Dr. W. A. P. J. Premaratne

Prof. W. A. P. J. Premaratne Head of the Department and Professor

Email Address	:	jeewa@kln.ac.lk
Telephone No	:	+94 (0)11 2 903 267 (ext: 267)
Office Location	:	B2 004/3
Teaching	:	Materials Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry
Google Scholar \| Research Gate

Work Experiences:

Professor in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Dec. 2019- To date)
Senior Lecturer (Grade I), Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (March 2011-Dec. 2019)
Senior Lecturer (Grade II), Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (March 2005-March 2011)
Permanent Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (March 2000- March 2005)
Visiting Scholar, IIHR- Hydroscience & Engineering, College of Engineering & Department of Chemistry, The University of Iowa, USA (Aug. 2012-July 2014)
Consultant Scientist, Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), Ministry of Science, Technology and Research, Sri Lanka (Oct. 2011-July 2012)
Senior Scientist, Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), Ministry of Science, Technology and Research, Sri Lanka (Oct. 2009-Oct.2011.
Research Associate, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University Birmingham, UK (Oct. 2003-March 2004)
Assistant Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Oct. 1998-March 2000)
Teaching Assistant (Demonstrator), Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Oct. 1997-Oct. 1998)
Visiting Lecturer, M.Sc. Degree program in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2007- To date)
Visiting Lecturer, M.Sc. Degree program in Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Aug. 2021- To date)
Visiting Lecturer, College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. (2008- To date)
Visiting Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda (2018-2020)
Visiting Lecturer, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Yakkala, Sri Lanka (2019/2020)
Visiting Lecturer in Mineral Nanoscience to Faculty of Science and Technology, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka. (2011/2012)
Visiting Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka. (2007 to 2012)

Other Administrative & Management Experiences

Chairman, University Health & Safety Services (UHSS) Steering Committee, University of Kelaniya (July 2022- To date)
President, Kelaniya University Teachers’ Association (KUTA), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2022/2023)
Coordinator, CKDu Information & Research Center, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Jan. 2021- To date)
Coordinator, Skill Development Program of Postgraduate Students (MPhil/PhD), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2022/2023)
External Board Member to the Board of Study of Indigenous Medicine, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Yakkala, Sri Lanka (November 2021 –To date)
External Board Member to Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Yakkala, Sri Lanka (June 2021 –To date)
General Treasurer, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (Jan. 2020 –Dec.2023)
Executive Committee Member, Ethics Committee, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (Jan. 2021 –To date)
Coordinator, M.Sc. Degree program in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Sep. 2014- March 2021)
Elected Council Member, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2019)
President –ALUMNI Association of Science Faculty, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (May 2016 to July 2019)
General Secretary, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2017, 2018)
Chairman of the Membership Committee, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2017, 2018)
Chairman of the Technical Evaluation Committee, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2017, 2018)
Secretary, Kelaniya University Teachers’ Association (KUTA), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (July 2018-Dec. 2019)
Executive Committee Member, Kelaniya University Teachers’ Association (KUTA), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2015/2016 and 2017/2018)
President, Kelaniya University Teachers’ Association (KUTA) Welfare, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (June 2016-June 2017)
President, Section E-2 (Chemical Sciences), Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2016)
Vice President, Section E-2 (Chemical Sciences), Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2015)
Vice President, Section E-2 (Chemical Sciences), Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2012)
Executive Committee Member, National Mirror Committee for Nanotechnology Standards, Sri Lanka Standers Institute (SLSI) (2011)
Executive Committee Member, Section E-2 (Chemical Sciences), Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Sri Lanka (2010)
Student Counsellor, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008)
Senior Treasurer- Chemistry Students’ Associations, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2003/2004, 2006/2007)
Senior Treasurer- Student Union of Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2006/2007, 2007/2008)
Secretary –ALUMNI Association of Science Faculty, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Jan. 2007- March 2010)
Coordinator, Glass Blowing Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya (April 2008-Oct. 2009)
Sub-Coordinator from University of Kelaniya for “Deyata Kirula-2009” National Development Exhibition held on 4^th February 2009 at the BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Manager of the University of Kelaniya Table Tennis (Men & Women) Teams in 9^th Sri Lanka University Games -2007, Sri Lanka
Chief Examiner for the G.C.E. (A/L) Examination (Chemistry subject), Department of Examination, Sri Lanka (2007-To date)

Research Interests:

Research Publications:

