- Faculty of Engineering
- Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering
- Senior Lecturer Grade I
Contact information
Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
University of Moratuwa
Moratuwa
10400
Teaching and Administrative Activities
Fashion Industry Investigative Report -Undergraduate -2021
Learning Portfolio -Undergraduate -2021
Concept Development and Project Proposal of final major project in Fashion -Undergraduate -2021
Concept Development and Project Proposal of final major project in Textile -Undergraduate -2021
Design Development and Problem Solving of final major project in Fashion -Undergraduate -2021
Design Development and Problem Solving of final major project in Textile -Undergraduate -2021
Realisation and Evaluation of final major project in Fashion -Undergraduate -2021
Realisation and Evaluation of final major project in Textile -Undergraduate -2021
Design Realisation 2 in Fashion -Undergraduate -2020
Design Realisation 2 in Textiles -Undergraduate -2020
Design Realisation 3 in Fashion -Undergraduate -2020
Design Realisation 3 in Textiles -Undergraduate -2020
Industry linked Team project in Fashion -Undergraduate -2020
Industry linked Team project in Textiles -Undergraduate -2020
Academic Coordinator -Coordinate Final year, academic work, timetable, student matters, projects, critiques, assessments and academic related work (2010 To 2018)
Representative, Faculty Academic Committee, FDPD -Preparation of Academic timetable/ Contact students and attend students’ academic matters/ Student leave, Appeal and other relevant document processing/ uploading and attending the FAC meetings. (2020 To 2023)
Representative Faculty Curriculum Committee, FDPD -Attending/presenting Department level FDPD curriculum revision updates (2023 To 2023)
Personal Mentor for Intake 2021/2022 -Personal/ group mentoring, attending students’ matters at the university, guiding and motivating students handle their work effectively (2022 To 2023)
subject specialist (Fashion Design and Product Development Degree course/ FDPD) for UGC, Sri Lanka -Subject panelist for bench marking of FDPD degree course of Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering. (2018 To 2023)
Moderator/Main Examiner Aptitude test FDPD -Moderator/ Main Examiner/ Paper setting/marking (2017 To 2021)
Research Activities
Fashion Practice Led Research
Craftsmanship into Fashion and Textile Practice
Eco Fashion concepts
Conceptual Designing
DHPS Gunesekera, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), 2019 (An Analysis of Fashion Optical Illusion on Hourglass body shapes [with special reference on plus size women aged 25-35 in Sri Lanka) Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
N. Ranasinghe, Masters of Philosophy (MPhil), 2019-2021, Novel Dyes in Natural Ingredients, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
E.R.S.J. Thilakarathne (208083V), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), 2020-2023, Folklore in Fashion: A Systematic Design-Led Approach in Bringing Life to Folklore through Fashion Products. Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Moratuwa
Fashion and Textile Designing
Sri Lankan Craftmenship into Fashion Practice
Eco Fashion
Education and Professional Affiliations
Bachelors, University of Moratuwa. ,2006 Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Fashion Design and Product Development, 1st Class
Masters, University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion ,2009 Master of Arts in Fashion Design and Technology
PhD, University of the Visual and Performing Arts ,2016 Doctor of Philosophy in Design
University of the Arts London. Member of University of the Arts London Alumni Association the Largest Creative Network in the World.(2015 To date)
SLAIHEE, University of Colombo. Member of Sri Lanka Association for Improving Higher Education Effectiveness SLAIHEE University of Colombo.(2015 To date)
Moratuwa University Fashion Designers Association (MUFDA), University of Moratuwa(2022 To date)
Young Scientists Forum (YSF), National Science and Technology Commission(2019 To date)
Science and Technology Management Information System (STMIS), National Science Foundation (NSF)(2019 To date)
Career
Senior Lecturer
University of Moratuwa (www.mrt.ac.lk), 02/2006 – to date
2006-2013 - Lecturer Probationary
2013-2017 - Senior Lecturer Grade II
2017- to date - Senior Lecturer Grade I
Working as a Senior Lecturer for Fashion Design and Product Development (FDPD) degree course, Department of Textile and Clothing Technology, Faculty of Engineering.
Lectured and communicated effectively with undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and concepts Initiated thought-provoking, constructively criticized tutorials and discussions to help undergraduate students develop their critical thinking up to a commercially viable product range Challenged and motivated students through detailed term projects that stimulated conceptual and technical aspects. Currently working on final year and 2ndyear students’ design projects including concept development, 2D to 3D design developments, styling and garment production.
