Nadeesha Hemachandra stands out as a catalytic transformer, driven by a contagious smile and a rich blend of cultural influences in the adaptable realm of education and business strategy. Raised in Oman as a third-culture Sri Lankan, she embodies adaptability and innovation, reflecting her diverse background and experiences.
With over 13 years of professional experience, Nadeesha has held key roles spanning academic coordination, IT Management in Law and Business Management in Marketing, Tourism and Hospitality. Notably, as the Director of External Operations at Seylanya Holdings (PVT) Ltd, she spearheaded transformative initiatives at the intersection of technology, education and business management.
Leveraging cutting-edge concepts such as inclusive education, education technology, 21st-century education frameworks, sustainable tourism, blue ocean strategy, and emotional intelligence, Nadeesha has driven sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Currently serving as a Senior Cambridge Educator (Economics, Business Studies, Information Technology) at United Private School in the Sultanate of Oman, Nadeesha continues to bring her expertise to the forefront, shaping the future of education and business strategy with innovation and passion.
Navigating the AI Frontier
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks a pivotal moment in education, offering unprecedented avenues for digital evolution. Nadeesha is a staunch advocate for AI integration in education and she foresees a future where AI-driven solutions transform teaching methods, tailoring learning experiences to each student’s unique needs. “AI has the potential to revolutionize pedagogy,” she asserts.
Apart from enhancing teaching, AI stands poised to streamline administrative tasks, optimize resource allocation and drive data-driven decision-making, ultimately fostering leaner, higher-quality business management practices. “It’s about leveraging AI to boost productivity and profitability,” Nadeesha notes.
Yet, unlocking these benefits hinges on proactive policymaking that prioritizes inclusivity, equity and innovation in educational approaches. By embracing AI, institutions can transcend traditional boundaries, empowering learners and instilling vital skills for success in the digital era.
However, alongside these opportunities, there exists the darker side of AI, particularly in the realm of cheating, corruption and the proliferation of low-quality or plagiarized content. Nadeesha emphasizes the importance of policymakers staying ahead of such challenges, educating stakeholders on the holistic implications of AI’s use while implementing robust measures to combat misuse.
Bridging the Education-job Gap
Nadeesha is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. She is dedicated to utilizing predictive analytics to bridge the education-job gap. Her research focuses on leveraging AI to pinpoint talent fit discrepancies between education and workplace needs. “The objective is to optimize educational and professional outcomes,” she emphasizes.
In her project titled ‘ML/DL Techniques based Detection of Yellow Leaf Curling and Mosaic Virus of the Geminiviridae Family,’ Nadeesha demonstrates AI’s potential in agriculture. By deploying advanced algorithms, she detects plant viruses early, boosting crop yield and promoting sustainable farming. It underscores AI’s efficacy in addressing real-world challenges.
At the Oman Conference for Environmental Sustainability, Nadeesha presented a research presentation on ‘Role of Big Data Analytics and Hyperspectral Imaging in Waste Management for Circular Economy.’ Her work highlights interdisciplinary collaboration for societal benefit.
In her journal article titled ‘Exploring the Impact of Data Quality Management in the Banking Industry,’ Nadeesha delves into the importance of data quality management in banking. She advocates for integrating AI into banking practices to enhance problem-solving capabilities.
As the guest speaker for the 299th Dubai Business Breakfast, Nadeesha led discussions on the ‘Age of AI in Education: Empowering Teaching and Learning.’ Attendees explored how tailored algorithms and immersive experiences empower educators and students in the evolving educational landscape.
AI-powered Pedagogy
The integration of AI into education heralds a paradigm shift in pedagogical practices, empowering educators to deliver personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. Nadeesha shares that by harnessing AI-powered adaptive learning platforms, educators can effectively address diverse learning styles, facilitate skill mastery and foster a culture of lifelong learning.
Moreover, AI-driven analytics offer invaluable insights into student performance, enabling educators to identify areas of improvement, tailor instructional strategies and promote data-informed decision-making processes.
Nadeesha suggests to prepare students for an AI-driven workplace, educators must prioritize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy skills essential for navigating the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
By embracing AI technologies responsibly, educational institutions can equip students with the competencies and resilience required to thrive in an increasingly digitized and interconnected world.
Inclusive Education Leadership
Nadeesha’s extensive experience in multicultural settings, notably in Sri Lanka and Oman, has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of diverse cultural dynamics. “Effective leadership transcends cultural boundaries,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of empathy and inclusive decision-making.
By fostering openness, collaboration and mutual respect, leaders can tap into the collective wisdom of their teams to drive innovation. Nadeesha believes in embracing cultural diversity as a source of strength, creating inclusive environments where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
“I always strive to bring out the best in each of my students,” Nadeesha says. She emphasizes the importance of instilling hope and patience, recognizing that everyone has a unique journey to success.
