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You are here: OUSL / Faculty of Engineering Technology / Dept. of Agricultural and Plantation Engineering

Dr. (Mrs.) T N Fernando

BTech Honours in Agricultural Engineering

Senior Lecturer (Grade II)

Department of Agricultural and Plantation Engineering
  • Department of Agricultural and Plantation Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala Nugegoda Room Number: E 345
  • +94112881442
  • nfern@ou.ac.lk

Agricultural engineering

Agricultural Engineering, sustainable materials processing

Book Chapters
1. Gunawardana J.G.S.P.P., Senanayake S.M.V.P.D., Batuwita I.P., Fernando T.N. and Vithanage, M. (2025). Development of Biochar-Reinforcing Low-Cost Soil Based Roofing Sheet. Proceedings in Technology Transfer, pp.37–47. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981- 96-1399-1_4.
2. Malshan M. M. H., Jayaweera W. M. I. S., De Silva G. I. P., and Fernando T. N., (2022). Development of Cellulose Fibre-Reinforced Soil-Based Composite Wall Panels Using Selected Lignocellulosic Materials, In Springer book chapter: (ICSBE) 2022, as a part of the Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Volume 362, PP:14: (582-595)
3. Fernando T N and Batuwita I. P, (2022). Reinforcing of Earth Soil and Cement with Pretreated Cornhusk Fibers in the Development of Building Materials, In Springer book chapter: 12th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management, In a Springer book Chapter: Proceedings of the ICSECM 2021, Part of the Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering book series (LNCE, volume 266), pp 13, (241-254)
4. Jayasingha KR, Tharanga KHGP, Dayarathne DGJP, Ahamed MMI, Fernando TN and Pallewatta AP, (2021). Pretreated coir fibres reinforced bio composite structures for green wall cultivations, In springer book chapter: 12th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management, Proceedings of the ICSECM 2021, Part of the Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering book series (LNCE, volume 266), pp 13, (535-547).

Published books
1. Technology transfer book series proceeding book of “selected proceedings of the 2 nd international
engineering research symposium (IERS2024)” was published with springer nature as a main editor of the book.

Newspaper articles
2. “කෘෂිකාර්මික අපදව තුළින් ආර්ථික සංවර්ධනයකරා”, (2021), same article Published in another two newspaper articles of “Vidusara” & “Nipunatha” and “Kadella” magazine
3. Published YouTube video Links of Entrepreneurs services conducted under my supervisions



1. Fernando T.N, Ariadurai S.A, Disanayaka C.K, Kulathunge S and Aruggoda A.G.B, (2017). Development of radiation grafted super absorbent polymers for agricultural applications, journal of energy procedia, Elsevier, vol.127.PP 163-177.
2. Leelananda Rajapaksha, Champathi Gunathilake DMC, Pathirana SM and Fernando TN, (2021). Reducing post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables for ensuring food security – Case of Sri Lanka, Reviewed article, MOJ Food Process Technols. 2021; 9(1):7‒16

  1. Fernando T.N., B.Aruggoda A. G., Ariadurai S.A. and Disanayaka C. K., (2021). Effects of different watering intervals on growth performance of Abelmoschus Esculentus presence with super absorbent polymer layer at the root zone with moist coir dust layers, International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences (IJRSAS), Volume 7, Issue 5, PP (11-17).
  2. Fernando T.N, Ariyadurai S.A, Dissanayake C.K, Kulathunga S and Aryggoda A.G.B, (2017). Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) developed by using the domestic microwave oven and reduced continues watering in household crop cultivation, Multifour Journal (international), Volume v, issue 1, pp 25 -33
    5. Fernando T.N, Ariyadurai S.A, Aruggoda A.G.B, Dissanayaka C.K and Kulatunga S, (2016). Evaluation of microwave assisted alkaline pretreatment for extraction of cellulose from selected lignocellulosic materials, Journal of Engineering Technology, The Open University of Sri Lanka, vol.4 No.1. Pp16:1-51
    6. Fernando T.N, Aruggoda A.G.B, Ariyadurai S.A Dissanayaka C.K and Kulatunga S, (2015). Evaluation of alkaline peroxide pretreatment for extraction of cellulose from selected plant biomasses, Journal of Engineering Technology, the Open University of Sri Lanka, vol.3 No.2. Pp10:1-10
  3. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2014). Evaluating the effects of different watering intervals and prepared soilless media incorporated with a best weight of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) on growth of tomato, Journal of Engineering Technology, The Open University of Sri Lanka, vol.2 No.2 pp14:1-14.
  4. Fernando T.N, Aruggoda A.G.B, Dissanayaka C.K and Kulatunga S, (2013). Effect of Super Water Absorbent Polymer and Watering Capacity on Growth of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), Journal of Engineering Technology, The Open University of Sri Lanka, vol.1 No.2 pp14:1-14

Full papers
1. Karunanayake M S H, Senanayake S M V P D, Fernando T N, Fernando A J and Pramuditha N P A K G, (2025). Evaluation of Rice Husk Ash as a Reinforcement Material for the Development of Soil-based Roofing Sheet. Selected full paper to be published on the proceeding of 3rd International Engineering Research conference
(IERS2025), National Engineering Research and development Center of Sri Lanka.

