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Dr. Panduka Neluwala

Senior Lecturer

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Office Address:
Department of Civil Engineering,
University of Peradeniya,
Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.

Biography

Dr. Panduka Neluwala currently serves as a Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. In his current department, he works attached to the Fluid and Environmental Engineering Laboratory. Dr. Panduka obtained his BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering degree from the University of Peradeniya with First-Class Honors in 2012 with two awards. He received his MEng from The University of Tokyo in 2015 with the Furuichi Kimatake Prize for Outstanding Master Thesis. He received his PhD from the same in 2018. His research interests include climate change, flood prediction and water resource management. His teaching commitments include Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics. He has presented his research at many international conferences over the past years. Dr. Panduka is the Director of Sri Lanka- Japan Study centre, and he serves as the President of Civil Engineers’ Society, the University of Peradeniya for the year 2021/2022. He is currently a member of the International Water Association (IWA) and an associate member of the Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) 

  • 2018 – PhD, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan
  • 2015 – MEng, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan
  • 2012 – BSc.Eng (Hons), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • Flood Prediction and Mitigation
  • Climate Change
  • Weather Prediction
  • Dam Safety
  • Oct. 2024 – Present:Acting Director, International Relations Office (InRO), University of Peradeniya
  • 2021 – 2023: Visiting Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
  • Nov. 2022 – Nov. 2023: Director, Sri Lanka Japan Study Centre, University of Peradeniya
  • Sep. 2020 – To Date: Senior Lecturer Gr II , Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya
  • Aug. 2020 – To Date: Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
  • Oct. 2018 – Sep. 2020: Lecturer (Probationary), Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya
  • Jun. 2012 – Jul. 2013: Temporary Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • Member, International Water Association
  • Associate Member, Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (AMIESL)
  • Green Associate Professional, Green Building Council Sri Lanka
  • URC Research Award 2024 — University of Peradeniya
    Awarded for Outstanding Research Contribution at the University of Peradeniya in 2024.
  • Furuichi Kimatake Prize — The University of Tokyo
    Awarded for an Outstanding Master’s Thesis.
  • S. D. & C. C. Award — Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL)
    Best Paper by an Associate Member published in the Engineer Journal during the 2013/2014 session.
    Paper: “Characteristics of Hydraulic Jumps over Rough Beds – An Experimental Study”
    Authors: N. G. P. B. Neluwala, K. T. S. Karunanayake, K. B. G. M. Sandaruwan & K. P. P. Pathirana
  • Ceylon Development Engineering Prize for Best Performance in Civil Engineering — University of Peradeniya
    Awarded at the Convocation held in Peradeniya.
  • J. B. Dissanayake Prize for Industrial Training — University of Peradeniya
    Awarded at the Convocation held in Peradeniya.
  • Migara Ranathunga Trust Award — Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL)
    Awarded for Best Civil Engineering Undergraduate Training (2012)
  • Awarded the “Migara Ranathunga Trust Award” from Institute of Engineers Sri lanka (IESL) for best Civil Engineering Undergraduate Training in the year 2012
  • Awarded “Deshabandu Dr. A.N.S. Kulasinghe” Memorial Scholarship from State Engineering Corporation for obtaining highest GPA in the Second Year in Civil Engineering stream in Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya.
  • “Vortex” award for best performance in newsletter committee in the year 2009

Journal Papers :

    • Balasooriya, M. and Neluwala, P., 2025. Statistical Approach to Selecting Global Circulation Models (GCMs)–A Study Based in the Kalu Ganga Catchment of Sri Lanka. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, 58(3). https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v58i3.7704

