Academic Staff Members/Ms. K.K.K. Sylva

Ms. K.K.K. Sylva

Senior Lecturer

Biography:

K. K. K. Sylva is having 20 years of experience in teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. She was attached to the University of Ruhuna at the inception of the Faculty of Engineering in 2000 and served there for 11 years. She was working as a visiting lecturer for the University of Peradeniya during this period. She joined the University of Peradeniya as a permanent member in 2014. Memoir of her life is to cater for the development of young professionals; especially in the areas of communication and soft, transferable skills and to enhance their capabilities in meeting the complex challenges of the modern society they serve. She contributes to the area of sustainable development by volunteering to serve in the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka in their activities and carrying out research in the area of sustainability.

Educational Qualifications:

M.Sc. (Energy Systems), University of Gävle, Sweden, 2013
Thesis: Modelling of EOE Pereira Auditorium :
Modeling and Optimization of Energy Utilization of Air Ventilation System of an Auditorium

MBA, Post Graduate Institute of Management, 2013

M.Eng. (Geotechnical Engineering), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), 1995

B.Sc. Eng. (Hons) (Civil Engineering), University of Peradeniya, 1992

Other Involvements:

Student counselor, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya from 2014 to 2015

Career Guidance Advisor, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna from 2001 to 2007

Student counselor, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna from 2000 to 2005 and from 2009 to 2010

Appointments (Selected) :

Senior Lecturer, Department of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2014 – To date)

Lecturer, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies,Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna (2000-2011)

Civil Engineer (Planning and scheduling), LAN Management Service (Pvt.) Ltd (1998 – 2000)

Scientist, National Building Research Organization (NBRO) (1996-1998)

Civil Engineer, International Blaster, Bagna, Bangkok, Thailand (1995-1996)

Administrative Activities

Deputy Director (Research and Environmental Management), Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CES), University of Peradeniya (UOP), Sri Lanka from December 2024 to date.

Head of the Department – Department of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya from November 2018 to November 2024.

Postgraduate Coordinator – Postgraduate Programme in Construction and Project Management from December 2015 to December 2018

Associations and other Memberships of Bodies

Committee Member – Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)– 2016/2017.

Treasurer – Engineering Faculty Teachers’ Union (EFUTA) – 2015 and 2016

Accredited Professional of the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka – from 2016.

ProSPER.Net:Expert Advisory Panel on Circular Economy from 2023.

Contribution to Internationally funded Projects

CABRET: Capacity Building in Asia for Resilience EducaTion.
Participated as an invitee for national and international workshops and contributed to the areas of management. .

INNOTAL (586227-EPP-1-2017-1-BG-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP (2017-3067/001-001)
Integrating Talent Development into Innovation Ecosystems in Higher Education
The INNOTAL project (KA2- Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education) is a multinational
European Union (EU) funded project initiated by the International Affairs Office of the University.
Contributed to supporting internal and external workshops, report writing.

EUSL-Energy (610173-EPP-1-2019-1-LK-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP)
Erasmus funded Europe Sri Lanka Capacity Building in Energy Circular Economy. On going project.
Contributing in the development of an online Master’s Degree Program to be offered by four Sri Lankan Universities.

ProSPER.NET: Circular Economy Integration for Sustainable Built Environment Education”
Lead by RMIT University (Lead), a collaboration of the University of Peradeniya, Arabaev Kyrgyz State University, Asian Institute of Technology, and TERI School of Advanced Studies

Committees

Faculty of Engineering

2014 – 2019: Career Fair – Organizing Committee Member

2018 – 2019: Member- Anti-ragging Committee

2019 – 2025: Coordinator Criteria 1 – SLQF Accreditation process of the degree programme in Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering

2019 – 2024: Participating in all committees where HOD has to represent the department

2019: Examination Disciplinary Committee – End of Semester Examination – November 2019

2020: Committee for Developing guidelines/scheme for academic staff awards

2020: Faculty Board-appointed Task Force to study the feasibility of calling undergraduate students to the Faculty

2021 – 2024: Ethical Review Committee, Faculty of Engineering (Convener from 2022 to 2024)

University of Peradeniya

2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019: Senior Student Counsellor

2014, 2015: Committee Member General Convocation

2015, 2016, 2025: iPurse – Organizing Committee member

2016: Career guidance Advisory Board (CGAB)

2016: Committee on Implementation of Eco-Campus Concepts -ISO14001

2016: Nominee for the Academic Pool for Sustainable Development

Research Interests

Sustainability and Sustainable Economies: Green / Circular Economy

Engineering Management / Leadership / Entrepreneurship / CSR

Resilient and Sustainable Communities / Cities for Disaster Mitigation

Education / Adult Education

Publications:

Sylva, K. K. K., Kithsiri, U. G., Bogahawatta, S., Senanayake, N. S., and Abeyweera, R., 2014. Dendro Power Generation in Sri Lanka – Successes, Failures and Policies. SLEMA, V17(2), pp:20-26.

