Prof. Ranil De Silva was the founder Chairperson, Neuroscience Module Committee, and the Principal Investigator, Genetic Diagnostic & Research Laboratory and Human Brain Tissue and DNA Repository of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Dr. De Silva had a proven record of successful leadership in fostering an innovative research and training culture in Sri Lanka and the Asian Pacific region, based on scientific excellence and worldwide collaboration. His tireless efforts to organize the clinical and basic neurosciences led to the birth of the Neuroscience Society of Sri Lanka in 1999, where he was elected the Founder President. His key role in this important initiative was recognized by his election to the Council of all three organizations: IBRO, the Federation of Asian and Oceanic Neuroscience Societies (FAONS), and the Asian Pacific Society for Neurochemistry (APSN).