Miss. Dilki Kulathunga

I am a dedicated and motivated agricultural science graduate with a strong academic background in Agricultural Technology and Management, specializing in Advanced Crop Production.  My academic and research interests include sustainable crop production, plant physiology, crop responses to environmental stresses, and postharvest technology. I have contributed to journal publications, conference presentations, and collaborative research projects focusing on innovative crop production technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. I am passionate about teaching, research, and continuous professional development, aiming to contribute to agricultural innovation and sustainable food production. I also have strong communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills, which support my commitment to academic and professional excellence.

• MSc in Crop Science – University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (Reading).
• BSc (Hons.) in Agricultural Technology and Management, specializing in Advanced Crop Production – Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2019–2024).
• Diploma in Human Resource Management – IMBS Green University, Gampaha, Sri Lanka (2024–2025).
• Professional Memberships: Associate Member of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka (IOBSL) and the Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka (IEPSL).
• Additional Training: Short Course in Molecular Biology Basics, Agriculture Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (2023); additional training in ecosystem dynamics and conservation, positive physiology, brand and product management, information and communication technology, and leadership and teamwork.

Field Crop Production Technology
Pest and Disease Management
Soil Science
Plant Science
Plant Physiology
Soil Management
Horticulture
Biometry
Genetics
Plantation Crop Production

• Advanced and sustainable crop production technologies
• Crop physiology and plant responses to environmental stresses
• Drought stress management and plant growth regulators
• Innovative approaches to improving crop growth, development, and yield
• Soil health and soil microbial activity in agricultural systems
• Postharvest technology and quality management of horticultural crops
• Climate-smart agriculture and climate-resilient crop production

Publications

I have contributed to journal publications focusing on postharvest quality management of horticultural crops. My published research includes studies on pulsing solutions to improve the postharvest quality of cut gerbera flowers during simulated transport and the use of activated carbon and potassium permanganate to maintain tomato fruit quality. I have also presented research at the Faculty of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Symposium (FAuRS), University of Peradeniya, in 2024, focusing on gerbera flower quality and tomato fruit preservation. In 2025, I presented a full paper at the International Research Symposium of Sri Lanka Technology Campus on the effects of sucrose concentration and pulsing duration on gerbera flower opening during vase life. Additionally, I have contributed to manuscripts submitted for review on the circular economy in the tea industry, crop reproductive responses to water stress, sustainable waste utilization in the meat industry, and adaptive agricultural practices in response to climate change.

1. Optimization of Specific Sound Frequency Ranges for Enhancing Growth, Development, and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under Greenhouse Conditions in Sri Lanka.
   Investigates the potential of selected sound frequency treatments to improve chilli growth, development, and productivity under controlled greenhouse conditions.
2. Effect of Maize–Paddy Straw Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) Intercropping System on Plant Growth Performance, Yield, and Soil Microbial Activity in Sri Lanka.
   Evaluates the effects of integrating paddy straw mushroom cultivation into maize production systems, with emphasis on crop performance, yield, and soil microbial activity.