Academic Building (B3)-Room 06
Department of Science for Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mahenwatte, Pitipana North
Homagama 10200
Sri Lanka

Email: cnupearachchi@sjp.ac.lk

Dr. Chathurie Niluka Nupearachchi plays many roles as a lecturer, researcher, speaker, writer, STEM activist and education consultant with experience of over 10 years in the field of Higher Education.

Dr. Nupearachchi, a Physics lover received her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in 2009 with a first class by being the batch second. Also, she got the faculty prize for the best performance in Physics from The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). She completed her MPhil from OUSL in 2012.

In 2019, she obtained her PhD from OUSL where her research title was ‘Fabrication of Bio- Batteries Using Pith of Plants as Electrolytic Media’. She is an academic with research, consultancy and teaching components in equilibrium. Currently she is engaged in further research work of her PhD on rechargeable bio-batteries where she obtained a patent for OUSL with her supervisor Prof. Susira Perera.

She joined the Faculty of Technology in December 2022 and she is currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Physics. Her mission is to impart her passion for Physics to anybody in such a way that it contributes to the entire community without any barriers.

Research Key Words:
rechargeable bio- batteries, dye-sensitized solar cells, nanocomposites

2022 – to date

Senior Lecturer (On Contract) in Physics in Department of Science for Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

2022 – to date

Visiting Lecturer for Optics of Diploma in Optometry course in Eye Care Institute

2022 – to date

Writer in Correspondents of The World (Education Category)

2021 – to date

Columnist in Probe – E-magazine (ISSN 2387-896X) at Business League

2020 – to date

Education Consultant in SciTech Publishing Corporation Pvt Limited, Sri Lanka

2020 -2023

Visiting Lecturer for Bachelor of Engineering subject EET 121-Engineering Principles (Mechanical Engineering) in Graduate Institute of Science and Management (GISM), Sri Lanka which is affiliated to Massey University, New Zealand

2020- 2021

Visiting Lecturer for Scientific Writing and Research of Higher National Diploma in Optometry course in Sri Lanka Optometrist Association (SLOA)

2019 – to date

Voluntary research scientist in Condensed Matter Physics Research Lab at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka

2019

Visiting Lecturer for Senior Certificate Course in Astrophysics subject ASTR 410 – Basic Astrophysics II in Institute of Astronomy (IOAS), Sri Lanka

2017

Visiting Lecturer for Diploma subject MCD 4160 – Physics for Engineering and MCD 1200 – Physics A, in Universal College Lanka (UCL), Sri Lanka which is affiliated to Monash College, Australia

2016 -2019

Education Consultant in Headstart Pvt Limited, Sri Lanka

2016 – 2018

Chief Operating Officer from in Nerdynaut, Sri Lanka

2016

Research Assistant in National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC), Sri Lanka

2015 – 2018

Chief Strategy Officer and Article Contributor in Nerdynaut, Sri Lanka

2015 – 2016

Lecturer for Executive MBA course in Metropolitan School of Business Management (MSBM), Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2012 – 2013

Project Assistant in the Library, The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL)

2011 -2019

Visiting Lecturer for Physical Optics of Advanced Diploma in Optometry course in Sri Lanka Optometrist Association (SLOA)

2010 – 2014

Voluntary research student in Condensed Matter Physics Research Lab at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of SriLanka

2011 – 2013

Visiting Academic for Foundation subject of TTX 2313 – Physics for Technology (English medium) in the Faculty of Engineering Technology of The Open Universityof Sri Lanka

2009- 2011

Temporary Demonstrator in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Awards

• Faculty of Natural Science Prize for the Best Performance in Physics (2009) from The Open University of Sri Lanka
• Best Young Presenter (2009) in the Symposium on Geology of Sri Lanka by Geological Society of Sri Lanka
• The Buckyball Award for Excellence in the course unit PSE 3117-Mathematics for Chemistry and Biology (2005) from The Open University of Sri Lanka

 

Memberships

• Member of Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) from 2022
• Full Member in the Organization for Women in Science for Developing World (OWSD) from
  2022
• Executive Committee Member in 2023/2024
• Assistant Secretary in Spectrum Society of Department of Physics, The Open University of Sri Lanka in 2012, 2021
• Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) Council Member from 2021
• Member of sub-committee in membership in 2021/2022
• Convenor of sub-committee in Physics Popularization in 2021/2022
• Convenor of the webinar series in 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023,2023/2024
• Co-Editor in 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023
• Life Member of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) in Section
• E 1 from 2010
• Member of Young Scientist Forum (YSF) (Number Y/N/20) from 2010

