warfare (Lt Col)
Chief Signal Officer's Office
08.2021 - 04.2022
Information Systems Project Manager (Major)
Software Engineering Wing
12.2019 - 07.2021
Staff Officer - 2 IT (Major)
Directorate of Information Technology
01.2019 - 12.2019
Second in Command (Major) of 6th & 7th Signals ICT Regiments
Sri Lanka Signal Corps
08.2017 - 12.2018
Project Supervisor (Major)
Directorate of Information Technology
04.2016 - 07.2017
Military Staff Officer (Major)
UN Mission in Central Africa
03.2015 - 03.2016
Assistant Lecturer - IT (Major)
Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU)
06.2014 - 02.2015
Staff Officer - 2 IT (Major)
Directorate of Pay & Records
03.2012 - 05.2014
Information Technology Officer (Major)
UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
07.2011 - 02.2012
Information Technology Instructor (Captain)
Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA)
11.2007 - 03.2010
Software Engineer (Captain)
Army Pay & Records, SF Brigade & Staff College
05.2005 - 10.2007
Ph.D. - Law
Girne American University (GAU)
Master of Science - Information Systems Management
University of Colombo (UOC)
Master of Arts - Mass Communication
University of Kelaniya (UOK)
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIT)