Dr. Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Civil Engineering Technology at the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. She is an accomplished researcher and educator specializing in water resources engineering, civil engineering, and environmental sustainability. With a strong academic and professional background, she has contributed extensively to research in irrigation systems, waste management, and sustainable construction materials. Her scholarly work includes journal publications, book chapters, and active involvement in international conferences. She also plays a leadership role in academic committees, research symposiums, and student mentoring, making her a well-rounded academic leader.
Dr. Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda | Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa ITUM | Sri Lanka
Profiles
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Education
Dr. Semananda holds a Ph.D. in Water Engineering from the University of South Australia, where her research focused on efficient irrigation systems for urban agriculture. She earned her Master of Science degree in Water Resources Management from the same university, graduating with distinction. Her foundational qualifications include a Civil Engineering degree from the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, and a National Diploma in Technology (Civil) with distinction from the University of Moratuwa. This combination of advanced international education and strong local academic roots has shaped her expertise in civil and environmental engineering.
Experience
Her professional journey includes extensive teaching, research, and leadership roles. She has served as Senior Lecturer and Head of the Division of Civil Engineering Technology at ITUM, leading academic and administrative activities, curriculum development, and student mentoring. Internationally, she has worked as a researcher, tutor, and education support officer in Australia, contributing to teaching, irrigation design, and hydrologic modeling. Earlier in her career, she gained practical industry experience as a Technical Officer in road and bridge construction. These diverse roles highlight her strong integration of teaching, research, and professional practice.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Semananda has received notable awards such as the Endeavour Postgraduate Award from the Australian Government and the Goyder Institute Award for her research contributions. Her academic achievements and professional memberships, including affiliations with the Engineering Council Sri Lanka, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, further emphasize her commitment to excellence. Her recognition reflects both her academic merit and her contributions to advancing civil and environmental engineering research.
Skills
Dr. Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda demonstrates a wide range of technical and professional skills that complement her academic and research expertise in civil and environmental engineering. She is proficient in EdTech tools such as Moodle, Zoom, and virtual classroom platforms, supporting modern teaching and learning environments. Her capabilities include curriculum design, assessments, and the development of multimedia presentations using Microsoft Office and online platforms. She possesses advanced analytical skills with SPSS, RORB, HEC-RAS, DRAIN, and MUSIC for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. Additionally, she is experienced in AutoCAD, GIS, and laboratory infrastructure development, with practical expertise in soil moisture sensor calibration and field data collection.
Research Focus
Her research interests are centered on water resources engineering, hydrology, irrigation, environmental engineering, and sustainable construction. She has conducted significant studies on irrigation systems, including wicking bed irrigation, and contributed to circular economy approaches through construction waste management and alternative building materials. Current projects involve corrosion of civil engineering materials, rice husk ash as a sustainable construction material, and non-autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. Her focus on sustainability and resource efficiency demonstrates her commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions.
Publications
Evaluating the efficiency of wicking bed irrigation systems for small-scale urban agriculture
Authors: N.P.K. Semananda, J.D. Ward, B.R. Myers
Journal: Horticulturae 2 (4), 13 (2016)
Experimental investigation of wicking bed irrigation using shallow-rooted crops grown under glasshouse conditions
Authors: N.P.K. Semananda, J.D. Ward, B.R. Myers
Journal: Irrigation Science 38 (2), 117-129 (2020)
Estimation of Low Flow Statistics for Sustainable Water Resources Management in South Australia
Authors: N.P.K. Semananda, G.A. Hewa
Journal: Hydrology 9 (9), 152 (2022)
Assessing Reliability of Recycled Water in Wicking Beds for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Authors: N.P.K. Semananda, J.D. Ward, B.R. Myers
Journal: Earth 2 (3), 468-484 (2021)
Harnessing rice husk ash for sustainable construction: a comprehensive review of challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives
Authors: K.G.A.S. Kariyawasam, N.P.K. Semananda
Journal: Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management (2025)
A Semi-Systematic Review of Capillary Irrigation: The Benefits, Limitations, and Opportunities
Authors: N.P.K. Semananda, J. Ward, B. Myers
Journal: Horticulturae 4 (3), 23 (2018)
A sustainable irrigation system to increase irrigation efficiency: an in-depth view of wicking bed technology
Authors: N.P.K. Semananda
Journal: SWM 2015 – International Conference on Sustainable Water Management (2015)
Conclusion
Dr. Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda embodies the qualities of a leading researcher through her extensive academic training, international exposure, research output, and leadership in civil and environmental engineering. Her focus on sustainable practices, combined with significant contributions to water resources management and construction materials, positions her as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work bridges academic rigor, applied research, and societal relevance, making her an exemplary researcher and educator.