Professor Dilrukshi Nirmali de Sliva had her school education at Bishop’s College, Colombo. Thereafter, she entered the University of Sri Lanka, Colombo Campus, in 1972 where she read for a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. She graduated with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in 1976. In the same year she joined the University of Sri Lanka, Colombo Campus as an Assistant Lecturer in Zoology. In 1978, she proceeded for post-graduate studies to the Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA for which she had been awarded the Hays Award for Postgraduate studies.

She returned to Sri Lanka in 1981 with a M. Sc. in Ecology, specializing in Aquatic Sciences, and commenced her service in the Department of Zoology, University of Sri Lanka, Colombo Campus, where she served until 1983. Then she joined the University of Peradeniya as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and served in this capacity from 1983 to 1996. In 1997 she re-joined the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo as a Senior Lecturer and was appointed the Head of the Department in 2002. She was awarded the Professorship in 2009.

While serving in the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo Prof. Silva held many academic positions. She served as the Director of Undergraduate Studies for over five years, was appointed the Chairperson of the Curriculum and Development and Evaluation Committee (CEDEC) of the Faculty of Science in 2011, and served as a Coordinator for the HETC QIG W2 grant in 2013.

During her career first as a lecturer, then a Senior lecturer and finally as a Professor in Zoology, which spanned over three decades, she imparted much required skills and knowledge in students. In her role as an Academic Mentor she was able to guide and mould the lives of many undergraduate and graduate students. Her friendly demeanour and patience was apparent in the way she dealt with those who came for guidance and advice. She was meticulous and methodical and systematically maintained all departmental and faculty records.

Her contribution to National Education in Sri Lanka is immense and she co-authored the Teacher’s handbook and text book on Biogeography. Further, she functioned as the Chief Marking Examiner for Zoology and Biology in the G. C. E. (Advanced Level) examination in the years 1981, 1997 and 2007.

She has contributed tremendously to the progression and advancement of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in the country. In 2002 she served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Association of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and also as an expert committee member for managing Aquatic Resources under the Ministry of Science and Technology. In 1998 and 1999, she served in the Specialist sub-committee involved in the Personnel Development Project under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Prof. Dilrukshi de Silva has given of her expertise in the field of Bioethics. She served as a member of the National Bioethics Committee of the National Science Foundation. She was an active member in the committee overlooking faunal collections of the National Museum between 2005 to 2008. The National Science Foundation has benefited by Professor de Silva’s contributions as a member in the Committees on Basic Sciences and Fundamental Research.

She holds membership in several professional bodies. She is a life member of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS). She held many positions in the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka over several years and was appointed as the Vice President of Institute in 2003. She is a full member of the Asian Fisheries Society.
She has contributed immensely to the academic advancement of the Faculty of Science serving as a member in the Higher Degrees Committee and the Faculty sub-committee on Enhancement Courses. She was a resource person for many workshops which were organized by both national and international organizations. Of special significance is the contribution to the UNESCO – NSF workshop on the “Introduction of bioethics to schools”, UNESCO – University of Durham workshop on “Teaching Bioethics in Universities” and numerous other workshops organized by the National Science Foundation and SLAAS. She has also been the resource person in programmes that aimed to enhance the knowledge of school children on biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Professor de Silva is a highly respected and much admired personality both within and outside the university system. She has been a teacher, a guide and a mentor to several academic staff members of the university and many more outside. She is known for her smile, friendly demeanour and humble attitude despite all her achievements. Above all she is a warm, loving and genuine person who has been a friend to many of us who have had the privilege of being her students and colleagues.
She has worked tirelessly towards the promotion and advancement of the fields of Biology, Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Bioethics in Sri Lanka. We should place on record our sincere gratitude to Madam Dilrukshi de Silva for her selfless contribution to the university, country and society.