MSc. CogSci (SE), BSc. (Hons) Psych. (UK), PgDip. StratMgt. (UK), Dip. Psych & Couns. (IE), Cert. Cognitive Psychology (M-Level) (SE), Cert. HRM (SL), C.L.C. (SL), Cert. Python (SL)
“Helping organizations make smarter decisions through cognitive science, human-centered AI, and immersive technology strategy.”
I am Sachin Palihawadana — a cognitive scientist and consultant specializing in decision intelligence, human-AI interaction, and immersive technology strategy. My work bridges the gap between how the human mind works and how organizations can leverage that understanding to perform better.
With a multidisciplinary background spanning cognitive science, psychology, counselling, strategic management, and HR — I bring a uniquely holistic lens to complex organizational challenges across Sri Lanka, Sweden, and beyond.
Real engagements. Real outcomes. Details withheld to protect client trust.
Evaluated business processes and organizational decisions to identify recurring cognitive biases in judgment.
Conducted a cognitive audit to identify decision bottlenecks and unnecessary choice overload across leadership workflows.
Redesigned complex product workflows using cognitive science principles to minimize mental effort and interface friction.
Developed a decision-support dashboard grounded in cognitive science principles to structure strategic decision-making and performance analysis.
Designed an augmented reality training simulator that immerses trainees in high-pressure scenarios, applying cognitive load principles to strengthen decision-making under stress.
Redesigned a patient portal using human-centered design and psychological usability principles.
Developed a competency analytics platform, informed by cognitive assessment methods, for workforce capability evaluation.
Mapped and redesigned cross-departmental workflows, applying cognitive science principles to remove redundant approval steps and streamline handoffs.
| Conference | Institute | Year | Place | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai AI Week 2025 | Dubai Future Foundation | 2025 | Dubai | View → |
| Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance Conference | Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance (GAIA) | 2025 | Gothenburg | View → |
| WASP4ALL 2024 – An open discussion on human-centred technologies | Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) | 2024 | Stockholm | View → |
| SweCog 2023 | Swedish Cognitive Science Society (SWECOG) | 2023 | Gothenburg | View → |
| AI for Humanity and Society 2022 | Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanities and Society (WASP-HS) | 2022 | Gothenburg | View → |
| CSS Annual Research Conference 2021 | Cognitive Science Society | 2021 | Virtual | View → |
| Event / Organization | Position | Year | City | Country | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance Conference | Event Organizer | 2025 | Gothenburg | Sweden | View → |
| Umefolk 2023/24 | Event Organizer | 2023/24 | Umeå | Sweden | View → |
| RESET 2022: A Holistic Wellness Fair by Kalyana | Event Organizer | 2022 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | View → |
| Project Bloom | Program Monitoring & Evaluation Team | 2022 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | View → |
| Consumer Action Network Mental Health Lanka | Project Co-ordinator | 2021 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | View → |
| Voice for Education | Program Development and Training Lead | 2021 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | View → |
| TABOO 2020 by Pulse | Event Organizer | 2020 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | View → |
Ready to improve how your organization thinks, decides, and acts? Let's start a conversation about how cognitive science can transform your strategy.
sachpalihawadana@gmail.com