    • Balasooriya, Mananjaya, and Panduka Neluwala. “Statistical Approach to Selecting Global Circulation Models (GCMs)–A Study Based in the Kalu Ganga Catchment of Sri Lanka.” Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka 58, no. 3 (2025). https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v58i3.7704 
    • Madumalsha, C., Nawoda, I., Neluwala, P. and Revel, M., 2025. Estimation of Water Elevation Using
      ICESat-2 Satellite. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers,
      Sri Lanka, 58(1).
      https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v58i1.7674
    • Athuraliya, V.D., Neluwala, P. and Pathirana, K.P.P., 2025. Assessing the impacts of sea level rise on salinity intrusion
      in the Kelani River, Sri Lanka. Journal of Water and Climate Change, 16(2),
      pp.607-624.
      https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2025.607
    • Peramuna, P.D.P.O., Neluwala, N.G.P.B., Wijesundara, K.K., De Silva, S., Venkatesan, S. and Dissanayake, P.B.R., 2024.
      Enhancing 2D hydrodynamic flood model predictions in data-scarce regions through integration of multiple terrain datasets.
      Journal of Hydrology, 648, p.132343.
      https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.132343
    • Daranagama, D.A.R., Neluwala, P. and Wijetunge, J.J., 2024. Joint probability of cyclonic wind speed and maximum rainfall
      for cyclones affecting Sri Lanka. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, 57(4)
      https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v57i4.7663
    • Perera, P.L.L.N., Neluwala, N.G.P.B. and Wijetunge, J.J.,
      2024. Influence of weather research and forecasting model microphysics and cumulus schemes for
      forecasting monsoon rainfall over the Kelani River basin, Sri Lanka.
      Journal of Water and Climate Change, p.jwc2024291
      https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2024.291
    • Peramuna, P.D.P.O., Neluwala, N.G.P.B., Wijesundara, K.K., Venkatesan,
      S., De Silva, S. and Dissanayake, P.B.R., 2024. Novel approach to the derivation of dam breach
      parameters in 2D hydrodynamic modeling of earthquake induced dam failures.
      Science of the total environment, 927, p.171505
      https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171505
    • Sadushan, S. and Neluwala, N.G.P.B., 2024.
      Application of GIS & RS in Rainwater Harvesting for an Arid Region.
      ENGINEER, 57(02), pp.69-80
      https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v57i2.7650
    • Koswaththa, H.M.S.A., Ranasinghe, S.K., Ekanayake, I.,
      Herath, D. and Neluwala, N.G.P.B., 2024. Downscaling Future Precipitation over Mi Oya
      River Basin using Artificial Neural Networks.
      ENGINEER, 57(02), pp.57-67
      https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v57i2.7649
    • Abeyratne, W.M.L.K., Weerakoon, S.B., Neluwala, P. and Ratnaweera, H., 2023. Suspended solid removal efficiency of plate
      settlers and tube settlers analysed by CFD modelling. Water Science and Technology, 87(9), pp.2116-2127.
      https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2023.107
    • Peramuna, P.D.P.O., Neluwala, N.G.P.B., Wijesundara, K.K., DeSilva, S.,
      Venkatesan, S. and Dissanayake, P.B.R., 2023. Review on model development techniques for
      dam break flood wave propagation.
      Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, p.e1688
      https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1688
    • Wijetunge, J.J. and Neluwala, N.G.P.B., 2023. Compound flood hazard assessment and analysis due to tropical cyclone-induced
      storm surges, waves and precipitation: a case study for coastal lowlands of Kelani river basin in Sri Lanka. Natural Hazards, 116(3),
      pp.3979-4007.
      https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-023-05846-w
    • Wanasinghe, W.M.A.Y., Gamage, K.H., Neluwala, N.G.P.B. and Gimhan, P.G.S., 2023. Performance of Different Parameterization
      Configurations of WRF-ARW Model during Heavy Rainfall over Mi Oya River Basin. ENGINEER, 56(01), pp.31-41.
      https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v56i1.7558
