A conservation biologist attached to the Department of Zoology and Environmental Science of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. A strong education professional with a PhD in Biological Science from Illinois State University and a demonstrated history of working in the higher education sector for over three decades, Devaka is skilled in Conservation Biology, Sustainable Development, Environmental Science, Ecology, Human-wildlife Conflict and Wetland Management.

Devaka is interested in conservation of threatened species, with his main research focus been on finding solutions to ensure long term conservation of Asian elephants. He is also the Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Environment on assessment of conservation status of the Fauna of Sri Lanka.