Dr Hemali Kanthilanka is AEGIC’s Research and Analysis Officer, playing an important role within AEGIC’s Economics and Market Insights Team.
Hemali’s diverse role involves exploring international market opportunities for Australian grains through market insights and economic analysis. In her time with AEGIC, Hemali has contributed to a range of projects to analyse grain markets and future trends and identify opportunities for wheat, barley, and oats.
Hemali is proud to have the opportunity to share her insights with the Australian industry and academic circles via conferences, seminars and workshops.
Hemali’s story began in Sri Lanka, where she was born. Hailing from the beautiful upcountry region of Sri Lanka, her family had a strong farming background, particularly in tea, vegetable and rice cultivation. She worked as a Researcher in Agricultural Economics in Sri Lanka, before completing her PhD in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne in 2022. In 2023, Hemali joined AEGIC as her first role in the Australian industry.
Hemali’s favourite part of her work is helping analyse grain demand and consumer preferences to help Australia identify opportunities and respond strategically. She finds it exciting to see how technical expertise and global collaboration foster innovation and create new opportunities for Australian grains.
For Hemali, increasing value in the Australian grains industry means maximising profitability and competitiveness by understanding market trends and identifying opportunities for innovation and value-added products.
Outside of work, Hemali enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new places, cuisines and cultures. She also loves movies and gardening.
Hemali’s high level of professionalism, expertise and pride in her work are an asset to AEGIC and the Australian grains industry.