Professor I M Dharmadasa (Commonwealth Scholar, PhD Solid State Electronics, Durham University) is Professor and Head of Electronic Materials & Sensors Group at Sheffield Hallam University, and has a background in solar energy research. His ‘solar village’ project will enable communities in Sri Lanka and Africa to use solar energy for their community needs.

In a recent paper, Professor Dharmadasa looks at the major developments in photo voltaic solar panels, enabling more widespread and effective use of solar panels on roofs and walls of buildings, and also provides case studies on the use of panels in different countries and climates.

Professor Dharmadasa is closely involved in sustainable development and is also President of the Association of Professional Sri Lankans in the UK.