Sylva, K. K. K., 2016. Modeling and Optimization of Energy Utilization of Air Ventilation System of an Auditorium. Independent Thesis Advanced level (degree of Master -Two Years), University of Gävle, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, Department of Building, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Energy system. OUSL (KTH)

Kumara, A. R. W. M. M. N. R., Vitharana, M. V. D. L, and Sylva, K. K. K., 2016. A comprehensive guideline for selecting building materials for a sustainable built environment: an approach through life cycle analysis. In: 7th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment, Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 16 – 18, 2016.

Thennakoon, T.M.C.Y., Nawarathna, N. M. H. B. and Sylva, K. K. K., 2017. A circular economic model for construction industry waste management. In: 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management, Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 7 – 10, 2017.

Pallekumbura, P.K.W.A.S.K., Bandara, B.G.A.S. and Sylva, K. K. K., 2017. A model for the application of triple-p concept in management of public buildings and infrastructure for sustainability. In: 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management, Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 7 – 10, 2017.

Herath, H. M.U. R., Gomes, T. K. and Sylva, K. K. K., 2017. A preliminary user guide for comparison of green building material alternatives through life cycle analysis. In: 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management, Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 7 – 10, 2017.

Sylva K.K.K. (2018) A Circular Economic Model for a Sustainable City in South Asia. International Conference on Sustainable Development Research in the Asia-Pacific, SDRAP 2017, Melbourne, Australia. July 25-28, 2017.

Somachandra, V. and Sylva, K., 2017. Ethical management practice”, as a CSR tool to ensure the corporate sustainability of construction industry: a conceptual review. In: international conference on technology management (INCOTEM), Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Herath, H. M.U. R., Sylva, K. K. K., and Dissanayake, P. B. R., 2018. Performance of fly-ash based light weight concrete block: A case study on selection of green building material related to contextual considerations. 9th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 13 – 15, 2018.

Niroshana, W. V. N., Dissanayaka D. D. J. K., and Sylva, K. K. K., 2018. Land-use planning model: a case study on business improvement district (BID). In: 9th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 13 – 15, 2018.

Udapitiya, G.A.M.A.S.B., Rathnayake, R.M.T. and Sylva, K. K. K., 2018. Transit-oriented development (TOD) – verification of application possibilities in Sri Lanka. In: 9th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 13 – 15, 2018.

Somachandra W. D. I. V., Sylva K. K. K., and Dissanayake, P. B. R., 2018. Business process CSR towards sustainability: contribution of the client organizations of construction industry. In: 9th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 13 – 15, 2018.

Hippola, H. M. S. S., Jayasooriya, E. M. S. D., Jayasiri, G. P., Randil, C., Perera, C., Sylva, K. K. K., Kulathunga, A. K., Bandara, C. S., Siriwardena, C. S. A. and Dissanayake, P. B. R., 2020. Gap Assessment of Warning and Dissemination Process of Early Warning System in Coastal Areas of Sri Lanka. In: 9th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 13 – 15, 2018.

Jayasooriya, E. M. S. D., Hippola. H. M. S. S., Bandara, C. S., Kulathunga, A. K., Sylva, K. K. K., Dissanayake, P. B. R., Jayasiri, G. P., Randil, C., Perera, C. and Siriwardana, C. S. A., 2020. Gaps in the Evacuation of People with Special Needs During Coastal Disasters in Sri Lanka. In: 9th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 13 – 15, 2018.

Somachandra, V., Sylva, K., and Dissanayake, R., 2018. Construction industry focus towards sustainability through corporate social responsibility. In: international Conference on Disaster Management (ICDM), Padang, Indonesia, May 2 – 4, 2018.

Somachandra W.D.I.V., Sylva K.K.K. and Dissanayake P.B.R., 2019. Strengthening Sustainability in Sri Lankan Construction Industry: Through Corporate Social Responsibility. International Conference on Sustainable Development Research the Asia-Pacific, SDRAP 2019, Gwalior, lndia. December 19-21, 2019.

Sylva, K. K. K. and Sylva, K. K. L. A., 2019. Sustainable City Planning and Management Strategies in Vernacular Settlement Patterns in Sri Lanka. International Conference on sustainable Development Research in the Asia-Pacific, SDRAP 2019, Gwalior, India. December 19-21, 2019.

