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Dr. P. Rodney Fernando

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Dr. P. Rodney Fernando
PhD (Condensed Matter Physics), University of Johannesburg, South Africa
MSc (Physics of Materials), University of Peradeniya
BSc ( Hons.) ( Physics Special ) Second Upper Division, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
Professor in Physics

Email: rodneyp@esn.ac.lk / Piusrf@gmail.com
Contact: +94 71 849 7074
Research Interest: New Innovations and Inventions, IOT-related research, Material Science, Polymers, Renewable Energy and resources,  and Superconducting Materials.

Biography

PERSONAL DETAILS
Title : Dr 
Full Name : Pius Rodney Fernando 
Address : 
Official : Department of Physics, 
Faculty of Science, 
Eastern University, Sri Lanka 
Chenkalady. 
Email: rodneyp@esn.ac.lk

HIGHER ACADEMIC  QUALIFICATION

  1. Degree: PhD
    University: University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
    Medium: English
    Research: Investigation into the magnetic properties of Cr alloys.
  2. Degree: Master of Science in Physics of  Materials
    University: University of Peradeniya
    Medium: English
    Research: Bi and Y based Superconductors
  3. Degree: Bachelor of Science ( Special )
    University: Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
    Class: Second Class ( Upper Division )
    Research: Multimedia Technique. ( Interactive Study Pack On Physical  Electronics )
    Medium: English
    Subject  Offered: Physics, Applied Mathematics, and  Chemistry


PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

  1. Certificate in Senior Tutor - By University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

WORKING EXPERIENCE

  1. Institution: Department of  Physics, Faculty of Science, Eastern  University, Sri Lanka
    Designation: Professor in Physics 
    Duration: from 19.09.2023
  2. Institution: Department of  Physics, Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
    Designation: Senior Lecturer Grade 1 
    Duration: 03.04.2018 to 18.09.2023 
     
  3. Institution: Department of  Physics, Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
    Designation: Senior Lecturer Grade II
    Duration: 02.01.2016 to 02.04.2018
  4. Institution: Department of  Physics, Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
    Designation: Lecturer (Probationary)
    Duration: 03.04.2007 to 01.01.2016
  5. Institution: Faculty of Health Care Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
    Designation: Assistant Librarian
    Duration: 02.02.2006 to 03.04.2007
  6. Institution: Department of Physics, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
    Designation: Temporary Demonstrator / Temporary Asst. Lecturer
    Duration:   01.03. 2002 to 01.02.2006
  7. Institution:  Eastern University, Sri Lanka
    Designation:  Research Field Assistant
    Duration:  October 1993 to September 1994

LANGUAGES

  1. Tamil,
  2. Sinhala, and
  3. IELTS (Band 6.5) - British Council, Sri Lanka.

Links to Publications

Publications

International Publications:

Research papers:
International Journals:

  1. P. R. Fernando, A. R. E. Prinsloo, C. J. Sheppard, Seebeck coefficient of Cr100−zOsz alloy system. AIP Advances 12 (3), 035324, 2022. (Indexed)
  2. P. R. Fernando, A. R. E. Prinsloo, C. J. Sheppard, Physical properties and magnetic phase diagram of (Cr90Ir10) 100-yVy alloy system, Journal of Alloys and Compounds 872, 159635, 2021.
  3. C. J. Sheppard, A. R. E. Prinsloo, P. R. Fernando, A. M. Venter and A. M. Strydom, Quantum critical behaviour in the (Cr97.5Si2.5)100-yMoy alloy system. Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 113, 17E146, 2013.
  4. P.R.Fernando, A. R. E. Prinsloo, C. J. Sheppard and L. Lodya, Putative quantum criticality in the (Cr90Ir10)100-yVy alloy system, Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 115, 17E120, 2014.
  5. P R Fernando, S M Aazir, N Pushpalatha, N Puvanakanthan, V H T Nishantha, The Performance of the Low Cost Masonry Cement Blocks as a Partial Substitution of Coconut Shell Ash, American Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, USA, 2(6), 212-220, (2018). DOI: 10.11648/j.ajmie.20170206.12.
  6. Fernando P R, Devika Madushani L A, Praththana M and Nanayakkara H M, Synthesis and Characterization of Clay Brick Using Waste Groundnut Shell Ash, Journal of Waste Resources and Recycling, USA, 1(1), 101, (2018).
  7. Fernando P R, T. Hamigah, S. Disne, G. G. A. K. Wickramasingha and A. Sutharshan The Evaluation of Engineering Properties of Low Cost Concrete Blocks by Partial Doping of Sand with Sawdust: Low Cost Sawdust Concrete Block, International Journal of Strategic Engineering, USA, 1(2), 26-42, (2018). DOI: 0.4018/IJoSE.2018070103.
  8. P R Fernando, G L Kannangara, G P Buddhika, A Urushiya, Synthesis and Characterization of Sustainable Man-Made Low Cost Clay Bricks with Bamboo Leaf Ash,  Engineering Physics, USA, 2(1), 15-22, (2018). DOI: 10.11648/j.ep.20180201.14.
  9. P R Fernando, H A Y N Hatangala, S Karunagaran, DMJC Dissanayake, Evaluates Some Engineering Properties of Innovative Sustainable Cement Blocks as a Partial Replacement of Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA), ACTA SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURE, 2(7), 2-7, (2018). ISSN: 2581-365X.
  10. P.R. Fernando, C.J. Sheppard and A.R.E. Prinsloo, superconductivity and quantum criticality in Cr100-zOsz, Acta Physica Polonica A, Poland, 131(4), 1132-1134, (2017). DOI: 10.12693/APhysPolA.131.1132.
  11. Karthika U, Parthipan K, Shandarabavan T, Ismail R, Jeeva A, Designing a Cooker to Utilize the Natural Waste Rice Husk as a Cooking Gas, Advances in Recycling & Waste Management, USA, 2(1), 117, (2017). DOI: Adv Recycling Waste Manag 2:117, 10.4172/2475-7675.1000117.
  12. Fernando P R, Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Fired Clay Brick on Partial Replacement of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) with Brick Clay, Advances in Recycling & Waste Management, USA, 2 (1), 1, (2017).  DOI: Adv Recycling Waste Manag 2:120. doi:10.4172/2167-0412.1000246.
  13. Fernando P R, Mechanical and Physical Properties of Fired Clay Brick Partial Doped with Coconut Shell Ash, American Journal of Energy and Natural Resources, 6(5), 58-63, (2017). DOI:  10.11648/j.jenr.20170605.11.

Conference Proceedings:

  1. P.R.Fernando, A. R. E. Prinsloo, C. J. Sheppard, Magnetic Phase Diagram of Cr100-xIrx alloys, 57th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics, 57-62, 2012.
  2. P.R.Fernando, C. J. Sheppard and A. R. E. Prinsloo, Magnetic Phase Diagram of Cr100-yOsy alloys, 58th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics, 25-30, 2013.
  3. A. R. E. Prinsloo, C. J. Sheppard, P R Fernando, P Madau, Characterization of epitaxial Cr thin films, 59th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics, 30-38, 2013.
  4. P.R.Fernando, C. J. Sheppard and A. R. E. Prinsloo, Magnetic and transport studies on Cr100-xIrx alloys Single crystal, 59th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics, 20-25, 2014.

National Publications:

Research papers:

  1. P. R. Fernando, S.Krishanthan, Intervention of CIDA restore project for providing safe drinking water to the villages Palameenmadu and Puthukkudiyiruppu, 2nd Conference of CIDA Restore Project,2009.
  2. P.R.Fernando, A.Parvathakeethan, V.Einon Mariya, Producing Lightweight Concrete Using Tobacco Wastes,1st Conference of CIDA Restore Project,2008.
  3. P.R.Fernando and N.Pathmanathan, Fabrication and Characterization of  Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3OY Superconductor prepared by Solid State Reaction Techniques. Sri Lankan Journal of Physics, 7, 7-13, 2006.
  4. P.R.Fernando and N.Pathmanathan, Preparation and Resistance measurements of Bi(Pb)SrCaCuO Superconductor, ARS (Annual Research Session),2005.

e-Poster:

  1. P.R.Fernando, A. R. E. Prinsloo and C. J. Sheppard, Electrical Resistivity measurements and Magnetic Phase Diagram of Cr100-xIrx alloys, HETC International conference, 2014.