Modules
4thyear/ Final Year-Undergraduate
FD 4110 Concept Development and Project Proposal of final major project in Fashion
FD 4120 Concept Development and Project Proposal of final major project in Textiles
FD 4090Learning Portfolio
FD 4210 Design Development and Problem Solving of final major project inFashion
FD 4220 Design Development and Problem Solvingof final major project inTextiles
FD 4310Realisation and Evaluation of final major project in Fashion
FD 4320Realisation and Evaluation of final major project in Textiles
3rdYear- Undergraduate
FD 3300 Fashion Industry Investigative Study report
Industry Experience
Design Consultant
Romafour/ Grow Tex, Colombo, 2011 – 2013. Freelance designer and design consultant for Women’s wear and children’s wear for the local market
Designer
Asudari Ltd, London, UK. (www.asudari.com) 03/2009 – 05/2009 Assistant Fashion Designer for Asudari brand.
Charas Design Wear, London, UK. (www.charasdesignwear.com – Eveningwear) 01/2009 – 03/2009. Assistant Designer for Chars Design Wear.
Favorites Group, Sri Lanka, Colombo (www.favouritegroup.com) 2006 – 2007. Designer for NEXT, GAP & A&F
Victoria’s Secrets, New York Design Studio, USA (www.victoria’s secrets.com) 10/2005 – 12/2005. Assistant trainee designer for Victoria’s Secrets, sub-brand ‘Very Sexy’
MAS Holdings (Mas Intimates), Sri Lanka, Colombo (www.masholdings.com) 2004 – 2006, Technical Designer for GAP & VICTORIA’S SECRETS
MAS Holdings (Linea Intimo, MAS Active), Sri Lanka, Colombo (www.masholdings.com) 05/2003 – 09/2003, Trainee designer for NIKE & ADIDAS
Chief Examiner, National Exam of Fashion Design and Product Development (Aptitude test), 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021
Representative, Faculty Academic Committee, FDPD
Representative Faculty Curriculum Committee, FDPD
Department Curriculum Committee Chair, FDPD
Scientific committee member of the 6th International Conference on Arts and Humanities (ICOAH) 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia under the theme “Decolonization in the Arts and Humanities ”.
Represent the judging panel of ‘MAS Awards for the best student of FDPD’ 2018 and 2019.
Member of the editorial panel (from September 2018) of the journal of the EC Fashion Technology and Textile Engineering (ECFT), which is a bi-monthly open access interdisciplinary journal that mainly emphasis on fashion art and textile processing research
Scientific committee member of the South Asia Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2018 (SAMR’18) hosted International Center for Research & Development, Colombo, Sri Lanka & Unique Conferences Canada
Reviewer of International Conference on Arts and Humanities (ICOAH) is being hosted by Universiti Sains Malaysia and organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) in collaboration with Concordia University, Montreal, 2017
Evaluator for the ‘DALI & FRIDA’ fashion show, The British School of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2017.
