Born in Sri Lanka, Dr. Gamini WIJESURIYA has gained recognition as a leading international specialist in World Heritage with over 40 years of experience. He initiated the ICCROM programme on people-centred approach to conservation and management of heritage which was an extension of his pioneering work on living heritage. This approach aims to place the people at the heart of the heritage discourse which has gained a standing worldwide.
Currently, he is a special Advisor to the Director of WHITRAP Shanghai and is a UNESCO facilitator for the Intangible Heritage capacity building programme. He has published extensively.