Sylva, K. K. K., 2019. Public-Private-Partnership in Disaster Risk Management. International conference on Capacity building for research and innovation in disaster resilience. Colombo, Sri Lanka, January 14-18, 2019.

Weerasekara, W.M.S.N., Sylva K.K.K., Dissanayaka, S.M. (2023) Sustainable Construction of Transport Connectivity and Asset Management Project, Sri Lanka, The 14th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment. 15 – 17 December 2023, Kandy, Sri Lanka, pp.256.

Wadugodapitiya, R.R.M.M.K., Sylva K.K.K., Dissanayaka, S.M. (2023) Flexibility to Incorporate Circular Economic Practices within Built Environment Procurement Contracts in Sri Lanka, The 14th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment. 15 – 17 December 2023, Kandy, Sri Lanka, pp.110.

Edited Book chapters and journal papers

Sylva K.K.K. (2018) A Circular Economic Model for a Sustainable City in South Asia. In: Leal Filho W., Rogers J., Iyer-Raniga U. (eds) Sustainable Development Research in the Asia-Pacific Region. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73293-0_20

Jayasooriya, E. M. S. D., Hippola. H. M. S. S., Bandara, C. S., Kulathunga, A. K., Sylva, K. K. K., Dissanayake, P. B. R., Jayasiri, G. P., Randil, C., Perera, C. and Siriwardana, C. S. A., 2020. Gaps in the Evacuation of People with Special Needs During Coastal Disasters in Sri Lanka. In: Dissanayake R., Mendis P. (eds) ICSBE 2018. ICSBE 2018. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 44. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9749-3_5

Hippola, H. M. S. S., Jayasooriya, E. M. S. D., Jayasiri, G. P., Randil, C., Perera, C., Sylva, K. K. K., Kulathunga, A. K., Bandara, C. S., Siriwardena, C. S. A. and Dissanayake, P. B. R., 2020. Gap Assessment of Warning and Dissemination Process of Early Warning System in Coastal Areas of Sri Lanka. In: Dissanayake R., Mendis P. (eds) ICSBE 2018. ICSBE 2018. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 44. Springer, Singapore.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9749-3_4

Udapitiya G.A.M.A.S.B., Rathnayake R.M.T., Sylva K.K.K., 2020. Land-Use Planning Model: A Case Study on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). In: Dissanayake R., Mendis P. (eds) ICSBE 2018. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 44. Springer, Singapore.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9749-3_17

Sylva, K. K., 2020. A Value for the Non-Valued: Valuation of Ecosystem Resources. In S. Patti, & G. Trizzino (Eds.), Advanced Integrated Approaches to Environmental Economics and Policy: Emerging Research and Opportunities (pp. 49-70). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-9562-5.ch003

Sylva K., 2020. Proficiency for Assessment in Quality Education: Internalization of Values of Sustainability. In: Leal Filho W., Azul A.M., Brandli L., Özuyar P.G., Wall T. (eds) Quality Education. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95870-5_73

Sylva. K, 2020. Paradigms of Poverty: Concepts and Causes. In: Leal Filho W., Azul A., Brandli L., Lange Salvia A., Özuyar P., Wall T. (eds) No Poverty. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69625-6_78-1

Sylva K., 2020. Global Policy-Making Process of Inequality Reduction: Equalities and Non-equalities of Inequality. In: Leal Filho W., Azul A., Brandli L., Özuyar P., Wall T. (eds) Reduced Inequalities. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71060-0_50-1

Sylva K., 2020. Regulatory Paradigm Shift for Social Peace and Justice. In: Leal Filho W., Azul A.M., Brandli L., Lange Salvia A., Özuyar P.G., Wall T. (eds) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71066-2_59-1

Somachandra, W. D. I. V., Sylva, K. K. K., Bandara C. S. and Dissanayake P. B. R., 2022. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the construction industry of Sri Lanka, International Journal of Construction Management,.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2022.2049489

Sylva, K., Iyer‐Raniga, U., 2023. Partnership in the Built Environment for Realizing the 2030 Agenda: A Soft Systems Model Incorporating Systems Theory and the Circular Economy. In: Walker, T., Cucuzzella, C., Goubran, S., Geith, R. (eds) The Role of Design, Construction, and Real Estate in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable Development Goals Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28739-8_9

Ho, O., Iyer-Raniga, U., Sadykova, C., Balasooriya, M., Sylva, K., Dissanayaka, M., Sukwanchai, K., Pal, I., Bhatia, A., Jain, D., and Sivapalan, S., 2024. A conceptual model for integrating circular economy in the built environment: An analysis of literature and local-based case studies. Journal of Cleaner Production, ISSN 0959-6526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141516