Senani Ponnamperuma Author - IT Specialist - Content Creator

Senani Ponnamperuma is an author, content creator, and IT specialist with a passion for technology, history and storytelling. He is the author of critically acclaimed books, The Story of Sigiriya and The Story of Anuradhapura, both celebrated for their depth of research and engaging narrative. His work has earned praise from scholars and readers alike, with copies of his books housed in prestigious institutions such as the Library of Congress, British Library, Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, and other renowned libraries..

A Pioneer in the Digital World

A visionary in the early days of the Internet, Senani launched Trishan's Oz in 1997, one of the first comprehensive websites about Australia, which he continues to update and keep current to this day. The site won multiple awards, including the Australian Financial Review/Telstra Internet Site Award for Best Children’s Website in 1997 and 1998. It was also selected by the National Library of Australia for preservation as part of the PANDORA project, recognizing it as a key piece of Australia’s digital history.

Career in Information Technology

Senani's IT career began with Ford Motor Company and quickly expanded into significant roles at leading companies. By age 28, he became IT Manager at Wangaratta Woollen Mills. At 30, he made history as the youngest Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a major Australian organization when appointed Chief Information Officer at Payless Supermarkets, overseeing critical systems such as electronic ordering, Just-In-Time inventory management, and barcode scanning technology. Senani then worked as a consultant for Coles Myer and Officeworks, overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge in-store technologies such as electronic shelf labels and self-checkout systems. Later, he served as the CIO of Spotlight Stores, where he oversaw major IT transformations.

Family Legacy and Education

Raised in an intellectually stimulating environment, Senani is the son of Dr. Felix (FN) Ponnamperuma, a pioneering soil chemist, and the nephew of Professor Cyril Ponnamperuma, a renowned scientist in chemical evolution and the origin of life. Educated at prestigious schools in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the United States, Senani holds a degree in Information Technology and Business Administration from the University of Oregon.