Academic Building (B3)-Room 223
Department of Biosystems Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mahenwatte, Pitipana North
Homagama 10200
Sri Lanka

Email: madhubhashini@sjp.ac.lk

Dr. D.W.M.M.M. Kumari embarked on her academic journey by earning her B.Sc. (Special) in Agricultural Technology and Management, followed by an M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Philippines, where she earned her PhD in Food Science.

Commencing her professional journey as a Lecturer (Probationary) at the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Dr. Kumari swiftly climbed the ranks to become a Lecturer (Transitional) and subsequently a Senior Lecturer (Grade II). After accumulating over six years of teaching experience at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, she transitioned to the Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where she continues to make significant contributions to academia.

Dr. Kumari’s commitment to education extends beyond her primary roles; she also serves as a member of the teaching panel for the Master of Agriculture Degree Programme under the Board of Study in Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. With her wealth of experience and passion for her field, Dr. Kumari remains a dedicated educator and a driving force in the advancement of food sciences.

Hobbies and Interests: Reading 

• Chairperson of Criterion 03 (Programme Design and Development) (2022 – 2023), Quality Management Cell, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the Curriculum Development Committee (2019-2022 Prospectus), Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the team in developing new material for existing courses. Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the team developing the certificate course “Food Process Technology.” Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Faculty board nominee for the Committee for Farm Services and Improvement Fund (06^th March 2019 to 06^th March 2022). Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Secretory to the Department Meeting, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (Oct 2017 to Nov 2020)
• Member of the Faculty Bylaws Preparation Committee. Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the Timetable Committee (Aug/Sep 2018), Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the committee for the Revision of Thesis Guidelines (10^th September 2020), Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Department representative for the subcommittee – (AHEAD Activity 4.1) Formalizing internship programme (03^rd September 2020), Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Committee member of the food committee (07^th November 2018), Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the Workforce for Programme Review – Programme Management (02^nd October 2018), Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the committee for the Needy Scholarship Fund, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the committee to revise ILOs of the internship programme, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Chairperson of the Food and Postharvest Technology Technical Session – 14^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Chairperson of the Food and Postharvest Technology Technical Session – 13^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Reviewer of the 14^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Reviewer of the 13^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the “Publications” subcommittee – 13^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the Editorial Board – 12^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Reviewer – 12^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Panel member of the Food and Postharvest Technology Technical Session – 12^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Reviewer – 11^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the “Scientific Programme, Technical Sessions, and Souvenirs’ subcommittee- 11^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the “Opening and Awarding” subcommittee – 11^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Member of the “Food and Refreshment” subcommittee – 10^th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Represented the Faculty of Agriculture, RUSL, at the Member State Food System Summit Dialogue: Stage 1 held on 16^th June 2021
• Members of the Committee formed to promote Tourism in the North Central Province.
• Co-Controlling Examiner – Biosystems Technology practical examination, G.C.E. A/L examination – August 2019
• Co-Controlling Examiner – Biosystems Technology practical examination, G.C.E. A/L examination – August 2018
• Moderator and second examiner – Module 11 (Basic Food Science and Technology), May/June 2019 to present, University College of Anuradhapura, University of Vocational Technology
• Moderator and second examiner – Module 15 (National and international legislation on consumer protection and food safety), May/June 2019 to present, University College of Anuradhapura, University of Vocational Technology
• Reviewer – National postharvest research symposium (NPRS) 2018, NIPHM, Anuradhapura
• Reviewer – 32^nd PGIA Annual Congress – 2020, University of Peradeniya
• Reviewer – Sri Lankan Journal of Agriculture and Ecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Reviewer – Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, Nutrition Society of Malaysia
• Reviewer – Open University Research Sessions 2021, The Open University of Sri Lanka
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• Functional Foods
• Food Product Development
• Food and Nutrition
• Food Biochemistry