Nadeesha’s approach to educational leadership centers on cultural sensitivity, empathy and a dedication to fostering inclusive learning communities that celebrate diversity and promote excellence.
Driving Efficiency
During her tenure as head of the IT department at Legalinc Attorneys-at-Law & Notaries, Nadeesha gained invaluable insights into leveraging technology to enhance legal operations. “The use of technology was non-negotiable, especially during the COVID-19 period,” she emphasizes.
Nadeesha spearheaded initiatives to integrate cutting-edge IT solutions, streamline legal workflows, enhance client services, and ensure regulatory compliance. Her focus was on optimizing business processes through innovative technological solutions.
Nadeesha’s notable accomplishment included successfully implementing a comprehensive IT infrastructure enabling seamless remote work during unprecedented times. “Employees could work from home, something that was never done before,” she highlights.
Additionally, she led efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures, mitigate data risks and optimize IT resource allocation. Nadeesha emphasizes the pivotal role of IT in driving organizational efficiency and ensuring business continuity in the legal landscape.
Implementing change management practices in a traditionally set legal office posed significant challenges. “It was an eye-opening and exhilarating challenge,” Nadeesha reflects, noting the memorable nature of the experience.
Journey of Continuous Learning and Achievement
As a passionate advocate for continuous learning, Nadeesha remains vigilant in staying abreast of the latest advancements in AI. “Active engagement in conferences, seminars and professional networks keeps me updated,” she emphasizes.
Nadeesha leverages online resources and scholarly publications to deepen her understanding of AI technologies and their applications. By participating in interdisciplinary dialogues and collaborating with experts, she ensures her knowledge remains current and relevant.
This proactive approach enables Nadeesha to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into her practices, driving innovation and addressing evolving business needs. She also applies these learnings in her workplace, gaining valuable insights into the real-world deployment of AI.
A Record of Excellence
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Nadeesha has been honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions, highlighting her commitment to excellence, leadership and service. “Being named Valedictorian and Gold Medallist in the Graduating Batch of 2022 at the Postgraduate Institute of Management was a significant achievement,” she reflects.
Nadeesha was also awarded the Best Thesis Award and a First Class Degree during her undergraduate studies at Majan University College. Her research publications in esteemed journals and presentations at international conferences have further solidified her reputation as a knowledge contributor in her field.
Moreover, Nadeesha’s leadership roles in professional associations such as the Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce Sri Lanka and the Chartered Institute of Professional Managers, along with her involvement in community organizations like the Sri Lankan Business Council and the Sri Lankan Community Social Club, reflect her dedication to making meaningful contributions to society.
AI-driven Aspirations
Looking ahead, Nadeesha’s aspirations revolve around leveraging AI to drive positive change and innovation in the legal and educational sectors. “In the legal domain, I aim to enhance legal operations and improve access to justice,” she explains.
By utilizing AI-powered analytics, natural language processing and automation tools, Nadeesha seeks to streamline legal workflows and deliver value-added services to clients. Moreover, in the educational sector, she is committed to personalizing learning experiences and fostering lifelong learning.
Nadeesha plans to integrate AI-powered adaptive learning platforms and data analytics tools to empower educators and inspire learners. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating AI into sensitive areas of education such as bullying, plagiarism and mental health.
Ultimately, Nadeesha’s goal is to harness the transformative potential of AI to advance societal well-being, promote sustainable development and foster a culture of innovation and excellence in both sectors. She aims to be at the forefront of formulating policies conducive to AI progress, ensuring a harmonious and peaceful coexistence for all.
Lessons in Leadership
To aspiring leaders embarking on their professional journey, Nadeesha offers invaluable advice born from her own experiences. She emphasizes the importance of embracing lifelong learning as a cornerstone of personal and professional growth, encouraging the cultivation of a growth mindset that thrives on challenges and opportunities. Integrity, empathy and authenticity are key principles she advocates in all interactions.
Reflecting on her journey in 2024, Nadeesha underscores the significance of understanding that good things take time and that leadership transcends titles and accolades. For her, leadership is about the impact created, the lives touched and the legacy left behind, particularly within her community and for her family.
Nadeesha advises aspiring leaders to remain curious, optimistically cautious and adaptable, while never losing sight of their core values and aspirations. She reminds them to count their blessings, not their earnings and to surround themselves with mentors, peers and collaborators who inspire and challenge them to reach their fullest potential.
Maintaining holistic health—of mind, body and soul—is paramount, according to Nadeesha, as it forms the foundation of all achievements. Finally, she stresses the power of perseverance, resilience and a ‘Yes We Can Do’ attitude in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Nadeesha concludes by emphasizing the importance of having ‘grit’, as breakthroughs are inevitable, and dreams do turn into reality with perseverance and determination.
