Interview with Gamini Ranasinghe
Q1.
Please briefly introduce yourself and your professional field.
I am Professor Gamini Ranasinghe, a faculty member in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. I previously served as the Director General of the Central Cultural Fund for four years and also held the position of Acting Director General of the Department of Archaeology.
Q2.
What made you decided to join the CPI program?
What did you expect from the program?
During my time as the Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, I had the opportunity to apply for the CPI training program, which was a decision motivated by several key goals. I was eager to develop my proposal writing skills, enhance my understanding of new technologies, and connect with international expertise to bring fresh perspectives to our work. Additionally, I wanted to gain firsthand insight into the real situation in Korea to better understand the local cultural landscape and the practices that might be applicable to our own initiatives. The program exceeded my expectations in every regard. I not only honed my skills in proposal writing and presenting, but I also gained valuable knowledge on cutting-edge technologies and strategies that can be implemented within our own framework. The chance to work with international groups provided an enriching experience in collaboration and cross-cultural communication. Moreover, visiting Seoul and experiencing the country’s cultural and technological landscape provided me with a new appreciation for the depth and dynamism of Korean society. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this training, and I look forward to applying what I have learned to enhance the work of the Central Cultural Fund and contribute to the development of our cultural initiatives.
Q3.
What did you learn or experience from the training?
What impressed you the most about the program?
I would like to share my gratitude and appreciation for the enriching experience I had during the program. It was an excellent opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally. I gained valuable skills in proposal writing and presenting, which will be beneficial for my future projects. The face completion sessions were particularly insightful, helping me improve my communication and confidence in various settings. Working with different international groups was a highlight, as it allowed me to broaden my perspective and learn from diverse cultures and ideas. I also enjoyed the experience of helping colleagues, which strengthened my teamwork and leadership abilities. Another wonderful point was that working for goal. There was several gifts arranged by CPI for the international participates. I have won all the gifts end of the program. I did not get free time during the raining time because I wanted to acquire all the important incidents.
Another unforgettable part of the program was the Korean food experience. It was a wonderful chance to explore the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Korea. Especially I need to note the food making process of Kimchi was unforgettable experience in my life. Additionally, visiting Seoul and experiencing the vibrant culture of the city was a fantastic part of the program. Finally, I was deeply touched by the hospitality of the Korean people. Their warmth and kindness made me feel truly welcome, and it was a privilege to interact with such generous hosts. Overall, this program has been an amazing learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.
Q4.
Were you able to apply what you learned or experienced in your current work?
Yes, I have been able to apply numbers of experience that I have earned from short training program by CPI –Korea. Now I have completed several weeks after training CPI, at this moment I applied several points with my works. The proposal writing techniques I learned have greatly improved my ability to craft more compelling and strategic proposals. I now feel more confident in structuring ideas clearly and persuasively, which has led to more successful funding applications and partnerships for our cultural initiatives. I have completed another proposal for intangible cultural heritage with help of above experience. Additionally, the exposure to new technologies during the program has helped me introduce innovative tools and methods to our team. Whether it's leveraging digital platforms for cultural outreach or incorporating technology into our project planning, the program provided me with the insights needed to modernize some of our processes. One of the most significant takeaways has been the opportunity to work with international experts who came from various parts of the world with various skills. The lessons learned in cross-cultural collaboration have been particularly beneficial, as I now engage more effectively with international partners and understand how to navigate diverse perspectives when working on joint initiatives. Overall, the CPI training has had a direct and positive impact on my professional development, and I continue to draw from those experiences to strengthen the work we do at the Central Cultural Fund.
Q5.
How has the program changed the way you see your field?
I have spent over 19 years working in the field of archaeology and have participated in several international workshops related to this field. However, this was the first time I took part in proposal writing training, which included both online and in-person sessions led by experts from Korea. The training provided valuable insights into how to manage critical situations related to cultural heritage. At the end of each session, there was time for in-depth discussions, which allowed for a deeper understanding of the topics covered. These experiences have been incredibly helpful in prompting me to rethink and refine my approach to my work in archaeology. I have started to share those experience among the undergraduate community in the universities and field archaeologist in Sri Lanka.
Q6.
What are your future plan in your professional field?
I have several plans to implement what learned form CPI program.
1. Share my experiences with the undergraduate community.
2. Create a platform to implement best practices in the field of heritage preservation.
3. Write several proposals to apply for grants aimed at protecting heritage sites in Sri Lanka.
Q7.
Would recommend the CPI to other cultural professionals?
Is there anything else you want to share about CPI?
Korea is a highly developed country in various fields, including technology, heritage management, infrastructure, and the training of skilled professionals. There is much to learn from CPI for anyone involved in cultural activities. This program is one of the most comprehensive training opportunities available. If possible, I would suggest including several heritage sites in future sessions to enhance the learning experience.
Gamini Ranasinghe (Sri Lanka)
2024 CPI Participant
Professor University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Former Director General of Central Cultural Fund – Sri Lanka



