Ishara Rathnayake is a Lecturer and Researcher in Construction Project Management with strong academic and industry experience. She recently completed her PhD in Construction Management at the University of South Australia, supported by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program International (RTPi) Scholarship. Her doctoral research developed a pioneering framework to optimise resource utilisation in construction through digitally enabled sharing economy practices. She passed her PhD oral defence with a Pass Forthwith (without corrections) outcome.
 
Her research has led to multiple high-quality journal publications and was recognised with a Highly Commended Award for Best Postgraduate Student in South Australia at the 2025 StudyAdelaide Awards, presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson.
Ishara holds an MSc by Research and a First Class BSc (Hons) in Facilities Management from the University of Moratuwa, where she graduated first in her cohort and received the Vidya Jyothi Prof. Dayantha S. Wijeyesekara Award for the Most Outstanding Graduand (2019) and the Prof. Gemunu Fernando Memorial Award for the best dissertation.
 
Her research interests include sustainable construction, digital innovation, circular economy transitions, and policy-driven transformation of the built environment. With professional experience in project environments, facilities management, and ISO management systems, she brings an industry-informed perspective to teaching. Ishara is committed to student-centred learning, integrating real-world practice and research-led insights to prepare graduates for the evolving construction sector, while contributing to both academic scholarship and industry practice.