1. Ulapane, D.M.O.E., Abeykoon, A.M.T.T. Wickramasinghe, W.M.D.M., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Devasinghe, D.A.U.D., Beneragama, D.I.D.S., Suriyagoda, L.D.B. and Egodawatta, W.C.P. (2023). Nutritional qualities and heavy metals accumulation in grains: a study on lowland irrigated rice with different fertilizer inputs and growing seasons. International journal of sustainable agricultural research. Conscientia Beam, vol. 10(3), 70-84.
2. K.P.V.R. Karunanayake, D.W.M.M.M. Kumari and P.N. Yapa. Evaluation of antibacterial potential of selected culinary herbs against some foodborne pathogenic bacteria (2022). Carpathian journal of food science and technology. 14(3), 29-41.
3. Sandarathna, S.M.S.H., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Wijayasinghe, M.M., Wijelath W.A.G.E., Madhushan, K.W.A. and Yapa, P.N. (2022). Antifungal activity of plant-based extracts against Colletotrichum musae, Botryodiplodia theobromae and Rhizopus stolonifer and potential application as a fruit coating. Journal of Science-FAS-SEUSL. 03(01), 10-16.
4. Jayasinghe, J.A.L.H., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Hettige, K.D.T., Galappaththi, M.C.A. Salem, Z.S. and Yapa, P. N. Development and quality evaluation of fermented rice bran and probiotic incorporated ice cream. International Journal of Agricultural Technology (Accepted on 29/12/2022).
5. S.P. Athapattu, S. Rajapaksha, H.K.B.S. Chamara and D.W.M.M.M. Kumari. Storage stability and sensory properties of soft-dough biscuits incorporated with hard-dough biscuit powder. Sri Lankan Journal of Agriculture and Ecosystems. (Accepted on 15/05/2022).
6. T.L.A.D.T.M. Samaraweera, D.V.P. Chandramali, C.A.K. Dissanayake and D.W.M.M.M. Kumari. Extraction and characterization of pectin from selected fruit wastes, Rajarata University Journal (Accepted on 25/07/2022)
7. Gamage, U.G.S.A., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Senavirathna, R.M.I.S.K. and Rathish, D. (2021). In Vitro starch hydrolysis indices of selected Sri Lankan starchy tubers. Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka 16(2), 237-246.
8. H.P.P. Perera, D.W.M.M.M. Kumari, W.A.G.E. Wijelath and R.M.I.S.K. Senavirathne. 2019. The effect of pre-treatment and cooking techniques on antioxidant capacity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and green gram (Vigna radiata). Available at https://www.kdu.ac.lk/proceedings/irc2019/bas.php
9. Ruvini, L., Dissanayaka, W.M.M.M.K., Chathuni, J., Rizliya, V., Swarna, W. and Barana, CJ. (2017). Effect of different drying methods on antioxidant activity of star fruits (Averrhoa carambola). Journal of Nutrition and Diet Supplements. 1(1): 101.
10. Sandarathna, S.M.MS.H., Yapa, P.N., Wijelath, W.A.G.E., Wijayasinghe, M.M. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. (2021). Antifungal activity of plant-based extracts against selected postharvest pathogens and potential application as a banana fruit coating. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P23.
11. Rajarathna, W.A.N., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. and Senadheera, S.P.A.S. (2021). Quality assessment of selected ghee brands available in Anuradhapura town area. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P27.
12. Sampath, I.D.I., Silva, A.B.G., Wijelath, W.A.G.E. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. (2021). Daily free sugar consumption of undergraduates at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka during Covid-19 pandemic. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P30. .
13. Ulapane, D.M.O.E., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Devasinghe, D.A.U.D. and Egodawatta, W.C.P. (2021). Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer and crop rotation on quality of quality of BG300 rice grains. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P31.
14. Dulmini, S.A.H., Liyanage, I.R. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. (2021). Evaluation of the optimal temperature and duration of roasting of sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds for manufacturing sesame oil. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P33.
15. Athurupana, S.K.M.R.J., Ariyawansha, K.W.S. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., (2020). Antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli species isolated from shrimp (Penaeus monodon) farming systems in Puttalam, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P83.
16. Jayalath, S.W.I.D., Balasooriya, B.A.N.K., Priyantha, W.S., and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., (2020). Evaluation of physic-chemical and milling properties of selected newly developed rice breeding lines (Oryza sativa L.) in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P86.
17. Suvimali, T.D.N., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Pathirana, R.P.S.P. and Dissanayaka, R.U. (2020). Effect of temperature and relative humidity on strength of boxboards. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P89.
18. Samaraweera, T.L.A.D.T.M., Chandramali, D.V.P., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. and Dissanayaka, C.A.K. (2020). Extraction and characterization of pectin from selected fruit wastes. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P91.
19. Abeykoon, A.M.T.T., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Chandramali, D.V.P., and Devasinghe, D.A.U.D. (2020). Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on rice (Oryza stiva L.) grain quality. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P94.
20. Karunanayake, K.P.V.R., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. and Yapa, P.N. (2020). Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of selected culinary herbs against some foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P95.
21. Sumaiya, J., Wasala, W.M.C.B., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., and Dissanayaka, C.A.K. (2020). Optimizing the level of 1-methylcyclopropane to extend the shelf life of papaya (Carica papaya) cv “Tainung” at cold storage. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P96.
22. Tharika, H.D.P., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. and Alahakoon, S.W.S. (2020). Development of a fibre enriched sweet and sour mango relish incorporating pineapple pomace powder. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P97.
23. Wijesiri, T.V.E., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Senadheera, S.P.A.S. and Senevirathna, R.M.I.S.K. (2020). Development of whey protein incorporated cereal formulation. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P99.
24. Gunarathna, H.P.K.E., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Nirbadha, K.G.S. and Wijesinghe, M.G.C.R. (2020). Heavy metals of cadmium and mercury content in water, sediment and selected two fish species in Chilaw lagoon. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P100.
