Ms. K.K.Thilini N. Ekanayake

Profile Overview

Ms. K.K.Thilini N. Ekanayake is a Lecturer (Probationary) attached to the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Technology, University of Ruhuna. She is currently reading for an MPhil at the University of Ruhuna and holds a Master of Teaching English as a Second Language from the Open University of Sri Lanka and a BA (Hons) in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Kelaniya.

Her research interests include English language teaching, sociolinguistics, technology-enhanced language learning, and the application of artificial intelligence in language teaching and learning.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Education

  • MPhil, University of Ruhuna – Reading (2024–Present)
  • Master of Teaching English as a Second Language, Open University of Sri Lanka
  • BA (Hons) in Teaching English as a Second Language, University of Kelaniya (2017–2021)

Professional Experience

  • Lecturer
    Informatics Institute of Technology
  • Assistant Lecturer
    Faculty of Management, University of Ruhuna
  • Visiting Lecturer
    Distance and Continuing Education Unit
  • Visiting Lecturer
    Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna
  • Visiting Lecturer
    University of Kelaniya

Publications

Conference Publications

  1. Ekanayake, K.K.T.N., Samaraweera, S.G.S. & Pushpakumara, P.B.S.L. (2025).
    The Impact of ChatGPT on Self-Directed Learning in an English as a Second Language Classroom.
    11th International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IconArts 2025),
    Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  2. Ekanayake, K.K.T.N. (2025).
    Motivation and Engagement: Do AI-Based Apps Like ChatGPT Enhance Student Interest in Language Learning? A Study in a Tertiary ESL Classroom.
    International Conference on English Language Teaching (ICONELT 2025),
    Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya.
  3. Ekanayake, K.K.T.N. & Dayara, M.D. (2024).
    A Study on Lexical Obsolescence in Sinhala Used by the Silent Generation in Southern Province, Sri Lanka.
    International Conference on Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (ICLLL 2024),
    Postgraduate Institute of English, Open University of Sri Lanka.
  4. Ekanayake, K.K.T.N. & Dineeka, P.A.C. (2023).
    Effectiveness of Using Smartboard in an English as a Second Language Classroom: Undergraduates’ Perspectives.
    PGIHS Research Congress 2023,
    Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Peradeniya.
  5. Dineeka, P.A.C. & Ekanayake, K.K.T.N. (2023).
    A Study on the Use of Brainstorming Techniques to Encourage Speaking in ESL Classrooms.
    8th International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences,
    Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  6. Ekanayake, K.K.T.N. & Dineeka, P.A.C. (2022).
    Students’ Positioning in the Classroom: A Case of Undergraduates Learning English as a Second Language in Sri Lanka.
    SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities (SICASH 2022),
    Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.
  7. Dineeka, P.A.C. & Ekanayake, K.K.T.N. (2021).
    A Study on the Perceptions of Using Online Games to Develop Vocabulary Knowledge of Grade 10 ESL Learners.
    International Symposium on English Language Teaching (RUISELT 2021),
    Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

Research Interests

  • English Language Teaching
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Technology-Enhanced Language Learning
  • Artificial Intelligence in Language Teaching and Learning
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