Thilina Pathirana

Skadbergveien 110 · Sola, 4051 · (+47) 48 64 9743 · me[AT]thilinapathirana.xyz

Accomplished IT professional with over a decade of experience in network architecture, security, and system management within academic and research settings. Expert in deploying robust security frameworks and infrastructures, with a significant focus on 5G technologies and multi-access edge computing. Holds a Master of Science in Information Security and currently completing a Ph.D. focusing on the dependability of 5G networks at the University of Stavanger. Proven track record in leading projects that enhance digital connectivity and security, demonstrated by pioneering IPv6 adoption and network automation initiatives. Combines deep technical expertise with strong analytical skills and a commitment to innovation in tackling complex IT infrastructure and security challenges.


Experience

Doctoral Research Fellow

University of Stavanger

PhD research on 5G-MODaNeI project ( https://5g-modanei.ux.uis.no/ ). Works on security and dependability of 5G, Multi-access edge computing, containerization, Core and overlay networks.

June 2021 - Present

Network/System TAC Engineer

Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN)

Responsible of maintaining the services of LEARN Technical Assistance Center. Look after remote LEARN member institutes located around the country for their technical problems, development and implementation of new networks and their services. - Working on Linux and BSD based platforms for LEARN services such as Cloud, Web, Mail, DNS, LDAP, Radius, Proxy, SASL, Virus and Spam filters. - Dealing with open standards and open source software/tools. - Dealing with network/systems security, VOIP systems and IP multicast. - Local contact for eduROAM and eduGAIN and the LIAF, Access Federation for Sri Lanka. - Monitoring and troubleshooting Networks/Systems. - Mentoring, instructing on various topics including networking, security, monitoring and new systems to engineers, academics of LEARN member institutes. - Organizing training/workshop, conference, etc.

September 2017 - June 2021

Assistant Network Manager

University of Kelaniya

Responsible of Maintaining the existing Data Network with high availability aspects, Designing and planning new networks according to the infrastructure expansions. - Maintaining Information Security of all University Electronic Asserts. - Maintaining the lab settings for course contents including Office/ Adobe/ Autodesk/ Visual Studio/Linux/ Cisco/ SQL/ Java/SIP etc. technologies. - Maintains Cisco based WLAN and the Windows AD based SSO system of the university. - Mentoring and Tutoring Community on Network Management, Monitoring, Security. - Resource Person for several workshops hosted by LEARN listed under ws.learn.ac.lk - One of the RIPE Atlas probe maintainers for Sri Lanka, PerfSONAR and IPv6-test.com node maintainer for Sri Lanka. • Made University of Kelaniya the first Sri Lankan Institute to be a member of Eduroam worldwide community through Sri Lankan identity federation maintained by LEARN. • As a result of years of planning and maintaining, University of Kelaniya was able to provide it’s Wi-Fi network though all the premises including hostels and every outdoor area. This provided all “Kelani WiFi” users to have an unlimited Internet facility all 24x7x365. Also this upgrade made UoK to become one of the highest Internet consumers among all Universities in Sri Lanka with an Internet bandwidth of 600Mbps. • Provided all University of Kelaniya WLAN/LAN users IPv6 end user connectivity becoming first Sri Lankan institute to provide IPv6 end user connectivity.

October 2013 - August 2017

Engineer – Specialist

Virtusa Pvt Ltd

Network Support Engineer for Philips Healthcare Systems and had responsibilities in their US, UK and Singapore Data Center Maintaining. Engaged in a project belongs to British Telecom as a System Admin. Have involved in ZXTM load balancer system designing for BT OR-Portal.

April 2013 - October 2013

Network Administrator / Demonstrator / Teaching Assistant

University of Kelaniya

I was in charge of maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing University Computer network, fiber backbone and its components as well as the new installations of servers, systems and services as well as their security. - Developed University E-mail system based on Zimbra and the Help Desk system based on osticket. - Controller and maintainer of the video conferencing network which enabled Vice Chancellor, Deans and other Faculty members to inter-university communications through Lanka Educational and Research Network (LEARN). - Engineered the wireless network using Cisco devices. - Represented University of Kelaniya at the 34th session of the Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) Conference held in Colombo on August 2012. - Deployment of IPv6 and Windows 8 /Server 2012 DMZ environments on the university. - Conducted lectures for the Advanced Networking Course Unit which is based on the CCNA syllabi

December 2010 - March 2013

Education

University of Stavanger

Doctor of Philosophy (Pending)
Modeling Security and Dependability of 5G-MEC
June 2021 - Present

University of Colombo

Master of Science
Information Security

Thesis: Open Source IDS/IPS Native Security Rule Migration from IPv4 to IPv6 and their effectiveness and comparison.

January 2015 - July 2017

University of Kelaniya

Bachelor of Science
Computer Science

May 2007 - November 2010

Skills

Technical Skills
  • Programming Languages: C, Python
  • Applications: AutoCAD, CCS compiler, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Micro-Cap, Microchip MPLAB, MS/OPEN office, Photoshop, Proteus ISIS, Winboard, CAINE, Encase, Volatility, FTK, Digital Forensics Framework, SANS Investigative Forensics Toolkit, Workbench, Apache, Squid, Zimbra, MRTG, PRTG, Solarwinds, Wireshark, vmware, FreeRadius, checkpoint, elasticsearch, Oxygen Forensic Suite, Mandiant Redline, OpenNebula, Indico, shibboleth, pfsense
  • Operating Systems: Linux, Windows, NXOS, IOS, CatOS, Gaia

Interests

Apart from being a network engineer, I enjoy most of my time as a photogrpher. Also help people with different causes like Amnesty International and Norwegian people's aid

When forced indoors, I follow a number of sci-fi and fantasy genre movies and television shows, I am an electronic geek, and I spend a large amount of my free time exploring the latest technology advancements in the internet world.


Memberships

  • Committee Member of Norway Chapter, Internet Society
  • Committee Member of Pint of Science Stavanger
  • President of the Lanka Network Operators Group (lkNOG)
  • Member of IEEE
  • Member of International Association of Engineers – IAENG
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – Route