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Eng. W.D.C. Weerasinghe

Lecturer (Probationary)

Department of Materials Technology, 
Faculty of Technology, 
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 
Mihintale, Sri Lanka.

dcweeras@tec.rjt.ac.lk

Research Lab: Metallurgical and Materials Testing Laboratory

Education

  • M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering – University of Moratuwa, Faculty of Engineering
  • B.Sc. (Hons) of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering – University of Moratuwa, Faculty of Engineering

Teaching Courses

  • MTT 2205 – Introduction to Metallurgy
  • MTT 3306 – Industrial Training
  • MTT 3307 – Metallurgy I
  • MTT 4307 – Metallurgy II
  • MTT 4820 – Research Project
  • MTT 4311 – Advanced Materials

Professional Memberships

  • Associate Member, Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka
  • Associate Engineer, Engineering Council, Sri Lanka
  • Member, Institute of Materials Engineers, Sri Lanka

Research Interests

  • Metallurgical materials: characterization, mechanical testing, processing, and corrosion protection of metals and alloys.
  • Composite materials: development of bio-based and natural materials, processing, characterization, and evaluation of mechanical, thermal, and functional properties.
  • Natural dyes: extraction, characterization, application in textiles and evaluation of properties.

Research Grants / Intellectual Property

  • National Innovation Agency (NIA) – Innovation Voucher Programme 2026 : Catalyst Voucher (200,000 LKR) – 2026
  • National Science Foundation (NSF) -Technology Grant 2026, 6.46 Million LKR – Co-Investigator – 2026.
  • Research Grant from University Business Linkage Cell, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (700,000 LKR) – 2026
  • Research Grant from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (585,000 LKR) – 2026
  • Circular Economy in the Food Sector Incubator Programme 2025 Funded by European Union & BMZ and Implemented by Expertise France, FAO & GIZ (9,000 EUR) – 2025
  • Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Operation Grant from World Bank (300,000 LKR) – 2023
  • Research Grant from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (200,000 LKR) – 2022

Appointments and Administrative Experiences

University Teaching

  • Lecturer (Probationary) at the Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka [ August 2021 – Present ]
  • Industrial Training Coordinator, Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, August 2021 – Present
  • Lecturer (Temporary) at the Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka [ May 2021 – August 2021]
  • Visiting Instructor at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa [October 2019 – December 2019]
  • Temporary Instructor at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa [ May 2019 – August 2019]

University Administration

  • Deputy Proctor, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, June 2025 – Present
  • Member – Food Commitee, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, September 2025 – Present
  • Member, Examination Disciplinary Committee, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, August 2023 – Present
  • Faculty Nominee to the Senate, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, September 2023 – Present
  • Faculty Nominee to the Faculty Board, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, April 2023 – Present
  • Senior Treasurer, Association of Materials Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, January 2023 – Present
  • Secretary, Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, October 2023 – Present
  • Department Coordinator, Career Guidance and Industry Relations Unit, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2021 – Present
  • Representative Member, IESL Rajarata Chapter, Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka, January 2023 – December 2024
  • Department Coordinator, Research & Publication Committee, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, January 2022 – October 2023
  • Trainee Engineer at the CCS Lanka Pvt Ltd [ June 2017 – December 2017]

Research

  • Reserach Asisistatcnt at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa [Augst 2019 – August 2021]

National / International Outreach

  • Invited Guest Lecture – “Fatigue and Fracture Behaviour of Engineering Materials”, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), University of South-Eastern Norway, Campus Kongsberg, Norway (2026).

Faculty / University

  • Chair – Technical Session, Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology 2025, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, April 2025
  • Chair, Ceremonial Committee, Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology 2024, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, March 2024
  • Secretary, Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology 2022, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, December 2022
  • Chair, Technical Programme Committee, International Symposium of Rajarata University 2021, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2021
  • Ceremonial Committee Member, International Symposium of Rajarata University 2021, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2021

Invited Reviewer

  • Research Grant Proposal Reviewer – NSF Tech-D Grant Scheme – 2026
  • Reviewer – International Research Conference of Uva Wellassa University (IRCUWU 2024), July 2024