    • Gimhan, P.G.S., Neluwala, P., Acierto, R.A. and Raghavan, S.V., 2022. Assessment of WRF microphysics and cumulus parameterizations
      in simulating heavy rainfall events over Badulu Oya catchment, Sri Lanka. Journal of Water and Climate Change.
      https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2022.371
    • Gimhan, P.G.S., Neluwala, P. & Acierto, R.A., 2023.
      High-resolution WRF simulations of a monsoon event (2019) over the Badulu Oya Catchment,
      Sri Lanka: Role of cumulus parameterization condition and microphysics schemes.
      J Earth Syst Sci 132, 166
      https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-023-02186-y
    • Tennekoon Mudiyanselage, S., Wijesundara, K., Venkatesan,
      S., De Silva, S., Dissanayake, R., & Neluwala, P., 2023. Significance of
      construction sequence and the initial behaviour in concrete-faced rockfill dams.
      Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, 25(2), 125–143
      https://doi.org/10.1080/13287982.2023.2268288
    • Edirisooriya, E.M.N.T., Neluwala, N.G.P.B. and Weerakoon, W.M.S.B., 2022. Flood Inundation Modelling in Greater Colombo Region Using
      HEC-RAS 2D. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, 55(3), pp.21–27. DOI:
      http://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v55i3.7518
    • Bandara, W.H.M.Y.D., Dinelka, K.H.S., Neluwala, N.G.P.B. (2022). Discharge Observations Assimilation to Improve Flood Prediction Skills.
      In: Dissanayake, R., Mendis, P., Weerasekera, K., De Silva, S., Fernando, S. (eds) ICSBE 2020. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 174. Springer,
      Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4412-2_12
    • Abeyratne, W.M.L.K., Weerakoon, S.B., Neluwala, N.G.P.B. (2022). Clarification Efficiency of Plate Settlers Analyzed by CFD Modelling.
      In: Dissanayake, R., Mendis, P., Weerasekera, K., De Silva, S., Fernando, S. (eds) ICSBE 2020. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 174. Springer,
      Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4412-2_42
    • Samarasingha, S.M.T.C., Sandaruwan, M.S., Sampath, D.S. and Neluwala, N.G.P.B., 2021. Dynamic Downscaling of Rainfall Data for
      Deduru Oya River Basin using WRF Weather Model. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, 54(2), pp.69–75.
      DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v54i2.7443
    • Athukorala, R., Thol, T., Neluwala, P., Petri,
      M., Sengxeu, S., Lattada, L., Keomanivong, S. and Sithivong, V.,
      2021. Evaluating the Performance of a WRF Physics Ensemble in
      Simulating Rainfall over Lao PDR during Wet and Dry Seasons. Advances
      in Meteorology, 2021.
      https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6630302
    • Toride, K., Neluwala, P., Kim, H. and Yoshimura,
      K. (2017) Feasibil-ity study of the reconstruction of historical
      weather with dataassimilation. Monthly Weather Review, 145, 3563-3580.
      https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-16-0288.1
    • N.G.P.B. Neluwala, K.T.S. Karunanayake, K.B.G.M.
      Sandaruwan and K.P.P. Pathirana Characteristics of Hydraulic Jumps
      over Rough Beds – An Experimental Study, Journal of the Institution
      of Engineers, Sri Lanka (‘Engineer’), Vol. XXXXVI, No.03, pp.1-7,
      2013.https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v46i3.6779
  • W. H. M. Y. D. Bandara, K. H. S. Dinelka and
    N. G. P. B. Neluwala, 2020 Discharge Data Assimilation to Improve
    Flood Prediction Skills in Sri Lanka, , 11th International Conference
    on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE) 2020, Kandy.
  • Peramuna, P.D.P.O., Neluwala, N.G.P.B.,
    Wijesundara, K.K., Dissanayake, P.B.R., De Silva, S., Venkatesan,
    S., 2023. Development of a Digital Elevation Model Integrating Different
    Datasets for an Area of Mahaweli Basin, Sri Lanka. In: Dissanayake,
    R., Mendis, P., Weerasekera, K., De Silva, S., Fernando, S., Konthesingha, C. (eds)ICSBE 2022.
    Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 266. Springer, Singapore
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-2886-4_30
  • Abeyratne, W.M.L.K., Weerakoon, S.B., Neluwala, N.G.P.B., 2022. Clarification Efficiency of Plate Settlers Analyzed by CFD Modelling.
