Faculty – IT

Research Interests

Abstract Algebra, Cryptography, Algebraic Graph Theory

Memberships

SLASS, SLAIHEE

Publications

Sanjeewa, R. and Welihinda, B.A.K., 2017. Elliptic curve cryptography and coding theory. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 3(2).

Lanel, G.H.J., Pallage, H.K., Ratnayake, J.K., Thevasha, S. and Welihinda, B.A.K., 2019. A survey on Hamiltonicity in Cayley graphs and digraphs on different groups. Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms and Applications, 11(05), p.1930002.

Lanel, G.H., Jinasena, T.M.K. and Welihinda, B.A.K., 2020. Hamiltonian cycles in Cayley graphs of semidirect products of finite groups.

Lanel, G.H., Jinasena, T.M.K.K. and Welihinda, B.A., 2021. A survey of public-key cryptography over non-abelian groups.

Lanel, G.H.J., Jinasena, T.M.K.K. and Welihinda, B.A.K., 2021. Cryptographic protocols using semidirect products of finite groups. International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security, 21(8), pp.17-27.

Lanel, G.H.J., Jinasena, T.M.K.K. and Welihinda, B.A.K., 2022. Semidirect Products of Finite Groups in Public-Key Cryptographic Protocols.

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Research Interests

Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics

Publications

Title: Identification of hate speech in social media
Authors: NDT Ruwandika, AR Weerasinghe
Conference: 2018 18th International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions
Cited by: 65
Year: 2018

Title: CBR-RAG: case-based reasoning for retrieval augmented generation in LLMs for legal question answering
Authors: N Wiratunga, R Abeyratne, L Jayawardena, K Martin, S Massie, …
Conference: International Conference on Case-Based Reasoning, pp. 445–460
Cited by: 53
Year: 2024

Title: A rule based syllabification algorithm for Sinhala
Authors: R Weerasinghe, A Wasala, K Gamage
Conference: Natural Language Processing – IJCNLP 2005: Second International Joint Conference
Cited by: 51
Year: 2005

Title: A statistical machine translation approach to Sinhala-Tamil language translation
Author: R Weerasinghe
Conference: Towards an ICT enabled Society, p. 136
Cited by: 38
Year: 2003

Title: Continuous Sinhala speech recognizer
Authors: T Nadungodage, R Weerasinghe
Conference: Conference on Human Language Technology for Development, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 2–5
Cited by: 34
Year: 2011

Title: Investigating machine learning & natural language processing techniques applied for predicting depression disorder from online support forums: A systematic literature review
Authors: IA Nanomi Arachchige, P Sandanapitchai, R Weerasinghe
Journal: Information, Vol. 12 (11), Article 444
Cited by: 32
Year: 2021

Title: Detecting hate speech in social media articles in romanized Sinhala
Authors: N Hettiarachchi, R Weerasinghe, R Pushpanda
Conference: 2020 20th International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions
Cited by: 30
Year: 2020

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Research Interests

Gamification, Game based Learning, Educational Technology, Assistive Technology

Memberships

IEEE

Publications

Indexed journals

1. Fernando, P. A., & Premadasa, H. K. S. (2024). Use of gamification and game-based learning in educating Generation Alpha: A systematic literature review. Educational Technology & Society, Springer Publication, 27(2), 114-132. (SSCI) https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202404_27(2).RP03

1. Pumudu A. Fernando, and H.K. Salinda Premadasa., (2023)., “Game-based Activity Design in Primary School Students’ Learning Style Detection”, Procedia Computer Science, vol, pp. (Elsevier) (CPCI) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2024.06.182

1. Perera, Andrea, and Pumudu Fernando. “Cyberbullying Detection System On Social Media Using Supervised Machine Learning.” Procedia Computer Science (2023):(Elsevier) (CPCI) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2024.06.200

1. Rammuni Silva, R. S., & Fernando, P. (2022). Effective utilization of multiple convolutional neural networks for chest X-ray classification. SN Computer Science, 3(6), 492. (Springer) https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-022-01390-9

1. Perera, Andrea, and Pumudu Fernando. “Accurate cyberbullying detection and prevention on social media.” Procedia Computer Science 181 (2021): 605-611.

(Elsevier) (CPCI) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.01.207

International peer-reviewed journals

1. Fernando, P., & Wimalaratne, P. (2016). Sign language translation approach to sinhalese language. GSTF Journal on Computing (JoC), 5, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.7603/s40601-016-0009-8

International Conferences

1. A. D. M. B. B. Dissanayake and P. A. Fernando, “Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis of Student Reviews on MOOC Platforms,” 2025 5th International Conference on Advanced Research in Computing (ICARC), Belihuloya, Sri Lanka, 2025, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ICARC64760.2025.10963217.

