Academic Building (B3)-Room 150
Department of Material and Mechanical Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mahenwatte, Pitipana North
Homagama 10200
Sri Lanka

Email: asangi@sjp.ac.lk

Dr. Asangi Gannoruwa is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in natural rubber and latex. She earned her BSc. Special Degree in Chemistry from the University of Peradeniya in 2007, followed by an M.Phil. in photochemistry at the Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, in 2014. Her research on infrared-sensitive nano-photocatalysts has been published in several indexed journals, contributing to the advancement of the field. In 2015, Dr. Gannoruwa was honored with the prestigious Monbukagakusho (MEXT) scholarship from the Japanese government, enabling her to pursue her PhD at Nagaoka University of Technology. Under the supervision of Prof. Seiichi Kawahara, she focused on filler nanomatrix structures in natural rubber and latex, further enhancing her expertise and research profile. Her accomplishments include receiving the Presidential Award for Scientific Publication in 2016.  Since returning to Sri Lanka in 2018, Dr. Gannoruwa has been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Materials and Mechanical Technology at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She is committed to fostering innovation in materials science and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Research Keywords:

Filler nano-structures for enhancement of the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of natural rubber, Natural rubber Latex, Rubber Chemistry, Biodegradable polymers, Solar energy conversion into electrical and chemical energies., Nanocatalysts, Fibre-rubber composites

2022-2025

Preparation of Poly(lactic acid)-Natural rubber Nanomatrix at Latex Stage to be Used as a
Compatibilizer for Degradable Wrapping Material

Serves as the PI. In this project we attempt to prepare a compatibilizer for PLA/natural rubber blend to be used as degradable wrapping materials. The proposed compatibilizer is a PLA nanomatrix structure formed on to natural rubber particles in the latex stage. From the project we hope to find an effective way to produce degradable wrapping material as an alternative to non-degradable polyethylene, polypropylene based wrapping materials which gave rise to a serious environmental crisis.

 Research grant number: ASP/01/RE/TEC/2022/64

Degree: M.Phil           Value: 2.79 Million

2021-2022

Investigation Carbon black dispersed Natural rubber raw material in latex stage.

A cost effective raw rubber material preparation is investigated by dispersing CB in latex stage. The project aims to address two major issues faced by the rubber industries specifically for tire industry. That is to maximize the carbon black dispersion with smaller particle distribution and avoid the large amount of fly off carbon-black dust during tire manufacturing.

Collaboration: Samson tire (pvt) Ltd, Mahara, Kadawatha

Degree: B.E.T. Honours

2024 Graduated in Diploma in English with GPA of 3.95
2023 Selected in the Deans Honours list for the 7 th semester for above 3.91 GPA

Mr. S. Saruban’s research focuses on automobile lubricants, technology, electric vehicles, vehicle safety, and mechanical systems. His undergraduate research on real-time viscosity monitoring of automobile engine lubricants was presented at the ICIET conference, with further analysis currently under journal review. He has contributed to review articles, including “Navigating the Path to Fully Electrified Vehicles in Sri Lanka” and “The Need for Automobile Safety by Considering Various Factors in the Sri Lankan Context.” Additionally, Mr. Saruban has supervised a range of innovative final year projects, such as regenerating electrical power using IC engine exhaust heat, developing a smart diagnosis system for air conditioning refrigerant leakage, and designing self-balancing two-wheelers. His supervision extends to diverse projects, including a solar-powered phone charger with temperature and percentage monitoring and an automatic smart food feeding system for farm chickens, showcasing his commitment to practical, technology-driven solutions.

 Engine Lubricant Viscosity Monitoring System for finding engine lubricant viscosity in real-time.
(Research work is done and the paper is submitted to the SAE Journals under review).
 Navigating the Path to Fully Electrified Vehicle in Sri Lanka: A Review (almost done corrections
need to be indicated by supervisor)
 The Need for Automobile Safety by considering various factors in the Sri Lankan context: A
review (Paperwork is in progress)