    In: Dissanayake, R., Mendis, P., Weerasekera, K., De Silva, S., Fernando, S. (eds) ICSBE 2020. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 174. Springer, Singapore
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4412-2_42
  • Niwunhella D.R.T., Kalpadeep D.N.S., Neluwala N.G.P.B. and Dammika A.J., 2023.
    Experimental Investigation on Porous Concrete for Sustainable Drainage Systems.
    14th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment -2023, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
    https://www.kandyconference.org/
  • E.M.N.T. Edirisooriya, N.G.P.B. Neluwala,
    and S.B. Weerakoon, 2020 Flood Inundation Modelling in Greater
    Colombo Region Using HEC-RAS 2D, Proceedings of the WaSo Final
    Conference (www.WaSo2020.net) 15-16 December 2020. pp 514-519
  • Athuraliya V.D., Neluwala N.G.P.B. and Pathirana K.P.P., 2023. Dynamic Behavior of Salinity Intrusion in Kelani River, Sri Lanka.
    14th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment -2023, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
    https://www.kandyconference.org/
  • Perera P.L.L.N., Neluwala N.G.P.B. and Wijetunge J.J., 2023.
    Optimizing Physics Parameters for Heavy Rainfall Forecasting in the Kelani River Basin Using the WRF Model.
    14th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment -2023, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
    https://www.kandyconference.org/
  • Kooiti Masuda, Panduka Neluwala, Kinya Toride,
    Kei Yoshimura, Hidenori Tanaka, Sho Miyazaki, Satoshi Nozawa,
    Mika Ichino, Yu Okubo, Junpei Hirano, Atmospheric data assimilation
    which accommodates weather descriptions as observations of solar
    radiation; Evaluation of performance with a modern one-year case,
    Japan Geoscience Union-American Geophysical Union (JpGU – AGU)
    Joint Meeting, 12-16 July, 2020,Online.
  • Kei Yoshimura, Panduka Neluwala, Kinya Toride,
    Mika Ichino, Kooiti Masuda and Junpei Hirano, Atmospheric reanalysis
    before modern era using historical weather archives, AGU Fall
    Meeting 9-13 December 2019, San Francisco. USA.
  • Panduka Neluwala, Kei Yoshimura, Atushi Okazaki,
    Kinya Toride, Junpei Hirano, Mika Ichino, Masuda Kooiti, Reconstruction
    of Historical Weather Using Personal Weather Diaries, International
    Atmospheric Circulation Reconstructions over the Earth Meeting,
    11- 16 November 2018, Kyoto. Japan.
  • Panduka Neluwala, K. Yoshimura, K. Toride,
    J. Hirano, M. Ichino, A. Okazaki, Reconstruction of Historical
    Weather by Assimilating Old Weather Diary Data, PP31A-1264, AGU
    Fall Meeting 11-15 December 2017, New Orleans
  • Panduka Neluwala, Kinya Toride, and Kei Yoshimura,
    Assimilation Experiment of Weather Diary Data Using an LETKF System,
    the 3rd RIKEN International Symposium on Data Assimilation, 28th
    February- 3rd March 2017.
  • Panduka Neluwala, Kei Yoshimura (2017) 1st
    Joint Workshop for Regional Climate Projection, Next Generation
    Land Surface Model Development, and Model Application and Implementation,
    16- 17 January, 2017 Sapporo, Japan
  • Panduka Neluwala, Kei Yoshimura (2016) Reconstruction
    of historical weather patterns by data assimilation of old diaries
    and general circulation model, World Archeological Conference
    -8 (WAC8), 28th August 02nd September 2016 Kyoto, Japan
  • Panduka Neluwala, Kei Yoshimura (2016) Joint
    Hydro-Science Meeting Tsinghua University and The University of
    Tokyo, 8- March 2016, Tokyo, Japan
  • Panduka Neluwala, and Kei Yoshimura and Suryun
    Ham (2014) Performance of High Resolution Ocean Atmosphere Coupled
    Model Downscaling over Sri Lanka 13th Regional Spectral Model
    RSM workshop 26-27 November 2014, Yokohama, Japan
  • N.G.P.B. Neluwala, K.T.S. Karunanayake, K.B.G.M.
    Sandaruwan and K.P.P. Pathirana (2013) Effect of Bed Roughness
    on Characteristics of Hydraulic Jumps, Peradeniya University Research
    Sessions (PURSE), 4-July 2013, Peradeniya Sri Lanka.
  • N.G.P.B. Neluwala, K.T.S. Karunanayake, K.B.G.M.
    Sandaruwan and K.P.P. Pathirana (2012) Performance of Hydraulics
    Jumps Over Rough Beds, International Conference on Sustainable
    Built Environment

