Ms. Anusara Wijerathna
Contact info
+94 76 988 0004
anusara.w@mena.ruh.ac.lk
Dept. of Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Ruhuna
About
MPhil (Reading), BSc.Eng (Hons) (Ruhuna), AMIE(SL)
Research Areas
- Control Systems Engineering
- UAV Design and Flight Dynamics
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Mechatronics System Design
Publications
- Annasiwaththa, A.W.B.I., Wijerathna, R.M.A.S., Wijethunga, W.M.D.B., Bandara, R.M.S.S., and Croos, A.V.K. (2026). Development of a Small Fixed-Wing UAV Capable of Automatic Vertical Take-off and Horizontal Transition Using Regular Control Surfaces. Engineer: Journal of The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. Accepted for publication.
- Wijerathna, R.M.A.S., and Annasiwaththa, A.W.B.I. (2025). Aerodynamic Analysis of a VTOL Fixed-Wing UAV with Conventional Control Surfaces. Proceedings of the Engineering Research Unit (ERU) Symposium 2025, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. DOI: 10.31705/ERU.2025.4
- Wijerathna, R.M.A.S., and Annasiwaththa, A.W.B.I. (2026). Design and Control of a Modular Rotary Double Inverted Pendulum System for Engineering Educational Applications. Proceedings of the 13th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON 2026).
- Annasiwaththa, A.W.B.I., Wijerathna, R.M.A.S., and Dinendra, S.M.S. (2026). Balancing an Inverted Pendulum on a Two-Wheeled Cart Under Low Sensor Sampling Rate. Proceedings of the Vice Chancellor’s Awards and Academic Sessions 2026, University of Ruhuna.
- Annasiwaththa, A.W.B.I., Wijerathna, R.M.A.S., Wijethunga, W.M.D.B., Bandara, R.M.S.S., and Croos, A.V.K. (2026). Design and Implementation of a Fixed-Wing VTOL UAV Utilizing Conventional Control Surfaces for Automatic Vertical Take-off and Horizontal Transition. Proceedings of the Vice Chancellor’s Awards and Academic Sessions 2026, University of Ruhuna.
Research Experience
Development of an RC Fixed-Wing Aircraft Capable of Vertical Take-off and Horizontal Transition Using Regular Control Surfaces: designed and developed a fixed-wing VTOL UAV combining the range and endurance of fixed-wing flight with VTOL versatility (fixed-wing UAV design and fabrication, advanced control system design, SolidWorks, MATLAB).
Design of a Rotary Double Inverted Pendulum System for Engineering Education (2025-2026): designed and developed a durable, stable rotary double inverted pendulum system enabling hands-on learning of advanced control theory and dynamic stabilisation.
Design and Implementation of a Vision-Based Tire Tread Depth Checker: developed a machine-learning and image-processing based system to capture and process tire surface images for tread depth measurement.
Development of an AI-Powered Waste Sorting Device for Sustainable Recycling: designed an AI-powered device to automate waste sorting using machine learning and image processing.
Conceptual Design of a Solar-Powered Surveillance UAV for Coastal Line Monitoring in Sri Lanka: designed a solar-powered UAV for continuous coastal surveillance, enhancing maritime security and environmental monitoring.
Awards and Memberships
1st Place, IEEE R10 Robotics Competition, Sri Lanka Section (2023): designed and developed a smart dustbin using image processing and machine learning algorithms.
SOLIDWORKS Competition 2024, organised by the Mechanical & Manufacturing Student’s Society and IESL: designed and rendered a three-jaw gripper.
Associate Member, Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (AMIE SL); Associate Engineer (AEng).
