Eng. Ms. W.G.A Pabasara

Profile Overview

Eng. Ms. W.G.A Pabasara is a Lecturer (Probationary) in the Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Ruhuna, and is currently on leave. She holds a First Class B.Sc. Engineering Honours degree from the University of Moratuwa, where her research focused on the extraction and characterization of nanocellulose from local rice straw varieties. Her professional experience includes work in materials science and engineering and resource-efficient cleaner production, while her research interests encompass environmental pollution control, waste minimization, composites, rubber technology, polymer surface modification and nanotechnology.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Education

  • BSc. Engineering Hons (First Class) (University of Moratuwa);Research Title: Extraction and Characterization of Nano Cellulose from local rice straw varieties

Professional Experience

  • Resource Efficient Cleaner Production Engineer National Cleaner Production Centre, Sri Lanka October 2017 – June 2020
  • Temporary Instructor Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa April 2017- September 2017

Awards and Fellowships

  • Best paper award at Engineering Research Conference (MERCon) organized by University of Moratuwa, 2017
  • Best presenter award at the session Agricultural Engineering and Material Science, PGIA annual Congress Program organized by University of Peradeniya, 2018.

Memberships and Activities in Professional Bodies

  • Associate Member – Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)

Publications

Conference Publications

  1. Pabasara, W.G.A, Nanayakkara, M.P.A.,., Samarasekara, A.B., Amarasinghe, D.A.S. and Karunanayake, L., 2017, May. Synthesis and characterization of cellulose from locally available rice straw. In Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), 2017 Moratuwa (pp. 176-181). IEEE”
  2. W.G.A. Pabasara, M.P.A. Nanayakkara, A.M.P.B. Samarasekara and D. A.S. Amarasinghe, “Prediction of Cellulose Yield from Local Rice Straw Varieties by Thermogravimetric Analysis”, Conference Paper, The 3rd Biennial International Symposium on Polymer Science and Technology 2017
  3. W.G.A. Pabasara, M.P.A. Nanayakkara, A.M.P.B. Samarasekara and D. A.S. Amarasinghe, “Extraction of Cellulose from Sri Lankan Agricultural Waste for Engineering Applications”, Conference Paper, 111th IESL Annual Technical Sessions 2017
  4. W.G.A. Pabasara, M.P.A. Nanayakkara, A.M.P.B. Samarasekara and D. A.S. Amarasinghe, “Exploring the Value Addition Potential for Local Rice Straw Varieties”, Symposium Paper, Materials Engineering Symposium on Innovations for Industry 2017
  5. Pabasara W. G. A., Nanayakkara M. P. A., Samarasekara A. M. P. B., Amarasinghe D. A. S., & Karunanayake L. (2017d). Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose Material from Sri Lankan Agricultural Waste, In: Resource Management for Sustainable Service Delivery. Proceedings of the 22nd International Forestry and Environment Symposium,volume 22, Kalutara, Sri Lanka, 10-11 November. University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka pp. 47
  6. Pabasara W. G. A., Nanayakkara M. P. A., Samarasekara A. M. P. B., Amarasinghe D. A. S., & Karunanayake L, Novel Thermogravimetry Based Analytical Method for Cellulose Yield Prediction of Sri Lankan Rice Straw Varieties, In Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), 2018 Moratuwa, IEEE”.
  7. Pabasara W. G. A., Nanayakkara M. P. A., Samarasekara A. M. P. B., Amarasinghe D. A. S., & Karunanayake L, “Extraction and Characterization of Bio-based Polymeric Materials from Traditional Rice Straw Varieties in Sri Lanka” PGIA annual Congress Program,University of Peradeniya, 2018
  8. Pabasara W. G. A., Nanayakkara M. P. A., Samarasekara A. M. P. B., Amarasinghe D. A. S., & Karunanayake L “A Strategy for Determining the Chemical Composition of Rice Straw”, Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, 2020

Research Interests

  • Novel Environmental concepts and techniques
  • Environmental pollution control
  • Waste Minimization techniques
  • Composites
  • Rubber Technology
  • Material Characterization
  • Surface modification of polymers
  • Nanotechnology
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