2. Jayaweera W M I S, Malshan M M H and Fernando T N, (2025). Evaluation of Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide Pretreated Bagasse, Paddy Straw, and Banana Stem Fibers for Cellulose Based Composite Development, accepted full paper to be published on the proceeding of 3rd international Engineering Research conference (IERS2025), National Engineering Research and development Center of Sri Lanka.
3. K. M. D. N. De Silva, M. U. S. Jayarathna, G. I. P. D. Silva, and T. N. Fernando, (2024). Development of Low-Cost Wall Panels Using Waste Foundry Dust, Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), pp. 560–565, Aug. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/mercon63886.2024.10688851.
4. Gunathunga WPS, Samarasinghe MMA, De Silva GIP, Fernando TN, (2022). Development of Soil Based Composite Wall Panels Using Locally Available Laterite Soils, proceeding of the 13th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment, pp10: 244-254.
5. Wickramasinghe D.L, FernandoT N and Siriwardane1 I W., (2024). Evaluation of The Growth Performance of Selected Crops Cultivated on Biochar Added Composite Panel for Green Wall Cultivations, a proceeding of 2 nd International Engineering Research Symposium 2024 (IERS2024), pp (77-87), National Engineering Research and
Development Centre of Sri Lanka.
6. Ranamuka R H A I, Fernando T N, Siriwardane I W., (2024). The use of Biochar as a Reinforcement Material for the Development of Soil-based Wall Tiles, a proceeding of 2 nd International Engineering Research Symposium 2024 (IERS2024), pp (108-115), National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka.
7. Randimal U J B, Fernando T N, Silva S A P S, Salgado A R C and De Silva G I P., (2023). Design of Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide Pre-treat Pilot Plant and Characterization of Handmade Paper from Pre-treated Fibres, Proceedings of the International Engineering Research Symposium (IERS) 2023), pp (151-159), National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka

8. Fernando T N, Kumara A, Senanayake V, Weerawardhana J M J P U, Herath H M L U, Pieris K, Nanayakkara N S M D K and Wimalaratne D R S K, (2022). Study the shelf-life of Zingiber officinale (ginger) stored in the NERDC fabricated cold room, Proceedings of the National Engineering Research Symposium 2021 (NERS 2021), pp (49-56).
9. Fernando T. N. and Batuwita I. P., (2021). “Manufacturing of Roofing Sheets Reinforced with Pretreated Cornhusk Residues as an Alternative for Asbestos Sheets,” IEEE Xplore, Dec. 01, 2021.  https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9833063 (accessed Nov. 04, 2022)
10. Bandara E M I D, Fernando T N, Senanayake S A M A N S, (2021). Design and Development of a Paddy Transplanting Machine for Small-scale Farmers. Proceedings of the National Engineering Research Symposium 2021 (NERS 2021), pp [25-32], National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka

11. Bandara T M S P K S, Kularathna K D L, Udayanga K A L, Yapa P M B M A, Fernando T N, Pallewatta P G A P, (2021). Preparation of Stationary Papers for Writing and Printing Purposes using Recycled Waste Papers in Domestic Level, Proceedings of National Engineering Research Symposium (NERS 2021), pp 6;105-111
12. Fernand T.N and Ranathunga YMMK, 2020. Processing of carboxymethyl cellulose from bagasse, Proceedings of National Engineering Research Symposium (NERS 2020), vol1, pp 8; 13-12
13. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2013). Study the effect of different levels of Super Water Absorbent Polymer (SWAP) and organic solutions on growth of pak-choi (Brassica rapa) under soil culture in urban agricultural practices. Proceedings on international conference of Agricultural and Animal science, PP13:85-97.
14. Fernando T.N, Aruggoda A.G.B, Dissanayaka C.K and Kulatunga S, (2012). Studying the effect of super absorbent polymer and watering capacity on growth of tomato under plant house, Proceeding of the first young water professional symposium, International water Management institute of Sri Lanka. Pp 5: 61-65.
Presented full paper
15. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2015). Cellulose based biodegradable super absorbent polymer develops under microwave irradiation, Proceedings of young member’s secession of Institutional of Engineers Sri Lanka.