Honours and Awards
Postgraduate Full Schlorship (Received 2007)
International Student Internship (Received 2009)
Gold Medal for the Best Academic Performance, Graduation Award Ceremony , University of Moratuwa (Received 2006)
Serendib Inspirational Award Graduation Fashion Show, University of Moratuwa (Received 2005)
Publication Grant Sheme for Promoting Science and Technology Publication (Received 2021)
Senate Research Commitee Grants/ SRC/ST/2019/48 (Received 2019)
Senate Research Commitee Grants/ SRC/CAP/2021/40 (Received 2021)
International Designer Internship (Received 2005)
State Literacy Award 2022 Best Academic and Research Work (English-2021) (Received 2022)
Publications*
Dr Ayesha Wickramasinghe,".The Dress of Women in Sri Lanka.",National Science Foundation (NSF),2021
Hewagama, J. L, Gopura, S., Rajapaksa, D. ,".Traditional craft revival: preserving and promoting indigenous handloom textile techniques in Sri Lanka.",4th International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage,Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura,2023,161
Thilakarathne , S., Gopura , S., Payne , A.,".Craft Traditions in Folklore: The Craft Symbols and Metaphors in the Folklore of Kuweni.",4th International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage, 247. ,Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura,2023,162
Thilakarathne , S., Gopura , S., Payne, A. ,".Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Exploring the Intersection of Gop Craft in Kohomba Yak Kankariya, Kuweni’s Folklore and Fashion Practice.",9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and4th China - Sri Lanka Communication and Cooperation Forum,Centre for Research and Knowledge Dissemination (CRKD) of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka,2023,245
Dr Sumith Gopura, Dr Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Prof. Alice Payne, Shashiprabha Thilakarathne ,".The curse of Kuweni, Metaphorical approach to analyze power and style of folklore.",Culture Costume and Dress, The Body Politic: Dress, Identity and Power’,BIRMINGHAM CITY University, Birmingham, United Kingdom,2021,50-56
Dr Ayesha Wickramasinghe,".The vintage draping styles in Sri Lanka, Special Reference to Sari During the 20th Century.",The Seventh International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS),Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka,2021,75
Dr Sumith Gopura, Dr Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Prof. Alice Payne, Shashiprabha Thilakarathne,".Kuweni, the first female ruler, Characterrization of intangible cultural heritage of folklore.",13th International Conference on Humanities, Psychology and Social Sciences, Amesterdam,Amsterdam, The Netherlands,2021,64-77
Dr Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Chinthaka Dharmakeerthi,".Adopting distance learning in Fashion Design education, Collaborative learning approach during Covid 19 pandemic.",SLAIHEE, Higher Education Conference,University of Colombo, Sri Lanka,2021,95-100
UGND Weerasinghe, Dr Ayesha Wickramasinghe,".A Study of Untouched Cultural Inheritance of Sri Lankan Traditional Textile and Apparel Dyeing Techniques concerning Dumbara weaving technique and Archival Material.",3rd International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH) 2021,Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura,2021,146
,".Architecture Stimuli Fashion: Idea Transformation through Symbolism from Inspiration to Design Realization.",UVPA-ICTM Joint International Research Symposium,University of the Visual and Performing Art, Sri Lanka,2019,202
,".Ethnic and Political Dress of Women: Socio-Cultural Influences and Artistic Review in Sri Lankan Context During and After Postcolonial Period.",2ND South Asia Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2019,Colombo, Sri Lanka,2019,25
Nisansala M. Karunarathne,".Geometrical Locomotion.",International Research Symposium,Sri Lanka Foundation Institute,2018,77
,".Strips Creating Shapes.",International Conference on Arts and Humanities -ICOAH 2018,Colombo, Sri Lanka,2018,13
,".Movement of Slow-Fashion: Special Reference to Dumbara Weaving and Natural Dyes in Early Ceylon.",Second International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (MR2018),Colombo, Sri Lanka,2018,30
Premadasa, K.H. ,".Comprehensive Study On The Tourism Based Handloom Clothing Into Fashionable Silhouette Trends (Special Reference to Female Tourists).",International Conference on the Apparel Industry: Productivity Improvement, Disruptive Innovation, and Leadership, Monash Business School, Monash University, Australia,Colombo, Sri Lanka,2018,35
Karandana, N. ,".Feasibility study of up cycling rejected garments to the fashion accessories for Patagonia.",International Conference on the Apparel Industry: Productivity Improvement, Disruptive Innovation, and Leadership, Monash Business School, Monash University, Australia,Colombo. Sri Lanka,2018,29
Gunasekara, H. ,".Visual analysis of optical illusion applications on plus size hourglass female body shapes.",International Research Symposium,Sri Lanka Foundation Institute,2018,133
Deegala, D.M.R.N.,".A Study of Identifying the Importance of an Anti-Ageing Bra Developed from Cosmetic Textile for Sri Lankan Market.",4 the International Conference on Arts and Humanities ,Colombo. Sri Lanka,2017,72