Photo Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Engineering Physics and Physics Popularization

Conference Presentations and Abstracts

Wickramasinghe, G. C., Perera, V.P.S., Senthilnithy, R. and Nupearachchi, C.N. (2022) Comparison of ZnO Nano Particles Synthesized Using Sodium Hydroxide and Triethylamine for Photovoltaic Applications, Proceedings of 38 th Technical Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) (26 th March 2022), pg 27

Atthanayake, A. M. U. S, Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2021) Fabrication of Magnesium ion Rechargeable Battery Using Dolomite as the Cathode Material, Proceedings of 37 th Technical Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) (20 th March 2021), pg 70 -74

Herath, D.T.B., Wickramasinghe, G. C., Nupearachchi, C.N., Aponsu, G.M.L.P and Perera, V.P.S. (2020) Performance Enhancement of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Treatment of Dye Extract of Black Nightshade Fruit and Fruit Skin with Acetic Acid, Book of Abstracts of Open University Research Sessions (OURS) (12 th and 13 th November 2020), pg 122

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2020) Investigation of Ion Transport in Banana Pith Electrolyte Sandwiched Between Mild Steel Electrodes, Proceedings of 36 th Technical Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) (29 th August 2020), pg 36 – 40

Wickramasinghe, G. C., Nupearachchi, C.N., Perera, V.P.S. and Senthilnithy, R. (2020) Enhancement of Photovoltaic Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Acidification of Dye Extracted from Erabadu Flower, Proceedings of 1 st International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Technology (FCT) which was organized by Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChem) (20 th and 22 nd July), pg 97

Wickramasinghe, G. C., Balasundaram, D., Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2019) Enhancement of Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Using Anthocyanin Dyes with L-Ascorbic Acid, Proceedings of Open University Research Sessions (OURS) (30 th and 31 st October 2019), pg 110

Wickramasinghe, G. C., Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2019) Enhancement of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Introduction of L-Ascorbic Acid to The Natural Dye Extraction of Carissa carandas Fruit, Proceedings of 4 th International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS) which was organized by University of Kelaniya (25 th October), pg100

Nupearachchi, C.N., Wickramasinghe, G. C. and Perera, V.P.S. (2019) Effect of Fe 3+ Ion on the Performance of a Bio-Cell Made of Banana Pith Electrolyte and Ferrous Anode, Proceedings of 35 th Technical Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) (16 th March 2019), pg 1 – 8

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2018) Oxidation and Reduction of Fe Ions Introduced to Banana Pith Electrolytic Media of a Bio-Battery, Extended Abstracts of Open University International Research Sessions (iOURS) (29 th and 30 th November 2018), pg 305 – 308

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2018) Characterization of Banana Pith as Electrolytic Media of a Bio-Battery Using Electrochemical Techniques, Abstracts of 11 th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (13 th and 14 th September 2018), pg 13

Nupearachchi, C.N., Wickramasinghe, G. C. and Perera, V.P.S. (2018) Analysis of Performance
of Bio-Battery Made of Banana Pith by Introducing Baker’s Yeast, Proceedings of 34 th Technical
Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) (24 th March 2018), pg 80 – 86

Nupearachchi, C.N., Wickramasinghe, G. C. and Perera, V.P.S. (2017) Investigation of
Applicability of Banana Pith as Electrolytic Media for Bio-Batteries, Proceedings of 15 th Open
University Research Sessions (OURS) (16 th and 17 th November 2017), pg 509 – 512

Nupearachchi, C.N., Perera, V.P.S., Samarasingha, K. A and Arawwawala, L. D. A. M. (2017)
Analysis of Selected Varieties of Banana Piths as Electrolyte in Bio Batteries, Proceedings of 5 th
International Conference on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Traditional Medicine (ICAUST) which
was organized by Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo (27 th , 28 th and 29 th
October 2017), pg 217

Nupearachchi, C.N. (2017) Global Knowledge Sharing Approaches in Disaster Risk Reduction
with Youth Empowerment under Theme A: Youth Empowerment in Landslide Disaster Risk
Reduction through Knowledge Sharing, 2nd International E-conference on Landslide Disaster
Reduction (30 th April to 30 th October 2017), which was organized by Centre for Research andDevelopment, Natural Resources Management and Laboratory Services, Central Engineering
Consultancy Bureau

