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Member Spotlight: Dishan Fonseka

Written by WasteMINZ | 04 November 2025


In this membership spotlight, we talk to Dishan Fonseka, an Environmental Scientist and PhD candidate at Massey University, who has over 6 years of experience in the industry setting

Dishan is an Environmental Scientist who has specialised in the area of solid and hazardous waste management for over six years at Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant, Sri Lanka.
It is Sri Lanka's first and largest coal-fired thermal power plant, which has operated as the nation's base-load provider since 2011.
 
Dishan is currently doing his PhD in Environmental Science at Massey University, finding the soil health under coniferous shelterbelts in the New Zealand pastoral system.
 
Tell us about your organisation

Massey University is New Zealand's leading research-led university with strong expertise in sustainability research. Our School of Agriculture and Environment conducts interdisciplinary research addressing environmental challenges through collaboration with communities, councils, government agencies, and private companies. We focus on real-world solutions for climate change, sustainable agriculture, and environmental restoration. Through applied research partnerships, we train future environmental professionals and develop evidence-based strategies for New Zealand's transition to a sustainable, circular economy.

Why did you want to join WasteMINZ? 

As an Environmental scientist and PhD researcher studying waste management, especially in the New Zealand context, I can further enhance my knowledge and skills. Hence, I joined WasteMINZ to connect with professionals working on contaminated land management and resource recovery. Moreover, my work experience and research skills align with WasteMINZ's mission to build a more sustainable New Zealand. I wanted to engage with the community by working on practical waste minimisation solutions and contributing my scientific expertise to policy discussions. WasteMINZ provides valuable networking opportunities and insights into how academic research translates into industry practice. 

What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?

The topics that we are most passionate about are contaminated land management and resource recovery. 

What are you reading or listening to right now?

Currently, I'm working on estimating soil health and key functional gene abundance under shelterbelt soils in New Zealand's Pastoral system. This research aims to inform farmers and policymakers on how to optimise fertiliser application to their pasture, thereby reducing nutrient loss to the environment.