WORKSHOPS / CONFERENCE:

Attended Workshops:

  1. International Workshop on Smart and Sustainable Agriculture conducted at University Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (2026).
  2. Workshop on Undergraduate Curriculum Development, Conducted by the Faculty of Science, EUSL, (2017).
  3. Project Proposal presentation for Master of Science in Science Education, EUSL, (2017).
  4. Undergraduate research presentation, Department of Physics, EUSL, (2017).
  5. Workshop on Implementation of the Enhancement Plan for Teaching and Learning, conducted by the faculty of science, EUSL, (2017).
  6. International Symposium of Gender Equity and Equality (ISGEE) (2017) conference held at the EUSL.
  7. Workshop on lesson plan conducted by the faculty of science, EUSL, (2017).
  8. One day workshop on “The Art of Living”, conducted by the Career Guidance Unit, Eastern University, Sri Lanka in collaboration with the RDHS Batticaloa, (2009).
  9. One day workshop on “Performance Indicators for Higher Education”, conducted by QAA Council of the UGC, SDC, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, (2009).
  10. One day workshop on “Need for quantifiable Performance Indicators for Quality Assessment in Higher Education”, conducted by QAA Council of the UGC, SDC, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, (2009).
  11. One day workshop on ”Planning the New Higher Education Project”, conducted by QAA Council of the UGC, (2009).
  12. Participated five days Training Course on “Lessons Learnt from the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Process in Aceh, Indonasia” conducted by the University of Syiah Kuala, Indonesia in (2009).
  13. Participated two days workshop on “Canada’s Tsunami Lessons Learned Conference” conducted by the CIDA Restore Project, Universities of Canada/Sri Lanka in (2009).
  14. Participated two days workshop on “Disaster Management” conducted by the Office of CIDA Restore Project of South Eastern University, Sri Lanka in (2008).
  15. Participated two days training workshop on “Participatory Rural Appraisal and Planning (PRAP)” conducted by the Office of CIDA Restore Project of Eastern University, Sri Lanka in (2007).
  16. Participated the workshop on “Post-Tsunami Rebuilding and Recovery in India for Sri Lankan Visitors”, India (2007).
  17. Participated the workshop on “Writing and Publishing Academic Quality Papers” conducted by the National Institute of Library & Information Sciences (NILIS), Sri Lanka (2006).

Conference:

  1. International Conference on Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture (ICDTSA–2026) held at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2026).
  2. Participated two days conference on “Canada’s Tsunami Lessons Learned Conference” conducted by the CIDA Restore Project, Universities of Canada/Sri Lanka in (2009).
  3. Participated two days conference on “1st Conference of the CIDA Restore Project” at Kalutara, (2008).
  4. Participated two-day international conference on “International Peace Capacity Building”, at Eastern University, Sri Lanka (2006).
  5. Participated the international conference on “Marketing Information”:Best of two worlds organized by University Librarians’ Association of Sri Lanka (2006).

Research Interest

  1. New Innovations and Inventions,
  2. IOT-related research,
  3. Material Science,
  4. Polymers,
  5. Renewable Energy and resources
  6. Superconducting Materials.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:

Undergraduate Supervisions:

 Faculty of Science

  1. Influence of Silver on Structural effects of new high temperature superconductor Y3Ba5Cu8o18.
    Name of the student: Mr P Maheshwaran
  2. Standard solid-state reaction technique to prepare two sets of samples:  and  with stoichiometric values of x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3.
    Name of the student: Ms Chaturi

 Faculty of Technology

  1. Value addition of plastic with clay to manufacture plastic clay bricks
    Name of Student: Miss D Ranjanidevi
  2. Utilization of plastic water bottle waste for making bricks with the use of Sand.
    Name of Student: Mr S Kishokumar

Postgraduate Supervision:

MPhil Supervision:

  1. Investigate the effect of vibration exciters and botanical pesticides on major pests in maize cultivation.
    Name of Student: Ms S Keerthika
  2. Investigation of the synergic effects of electromagnetic field with selected plant extracts on the sucking pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata).
    Name of Student: Ms P Shiromia

MSc Supervision:

  1. The impacts of simulated video-assisted instruction on secondary school students’s achievements.
    Name of Student: Mr A L A Hameed
  2. Factors related to number of students in bilingual classes in Jaffna district schools.
    Name of Student: Mrs S Ragunathan

Project Supervisor (School):

  1. T/Sally Ambal Maha Vidyalayam – Designing a replant – school students project (2016) – NSF Grant.
  2. Bt/Pd/ Paddiruppu MMV NS, Kaluwanchikudy - The Effect of Bo-Tree on Reducing the Intensity of Electromagnetic Wave Radiation - NSF/ SSS 0212/ BT/ 004/ 06

Teaching

  • Department of Physics: (Since 2002)
    First Year Courses:
    General Physics I
    Elementary Laboratory I
    General Physics II
    Elementary Laboratory II
    Second Year Courses:
    Special Theory of Relativity
    Statistical Physics
    Third Year Courses:
    Biophysics
    Physics Education
    Group Project
    Honours Degree:
    Low Temperature Physics
    Superconductivity and its Applications
    Advance Statistical Physics
    Other Extra Courses:
    Teaching SLV 100, SLV 200 and EN 1032 for the undergraduate of the Faculty of Science for the academic years 2015/16, 2016/2017,  2017/2018 and 2018/2019.
  • Department of Agricultural Biology: (Since 2026)
  • Department of Agric Engineering: (from 2020 - 2022)
    Applied Mechanics
    Electronics
    Electronics Practical
  • Department of Multidisciplinary Studies: (From 2016 - 2022)
    Basic Physics
    Basic Physics Practical
    Macroscopic Physics
  • Department of Biosystems Technology: (From 2016 - 2022)
    Farm Structure and Instrumentation
    Renewable Energy Resources
    Energy Resources and Technology
    Group Project
    Research Project
  • Open University, Sri Lanka: (From 2018 - 2020)
    Quantum Mechanics
    Relativity
    Modern Physics
    Electricity and Magnetism
    Waves and Vibration
  • South Eastern University of Sri Lanka: (2022)
    Superconductivity and Magnetism
  • Diploma in Laboratory Technology:
    Basic Electricity and Electronics Practical
  • Master of Science Education:
    Teaching Classical Physics
    Teaching Modern Physics
    Physics Research
    Physics Laboratory
    Research

INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR FOR SELECTED RESEARCH PROJECTS UNDER THE INDIA–SRI LANKA JOINT RESEARCH PROGRAMME 2024:
Proposal Evaluation: I have been appointed by the Ministry of Science and Technology to evaluate the research proposals. In my capacity, I have evaluated 22 research proposals.

Proposal Presentation Evaluation:

I have been appointed by the Ministry of Science and Technology since 2025.

The Ministry of Science and Technology would like to sincerely appreciate your valuable contribution as an independent evaluator in the proposal evaluation process for the India–Sri Lanka Joint Research Programme2024.

Based on the joint evaluation process carried out, 16 research proposals have been selected for implementation under this programme. In this regard, the Ministry has planned to conduct post-selection presentations of the selected research proposals before the Main Evaluation Committee, prior to the commencement of the projects.

As you have already evaluated the attached proposal during the initial proposal review process and also agreed to participate in ex-ante, mid-term, and ex-post evaluations under this programme, we would highly appreciate your continued support in the subsequent monitoring and evaluation activities of the respective project.

Accordingly, you are kindly invited to participate in the post-selection evaluation process of the attached proposal (Agenda of the Post Selection Presentations is attached herewith) and independent evaluators may participate in the evaluation process following the submission the evaluation report in the prescribed format through online mode.

Upon completion of the post-selection process and signing of the relevant tri-party agreement, the Ministry will disburse funds for the implementation of the research projects. Thereafter, the progress of the projects will be monitored and evaluated on a bi-annual basis.

