Biography of Chathurike 'CD' Athuraliya: Founder of ConscientAI -Entrepreneur
Biography of Chathurike 'CD' Athuraliya:
Early Academic Journey
Chathurike 'CD' Athuraliya, a passionate tech enthusiast,
started his academic journey in Sri Lanka. He pursued a Bachelor of Science
(Special) degree in Computer Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura,
where he delved into subjects like Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
His hard work earned him Second Class Honours (Upper Division) as he completed
his studies between 2010 and 2015. Alongside this, CD also completed a Bachelor
of Information Technology (External) from the University of Colombo, further
strengthening his knowledge and skills in Information Technology.
A Strong Foundation in Technology
CD’s interest in technology was not just academic but
practical as well. During his time at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, he
absorbed critical concepts that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
His dual degrees gave him a diverse understanding of both the theoretical and
practical aspects of technology. CD's academic experience allowed him to
develop a strong analytical mindset and an in-depth knowledge of computing,
which he would later apply in his professional career.
Launching ConscientAI
In March 2017, CD co-founded ConscientAI, where he now
serves as the Lead Machine Learning Engineer. The startup focuses on providing
industry-agnostic, customized AI solutions to businesses. As a co-founder, CD
not only leads the technical side of AI development but also helps shape the
overall vision for the company. His role involves defining machine learning
architectures and providing AI consultancy and training, which enables various
industries to implement AI solutions in their operations. ConscientAI's journey
under CD's leadership has led to several successful AI-driven projects.
Expanding AI Expertise at TaxGlobal
Alongside his role at ConscientAI, CD is also contributing
to TaxGlobal, a leading platform in the taxation sector. Since September 2022,
he has been working as the Head of AI at TaxGlobal, focusing on designing and
implementing AI features for the platform. His expertise in cutting-edge
technology helps build AI solutions that streamline tax-related processes,
enhancing both efficiency and accuracy. CD’s contributions are helping shape
the future of tax technology by making it more intelligent and responsive.
Contribution to Big Data Research at LIRNEasia
CD’s career also includes extensive research in the field of
big data and deep learning. He joined LIRNEasia, a prominent research
organization, in 2016. Initially, he worked as a researcher focusing on big
data applications, and later he became a Research Fellow in 2018. At LIRNEasia,
CD was part of the Big Data for Development (BD4D) team, where his work
primarily focused on utilizing machine learning and deep learning for policy
development in areas such as urbanization, healthcare, and transportation. His
research aimed at driving social and economic improvements through data-driven
insights.
Biography of Chathurike 'CD' Athuraliya:Founder of ConscientAI-Entrepreneur/AI solutions for businesses/startup/age/net worth/ConscientAI story
Developing Data-Driven Policy Insights
During his time at LIRNEasia, CD contributed to several
impactful research initiatives. The focus was on applying big data and machine
learning to address complex problems in society. For instance, his research
helped identify solutions for urbanization challenges, such as congestion and
resource allocation, using data analytics. CD’s work also supported the
healthcare sector, where data-driven insights were used to improve access to
services and optimize healthcare delivery. His contributions showcased the
power of machine learning in creating meaningful policy changes.
Mentoring Through Lecturing
CD’s passion for technology also extends to teaching.
Between 2019 and 2022, he took on part-time lecturing roles at institutions
like the Royal Institute of Colombo and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information
Technology (SLIIT). As a Visiting Lecturer, CD shared his knowledge of machine
learning and deep learning with students. At SLIIT, he taught postgraduate
students about big data analytics and emerging trends in machine learning. His
role as a mentor allowed him to guide the next generation of tech professionals
while staying updated with the latest in the field.
Bridging Academia and Industry
One of CD's core goals has been to bridge the gap between
academia and industry. By working in both spheres, he has brought real-world
applications of machine learning and AI to students, while also being involved
in cutting-edge research that has direct implications on industries. His
academic work helped students at Royal Institute of Colombo and SLIIT
understand the nuances of machine learning, which is now a critical part of
industries worldwide. His industry experience at ConscientAI and TaxGlobal also
ensures that his lectures are grounded in practical applications.
Passion for Community Development
In addition to his academic and professional work, CD has
been deeply involved in the development of the machine learning community in
Sri Lanka. He has worked on various capacity-building efforts, providing
guidance to both individuals and organizations looking to implement machine
learning. CD’s participation in community development and advisory roles has
helped spread knowledge of AI across the country, contributing to the growth of
the tech ecosystem in Sri Lanka. His efforts in community education highlight
his dedication to making technology accessible and understandable.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As CD continues to expand his influence in the world of AI,
machine learning, and deep learning, his work is far from over. He remains
focused on scaling ConscientAI to offer even more tailored AI solutions to a
wide range of industries. Through his involvement with LIRNEasia, CD aims to
continue using technology to improve societal outcomes. His dual role as a
researcher and entrepreneur will likely inspire future innovations, ensuring
that his impact on both the tech industry and society will be long-lasting.
CD’s journey is a testament to how passion, knowledge, and innovation can
create transformative change.
Timeline for story
2010-2015: Completed BSc in Computer Science (Sri
Jayewardenepura) and BIT (External) from University of Colombo.
2016: Joined LIRNEasia as a researcher, later becoming a
Research Fellow.
March 2017: Co-founded ConscientAI, focusing on AI solutions
for businesses.
2018: Became a Research Fellow at LIRNEasia, working on big
data applications.
2019-2022: Worked as a part-time lecturer at Royal Institute
of Colombo and SLIIT.
September 2022: Joined TaxGlobal as Head of AI, focusing on
tax-related AI solutions.
Present: Continues leading ConscientAI and contributing to
AI and community development.
