FLB 2: Academic Research and Publication Development Committee

The Faculty Level Board 2 (FBL 2) was established with a specific intention to address and enhance various aspects of the research culture of the Faculty of Engineering. This board serves as a pivotal platform for fostering a vibrant and robust research culture within the faculty. Its primary mission revolves around motivating both students and academic staff to actively engage in research activities. By conducting seminars, organizing international conferences, promoting faculty journals, and facilitating industry collaborations, FLB 2 aims to create a dynamic environment that nurtures a thriving research culture and keeps the faculty at the forefront of innovative advancements.

FLB 2 oversees the activities of Engineering Faculty Research Cell and the Journal of Advances in Engineering (JOAE). Organizing the Engineering Session of the International Research Conference (IRC) of KDU is also a main responsibility of the FLB 2.

FLB 2 focuses on a range of responsibilities, including the following:

Monthly Research Seminars: A key responsibility of FLB 2 is the organization of monthly research seminars. These seminars, hosted by the Engineering Faculty Research Cell (EFRC), bring together experts and resource persons from diverse disciplines. They provide a valuable opportunity for students and faculty members to engage with cutting-edge research, share ideas, and foster a culture of intellectual curiosity.

International Research Conference (KDU IRC): Another significant responsibility of the board is to organize the annual International Research Conference of the university. This event serves as a global platform for scholars and researchers to exchange ideas, present their work, and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.

Faculty Journal: The Journal of Advances in Engineering (JOAE) is an international bi-annual journal dedicated to the latest advancements in engineering, which is published by the Faculty of Engineering, KDU. The goal of this journal is to provide a global platform for researchers and academia to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in diverse areas of engineering. Herein, the aim of this journal is to propagate engineering knowledge in a high-level platform where cutting-edge advancements in Engineering Research and Development (R&D) are conferred. FLB2 plays a pivotal role in overseeing the entire publication process of JOAE in communication with the JOAE Editorial Board.

In summary, Faculty Level Board 2 is a dedicated body within the Faculty of Engineering, tasked with enriching the research and academic landscape. By conducting seminars, organizing international conferences, and promoting faculty journals FLB 2 aims to create a dynamic environment that nurtures a thriving research culture and keeps the faculty at the forefront of innovative advancements.

Committee Members

Advisor	01	Snr Prof. CAN Fernando
Chairperson	02	Dr.(Ms.) NS Miguntanna
Chief Editor - JOAE	03	Dr. PPCR Karunasekara
Coordinator – Research Cell	04	Mrs. PPSS Pussepitiya
Convener	05	Ms. WVPP Madhumali
Members	06	Dr. DDTK Kulathunga
	07	Ms. HDI Piyumini
	08	LCdr (E) KREMSB Ekanayake
	09	Sqn Ldr TGT Peiris
	10	Mr. WMSU Wanasinghe
	11	Mr. DPD Udugahapattuwa
	12	Mr. YMTD Gannile

Journal of Advances in Engineering (JOAE)

Faculty Research Seminar 2019

The first research seminar for year 2019 was conducted successfully on 28^th of February 2019. In this seminar, Mr. Dakshina Fernando from the Department of Aeronautical Engineering presented his research work on “Advanced Modelling of KF Implemented Flying Wing”.
The second research seminar for year 2019 was successfully held on 09^th May 2019. The speaker, Mr. FBYR De Silva from the Department of Mechanical Engineering presented his research work on “Performance Assessment of Downdraft Biomass Gasifier”.
Another successful research seminar for year 2019 was held on 04^th July 2019 in which Dr. Ishani Dias, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Civil Engineering presented her research work on “Evaluation of retro-reflective signal backplates in preventing red-light-running violations.”

Guest Lectures and Workshops 2019

A workshop was organized on “Enhancing Competencies on Academic Writing”, with the aim of improving the academic writing skills of academic and academic supporting staff of the faculty. The workshop was conducted on 1^st of August 2019 by Professor Priyan Dias, a Senior Professor of University of Moratuwa.
A guest lecture was conducted successfully on 17^th of October 2019, by Professor Rangika Halwathura (Commissioner of Sri Lanka Inventor Commision-SLIC) on “Science/Innovation-Where to Start”.

Guest Lectures and Workshops 2020

A guest lecture on “How to be a good researcher” was conducted successfully on 11^th of February 2020 by Prof. JB Ekanayake from University of Moratuwa.
On 30^th of July 2020 a workshop, ” Statistical Data Analysis Workshop ‘R’ Software ” was conducted by Dr.Ajith de Mel of KDU.
A webinar was conducted on 17^th of December 2020 on ” Innovative Research Mindset ” by Dr. Pujitha de Silva , Director- Center for Biomedical Innovation of University of Moratuwa. The aim was this programme was provide motivation for the final year students who embarked on their final year project edmist the COVID 19 pandemic situation.

Final Year Project Exhibition 2020

The Final Year Project Exhibition 2020 featuring the research projects of the students of intake 34 was organized by the Research Cell as a virtual event due to the prevailing COVID 19 pandemic. The online exhibition, the first of its kind at KDU, was held from 0900-1200 hours on 25^th March 2021. Altogether thirty-eight captivating projects covering nine engineering disciplines were presented in an interactive online platform. Projects that are having more industry relevance, include novel product development or include in-depth engineering research were selected to present.

The Winners of the exhibition:

1^st Place : “Effect of humans due to the deposition of heavy metals in Weras ganga” conducted by Miss IE Vidyananda, supervised by Dr Methsiri Samarakoon.

2^nd Place: “A method combining physical, chemical and biological processes to treat leachate generated from dumpsites” conducted by Miss DMA Devindi, supervised by Dr Methsiri Samarakoon.

3^rd Place : ” Design and fabricate Dual Battery Throttle and paddle assist, Low weight E-bicycle for Sri Lankan Market” conducted by Mr RMPMD Rajapaksha, Mr UVH Sameera, Mr KALTM Ranasinghe and supervised by Mrs Sujeetha Gaspe and Mr WS Melvin.

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Faculty Research Seminar 2021

The Faculty Research Seminar was relaunched after the temporary halt in the programme due to the COVID 19 pandemic. As such a virtual seminar was organized on 19^th May 2021, featuring the research of Cmde MCP Dissanayake, HOD Marine Engineering. He presented his research on “Designing of a Novel Pre-treatment Process Combining with Strychnos potatorum Seed Filter for Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis application: To reduce operating cost and improve lifetime of membrane”

A larger gathering of students and staff were present via Zoom.

The Faculty Research Seminar for the months of June was held on 25^th June 2021, featuring Dr Nadeeka Migunthanna, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Civil Engineering. She presented her research on “Characteristics of flow past a slender, emergent cylinder in shallow open channels”.

The session was well received by staff and students who engaged in an interactive discussion via Zoom following her presentation.