Who am I?

I’m an AI researcher and an ML engineer exploring various data science specific topics including reinforcement learning, deep learning, optimisation methods, agentic executions, Large Language Models (LLMs), and robotics/simulations. Especially, I have a soft spot for reinforcement learning, having completed a doctorate study on “Robust and Efficient Reinforcement Learning for Physics Tasks“, under the mentorship of A/prof. Santu Rana, Dr. Thommen George Karimpanal and Prof. Svetha Venkatesh at Deakin University, Australia.

In a previous chapter of my career, I was a software engineer and engineering manager for about a decade, working mostly on web application development and delivery. I have led teams in creating impactful SaaS solutions across FinTech, recommender systems, data analytics, and CRM domains.

Name : Buddhika Laknath
Email : blaknath [at] gmail [dot] com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/laknath
Github: https://github.com/laknath

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=Bah0tGIAAAAJ&hl=en

In the past worked with Gnome, Drupal and Eclipse. Have many good things to say about Google Summer of Code having participated twice as a student (New documentation editor for Project Mallard(2007) ,New Eclipse Plugin for XQuery(2008) ) and later as a mentor.

Update (2026/06/14)

Currently interested in/working on following topics.

  • Reinforcement learning
  • Large language models and agentic learning

Update (2011/12/31)

Previously interested in / working on:

  • Programming language wise Ruby/Python/Javascript/PHP/Erlang
  • Machine learning and NLP
  • Human language tools/localization (particularly on Sinhala language)
  • Clouds and related designs
  • Payment industry

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
– The Fellowship of the Ring, J. R. R. Tolkien