Peer Reviewed Publications in Refereed Journals

Drew E. Latta, Anke Neumann, W.A.P.J. Premaratne, Michelle M. Scherer, Fe (II)–Fe (III) Electron Transfer in a Clay Mineral with Low Fe Content, ACS Earth and Space Chemistry, 1 (4), pp 197–208, 2017.
Robert M. Handler, Andrew J. Frierdich, Clark M. Johnson, Kevin M. Rosso, Brian L. Beard, Chongmin Wang, Drew E. Latta, Anke Neumann, Timothy Pasakarnis, W. A. P. J. Premaratne, and Michelle M. Scherer, Fe(II)-Catalyzed Recrystallization of Goethite Revisited, Environmental Science & Technology, Vol. 48, pp 11302−11311, 2014
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and N.A. Rowson, Microwave Assisted Dissolution of Sri Lankan Ilmenite: Extraction and Leaching Kinetics of Titanium and Iron Metals, Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, Vol. 9, pp 01-14, 2014.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, W.M.G.I. Priyadarshana, S.H.P. Gunawardena and A.A.P de Alwis, Synthesis of Nanosilica from Paddy Husk Ash and Their Surface Functionalization, Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, Vol. 8, pp 33-48, 2013.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and N.A. Rowson, Recovery of Titanium from beach sand by Physical Separation, The European Journal of Mineral Processing and Environmental Protection, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 183-193, 2004
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and N.A. Rowson, Development of a Magnetic Hydrocyclone Separation for the Recovery of Titanium from Beach Sand, Physical Separation in Science and Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 215-222, 2003.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and N.A. Rowson, The Processing of Beach Sands from Sri Lanka for the Recovery of Titanium Using Magnetic Separation, Physical Separation in Science and Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 13-22, 2003

