Prof. Renuka Herath Navigating Success:A Journey in Academia and Industry

In a world where logistics and supply chain management are becoming increasingly central to global operations, individuals who drive excellence and innovation in this field are essential. One such leader is Professor Renuka Herath, a prominent academic and dedicated advocate for women in logistics and transport in Sri Lanka. Recently elected as the Vice President, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and she is the Immediate Past Chairperson of WiLAT Sri Lanka (Women in Logistics and Transport), Prof. Renuka Herath shares her inspiring journey, the milestones she has achieved, and her vision for the future of the sector. We caught up with her for an exclusive interview to discuss her professional path, her role in shaping future industry leaders, and her contributions to both academia and the logistics industry.

Words - Sachini Perera
Location - Solis Hotel, Pitakotte
Photos - Jagath Dharmakeerthi

Could you introduce yourself to our readers in brief?

I am Prof. Renuka Herath, and I currently serve as a Professor of Supply Chain Management at the SLIIT Business School, based in Malabe. My academic journey spans nearly two decades, having previously worked at the University of Kelaniya for almost 20 years before transitioning to SLIIT in February this year. In addition to my academic commitments, I held the position of Chairperson of WiLAT Sri Lanka – the Women’s Forum of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) for the last two years and I was recently elected as the Vice President of the Chartered institute of Logistics and Transport. In this capacity, I lead various initiatives that aim to uplift women in the logistics and transport sectors, promoting their professional development and advocating for gender balance in the field and the development of the Logistics and Supply Chain industry. 

Can you tell us about your journey in the state university sector over the past 20 years?

My career in academia began shortly after I completed my undergraduate studies in Marketing Management at the University of Kelaniya. I graduated with the highest GPA in the faculty, which earned me the prestigious faculty gold medal. Encouraged by both peers and academics who recognised my passion and aptitude for teaching, I joined the university’s academic staff in 2003.
My commitment to academic growth led me to pursue postgraduate studies. In 2009, I completed my MBA with Merit at the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), which added further depth to my understanding of business disciplines. That same commitment to learning and advancing in my field paved the way for a significant turning point in my career. In 2010, I was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to undertake a PhD in Supply Chain Management at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. I completed my doctorate in 2014. This experience not only enriched my academic expertise but also shaped the direction of my career moving forward, establishing my specialisation in logistics and supply chain management. Since then, I have been deeply involved in research, teaching, and contributing to the broader logistics community in Sri Lanka.

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