Extended abstracts
1.Fernando T.N, Gunathilake N and Ariyadurai S.A, (2018). Manufacturing of Carboxymethylcellulose using white waste paper. The proceeding of International research sessions of the Open University of Sri Lanka 2018, Pp,93.
2. Fernando T.N, Ariyadurai S.A, Aruggoda A.G.B, Dissanayaka C.K and Kulatunga S, (2016). Evaluation of Effect of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) Developed in Sri Lanka on Extending the Vase Life of Cut Flowers (Chrysanthemum instagram), Proceeding of Extended Abstract Research Section 2016, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Pp 4: 112-115.

3. Fernando T.N., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2015). Preparation of radiation-grafted cellulose based biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) for the applications of agriculture, proceeding of the annual academic session of the Open University of Sri Lanka, Pp 4:223-226.
4. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B, Disanayaka C.K. and Kulatunge S., (2014). Preparation of microwave-irradiated cellulose based biodegradable super absorbent polymer (SAP) for agricultural applications. Proceeding of young sentience form, National scientist and Technology commission. Pp4: 65-68.
5. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2013). Evaluating the effect of selected super water absorbent polymer rates and different watering intervals on growth and development of tomato (LycopersiconesculentumMill) on soilless media. Proceeding of the young scientific form symposium. Pp 5:55-59
6. Fernando T.N., De Silva C.S., (2009). Preliminary Study on soil and water quality analysis in tsunami affected areas, from Panadura to Moratuwa. Proceeding of Annual Academic sessions. The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda. Pp 4: 127-130.

Abstracts
1. Thilakarathna PKCL and Fernando TN., (2025). Comparative analysis of thermal performance and cooling load in low-rise building with alternative wall materials in Sri Lanka, Abstract proceeding of 18 th International Research Conference, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Rathmalana, Sri Lanka.
2. W. A. K. W. Yashodini, G. L. Thathsarani, G. I. P. De Silva and T. N. Fernando, (2025). Optimization of Characteristics of Foundry Dust Incorporated Soil Based Wall Panels, A book of abstract, Materials engineering symposium on innovations for industry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, PP 2.
3. De Silva KMDN, Jayarathna MUS, De Silva GIP, Fernando TN, Sivahar V, (2024). Development of low-cost wall panels using waste foundry dust, A book of abstract, Materials engineering symposium on innovations for industry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, PP 2.
4. Wijewardane R.M.N.A, Aluwihare W.B.W.M.R.C.P., Hettiarachchi M.H.S.M.,.Hettiarachchi H.A.I.D, Kumarage K.P.L., Fernando T.N.and Peris K., (2023). Abstract of Postharvest Life Extension and Quality Evaluation of Bitter Gourd and Capsicum Under Low Temperature Storage During Supply Chain, Proceedings of 2nd International,
Conference on Management and Entrepreneurship (ICOME 2023) Pp14: ISSN 2827- 7570-2, The Open University of Sri Lanka.
5. T.Mathuran, K.Thulaanchan, T.N. Fernanado, and G.I.P. De Silva, (2023), Development of Cost-Effective Cement-Based Ceiling Sheet With The Addition of Waste Foundry Dust, , A book of abstract, Materials engineering symposium on innovations for industry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Pp 7.
6. Krishani R. Jayasingha, D.G. Jinali P. Dayarathne, K.H.G. Pasindu Tharanga, M.M. Imsan Ahamed, T. Nilanthi Fernando and Asanka Pallewatta, (2021). Evaluation of growth performance on newly developed slip form vertical growing panels, International Conference on Advances in Technology and Computing (ICATC–2021) Proceedings (ISSN 2820-2368)

7. Pallewatta A. and Fernando T.N., (2022). Potentials of Sustainable Vertical Gardening in Urban Architecture, inspired from Indigenous Construction Methodologies, proceedings of first international research symposium on multidisciplinary approaches in indigenous knowledge systems. Pp1:102.
8. Fernando T.N, (2021), CarboxyMethyl Cellulose from Plant Residue, a Souvenir, Materials Tech 2021, International conference on Materials and Technology, Dept. of Metallurgical and materils Enginnering, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India, Pp1:15.
9. Fernando T.N., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2015). “Evaluation of Microwave Assisted Alkaline pretreatment for extraction of cellulose from selected plant biomass” Proceeding of the iPURSE, international symposium, Peradeniya University, Sri Lanka. Pp1:387
10. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2015). “Preparation of Biodegradable Cellulose Base Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) under Microwave Irradiation” Proceeding of symposium of International 2nd biennial Symposiumon Polymer Science and Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka pp 1:34.
11. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B., Disanayaka C. K and Kulathunge S., (2014). Possibility of increasing survival period of transplanted seedling by applying super water absorbent polymer. The Proceeding of SET student academic conference (Abstract). Pp.1:9
12. Fernando T.N., Aruggoda A.G.B., Disanayaka C. K. and Kulathunge S., (2014). Evaluating the effect of selected super water absorbent polymer rates and different watering intervals on growth and development of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) Proceeding of the iPURSE, international symposium, Peradeniya University, Vol.18 Pp 1:549