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You are here: OUSL / Faculty of Engineering Technology / Dept. of  Mechanical Engineering

Dr S.D.R. Perera

MSc(Hons)(Odessa), MPhil(OUSL), PhD(SHU)

Senior Lecturer (G I)

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
  • Automobile Lab
  • +94112881069, Ext: 569
  • sdper@ou.ac.lk

Dr Perera joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the year 1995 as a Temporary Demonstrator and subsequently joined the permanent staff in the year 1999.  He was promoted to Senior Lecturer Gr ii in the year 2007. Currently he is serving the Department of Mechanical Engineerin in the capacity of a Senior Lecturer Gr I. He is currently serving as the Director of Student Welfare at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), a role he has held since 2022, following a prior tenure in the same position from 2015 to 2018.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Perera has held several high-profile leadership positions, including Project Director of the Asian Development Bank–funded Science and Technology Human Resource Development Project (2018–2021), where he managed multi-million-dollar funding portfolios, oversaw human resource development initiatives, and ensured effective policy implementation with an emphasis on gender equality and inclusivity. He also served as the Director General of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka (2013–2015), where he contributed to policy formulation, quality assurance, and strategic planning for tertiary and vocational education nationwide. Additionally, as Director of the Staff Development Centre at OUSL (2010–2013), he spearheaded training, professional development, and academic capacity-building programs for university staff.

Dr. Perera’s academic contributions are equally distinguished. His research focuses on automotive engineering, mechanical failures, material science, energy systems, and vehicle safety. He has published widely in reputed international journals such as the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, International Journal of Powertrains, International Journal of Automotive Technology, and the Engineer Journal of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka. His studies cover diverse areas including diesel engine efficiency improvements, cavitation erosion in injectors, fatigue failures in shafts, and crashworthiness of vehicles.

In addition to journal publications, Dr. Perera has presented his work at numerous international and national conferences, contributing to advancements in engineering knowledge and practice. His research excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Open University of Sri Lanka Award for Excellence in Research (2003 and 2023) and the UNDP Award for the Introduction of Electric Vehicles in Sri Lanka.

Automobile Engineering

Alternative fuels, Hybrid vehicles, aerodynamic performance of vehicles

2022 to date – Director Student Welfare, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Ensure the effective management of funds/budgets allocated to the Programme.

Manage the human resources of the Programme efficiently, including recruitment and performance management.

Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

2015 –2018, Director Student Welfare, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

2013 –215 Director General/CEO – Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka

Main responsibilities

  • policy formulation, planning, quality assurance, coordination and development of tertiary andvocational education in the country
  • Initiate, coordinate and/or provide inputs for studies, reports, training manuals
  • Participate in and oversee the preparation and holding of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions
  • Ensure the effective management of funds/budgets allocated to the Programme.
  • Manage the human resources of the Programme efficiently, including recruitment and performance management.
  • Ensure effective coordination,
  • Ensure robust monitoring of activities and high-quality analysis and reporting to the Programme donor
  • Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

2010 – 2013 Director Staff Development Centre of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Main responsibilities

  • Participate in and oversee the preparation and holding of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions
  • Identify training needs and organize training workshops
  • Responsible for planning, implementing, directing and evaluating educational programs for all employees.
  • Coordinated and provided new hire orientation to all new employees. Ensure effective coordination,

Programme Coordination:
Bachelor of Technology
Master of Technoloogy

Course Coordination:
Automobile Technology
Automobile Engineering
Vehicle Dynamics
Technology Management

