Saliya Wickramasuriya holds a BSc (Hons) in Engineering Physics from Loughborough University, UK. He began his career in 1984 with Schlumberger in oil and gas exploration and production, working globally for 20 years.

Upon returning to Sri Lanka, he served as Chairman and Director General of the Board of Investment and held several key national appointments, including Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Petroleum Development Authority, and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He also served on the Port City Economic Commission, contributing to national strategy and regulatory frameworks.