Wijerathna Mudiyanselage Thilak Leelasena, known as Piyal Wijerathna, was born in 1967. He is currently pursuing a Master of Environment Management (MEM) at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (2013-2014). His professional qualifications include mechanical engineering, landscape design, Analog Forestry mapping and design, and certification as an Analog Forestry Trainer of Trainers. He is also qualified as a Forest Garden Product Certifier, Carbon Certifier, and GIS Mapping and Designer. His additional skills include mushroom cultivation, plant propagation and nursery management, and plant maintenance and care.