Gunasekara, H,".An Analysis of Female Body Shapes of Sri Lankan Women Age Between 25-35 Years.",7th Annual Research Symposium, ,University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka,2017,41
,".A Study of Ancient Embroidery Craft of Sri Lanka in Relation to Colombo National Museum.",Second Asia-Pacific Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (APMR2017),Colombo, Sri Lanka,2017,13
,".A Study of Fashion Forecasting of Urban Sri Lankan Women during the British period .",6th Annual Research Symposium,University of the Visual and Performing Arts. Colombo. Sri Lanka,2016,124-130
,".Evaluate the History of Female Underclothing in Sri Lanka. .",5th Annual Research Symposium,University of the Visual and Performing Arts. Colombo. Sri Lanka,2015,294-308
Gopura, S. C.,".An Investigation into a User-Friendly Platform for Effective Time Management in Dressing Smart:Smart-wardrobe..",4th Annual Research Symposium,University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka,2014,207-218
,".The Effect of Colonialism into Sri Lankan Female Dress..",4th Annual Research Symposium,University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka,2014,190-205
Aththanayaka A. J., Gopura S. C.,".Developing a Natural Dye Colour Palette for Handloom Textile & Clothing Sector in Sri Lanka. .",International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS).,Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.,2014,67-73
Gopura, S. C., Perera, U.P.S,".Investigate the Possibility of Using Poly Bag Yarns for Handloom Textiles..",International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS).,1st Wayamba International Conference. University of Wayamba. Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka.,2014,267-301
,".An Analysis of ancient Sri Lankan female clothing details depicted in Temple Paintings: Anuradhapura Era to the End of the 19th Century.",2nd International Conference on Social Sciences, (ICSS),Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka,2013,25
,".The ancient Sri Lankan female clothing details depicted from selected sculptures.",International Conference on Asian Art, Culture, and Heritage – August 2013 University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the International Association for Asian Heritage (IAAH),Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya. Colombo. Sri Lanka,2013,437-443
,".An Analysis of 19th Century Female Clothing in Sri Lanka: Depicted from Kathaluwa and Karagampitiya Temple Paintings.",3rd Annual Research Symposium,University of the Visual and Performing Arts. Colombo. Sri Lanka. ,2013,467-479
,".Effectiveness of E-Portfolios for Enhancing Students’ Job Opportunities and Learning Environment.",9th SDC - SLAHIEE Joined Conference,University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. ,2013,09
,".Hybrid of Art and Science: Contrasting approaches to Creative Pattern Draping Method by using Narrow Handloom Stripes.",1st International ISTANBUL TEXTILE ART-DESIGN SYMPOSIUM ,Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey,2012,224
,".Impact of ‘Student Self Help Groups’ on Learning in the Classroom.",8th SDC - SLAHIEE Joined Conference,University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. ,2012,19
,".Which is more feminine: The ‘sari’ or the ‘Evening dress’? .",13th Annual research symposium,Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka,2012,157
Gopura, S.,".Weaving emotions: unraveling the emotional significance of Sri Lankan handloom artistry.",Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences,,2024
Sumith Gopura,".Dreams of Weaving: Creative Practice-Led Approach to Handloom Product Development in Sri Lanka Using Artisans� Socio-Emotional Identities.",Fashion Practice,,2023
,".Creative Interpretation and Product Development, Idea Revolution from Inspiration to Design Realization.",Journal of University of the Visual and Performing Arts,1,2021
,".Vivienne Westwood And Her Fashion Mantra.",Journal of University of the Visual and Performing Arts,2/1,2019
,".Artistic Review of Sri Lankan Female Fashion and It’s Movement.",The Journal of Current Trends in Fashion Technology and Textile Engineering,Volume 03, Issue 03,2018
,".The Globalized Sari and Its Sexual Appeal via Femininity.",Journal of University of the Visual and Performing Arts,1,2018
,".The ancient Sri Lankan female clothing details depicted from selected sculptures.",Asian Art, Culture, and Heritage,1/1,2013
Wickramasinghe, A. T. P. (2018) Artistic Review of Sri Lankan Female Fashion and It�s Movement. The Journal of Current Trends in Fashion Technology and Textile Engineering. Juniper Publishers. USA. Volume: 3, Issue: 3 (DOI: 10.19080/CTFTTE.2018.03.555613)
Thilakarathne , S. (2023, February). Featuring PhD study on QUT Textile Autumn Newsletter . Uom.lk. https://uom.lk/textile/news_events/featuring-phd-study-qut-textiler-autumn-newsletter
Thilakarathne , S., Gopura, S., Wickramasinghe, A., & Payne, A. (2023, April). Folklore in Fashion - Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage through Fashion . Bolgoda Plains, 3, 61. https://uom.lk. https://uom.lk/pdf/Bolgoda-Plains-Vol-03-Issue-01.html