Research Studies and Projects

Ongoing Research

  • Metallurgical Process Optimization for Quality Improvement in Scrap-Based Steel Production
  • Effect of Aging Temperature and Quenching Conditions on the Hardness and Microstructural Evolution of Aluminum Alloys
  • Analysis of Aluminium Coated Steel: Mechanical, Chemical, Microstructural, and Corrosion Behaviour
  • Development and Characterization of a Biopolymer Film from Banana Corms for Food Packaging Applications
  • Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Corn Derived Natural Fibers for Composite Applications
  • Development of Sustainable Thermal Insulation Material Using Natural Fibers
  • Developing of a bamboo charcoal nano composite polymer for sustainable applications
  • Photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes using CuO-incorporated biochar produced from water hyacinth
  • Extraction and characterization of Opuntia mucilage for biodegradable film production

Past Research

  • Extraction of natural dyes from Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa) for textile applications – 2025
  • Extraction and Characterization of Natural Fibers from Corn Plant Parts for Sustainable Composite Applications – 2025
  • Development bamboo charcoal nano-paint polymer for sustainable applications – 2025
  • Analyzing the Impact of Use of Glass Fiber, Waste Glass Powder and Demolished Concrete Waste on Concrete Performance – 2024
  • Analysis of temperature-dependent chemical and mechanical properties of polyurethane foams for applications – 2024
  • Extracting a Natural Dye as a Substitute for Rhodamine B Dye in Identifying Defects in Unglazed White Ware – 2024
  • Effect for the hardness and relation between the initial cooling and after aging process of extruding Aluminum 6063 Alloy – 2023
  • Production of Wet tissue from Natural plants – 2023
  • Production of paper from banana corm – 2023
  • Development and analysis of mechanical properties of particle board from water hyacinth – 2022
  • Development of Substitute for Heater Insulation Filler for Tubular Heaters – 2022
  • Using Coconut Shell as a Substitute for Graphite as a Propellant in Cast Iron – 2022
  • Development of Tiles Using Discarded Fibreglass – 2022
  • Extraction of Natural Dye for Crayon Manufacturing – 2022
  • Study on the Micro Organisms on the Clay Surface and Introduced an Eco-Friendly Blackening Resistant, Modified Traditional Clay Roofing Tile – 2022

Publications

Indexed Articles

  1. Wimalasena, M. K., Wijayawardene, N. N., Dharmarathne, S. B., Gunasekara, N., Ekanayake, M. S., Jayalal, R. G., Jayarama, D. B., Turki, A., Zhang G., Weerasinghe, D. C., de Zoysa, H. K. S., Dai, D. Q., Wang, H. & Bamunuarachchige, T. C. (2025) In-vitro Evaluation of Synthetic Dye Decolourisation by Filamentous Ascomycetous Fungi Isolated from Freshwater Environments in Sri Lanka and Development of a Prototype for Addressing Environmental Pollution from Synthetic Dye Contamination. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 15, 1650835. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1650835.

Peer-reviewed Article

  1. M. A. H. Yasassri, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, and S. V. Udayakumara, “Dyeing of cotton fabric with a natural dye extracted from the floral part of Acalypha hispida plant,” 2019 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Jul. 2019, pp. 90–94.

Abstracts / Extended Abstracts (National & International)