25. Jayarathne, S.K., Liyanage, T. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., (2020). Physical, chemical and morphological characterization of Sri Lankan origin dried clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) buds. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P101.
26. Jayasinghe, J.A.L.H., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Hettige, K.D.T. and Yapa, P.N. (2020). Development and quality evaluation of fermented rice bran and probiotic incorporated ice cream. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 102.
27. Ifrah, M.I.F. Thilakarathna, G.C. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., (2020). Effect of selected pre-treatments on final quality of dehydrated fruits. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P103.
28. G.A. Madushani, D.W.M.M.M. Kumari, W.A.G.E. Wijelath and R.M.I.S.K. Senavirathna. 2019. Effect of deep frying of nile thilapiya (Oreochromis niloticus) in coconut and palm oils. Rajarata International Research Conference, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. 6th – 7th November 2019. PP 215.
29. H.P.P. Perera, D.W.M.M.M. Kumari, W.A.G.E. Wijelath and R.M.I.S.K. Senavirathne. 2019. Effect of pre-treatment and cooking techniques on antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of commonly consumed legumes in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 12th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kothalawala Defense University 2019, Rathmalana, Sri Lanka. 11th – 12th September, 2019. PP 220.
30. Madushani, G.A., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Wijelath, W.A.G.E. and Senavirathna, R.M.I.S.K. (2019). Quality assessment of deep fried nile thilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in coconut and palm oil. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 50.
31. Perera, H.P.P., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Wijelath, W.A.G.E. and Senavirathna, R.M.I.S.K. (2019). Effect of pre-treatment and cooking techniques on antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of commonly consumed legumes in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 53.
32. Athapattu, S.P., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. and Rajapaksha, S. (2019). Determining storage stability of hard dough biscuit powder. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 55.
33. Jayasekara, M.G.D.C., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Wijewardane and Httige, K.D.T. (2019). Quality assessment of rice beverage made from traditional rice varieties fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum. P59.
34. Kumari, K.G.N.H., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Wijelath, W.A.G.E. and Wijewardana. (2019). Development of a protocol for artificial ripening of embul banana (Musa spp.) in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P62.
35. Tennakoon, T.R.S.K.A., Wickramasinghe, N., Prasanna, P.H.P., and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. (2019). Development of less sweet fiber-enriched drinking yogurt by using soluble dietary fiber as a stabilizer. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P65.
36. Karunanayaka, N.N., Bandara, D.M.S.P. and Kumari D.W.M.M.M. (2018). Thermal effect on physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of Mee (Madhuca longifolia (Konig j.) oil. Proceedings of the annual research symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 54.
37. Herath, U.K., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Liyanage, R., Deen, A. and Visvanathan, R. (2018). Effect of in-vitro digestion on antioxidant properties of processed cowpea and mung beans. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 55.
38. Wickramasooriya, S.N., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. and Wijewardane, R.M.N.A. (2018). Optimizing cold storage temperature for Palee F1 bitter gourd. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 58.
39. Gamage, U.G.S.A., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Senavirathna, R.M.I.S.K. and Rathish, D. (2018). Determination of an equation to find glycemic indices of Sri Lankan tubers using hydrolysis indices. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 57.
40. Wickramasooriya, S.N., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. and Wijewardane, R.M.N.A. (2018). Optimizing cold storage temperature for Palee F1 bitter gourd. Proceedings of the National Postharvest Research Symposium (NPRS).
41. Perera, O., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Wimalasiri, K.M.S. and Liyanage, R. (2013). Effect of different drying methods on antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and ascorbic acid content of star fruits (Averrhoa carambola). Conference proceedings 13th Asean International Food Conference, Singapore, 09-11 Sept. 2013, FPR-P 10.6, 143.
42. Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Wimalasiri, K.M.S. and Liyanage, R. (2013). Effect of different drying methods on antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and ascorbic acid content of star fruits (Averrhoa carambola). Peradeniya University Research Sessions. 2013. 17, 91.
43. Silva, J.N.P., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Senadheera, S.P.A.S. and Weerakoon, H.T.W. (2022). Development of legumes and nuts-based high protein biscuit types for children and adults. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 87.
44. Nayagedara, N.M.A.B., Dissanayake, C.A.K., Chamara, H.K.B.S. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. (2023). Development of instant string hoppers with jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) seed flour. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 88.
45. Kavindani, S.D.K., Dissanayake, C.A.K., Chamara, H.K.B.S., Suvimali, T.D.N. and D.W.M.M.M. Kumari (2023). Development of a non-dairy pumpkin-based ice cream. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 84.
46. Weerasinghe, W.M.T.M., Gunawardhana, C.R., Dissanayake, C.A.K., Chamara, H.K.B.S., Wasala, W.M.C.B. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M. (2023). Effect of parboiling on quality changes of traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 90.
47. Laksahan, S.L.U., Kumari, D.W.M.M.M., Weerakoon, H.T.W. and Senadheera, S.P.A.S. (2023). Effect of selected herbal beverages on post-prandial blood glucose levels in humans. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. P 91.
48. Weerasinghe, W.M.T.M., Gunawardhana, C.R., Dissanayake, C.A.K., Chamara, H.K.B.S., Wasala, W.M.C.B. and Kumari, D.W.M.M.M (2023). Effect of parboiling on quality changes of traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka. The 6th International Rice Congress, held in the Philippine International Convention Center, Manila, Philippines, October 16-19.