1. S. Mallawatantri and P. Fernando, “Enhancing Adherence and Completion Rates Through Gamification and Micro AI Interventions in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,” 2024 International Conference on Computer and Applications (ICCA), Cairo, Egypt, 2024, pp. 1-7, doi: 10.1109/ICCA62237.2024.10927947.

1. Savin Madapatha and Pumudu Fernando (2024) “A Systematic Literature Review of XAI-based Approaches on Brain Disease Detection using Brain MRI Images” 4th International Conference on Advanced Research in Computing (ICARC), Belihuloya, Sri Lanka,

1. D. Nisal Gunaratna and P. Fernando, “A Systematic Literature Review of Machine Learning based Approaches on Pathology Detection in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,” 2022 IEEE 2nd Asian Conference on Innovation in Technology (ASIANCON), Ravet, India, 2022, pp. 1-5, doi: 10.1109/ASIANCON55314.2022.9909267.

1. S. Guruge and P. Fernando, “GlucoFriend: Glycaemic Variability Prediction for Diabetes Patients,” 2022 IEEE 2nd International Conference on Advanced Research in Computing (ICARC), Belihuloya, Sri Lanka, 2022, pp. 25-30, doi: 10.1109/ICARC54489.2022.9753745.

1. P. Liyanage and P. Fernando, “Suspicious Human Crowd Behaviour Detection – A Transfer Learning Approach,” 2021 IEEE 21st International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICter), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2021, pp. 63-68, doi: 10.1109/ICter53630.2021.9774784.

1. R. Baskaran and P. Fernando, “Steel Frame Structure Defect Detection Using Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence,” 2021 IEEE International Conference on Smart Generation Computing, Communication and Networking (SMART GENCON), Pune, India, 2021, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/SMARTGENCON51891.2021.9645845.

1. R. S. R. Silva and P. Fernando, “An Extensive Survey of Machine Learning Based Approaches on Automated Pathology Detection in Chest X-Rays,” 2021 IEEE 28th Conference of Open Innovations Association (FRUCT), Moscow, Russia, 2021, pp. 365-373, doi: 10.23919/FRUCT50888.2021.9347605.

1. N. Jayawardene and P. Fernando, “Metadata model for supporting hierarchical Edge Device arrangements in an IoT deployment,” 2020 IEEE International Conference on Computational Science and Computational Intelligence (CSCI), Las Vegas, NV, USA, 2020, pp. 1108-1114, doi: 10.1109/CSCI51800.2020.00206.

1. N. Jayawardene and P. Fernando, “A Review of Fog Network Implementations in Current IoT Products,” 2019 6th IEEE International Conference on Cyber Security and Cloud Computing (CSCloud)/ 2019 5th IEEE International Conference on Edge Computing and Scalable Cloud (EdgeCom), Paris, France, 2019, pp. 227-232, doi: 10.1109/CSCloud/EdgeCom.2019.00030.

1. B. M. Silva and P. Fernando, “Early Prediction of Cybersickness in Virtual, Augmented & Mixed Reality Applications: A Review,” 2019 IEEE 5th International Conference for Convergence in Technology (I2CT), Bombay, India, 2019, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/I2CT45611.2019.9033650.

1. P. Kekuluthotuwage and P. Fernando, “HomeSchool: An interactive educational tool for child education,” 2017 IEEE  National Information Technology Conference (NITC), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2017, pp. 34-39, doi: 10.1109/NITC.2017.8285652.

1. U. Withana and P. Fernando, “Differential diagnosis of eczema and psoriasis using categorical data in image processing,” 2017 IEEE Seventeenth International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2017, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ICTER.2017.8257819.

1. P. A. De Alwis and P. A. Fernando, “An approach for digitizing form based images,” 2017 IEEE Seventeenth International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2017, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ICTER.2017.8257816.

1. S. R. Gunarathne, J. De Silva, E. M. C. P. Ekanayake, I. Samaradiwakara, P. S. Haddela and P. A. Fernando, “Intellemo: A mobile instant messaging application with intelligent emotion identification,” 2013 IEEE 8th International Conference on Industrial and Information Systems, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013, pp. 627-632, doi: 10.1109/ICIInfS.2013.6732057.