Further, in instances where the Main Evaluation Committee recommends closer monitoring of a particular project, monthly progress reports may also be called by the Ministry. In such cases, your support may be sought to evaluate the submitted progress reports and provide recommendations accordingly.

RESOURCE PERSON:

  1. ‘Early Warning Systems: Using Mobile Apps and Sensors for Better Pest Management’ By Prof. P. R. Fernando - Professor in Physics, Department of Physics
  2. Team work and leadership – AHEAD – Faculty of Arts and Culture, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (2020).
  3. Teacher Training Programe for GCE(A/L) Physics Teachers – National Institute of Education (2018).
  4. Teachers’ Workshop for Eastern Province Physics Teachers, GCE – A/L was held on 13.11.2019.

MENTOR:

  1. Supervise and guiding the “Learning Agreements”, Induction Programme for Academic Staff 2019/2020.
  2. Supervise and guiding the “Learning Agreements”, Induction Programme for Academic Staff 2021.

Awards

  1. Best Paper Award - International Conference on Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture (ICDTSA–2026) held at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  2. HETC Scholarship – By World Bank.
  3. Senior Tutor, Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

RESEARCH GRANTS:

  1. MPhil Research Grant – NRC – 2025.
  2. MPhile Research Grant – Eastern University, Sri Lanka, and NSF – 2024 and 2025.
  3. HackaDev COVID – 19 Innovation challenge Grant 2020 “Photosensitive Electromagnetic Device” (NSF and UNDP).
  4. University Research Grant – 2007 “Preparation, XRD Analysis and Resistance Measurements of Bi-based and Y-based Superconductor.
  5. University Research Grant – 2016 “Preparation, XRD Analysis and Resistance Measurements of Bi-based Superconductor.

Positions Held

Past:

  1. Head / Department of Physics (from 01.04.2019-01.04.2022)
  2. Board Member – Interim Faculty Board of Technology (from 2016 - 2022)
  3. Board Member – External Degree of Science
  4. Lead Students Counsellor (with effect from 2018)
  5. Student Counsellor (from 2007 to 2018)
  6. Students Mentor (2017)
  7. Academic Counsellor (from 2015)
  8. Member of the Program Review Team - Human and Physical Resources (2018)
  9. Team Member – Prepare proposal for External Degree Program (2017)
  10. Member – Internal Quality Assurance Unit (IQAU) (2011)
  11. Sub committee member – Prepare Faculty By-laws on the Award of Post Graduate Degree Programmes in Science (2011)
  12. Programme Coordinator – CIDA Restore Project (2007 – 2010)
  13. Senior Tutor – Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa (2014)
  14. Acting Head/Botany (from 29.11.2022 to 28.01.2023)
  15. Mentor – Induction Programme for Academic Staff 2020/2021 (2022).
  16. Mentor – Induction Programme for Academic Staff 2019/2020 (2019).
  17. Examiner for the post of Technical Officer – South Eastern University of Sri Lanka.
  18. Member – publication Committee, EUSL (from 2021 to 2023)
  19. Tem Member- Self Evaluation Report writing, Faculty of Science, EUSL (2019)
  20. Member – Regional Procurement Committee (RPC) – Minor-OTS (2020 to 2021)
  21. Deputy project Coordinator (DOR)- AHEAD
  22. Examiner for the post of Technical Officer – Trincomalee Campus Eastern University of Sri Lanka.
  23. Joint Secretary – International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research
  24. Director -  Centre for Multidisciplinary Research
  25. Activity - Coordinator – AHEAD
  26. Focal Point – Faculty Action Plan
  27. Focal Point – Faculty GEE
  28. Chair - Technical Evaluation Committee 
  29. Activity Coordinator – AHEAD (2022 to 2023)
  30. Coordinator – Faculty of Engineering Technology 

Present:

  1. Project Activity Coordinator – Digital Technology – ERASMUS+
  2. Focal Point – SLAAS Easter Chapter
  3. Chair - Technical Evaluation Committee 
  4. Board Member – University Business Linkage (UBL)
  5. Coordinator – Faculty Day (2026)
  6. Secretary – Annual Research Session 2026 
Last Updated
28-May-2026