Anna Karunatilleke at University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Ms. Anna Karunatilleke is an experienced maritime professional and researcher specializing in business administration, maritime labor policies, and logistics management. With a strong academic background and extensive sea and shore-based experience, she actively contributes to industry discourse on labor strategies, gender inclusion, and unconscious bias in the maritime sector. She is a dedicated advocate for seafarers’ rights and continues to engage in scholarly research and professional initiatives to advance knowledge and equity in the field.
Publication Profile
Orcid
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Educational Details
Ms. Anna Karunatilleke is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Kelaniya (2021 – Present). She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayawardenepura (2017-2020). Additionally, she has completed the Critical Media and Information Literacy program under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and holds a Certificate of Competency as an Engineering Watch Officer, Class III (Marine Engineering) from the Ministry of Merchant Shipping (2013). Her certifications also include multiple STCW’95-compliant maritime training programs from CINEC, covering areas such as fire prevention, medical first aid, and advanced safety protocols.
Professional Experience
Ms. Karunatilleke has a strong background in both seafaring and shore-based maritime operations. She served as an Engine Cadet at Rickmers Reederei, Germany, on MCS Florida and Delmas Zambia, handling responsibilities related to vessel operations and maintenance. Transitioning to shore-based roles, she worked at Colombo Dockyard Limited (2010-2011), where she gained expertise across various departments, including calibration, automation, ship repair, and fire safety. She later served as an Assistant Quality and Planning Manager at Seagulf Consultancy Lanka (2014-2015), overseeing operations at the Beruwela shipyard. Her extensive experience in the maritime industry is complemented by leadership roles in academia and professional organizations.
Research Interest
Ms. Karunatilleke’s research interests lie at the intersection of maritime engineering, business administration, and transportation sector safety. She is particularly focused on the impact of human factors in maritime operations, safety learning through marine accident investigations, and enhancing seafarer welfare policies. Her contributions to global maritime discussions, including collaborations with IMarEST on safety policies and whitepapers, underline her commitment to industry advancements.
Top Noted Publication
Unconscious Bias Among Seafarers: A Review of the Theoretical Literature
- Authors: A. Weerakoon Karunatilleke, H. Herath, U. Gunesekara
- Journal: Pomorstvo
- Volume: 38 (1)
- Pages: 67-81
- Year: 2024
Labour Compensation Strategies/Practices of Maritime Industry – Discussion on Critical Cases
- Author: W.A. Karunatilleke
- Journal: Економіка та суспільство (Economy and Society)
- Year: 2022
Bridging the Waves: A Study of Gender Dynamics and Career Experiences Among Women Seafarers
- Authors: A.W. Karunatilleke, H. Herath, T. Gunasekare
- Conference: ICSDB 2024 and SLIIT Business School
- Year: 2024
Constructal Law Conference (CLC 2023) – Freedom, Design, and Evolution, Turin (Italy), 21–22 September
- Author: A.W. Karunatilleke
- Conference: 12th Constructal Law Conference
- Pages: 180
- Year: 2023
Essentials in Logistics: Quick Notes to Supply Chain Management (Book 1)
- Author: A.W. Karunatilleke
- Year: 2024
Conclusion
Ms. Anna Karunatilleke is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her impactful research on maritime labor policies, gender dynamics, and unconscious bias. Her ability to integrate academic insights with industry challenges makes her a distinguished researcher in her field. By focusing on high-impact publications, international collaborations, and policy development, she can further solidify her contributions to maritime research.