Peer Reviewed Abstracted Presentations at National/International Conferences

W.M.P. Thamel, W.A.P.J. Premaratne, An investigation of ground water quality in Ja-Ela area in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2019), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 93, 30 th December 2019.
S. Jeyasakthy, W.A.P.J. Premaratne, Green synthesis and characterization of zirconia nanoparticles using Averrhoa bilimbi, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2019), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 95, 30 th December 2019.
K.D.M. Silva and W.A.P.J. Premaratne*, Investigation of Metal concentrations in Indoor and Outdoor dust in Kelaniya area, Sri Lank, Proceedings of the 4 th International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2019), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 171, 25 th October 2019.
K.D.M. Silva, W.A.P.J. Premaratne, Investigation of Lead Concentration in Road Dust Samples in Kiribathgoda Area, Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the The 4th International Conference on Advances in Computing and Technology (ICACT 2019), University of Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp. 21, 29 th July 2019.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and P.A.U.D. Thisera, Development of a new slow release biomass fertilizer system using urea incorporated Crape-jasmine plant bark particles, Proceedings of the 3 rd International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2018), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 138, 26 th October 2018.
S.M.C.R. Medagoda and W.A.P.J. Premaratne, An Evaluation of nutritional properties and toxicity levels in commercial fertilizers sold in Sri Lankan market, Proceedings of the 3 rd International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2018), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 162, 26 th October 2018.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and I.G.G.U. Anuruddha, Physicochemical Analysis of Ground Water Quality and Soil in Ja-Ela Area in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC- 2017), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 51, December 2017.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, K.L.U. Maithreepala, Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters of Water in Cooling Towers and Boilers: Testing and Comparisons, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2017), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 52, December 2017.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, K.S.D. Senarathne, Assessments of Drinking Water Quality and Water Treatment Process in Kalatuwawa Reservoir in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2017), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 55, December 2017.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and H.S.M. Perera, Analysis of Water and Sediment in Attanagalu Oya in Sri Lanka: Pollution Levels and Effects, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2017), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 57, December 2017.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and P.A.U.D. Thisera, Development and characterization of a slow release fertilizer system using ammonium nitrate incorporated Gliricidia bark particles, Proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2017), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 36, 20 th October 2017.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and K. D. G. Fernando, Graphite oxide /TiO 2 advanced hybrid material using Sri Lankan graphite: Synthesis and characterization, Proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2017), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 78, 20 th October 2017.
K.A. Rothwell, D.E. Latta, W.A.P.J. Premaratne, M.M. Scherer & A. Neumann, Organic Contaminant Transformation by Fe(II)-reduced Clay Minerals, Proceedings of 2017 Goldschmidt Conference, pp. 3417, August 13-18 th 2017, Paris, France.
W. A. P. J. Premaratne and A. C. S. Dharmarathna, Extraction of copper from copper bearing sulfide ores (chalcopyrite) by oxidative chemical leaching, Proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2016), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 35, 1 st December 2016.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and V.M. Perera, An investigation of the adsorption of dye (Bromothymol Blue) by Sri Lankan montmorillonite clay, Proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2016), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 36, 1 st December 2016.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and W.M.G.I. Priyadarshana, Nanosilica from Sri Lankan Vein Quartz: Synthesis, Surface Modification and Characterization, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2016), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 149, December 2016.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and K.D.G. Fernando, Montmorillonite/TiO2 Advanced Hybrid Material Using Sri Lankan Clay: Preparation and Characterization, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2016), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 150, December 2016.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, M.D.S.R. Maddumage, S.A.M. Azmy, Spatial and Temporal Variation of Selected Physicochemical Parameters in Chilaw Lagoon in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2016), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 160, December 2016.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, T.D.W. Kasthuriarachchi, W.D.N. Wickramaarachchi, Assessment of Water Quality Status and Pollution Levels in Maduru Oya Reservoir in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2016), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 161, December 2016.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, W.S.L. Tissera, Hydrochemical analysis and evaluation of groundwater quality in Rathupaswala area in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2015), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 197, December 10-11, 2015.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, T.N. Amarakoon, Development of a new biofertilizer system using Gliricidia plants grown in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC-2015), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 183, December 10-11, 2015.
A. Neumann, K.A. Rothwell, D.E. Latta, W.A. P.J. Premaratne, T.L. Olson and M.M. Scherer, Electron transfer at Fe clay mineral surfaces: Reversibility and consequences for contaminant reduction, Proceedings of 2015 Goldschmidt Conference, Prague, Czech Republic, pp. 2258, August 16-21, 2015.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne, Reactivity of aqueous metal ions at the ilmenite mineral-water interface using stable iron isotopes, Proceedings of 15 th Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 116, October 30-31, 2014.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and W.M.G.I. Priyadarshana, Synthesis and Characterization of Nanosilica from Paddy Husk Ash. Proceedings of International Conference on Advanced Materials, Science and Engineering, Colombo-Sri Lanka, pp113, July 2012.
W. A. P. J. Premaratne and N. M. Fonseka, Synthesis of Montmorillonite/TiO 2 Advanced Hybrid Material Using Sri Lankan Montmorillonite, Proceedings of International Conference on Advanced Materials, Science and Engineering, Colombo-Sri Lanka, pp. 112, July 2012.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and K.D.G. Fernando, Exploration and Recovery of Nanoclay (Montmorillonite) from Murunkan in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of International Conference on Advanced Materials, Science and Engineering, Colombo-Sri Lanka, pp. 81, July 2012.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and K.D.G. Fernando, An Examination of the Adsorption of Basic Dye (Maxilon Red GRL) by Sri Lankan Bentonite Clay, International Conference on Advanced Materials, Science and Engineering, Colombo-Sri Lanka, pp.67, July 2012.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and K.D.G Fernando, Preparation of Titania Intercalated Graphite Oxid, Proceedings of International Conference on Advanced Materials, Science and Engineering, Colombo-Sri Lanka, pp. 29, July 2012.
K.D.G. Fernando, A.A.P de Alwis, V. Karunaratne and W.A.P.J Premaratne, Photocatalytic Activity of Nano-TiO₂ on Glass in Building Envelop, Proceedings of International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment Proceedings (ICSBE-2010), Kandy- Sri Lanka, pp 1-7, December 2010.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and K.D.G. Fernando, An evaluation of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K) Levels in Gliricidia Plant Grown in Sri Lanka to be Used as Biofertilizers, Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 65, pp. 229, December 2009.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and N.J. Silva, An evaluation of Lead Levels in Paints old in the Sri Lankan Market, Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 64, pp. 139, December 2008.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and N.A. Rowson, Extraction of Titanium from Beach Sands in Intensified Magnetic Electrical and Gravitational Fields, The 1 st Proceedings of Formulation Engineering Conference, The University of Birmingham, UK, pp. 53, April 2004.
W.A.P.J. Premaratne and N.A. Rowson, Microwave Assisted Leaching Kinetics of Ilmenite with Sulphuric Acid, Proceedings of 9 th International Conference on Microwave and High Frequency Heating, The University of Loughborough, UK, pp. 513, September 2003.
K.A.S. Pathiratne and W.A.P.J. Premaratne, Speciation of Aluminium in Acidic Well Waters using Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Voltmetry, Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 54, pp. 284, December 1998.

Published Orations and Presidential Addresses