Grants:

  • National Research Council (NRC) of Sri Lanka – Grant No. IDF 24-106
    Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning and Numerical Weather Prediction Models for Enhanced Local Weather Forecasting and Water Resource Management in Sri Lanka
  • Multidisciplinary Research Grants, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2024 GN526) (Co- Investigators)
  • University Research Grants, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2021 URG/2021/18/E)
  • Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship for PhD students (October 2015 to October 2018)
  • Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship for MSc students (October 2013 to October 2015)
  • Talks/ Workshops conducted:
    Keynote Speech, Technical Conference – Young Engineers’ Forum, Sri Lanka National Committee on Large Dams (YEF-SLNCOLD-2024)

Workshop on HEC-RAS model, Organised by Engineering Design Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (June 2023)
Workshop on Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) Model, Organised by Engineering Design Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya (February 27/02/2020)
Workshop on HecRecSim Model, Organised by Engineering Design Centre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, (19/10/2023)

  • Trainings / Certificates:
    Certificate on Basic WRF Tutorial Training – Summer 2024 Organised by National Center for Atmospheric Research, USA
    Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Country Focus) in Short-term Program of Innovative Asia: Kyushu University, Japan (Historical Environment Design) (February 2020)
    Post Doc training offered by the Water and Society (WaSo) Project under a grant from the government of Norway for the NORHED project (June-July 2019)
    Third Workshop on Publicizing Research to the General Public-2018, International Affairs Office, University of Peradeniya (November 2018)
    Workshop on Developing Research Supervision, NORADWaSo-Asia Project of University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (November 2018)
    Riken International School of Data Assimilation, Kobe, Japan (January 2018)
Completed Research Supervisions:
Postgraduate Diploma (Research)-PGDipE.M.N.T. Edirisooriya, 2020, Two-Dimensional Flood Inundation Modeling in Lower Kelani Basin (PG/Dip/19/04)

W.M.L.K. Abeyratne, 2020, Clarification Efficiency of Plate Settlers and Tube Settlers Analysed by CFD Modelling (PG/Dip/19/03)
MScEng
P.L.L.N. Perera, 2024, Development of an Integrated Numerical Model Set-Up for Forecasting Compound Floods in Low-Lying Coastal Areas: A Case Study for Kelani River Basin in Sri Lanka ( PG/E/WE/2022/22)

B.A.N. Jayalath, 2023, Analyzing the Water Quality and Quantity for Better Water Management Practices in a Tank Cascade System in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka (PG/E/WE/2019/10)

S. Sadushan, 2023, Application of GIS & RS in Rain Water Harvesting Strategy: Case Study in Batticaloa District (PG/E/WE/2018/26)

V.D. Athuraliya, 2023, Assessing the Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Salinity Intrusion in Kelani River, Sri Lanka (PG/E/WE/2020/01)

M.M.M. Manas, 2022, Hydrodynamic Modelling of Puttalam Lagoon (PG/E/WE/2018/19)

B.M.A.S.M. Balasooriya, 2022, Effects of Climate Change on The Variation of Rainfall Characteristics in the Kalu Ganga Catchment of Sri Lanka (PG/WE/2018/02)

P.G.S. Gimhan, 2022, Forecasting Heavy Precipitation Events Over Badulu Oya Catchment Using the WRF-ARW Model (PG/E/WE/2020/08)
MEng
D.A.R. Daranagama, 2024, Impact of Precipitation Over Compound Flooding in Kelani River Basin, Sri Lanka (PG/E/WE/2022/06)
On-going Research Supervisions:
Ongoing PhDs
P.D.P.O.Peramuna, 2024, Assessment of cascade dam failures due to natural hazards (PG/PhD/21/07)

J.Ajanthiny, Impact on reservoirs in hydrological modeling

G.A.T. Madushanka, Assessment of water availability in Mahaweli basin at Kaluganga reservoir and estimation of additional quantity of water for the diversion to water short areas (PG/PhD/19/10)
Ongoing MScEng
E.M.Y.C. Ekanayake, 2024, Impact of Climate Change on Hydropower Generation in Upper Mahaweli Basin (PG/E/WE/2023/03)
Ongoing MEng
U.H.M.S.Silva, 2024, Efficient Operation of Minipe Left Bank Canal Irrigation Scheme to Satisfy Irrigation Demands (PG/E/WE/2023/15)

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