1. V. Mohanadarshan, S. I. Praveen, M. M. S. Ahamed, M. S. M. Zayan, P. S. Haddela and P. Fernando, “SYMPHONY: Attitude analysis and development tool,” 2013 IEEE 8th International Conference on Computer Science & Education, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2013, pp. 603-608, doi: 10.1109/ICCSE.2013.6553980.

1. V. Mohanadarshan, S. I. Praveen, M. M. Shareek Ahamed, M. S. M. Zayan, P. S. Haddela and P. Fernando, “SYMPHONY: Bloom’s Taxonomy based attitude development tool,” IEEE International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer2012), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2012, pp. 223-223, doi: 10.1109/ICTer.2012.6423028.

Abstracts

1. Fernando, P. A., & Premadasa, H. K. S. (2024). “An Adaptive Gamification Framework for Primary Schoolers’ Mathematics Learning” Graduate Colloquium, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

1. Fernando, P. A., & Premadasa, H. K. S. (2023). “Identification of Sequential/Global Learning Dimension in FSLM Model via Game-based Activities” Graduate Colloquium, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

1. S. Sonnadara and P. Fernando, “Car park slot finding framework,” 2017 Seventeenth International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2017, pp. 1-1, doi: 10.1109/ICTER.2017.8257838.

1. W. P. A. Fernando, K. A. C. Perera, A. Ranathunga, H. G. C. Wijesooriya, D. A. B. Alahakoon and J. Amararachchi, “Intelligent Web companion (IWC): Personalized web surfing tool,” 2013 IEEE International Conference on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions (ICTer), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2013, pp. 280-280, doi: 10.1109/ICTer.2013.6761194.

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Research Interests

Machine Learning, AI, Teaching and Learning Improvement Pedagogies

Memberships

IEEE, SLAIHEE

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Research Interests

Large Scale Project Implementation and Management
Image Processing

Memberships

IEEE

Research Interests

NLP 1, ML 2, Teaching and Learning in HE 3

Google Scholar 

Research Interests

NLP, Machine Translation, Computational Intelligence

Publications

• Amanulla Ashraff and Fathima Farhath, A recommender system for job seekers to show up companies based on their psychometric preferences and Company sentiment scores. In 2020 International Conference on Image Processing and Robotics (ICIP)(2020). Negombo, Sri Lanka, 2020, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ICIP48927.2020.9367329.
• Fathima Farhath, Theivendiram Pranavan, Surangika Ranathunga, Sanath Jayasena, and Gihan Dias. Improving Domain-specific SMT for Low-resourced Languages using Data from Different Domains. In 11th Edition of the Language Resources and Evaluation Conference. 2018.
• Fathima Farhath, Surangika Ranathunga, Sanath Jayasena, and Gihan Dias. Integration of Bilingual Lists for Domain-Specific Statistical Machine Translation for Sinhala-Tamil. In proceedings of 2018 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), pages 538-543. IEEE, 2018.
• Surangika Ranathunga, Fathima Farhath, Uthayasanker Thayasivam, Sanath Jayasena and Gihan Dias. Si-Ta: Machine Translation of Sinhala and Tamil Official Documents. In National IT Conference (NITC) (2018). Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Research Interests

Large Scale Project Implementation and Management
Image Processing

Memberships

IEEE

Research Interests

Human-AI Collaboration in Learning, AI-driven Teaching Methods

Memberships

SLAIHEE Sri Lanka (2024-0940)

Research Interests

Autonomous Navigation, Robotics, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Computer Vision

Publications

Balasooriya, N. M., De Silva, O., Jayasiri, A., & Mann, G. K. (2024). AI-based landing zone detection for vertical takeoff and land LiDAR localization and mapping pipelines. Drone Systems and Applications, 12, 1-19., Balasooriya, N., Dowden, B., Chen, J., De Silva, O., & Huang, W. (2021, September). In-situ sea ice detection using DeepLabv3 semantic segmentation. In OCEANS 2021: San Diego–Porto (pp. 1-7). IEEE., Schmidt, V., Luccioni, A., Mukkavilli, S. K., Balasooriya, N., Sankaran, K., Chayes, J., & Bengio, Y. (2019). Visualizing the consequences of climate change using cycle-consistent adversarial networks. arXiv preprint arXiv:1905.03709., Balasooriya, N. M., & Nawarathna, R. D. (2017, December). A sophisticated convolutional neural network model for brain tumor classification. In 2017 IEEE international conference on industrial and information systems (ICIIS) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.

