Sandun Herath (full name: Herath Mudiyanselage Sandun Thushara; born 4 July 1973) is a Sri Lankan chartered architect, entrepreneur, sustainable building consultant, and academic. He is the co-founder and Director of Synergo Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, an architecture and engineering consultancy established in 2009.
Background
Sandun Herath has built a distinguished career through a combination of professional practice, academic engagement, and sustainable design leadership. Since becoming a Chartered Architect in 2008, he has been actively involved in designing buildings that emphasize functionality, environmental responsibility, and long-term community value. As an Accredited Professional of the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka, he has promoted environmentally responsible architecture while contributing to the country's expanding portfolio of green-certified developments. In addition to his architectural practice, he has served as a visiting lecturer, sharing his professional knowledge with future architects and designers.
Education
Born in Sri Lanka on 4 July 1973, Sandun Herath developed an early interest in architecture and the built environment. He received his primary and secondary education at St. Benedict's College, Colombo, where he studied from 1980 to 1990, before completing his advanced level education at D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, between 1991 and 1992.
He entered the University of Moratuwa in 1993 to study Architecture, graduating in 1997. Continuing his academic development, he completed a Master of Science (MSc) in Architecture at the University of Moratuwa between 1998 and 2001, strengthening his expertise in architectural design, planning, and sustainable development.
Career
Herath began his professional career as an architectural intern at the Urban Development Authority of Sri Lanka between 1996 and 1997. Following his postgraduate studies, he worked as an architect at Avant Garde Architecture from 2001 to 2002 before joining Engineering Consultants Limited (ECL), where he served from 2003 until 2008.
In 2008, he fulfilled the professional requirements necessary to become a Chartered Architect. The following year, he co-founded Synergo Consultants (Pvt) Ltd together with engineer Mangala Silva. Under their leadership, the consultancy has successfully delivered numerous architectural and engineering projects across multiple sectors.
Herath's professional portfolio includes hospitals, universities, hotels, banking facilities, and public institutions. Notable projects include Kundasale Hospital, modern Bank of Ceylon branch buildings, Amagi Hotels, Randoli Hotel, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura COVID-19 Laboratory, the Senate Building of the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, the Senate and Main Library of the Faculty of Technology at the University of Kelaniya, and the Faculty of Technology at the University of Ruhuna.
One of the most unique chapters of his career occurred during the Sri Lankan peace process between 2002 and 2005, when he worked in LTTE-controlled areas in the Northern Province. During this period, he contributed to healthcare infrastructure projects, including work associated with Kilinochchi District Hospital and Kilinochchi General Hospital. His experience working in conflict-affected regions remains a distinctive aspect of his professional career.
Alongside his consultancy work, Herath has served as a Visiting Lecturer at the National Design Centre of Sri Lanka and the Centre for Housing, Planning and Building (CHPB), contributing to the education and professional development of architecture students and practitioners.
His contributions to sustainable architecture have been recognized through prestigious awards from the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka, including a Gold Award and a Platinum Award for the University of Sri Jayewardenepura COVID-19 Laboratory project.
Personality
Sandun Herath is known for his commitment to professional excellence, innovation, and sustainable development. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated resilience by undertaking challenging assignments in both post-disaster and conflict-affected environments. Colleagues recognize him for his practical approach to architectural problem-solving, attention to detail, and dedication to creating buildings that combine functionality with environmental responsibility. His interest in mentoring young professionals through teaching reflects his belief in sharing knowledge and supporting the next generation of architects.
Connections
Sandun Herath is the son of Bandula Herath (born 1949) and Manel Correy (born 1955). He married Chamari Samarakoon in 2000.
The couple has two daughters. Their elder daughter, Amaya Herath (born 2003), has followed her father's profession by pursuing a career in architecture. Their younger daughter, Amandi Herath, was born in 2008.
Herath values family life and has balanced his professional responsibilities with his commitment to supporting and encouraging his children's education and personal development.
