Mr. D. A. L. J. Dharmawardana

A. L. J. Dharmawardana is a dedicated academic and researcher with a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, creative projects, and research development, with a background in the field of textile and wearable arts. He has completed his first degree (BVA special in multi-disciplinary design) and postgraduate degree (M.Phil.) from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka. And the CTHE course has been completed at the Sri Jayewardenepura University. He has developed extensive expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of the field. His career has been marked by a passion for fostering critical thinking, innovation, creative concept development, and practical problem-solving within his academic context. Throughout his career, Mr. Dharmawardana has contributed to many research and development initiatives, publications, exhibitions, and collaborative projects that address emerging challenges within the discipline. And also, he plays an active role in curriculum development, student mentorship, and academic quality enhancement in the university. In addition, he has held significant positions in the university, such as head of the department, within his career. His subject interests included jewelry design and manufacturing, creative wearable art projects, creative concept development, research development, and creative project development, with a focus on advancing knowledge that has real-world impact. In addition, he has working experience as a designer in a relevant field and also teaching experience in other universities and educational institutes, such as the University of Moratuwa and vocational education institutes. As a resource person, Mr. Dharmawardana has contributed to many curriculum development committees and workshops in other national educational institutes and judge panels in reputed industry collaborative projects.

Research Interests:

Art and Design, Wearable arts, Textile Design

Teaching Areas:

• Creative Design and concept Development
• Design Basics
• Creative Wearable art Design
• Jewellery Design and Manufacturing
• Research Methodology
• Creative Project and Portfolio Development

Research Publications and Exhibitions:

• A pragmatic study of the effectiveness of artificial intelligence as a technological application within the creative wearable art design process: creative wearable art project-based study.  (7^th International Research symposium – IRSHSS, 2025 @ Colombo, Sri Lanka)
• A study on traditional Banaras brocades and their existence in contemporary context: An analytical approach associated with the Romanticism. (3^rd International Conference, 2025 @ Poornima University, Jaipur, India)
• Dharmawardana, L. J. & Kaur, J. (2025). A pragmatic study on an alternative approach of creating wax models in contemporary metal jewellery manufacturing process: Technical integration. Genre. 04 (I), 25-37. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395964373_A_pragmatic_study_on_an_alternative_approach_of_creating_wax_models_in_contemporary_metal_jewellery_manufacturing_process_Technical_integration
• A study on impact of applying Concept and inspiration in creative wearable art design process. (International Research Symposium, 2024 @ PKRU, Thailand). Available at: https://anyflip.com/olfph/cvqi
• Dharmawardana,L. J. (2023). Design Basis of Decorative Motifs Used in Sri Lankan Weapon Designing During the Kandyan Period. Vidyodaya Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 08 (I). 228-246.  Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368264665_Design_Basis_of_Decorative_Motifs_Used_in_Sri_Lankan_Weapon_Designing_During_the_Kandyan_Period
• Dharmawardana, L. J. (2022). Impact of the decorative motifs on utility of the Sri Lankan weapons in Kandyan period. Genre. 01 (I). 103-125. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384088487_Impact_of_the_decorative_motifs_on_utility_of_the_Sri_Lankan_weapons_in_Kandyan_period
• A comparative study of the technical applications of Sigiriya earring – (Sinhala medium). (Annual symposium, 2016 @ UVPA, Sri Lanka)
• A study of the use of concepts related to Sri Lankan traditional applied arts – Associated with Kasthane sword. (Sinhala medium) (Annual symposium, 2016 @ UVPA, Sri Lanka)
• International Art exhibition (BLF)– 2026, Taj Gange, Varanasi, India
• International Art Camp – 2026, Taj Gange, Varanasi, India
• Faculty Show -2024, JDA Perera Art Gallery, Faculty of Visual Arts, Colombo 07
• Facets International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition – 2015, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka 
• Visual Art Exhibition – 2015, Visual Arts Exhibition, J.D.A. Perera Art Gallery, Colombo -07

Administrative Positions

• Head of the Department– 05. 10. 2022 to 30. 11. 2024, Department of Textile and Wearable Arts
• Head of the Department (acting) – 10. 2021 to 10. 2022, Department of Textile and Wearable Arts

Achievements:

Other Links :

Google Scholar   |  ResearchGate   |  ORCID