Dr Senaka Welideniya
Inspector of Mines
WorkSafe Mines Safety Directorate
Dept of Local Govt, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) in Western Australia
Dr Senaka Welideniya is a highly experienced geotechnical engineer and Inspector within the WorkSafe Mines Safety Directorate of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) in Western Australia.
In this regulatory role, he contributes to enforcing and promoting safe work practices across the State’s mining sector - including inspections, audits, investigations, and providing technical regulatory advice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022.
WorkSafe Mines Safety is responsible for occupational safety regulatory services for mining operations and improving safety and health outcomes in one of WA’s largest industries.
​
Dr Welideniya has a strong background in geotechnical and rock mechanics engineering, with expertise in both open‑pit and underground mining environments.
His professional experience spans technical engineering roles and regulatory functions, allowing him to bring deep insight into practical mine safety, risk assessment, and compliance matters.
Publicly available information indicates he has authored or co‑authored technical papers on geotechnical and legislative aspects of mining, reflecting his technical depth and commitment to advancing safe mining practices.
​
In his current capacity with WorkSafe Mines Safety, Dr Welideniya plays a key part in engaging with industry stakeholders to ensure mining duty holders meet their statutory safety obligations, and in supporting broader industry efforts to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.