Nupearachchi, C.N. (2015) Early Warning System Management of Landslides in Aisa Pacific
Region under Theme B: Implementation of applicable guidelines/teaching tools to establish
essential synergies in landslide disaster phenomena, 1st International E-conference on Landslide
Disaster Reduction (24 th March to 24 th September 2015), which was organized by Centre for
Research and Development, Natural Resources Management and Laboratory Services, Central
Engineering Consultancy Bureau

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2013) Impedance Spectroscopic Measurements of
Dielectric Parameters of SnO 2 and MgO Composite Films, Proceedings of Young Scientists
Forum Symposium 2012 which was organized by National Science and Technology Commission
(NASTEC) (18 th January 2013), pg 33

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2012) Characterization of Composite Films Made from
Tin (IV) Oxide and Aluminium Oxide with Impedance Spectroscopy, Proceedings of 28 th Technical
Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) (31 st March 2012), pg 9 -14

Nupearachchi, C.N., Thotawatthage, C.A., Senadeera, G.K.R. and Perera, V.P.S. (2012)
Comparison of Flavonoids in Black Tea and Green Tea as Sensitizers in Dye Sensitized Solar
Cells, Proceedings of Young Scientists Forum Symposium 2011 which was organized by
National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC) (27 th January 2012), pg 18

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2011) Analysis of Dielectric Properties of Composite
Films Made from Tin (IV) Oxide and Magnesium Oxide with Impedance Spectroscopy, poster
presentation for Global Forum of Sri Lankan Scientists: Empowering Sri Lanka through
Networking and Knowledge Sharing which was organized by National Science Foundation (NSF)
(13 th , 14 th and 15 th December 2011)

Nupearachchi, C.N. (2011) Characterization of Composite Films Made from Tin (IV) Oxide and
Magnesium Oxide with Impedance Spectroscopy, Abstracts of 67 th Annual Sessions of Sri Lanka
Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) (5 th , 6 th , 7 th , 8 th and 9 th December 2011), pg
64

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2011) Characterization of Composite Films Made from
Tin (IV) Oxide and Titanium (IV) Oxide with Impedance Spectroscopy, Proceedings of 7 th OUSL
Annual Academic Sessions 2011 (14 th and 15 th of September 2011), pg 253 – 256

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2011) Utilization of Natural Henna in Combination with
Black Tea as a Sensitizer in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, Proceedings of 7 th OUSL Annual
Academic Sessions 2011 (14 th and 15 th of September 2011), pg 249 – 252

Bandarage, G., Fernando, G.W.A.R., Nupearachchi, C.N., Peiris, P.K.D., Rajendra, J.C.N.,
Siriwardena, K.D.V.F., Tantrigoda, R.U., Wattavidanage, W. and Weerakoon, S.R. (2011)
Experience in Implementing a Student Support Programme Based on the ‘PASS’ Model for BSc
Undergraduate Students at The Open University of Sri Lanka, Proceedings of 7 th OUSL Annual
Academic Sessions 2011 (14 th and 15 th of September 2011), pg 56 – 59

Nupearachchi, C.N., Thotawatthage, C.A., Senadeera, G.K.R. and Perera, V.P.S. (2011)
Comparison of Natural Pigments in Black Tea and Green Tea with DSSCs, Proceedings of Solar
Asia 2011 International Conference which was organized by National Institute of Fundamental
Studies (NIFS) (28 th , 29 th and 30 th July 2011), pg 241 – 245

Nupearachchi, C.N., Wijayarathna, T.R. C. K. and Perera, V.P.S. (2011) Utilization of Natural
Pigment Extracted from Henna Leaf in Combination with Gelatine as a Sensitizer in
Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells, Proceedings of Solar Asia 2011 International Conference
which was organized by National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) (28 th , 29 th and 30 th July
2011), pg 236 – 240

Perera, B. K. S. , Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2011) Utilization of a Natural Pigment
Extracted from Nilkatarolu Flowers as a Sensitizer in Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells,
Proceedings of 27 th Technical Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka(IPSL) (26 th March 2011),
pg 37 – 41

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2011) Characterization of Composite Films Made from
Tin (IV) Oxide and Zinc Oxide with Impedance Spectroscopy, Proceedings of 27 th Technical
Sessions of Institute of Physics Sri Lanka (IPSL) (26 th March 2011), pg 26 – 31

Nupearachchi, C.N., Wijayarathna, T.R.C.K and Perera, V.P.S. (2010) Utilization of Natural
Henna as a Sensitizer in Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells, Abstracts of 66 th Annual Sessions of
Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) (6 th , 7 th , 8 th , 9 th and 10 th
December 2010), pg 81