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Research Interests

Machine Learning

Research Interests

NLP, Machine Learning, Image Processing

Memberships

IEEE- Graduate Student

Publications

Pavithra, Dilushri & Smith, Roy. (2025). Ensemble Approach for Religious Hate Speech Detection in Text-Based Images on Facebook. 1-6. 10.1109/ICARC64760.2025.10962881.

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Research Interests

Education ,Communication and Sociology

Memberships

World Bank IFC Business Edge Trainer

Research Interests

Education, Language, Teaching and Learning in Second Language (English)

Memberships

SLAHIEE

Publications

Yehiya, A. (2023). Islamophobia in Online Discourse: An Analysis of Interactions on Facebook Posts Following The Easter Bombings 2019 in Sri Lanka. VISTAS-Journal Of Humanities And Social Sciences, 16(2), 1-30. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/2542

Yehiya, F. A. (2022). Islamophobia in online discourse: An analysis of interactions on Facebook posts following the Easter bombings 2019 in Sri Lanka. 3rd Student Research Symposium of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Open University of Sri Lanka, 3(1).

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Research Interests

Second language learning & teaching (ESL), Education,

Memberships

SLAIHEE

Publications

Abeysekera. R. N. A. (2023). Enhancing Speaking Competency in English of Post-A/L Students through Task-Based Approach at a Leading Private Institute.3rd Students Research Symposium of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Open University of Sri Lanka, 3(1)

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Research Interests

Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence

Publications

K. A. S. A. Nilupuli Wijerathna et al., “Recognition and translation of Ancient Brahmi Letters using deep learning and NLP,” 2019 International Conference on Advancements in Computing (ICAC), Malabe, Sri Lanka, 2019, pp. 226-231, doi: 10.1109/ICAC49085.2019.9103340. keywords: {Training;Machine learning;Image segmentation;Feature extraction;Natural language processing;Character recognition;Brahmi Inscriptions;Image Processing;convolution neural network;feature extraction;Pre-trained models;Natural Language Processing},

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Research Interests

Natural Language Processing

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Research Interests

Explainable AI

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Research Interests

Machine Learning, E-Learning, Web Development

Publications

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Research Interests

Machine Learning, Networking, UI/UX Engineering

Publications

Applications of Wireless Sensor Networks and Object Detection in Precision Agriculture: A Review,
16th International Research Conference – KDU
07/09/2023
Artificial Cognition based Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendation System,
16th International Research Conference – KDU
07/09/2023
Applications of Wireless Sensor Networks and Object Detection in Precision Agriculture: A Review,
3rd FOC Student Symposium (FOCSS) – KDU
18/01/2023
Development of a Smart Ring Series using Kansei Engineering,
15th International Research Conference – KDU
30/09/2022

Research Interests

Enterprise Software Application Development
Microservices
Web Application Development
UI/UX
Databases
Frameworks and Algorithms

Memberships

Associate Member in Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL)
Associate Engineer in Engineering Council, Sri Lanka (ECSL)

Publications

Study of Wearing EVA Foam Slippers for Reducing Whole Body Vibrations of Bus Passengers, DOI: 10.1109/ICECIE52348.2021.9664722

A Study on Human Mechanical Power Transmission using a Flywheel based Energy Harvester, DOI: 10.1109/ICECIE50279.2020.9309689

A Study on Mechanical Power Transmission of the Human Body Using an All Four Limbs Based Energy Harvester, DOI: 10.1109/ICECIE52348.2021.9664740

Energy Optimization and Human Bio-Mechanical Performance Analysis Using Novel All Four Limbs Based Energy Harvester, DOI: 10.1109/CPEEE54404.2022.9738711

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Research Interests

IoT, Network engineering, Electronic design and telecommunication systems

Publications

Automatic room light controller system- with a bidirectional visitor counter and room light intensity detection system
IEEE WIE symposium 2021

Aggregate Agro- Universal Safety System for Tractor and rotary slasher
IEEE WIE symposium 2021

MIMO monitoring system for Farming
CINEC Student Research Symposium 2021

Automatic Bidirectional Visitor counter and room light controller system
CINEC Students Research Symposium 2021

Aggregate Agro
CINEC student Research Symposium 2021

Impact on Sri Lankan hydro energy production industry by integrating vortex mini hydro power plant
CINEC Student Research Symposium 2020

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Research Interests

Machine Learning

Publications

Moderate Automobile Accident Claim Process Automation Using Machine Learning
2021 – International Conference on Computer Communication and Informatics