  • S D Rasika Perera, G.S Gunasena “Electronically controlled, liquid phase petroleum gas injection for spark ignition engines”. Engineering Research Unit Magazine of the Open University of Sri Lanka 2002 Volume 6-#1 September 2001 pp 21-23.
  • S D Rasika Perera, P D Sarath Chandra, M V Mendins “An investigation of the suitability of esterified vegetable oils for diesel engines” ISSN 0919-1364 pp27-30.
  • S D Rasika Perera, P D Sarath Chandra, W R De Mel “Feasibility of electric three-wheelers as a means of urban transportation”. Inaugural annual academic sessions2003” The Open University of Sri Lanka pp36.
  • S D Rasika Perera, N R Arthenayake, P D Sarath Chandra and M V Mendis “A comparison of lubricity of esterified vegetable oil”- Annual transactions of the Institution of Engineers of Sri Lanka 2003.
  • S D Rasika Perera, P D Sarath Chandra, M V Mendins “Investigation on Liquid-Phase LPG Injection for Automobiles” FISITA world automotive congress 2004- abstract available on ttp://www.fisita2004.com/programme/programme/F2004V156
  • S.D. Rasika Perera , Upul S. Fernando, Terry Sheldrake and Richard Clements “Assessment of fretting damage in pressure armour wires of flexible pipes” 8th International Conference on Multiaxial Fatigue & Fracture (2007)
  • Nimali T. Medagedara, P.D. Sarath Chandra, S.D.R. Perera (2003), “Comparing the Finite Element Analysis of a notch component with Neuber analysis for cyclic torsion loading” Annual Academic sessions (2003), The open University of Sri lanka.
  • S. D. Rasika Perera, Upul S. Fernando, Terry Sheldrake, and Richard Clements (2007)   An Investigation Into Fretting Behaviour in Pressure Armor Wires of  Unbonded Flexible Pipes  OMAE2007-29393 2007 Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering: Volume 3
  • S D Rasika Perera, HGPA Ratnaweera “Assessing the effectiveness of teacher development workshops through learning contracts – a case study” Presented at the annual academic sessions 2011 of the Open University of Sri Lanka

 

Ongoing Research:

  • Development of a diesel electric hybrid bus
  • Investigation of the Effect of diesel fuel injection spray pattern on exhaust emissions
  1. S D Rasika Perera, Failure on an Automobile Rear Axle Shaft. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 22, 934–939 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-022-01412-x,ISSN – 1864-1245/`547-7029.
  2. S D Rasika Perera. (2024). Linking the performance of a compression ignition engine to physical indications of injector nozzle. International Journal of Powertrains, 13(1), pp.5–18. doi:https://doi.org/10.1504/ijpt.2024.138003.
  3. S D Rasika Perera (2025). The Effect of Self-Generated HHO on Diesel Engine Fuel Efficiency. International Journal of Automotive Technology. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12239-025-00245-5.ISSN – 12299138.
  4. S D Rasika Perera, “Some Observations on Premature Damage to Automotive Wheel Hub Bearings,” SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 12, no. 6, pp. 15-20, 2025. https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I6P102.
  5. Gemunu Weerathunga, Atthanayake, U I and S D Rsika Perera, Effects of Crosswind on an Automobile Under Dynamic Conditions, INSTRUMENTATION, Vol. 8, No. 2, June 2021 pp 1 -8.
  6. H. M. Asanjitha Jayasekara and S D Rasika Perera. (2025). Effect of a Notch on the Fatigue Strength of a Gear Shaft. Engineer Journal of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, 58(2), pp.113–118. doi:https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v58i2.7698.
  7. Perera, S.D.R., Dayananda, K. & Tantrigoda, N. Fretting Failure of Spring Hanger Shafts. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-025-02222-7.
  8. Jurangpathy, B.S. and S D Rasika Perera. (2023). Improving Crash Worthiness of a Three Wheeler, by Means of a Mid Crumple Zone. Journal of Engineering and Technology of the Open University of Sri Lanka, V11(-2), pp.36–45.ISSN 2279-2627.
  9. S.D. Rasika Perera (2021)Analysis of Soot Suppressing Effect of Bio-Diesel in a Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engine Journal of Engineering and Technology of the Open University of Sri Lanka Volume 09 No. 02 September 2021 pp 1 -11.
  10. S D Rasika Perera, V. Pemarathne (2023) Significance of Procedural Deficiencies on Aircraft Damage and Physical Injury in Aircraft Operation Journal of Engineering and TechnologyVolume 11 No. 01 June 2023pp 23-30.
  11. Jurangpathy, B.S. and Perera, (2023). Analysis of Structural Crash Worthiness of a Conventional Three Wheeler Incorporating a Passenger Restrain System Journal of Engineering and TechnologyV11.No1 pp 45-55.
  12. S D R Perera, I U Atthanayake (2021) The false safety of three-wheelers:A study in the Sri Lankan Context. International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR) ISSN: 2321-0869 (O) 2454-4698 (P), Volume-11, Issue-11, November 2021.
  13. S.D.Rasika Perera (2024), The Effect of Silicon Deficiency on Material Properties of Noduar Cast Iron. OUSL Journal Volume 19- issue 2 -2024 pp.
  14. S.D.Rasika Perera, (2025). Direct Visualization of Cavitation Erosion Near the Needle Seat Area on Real-Size Diesel Fuel Injectors. Journal of Mineral and Material Science (JMMS), 6(3), pp.1–5. doi:https://doi.org/10.54026/JMMS/1117.
  1. SDR Perera, US Fernando, T Sheldrake, R Clements (2007) An investigation into fretting behaviour in pressure armor wires of unbonded flexible pipes International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering 4269 International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering Vol 4269 pp 363-370.
  2. SDR Perera, US Fernando, T Sheldrake, R Clements “Aessment of fretting damage in pressure armour wires of flexible pipes. 8th International Conference on Multiaxial Fatigue and Fracture.
  3. S.D.Rasika Perera, M.Victor Mendis, P.D.Sarath Chandra, NR Arthenayake, A comparison of lubricity of biodiesel produced by transetserification of coconut oil (2004) IESL Annual Conference 2004 Transactions 2004
  4. 4. S. D. Rasika Perera B. S. Jurangpathy, (2021) Investigation of the Structural Crashworthiness of Three-wheelers IESL Annual Conference 2020 Transactions 2020 – Part B The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka.
  5. Samaranayake R D and S.D. Rasika Perera* EFFECT OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES ON WEAR AND TEAR OF ROTAVATOR BLADES” Proceedings of the International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka (IRC-OUSL 2024)
  6. J.M. Musharif and S.D. Rasika Perera, INVESTIGATION INTO THE WELDED FILLING QUALITY OF A LOCALLY RESTORED BALLJOINT, Proceedings of the International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka (IRC-OUSL 2024).
  7. P.R. Premathilake and S.D. Rasika Perera, Prediction of cracks present in three-wheeler front axles Proceedings of the International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka (IRC-OUSL 2024).
  8. S.D. Rasika Perera, Technology foresight for sri lanka, Proceedings of the International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka (IRC-OUSL 2024).
  9. Automobile body design and pedestrian safety – an FEM analysis, S.D.Rasika Perera, D. M .C Kumarage, Nimali T. Medagedara Publication date 2009 Conference. Annual Academic sessions (2009), The open University of Sri lanka. Publisher The open University of Sri lanka
  10. Nimali T. Medagedara, P.D. Sarath Chandra, S.D.R. Perera (2003), “Comparing the Finite Element Analysis of a notch component with Neuber analysis for cyclic torsion loading” Annual Academic sessions (2003), The open University of Sri Lanka.
  11. S D Rasika Perera, P D Sarath Chandra, W R De Mel “Feasibility of electric three-wheelers as a means of urban transportation”. Inaugural annual academic sessions2003” The Open University of Sri Lanka pp36.
  12. S D R Perera, H.G.P.A. Ratnaweera Assessing Effectiveness of Teacher Development Workshops Through Learning Contracts – A Case Study. Annual Academic sessions (2011), pp 66- 69. The open University of Sri Lanka
  13. S D R Perera (2016) Use of bio -diesel as a soot inhibitor in diesel engines. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science Proceedings of the 72 nd Annual Sessions Volume, 1 pages 30
  14. NTSB Hansaka, IU Atthanayake, S D R PereraEffects of crosswind on an automobile under dynamic conditions. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Proceedings of the 76th Annual Sessions 2020 part 1.
  15. S D R Perera, B H S Suraweera, Innovations in curriculum development and setting occupational standards –Case Study, International Conference on TVET 15th and 16th July 2014. Colombo, Sri Lanka.

2018 – 2021, Project Director, Science and Technology Human Resource Developmen Project – funded by Asian Development Bank project number 50275-002. Loan 3698,3699.

  • Project Number – 5075-002
  • Loan 3698-SRI: Science and Technology Human Resource Development Project
  • Ordinary capital resources: US$ 83.02 million
  • Loan 3699-SRI: Science and Technology Human Resource Development Project
  • Concessional ordinary capital resources lending             US$ 61.98 million

 

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Ensure the effective management of funds/budgets allocated to the Programme.
  • Manage the human resources of the Programme efficiently, including recruitment and performance management.
  • Ensure effective coordination,
  • Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
  • Ensure robust monitoring of activities and high-quality analysis and reporting to the Programme donor
  • The Open University of Sri Lanka Award for Excellence in Research 2003.
  • UNDP award for the introduction of Electric Vehicles in Sri Lanka.
  • Research award 2003 – The Open University of Sri Lanka.
  • Research award 2023 – The Open University of Sri Lanka.