Nupearachchi, C.N., Prematilaka, K.M., Attanayake, A.N.B. and Fernando, G.W.A.R. (2009)
Subsurface Geological and Hydrogeological Conditions of Matale District as Inferred from
Vertical Electrical Sounding Curves, Proceedings of 25 th Annual Technical Sessions of
Geological Society of Sri Lanka (GSSL) (27 th and 28 th February 2009), pg 8

Book Chapters

Weerasundara, L., Nupearachchi, C.N., Kumarathilake, P., Seshadri, B., Bolan, N. and
Vithange, M. (2016) Bio-retention Systems for Storm Water Treatment and Management in
Urban Systems, Book 2016, Phytoremediation Management of Environmental Contaminants in
A. Ansari et al. (ed), vol 4, pg 175-200, Switzerland: Springer
ISBN 978-3-319-41810-0, ISBN 978-3-319-41811-7 (eBook), DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-41811-7

Journals

Wickramasinghe, G. C., Perera, V.P.S., Senthilnithy, R. and Nupearachchi, C.N. (2022)
Comparison of ZnO Nano Particles Synthesized Using Sodium Hydroxide and Triethylamine for
Photovoltaic Applications, Sri Lankan Journal of Physics, vol 23 (1), pg 26- 35. DOI:
http://doi.org/10.4038/sljp.v23i1.8115

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2019) A Rechargeable Banana Pith Bio-Battery, Journal
on Vidulka National Energy Symposium, pg 191-198

Nupearachchi, C.N., Perera, V.P.S., Samarasingha, K. A and Arawwawala, L. D. A. M. (2019)
Secondary metabolite analysis of the pith of selected local banana varieties as a constituent in
bio-batteries, Research Journal of Chemical Sciences, 9(4), pg 46-49

Nupearachchi, C.N., Mahatantila, K. and Vithanage M. (2017) Application of graphene for
decontamination of water; Implications for sorptive removal, Groundwater for Sustainable
Development, vol 5, pg 206-215

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2014) Dielectric Properties of Composite Films Made
from Tin (IV) Oxide and Magnesium Oxide, OUSL Journal, vol 7, pg 67-75

Nupearachchi, C.N. and Perera, V.P.S. (2014) Analysis of The Behaviour of SnO 2 Composites of
ZnO and TiO 2 Using Impedance Spectroscopy, Journal of National Science Foundation Sri Lanka,
42(1), pg 17-22. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v42i1.6674

Nupearachchi, C.N., Prematilaka, K. M, Attanayake, A.N.B and Fernando, G. W.A.R (2010)
Subsurface Geological & Hydrogeological Conditions of the Matale District, Sri Lanka: Inferred
from Vertical Electrical Sounding Curves, OUSL Journal, vol 6, pg 91-102

Web Publications

Weblink: https://www.nerdynaut.com/journalist/chathurie

Newsletters

Nupearachchi, C.N. (2020) Stereoscopic Vision, SLOA News, The News Bulletin of Sri Lanka
Optometric Association, issue 28, pg 10-11

Nupearachchi, C.N. (2016) Do You Want To Be A Career Oriented Or Family Oriented
Professional?, Career Fair’ 16 – A Cynosure Of Undergraduate’s Prowesses Compassing To
Mastery, Magazine2016-November (ISSN 2465-6259) of The University of Kelaniya Career
Guidance Unit, issue 3, pg 20-21

Nupearachchi, C.N. (2015) Artificial Vision Technology, SLOA News, The News Bulletin of Sri
Lanka Optometric Association, issue 15, pg 4

Nupearachchi, C.N and Perera, V.P.S. (2012) Dye Sensitized Solar Cells as an Alternative
Energy Source, Newsletter January- June 2012 (ISSN 2235-9184) of Yong Scientist Forum, issue
3, pg 5

Patents

Sri Lanka Patent 20238: “Rechargeable bio-battery made using pith of plants as electrolytic
media”, 19 th June 2020 (with V.P.S. Perera as co-inventors)

Translations

Rosa, S. R. D. (2023) Advanced Level Physics Prof. SRD Rosa MCQ Review 2000-2010 (Part -1)
(C.N. Nupearachchi, Trans). SciTech Publishing Corporation Pvt Ltd, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
(2022)
ISBN 978-955-1760-43-4

Rosa, S. R. D. (2022) Advanced Level Physics Prof. SRD Rosa MCQ Review 2011-2020 (Part -2)
(C.N. Nupearachchi, Trans). SciTech Publishing Corporation Pvt Ltd, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
ISBN 978-955-1760-42-7