Merl is a researcher at the Data, Algorithms and Policy (DAP) team at LIRNEasia, with a keen interest in using machine learning techniques to develop practical solutions and policy relevant insights for public good. He is currently using natural language processing (NLP) techniques to understand the supply and demand for skills in the Sri Lankan job market. Further, he is also in the process of building ground truth datasets for remote sensing analysis in Sri Lanka. This data is intended to help researchers unlock the power of satellite imagery and machine learning in addressing development problems.
Over the past year, he has also been exploring ways to leverage operational data and machine learning techniques to improve the delivery of emergency ambulance services (EMS) in Sri Lanka. This line of research is intended to produce artificial intelligence (AI) solutions which are fair, safe, sustainable, human-centric, transparent with a clear accountability structure in place.
Prior to joining LIRNEasia, Merl worked as an analyst at the Analytics Unit at the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs of Sri Lanka. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.