  1. J.Y.K. Jayasinghe, T.S. Madushan, R.G.U.G.K. Bandara, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Analysis of Aluminium Coated Steel: Mechanical, Chemical, Microstructural, and Corrosion Behaviour Characterization,” 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology (URSoT) 2026, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 2026.
  2. G. O. G. P. P. B. Jayasekara, K. A. R. R. Kulathunga, T. S. Liyanawalage, P. W. C. L. K. Polkotuwa, M. A. H. Yasassri, W. D. C. Weerasinghe “Development and characterisation of banana corm starch-based biopolymer films from Cavendish (Musa acuminata) and Ambul (Musa spp.(ambul)) varieties for sustainable food packaging applications” 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology (URSoT) 2026, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 2026.
  3. K. A. R. R. Kulathunga, G. O. G. P. P. B. Jayasekara, M. A. H. Yasassri, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Extraction and Characterisation of Natural Dyes from Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Roots as a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Bio-Colourant,” 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology (URSoT) 2026, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 2026.
  4. D.B.R.N. Kumara, N.G.Y.T. Kumara, G.A.J. Sandareka, P.A.L.C. Alwis, D.M.S.T. Prabath, W.H.P. Wanniarachchi, A.L. Maduwanthi, W.D.C.Weerasinghe,”Development of Bamboo Charcoal Nano-Paint Polymer for Sustainable Applications”, 4th Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology (URSoT) 2026, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 2026.
  5. K. A. R. R. Kulathunga, G. O. G. P. P. B. Jayasekara, T. S. Liyanawalage, P. W. C. L. K. Polkotuwa, M. A. H. Yasassri, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Comparative Physicochemical Characterization of Cavendish (Musa acuminata) and Ambul Banana (Musa spp. (Ambul)) Corms for Sustainable Starch-Based Material Applications” 1st International Conference Sustainable Development Studies (ICSDS 2026), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 2026
  6. K. A. R. R. Kulathunga, G. O. G. P. P. B. Jayasekara, K. G. D. H. Samarasinha, K. Y. B. S. T. Samansiri, M. D. M. P. Rathnayaka, M. A. H. Yasassri, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Extraction and Characterization of Sustainable Natural Dyes from Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa) Fruits using Green Methodologies” IMPETUS 2026- International Conference on Computing, Engineering, and Technology, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, May 2026. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20658211
  7. W.D.C. Weerasinghe, P.W.C.L.K. Polkotuwa, I.K.H.K. Perera, A.B.R. Pramod, B.G.C. Himansala and M.A.H. Yasasri, “Influence of temperature and composition ratios on polyurethane foam properties,” Engineering Research Unit Symposium 2025 – University of Moratuwa, 2025, pp. 30–31, 2025. https://doi.org/10.31705/ERU.2025.13
  8. W.D.C. Weerasinghe, P.W.C.L.K. Polkotuwa, E.M.D.A. Ekanayaka, U.T.P.P. Sri, P.G.S.M. Dayarathna and M.A.H. Yasasri, “Sustainable natural dye extraction: methods and sources for eco-friendly applications,” Engineering Research Unit Symposium 2025 – University of Moratuwa, 2025, pp. 46–47, 2025. https://doi.org/10.31705/ERU.2025.21
  9. E. M. D. A. Ekanayaka, U. T. P. P. Sri, P. G. S. M. Dayarathna, M. A. H. Yasassri, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Extracting a Natural Dye as a Substitute for Rhodamine B Dye in Identifying Defects in Unglazed White Ware,” in Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology (URSoT 2025), Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2025, p. 72.
  10. K. G. S. S. S. S. Kodikara, K. V. Kalansuriya, I. A. G. M. N. Bandara, G. G. S. B. K. Dharmarathna, A. Y. T. Mayadunna, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Analyzing the Impact of Use of Glass Fiber, Waste Glass Powder and Demolished Concrete Waste on Concrete Performance,” in Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology (URSoT 2025), Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2025, p. 70.
  11. I. K. H. K. Perera, B. G. C. Himansala, A. B. R. Pramod, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Simulation Study on Temperature Effects in Polyurethane Foam Density Optimization,” in Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology (URSoT 2025), Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2025, p. 68.
  12. G. G. S. B. K. Dhramarathne, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, N. N. Wijayawardene, A. I. Rathnayake, H. K. S. De Zoysa, T. Luangharn, and T. C. Bamunuarachchige, “Comparative screening of fungal strains for sustainable mycelium-based bio-leather production,” in Proc. International Conference on Microbiology and Microbial Technologies. (ICMMT 2025), Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Oct. 2025.
  13. G. G. S. B. K. Dharmarathne, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, D. G. W. T. Jayalath, and J. D. C. Priyamantha, “Development and mechanical characterization of particle boards from water hyacinth: a sustainable approach to invasive species utilization,” Engineering Research Unit Symposium 2024 – University of Moratuwa, Dec. 2024, pp. 27–28. https://doi.org/10.31705/ERU.2024.12
  14. W. D. C. Perera, P. A. R. H. Rajapaksha, S. S. Nirosha, A. W. D. Yasassri, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Production of wet tissue using natural plant,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2024, vol. 2, p. 72, Mar. 2024.
  15. P. W. C. L. K. Polkotuwa, D. H. A. Prasanna, B. L. Madhuranga, M. A. H. Yasassri, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Extracting fiber from banana corm,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2024, p. 75, 2024.
  16. P. W. C. L. K. Polkotuwa, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, D. H. A. Prasanna, and B. L. Madhuranga, “Eco-friendly and sustainable paper production from waste banana corm fibers: extraction, process optimization, and performance evaluation,” Engineering Research Unit Symposium 2024 – University of Moratuwa, 2024, pp. 25–26, 2024. https://doi.org/10.31705/ERU.2024.11
  17. T. G. M. N. Gamage, K. M. S. A. Karunarathna, J. M. H. Sampath, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Analyzing the effect and correlation of initial cooling and aging processes on the mechanical and microstructural properties of extruded Aluminum 6063 alloy,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2024, p. 73, 2024.
  18. T. M. A. C. Thennakoon, I. U. E. Nanayakkara, G. D. C. H. K. Dissanayake, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, and H. A. N. Dharmagunawardhane, “Introducing a blackening-resistant clay roofing tile,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2022, p. 81, 2022.
  19. S. Amshon, W. A. I. A. K. Jayasinghe, W. K. G. Weerasinghe, B. A. Karunarathne, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Development of substitute materials for electrical insulating fillers using Sri Lankan mineral sand,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2022, p. 83, 2022.
  20. A. D. C. Balasooriya, H. C. A. Hapuarachchi, V. R. R. P. Senarathne, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, and S. D. Varathaseelan, “Development of tiles using discarded fiberglass,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2022, p. 88, 2022.
  21. W. V. A. R. Weerasooriya, S. B. M. C. S. Rathnayaka, N. G. P. M. Bandara, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, and H. M. I. K. Herath, “Natural dye extraction in powder form for crayon manufacturing,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2022, p. 89, 2022.
  22. D. G. W. T. Jayalath, G. G. S. B. K. Dharmarathne, J. D. C. Priyamantha, and W. D. C. Weerasinghe, “Development and analyzing mechanical properties of particle board from water hyacinth,” Undergraduates Research Symposium of Technology 2022, p. 91, 2022.
  23. M. A. H. Yasassri, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, and S. V. Udayakumara, “Extraction of natural dye from Acalypha hispida flowers for fabrics,” University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2018.
  24. W. D. C. Weerasinghe, S. P. Guluwita, and L. P. S. Rohitha, “Purification of rutile in Sri Lankan beach sand for the extraction of TiO₂,” IESL Annual Conference 2020, The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, 2020.
  25. M. A. H. Yasassri, W. D. C. Weerasinghe, and S. V. Udayakumara, “Extraction and dyeing behavior of natural dye obtained from Clerodendrum quadriloculare leaves for cotton fabric coloration,” IESL Annual Conference 2019, pp. 775–780, 2019, The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka

Awards, Certificates, and Professional Development

Awards

  • Best Paper Award, Engineering Research Unit Symposium, 2024
  • Best Poster Award, Engineering Research Unit Symposium, 2024

Certificates

  • Certificate Course in Introduction to Additive Manufacturing Processes – Arizona State University, 2025
  • Certificate Course in Gender and Justice – EU International Partnerships Academy, 2025
  • Certificate Course in Circular Economy – EU International Partnerships Academy, 2025
  • Certificate Course in Abaqus CAE: Learn Static and Dynamic Analysis, 2025
  • Introduction to Aerospace Structures and Materials – Delft University of Technology, 2025
  • Waste Management and Critical Raw Materials – Delft University of Technology, February 2025
  • Circular Economy – An Introduction – Delft University of Technology, 2025
  • Engineering Design for a Circular Economy – Delft University of Technology, 2025
  • Sustainable Packaging in a Circular Economy – Delft University of Technology, 2025
  • Micro and Nanofabrication (MEMS) – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, 2025
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy for Materials Science – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, February 2025
  • Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education – Staff Development Center, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2022

Professional Development / Workshops

  • Short Course on Failure Analysis of Engineering Materials & Structures organized by COMSATS Nanotechnology Lab (NTL) – April 2026
  • Workshop – Intellectual Property workshop, University Business Linkage Cell, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, February 2026
  • Workshop – Fostering Research Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Impact, University Business Linkage Cell and the Research and Publication Committee, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, December 2025
  • Workshop – Empowering Emerging Researchers for Excellence in Academia, Research and Higher Degree Committee, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, May 2025
  • Workshop – Empowering Emerging Researchers for Excellence in Academia – Introduction to Statistical Analysis, Research and Higher Degree Committee, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, October 2025
  • Training – Laboratory Safety and Waste Disposal, Industrial Technology Institute, Ministry of Industries, Sri Lanka, 2024
  • Training – First Aid, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, 2024
  • Workshop – Intellectual Property Rights, Prior Art Search, Patent Application Procedure, Drafting Patent Applications and Amendments – University Business Linkage Cell, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2023