System Administrator · PhD Researcher

Sanka
Tillakarathna

Senior System Administrator at Avtra with 6+ years of experience in network engineering and cybersecurity. Currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at Taylor's University, focused on Cyber Security.

Network Engineering Cybersecurity AI & Ethics PhD Researcher

About

Infrastructure expert,
lifelong learner.

I'm a Senior System Administrator with a proven track record in the information technology and services industry. My expertise spans network engineering, operating systems, and cybersecurity — built through years of hands-on work at Avtra and academic research at SLIIT and Taylor's University.

Beyond my day job, I serve as a Visiting Lecturer at BCI Campus, where I share my knowledge with the next generation of IT professionals. I believe in bridging the gap between industry practice and academic theory.

I'm currently a PhD student at Taylor's University, researching Computer Science with a specialisation in Cyber Security, specifically UAV Cyber Security — a critical and emerging area as unmanned systems become central to modern infrastructure.

6+
Years at Avtra
3
Years lecturing
MSc
Cybersecurity, SLIIT
PhD
CS, Taylor's University

Experience

Career timeline.

Jan 2023
Present
Senior System Administrator
Avtra
Leading system administration operations, overseeing infrastructure stability, security, and performance across the organisation.
Aug 2022
Jul 2025
Visiting Lecturer
BCI Campus · Negombo, Sri Lanka
Delivered IT and networking courses to undergraduate students, translating real-world industry experience into academic instruction.
Jun 2022
Dec 2022
System Administrator
Avtra
Managed and maintained enterprise IT systems, ensuring high availability, security compliance, and operational efficiency.
Nov 2020
May 2022
Associate System Administrator
Avtra
Supported senior administrators in managing servers, networks, and security systems across the company's infrastructure.
Nov 2019
Oct 2020
System Administrator
Avtra · Sri Lanka
Began professional journey in system administration, building foundational expertise in network and server management.

Skills

What I work with.

Programming
C++ Java Python
Infrastructure
Network Engineering Operating Systems Server Management Virtualisation
Security
Cybersecurity Network Security Threat Analysis
Research & Academia
UAV Cyber Security Cyber Security Research Higher Education Teaching Public Speaking

Education

Academic background.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) — Computer Science
Taylor's University
Cyber Security (UAV Cyber Security)
2025 – 2028
MSc in Information Technology
SLIIT
Specialising in Cybersecurity
2021 – 2023
Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology
SLIIT
Information Technology
2021 – 2022
BSc (Hons) in Information Technology
SLIIT
Computer Systems & Network Engineering
2017 – 2020
Certification ✦ DEC × Taylor's University — AI Literacy for All

Contact

Let's connect.

Whether you're interested in collaborating on research, discussing IT infrastructure, or just want to say hello — my inbox is open.

Connect with me
linkedin.com/in/sanka-tillakarathna
Available for research collaborations & consulting