Dr Chameera Udawattha
Chameera Udawattha is a distinguished professional in the field of architecture and civil engineering, known for his contributions to sustainable construction practices. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Chameera completed his secondary education at the prestigious Royal College in Colombo. He went on to pursue his passion for architecture, earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Moratuwa.
After completing his formal education, Chameera gained valuable industry experience, working for two years alongside Dr. Narein Perera. During this time, he found inspiration and encouragement to pursue further studies. Dr. Perera introduced him to Prof. Rankiga Halwatura from the Department of Civil Engineering, who later became his supervisor for his doctoral research.
Chameera's research delved into the fundamental elements of construction, focusing on bricks and blocks. He recognized the environmental challenges posed by traditional construction materials, particularly the use of cement-stabilized soil blocks. Mud, a key component, had limitations such as fragility and vulnerability to water absorption, while cement's production process consumed significant energy, increasing overall construction costs.
Motivated by a desire to explore indigenous knowledge and sustainable alternatives, Chameera embarked on a journey across the country. He studied organic residues like fly-ash and bottom-ash from burning coal, along with materials such as rubber latex, sugarcane bagasse, and tree resin as potential alternatives for cement. Drawing on both national and international industry standards, he conducted extensive tests, building sample walls and subjecting them to various environmental conditions.
Through meticulous experimentation, Chameera identified a promising mix of mud and fly-ash enhanced with caustic soda that demonstrated encouraging results in terms of fitness and durability. His research showcased the potential for environmentally friendly construction materials that could reduce reliance on traditional cement-based solutions.
Currently affiliated with the Department of Estate Management and Valuation at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Chameera holds key positions in various professional and academic organizations. He serves as the Director of the USJ Tech Transfer Office (University Business Linkage Cell) and is a Council Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. Additionally, he acts as the Convener for the Research Symposium of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, Secretary to the Board of Architectural Publications, and Editor in Chief of The Journal of Built Environment Sri Lanka.
Chameera's academic qualifications include a PhD in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He has also completed a Certificate in 3D Printing. Professionally, he holds the title of Chartered Architect AIA (SL) and has earned the GREENSL AP qualification. In terms of teaching, he has completed the Induction for Senior Lecturers in 2024 and the certificate course in teaching in higher education. Chameera Udawattha stands as a dedicated researcher, educator, and professional committed to advancing sustainable practices in the field of architecture and construction.
Selected publications
- Articles in Refereed Books and Book Chapters
Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2018). Alternative Stabilizer for Mud Concrete. In Cement-Based InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76065
- Publications in Refereed Journals
Udawattha, Chameera, Galkanda, H., Ariyarathne, I. S., Jayasinghe, G. Y. Y. Y., Halwatura, R., Udawattha, C., Galkanda, H., … Halwatura, R. (2018). Mold growth and moss growth on tropical walls. Building and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.04.018
Udawattha, C., De Silva, D. E., Galkanda, H., & Halwatura, R. (2018). Performance of natural polymers for Stabilizing earth blocks. Materialia. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MTLA.2018.07.019
Udawattha, C., Galabada, H., & Halwatura, R. (2017). Mud concrete paving block for pedestrian pavements. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 7, 249–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CSCM.2017.08.005
Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2016). Thermal performance and structural cooling analysis of brick, cement block, and mud concrete block. Advances in Building Energy Research, 126(0), 28–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.04.059
Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2018). Geopolymerized Self-Compacting Mud concrete masonry units. Case Studies in Construction Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2018.e00177
Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2017). Life cycle cost of different Walling material used to build affordable housing in tropics. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 7(November 2016), 15–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2017.04.005
Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2016). Embodied energy of mud concrete block (MCB) versus brick and cement blocks. Energy and Buildings, 126(0), 28–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.04.059
- Publications in Proceedings of Conferences
Udawattha, C., Dilshan, P., & Halwatura, R. (2017). Use of fly ash as an alternative stabilizer for Mud Concrete Block. In International Conference on Sustainable Development (pp. 8–12).
Udawattha, C., Arooz, R., Halwatura, R. U., Udawatthe, C., Halwatura, R. U., Arooz, R., … Halwatura, R. U. (2016). New Earth Walling Material: Integrating Modern Technology into Ancient Mud Wall. In 7th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment 2016, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 16th to 18th December 2016.
Udawattha, C., Dilshan, P., & Halwatura, R. (2017). Use of fly ash as an alternative stabilizer for Mud Concrete Block. The annual International Research Conference of KDU (pp. 8–12).
Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2017). The character of Lime as an Alternative Stabilizer to Improve the Long Term Strength of Mud Concrete Block. In 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management, ICSECM2017.
Udawattha, C. D., Galkanda, G. A. H. H., & Halwatura, R. U. (2018). A Study on Natural Rain Surface Erosion of Different Walling Materials in Tropics. 2018 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), (i), 84–89. https://doi.org/10.1109/MERCon.2018.8421938
Udawattha, C. D., Lakmini, A. V. R. D., & Halwatura, R. U. (2018). Fly Ash-based Geopolymer Mud Concrete Block. 2018 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), 583–588.
Udawattha, C., Jayasinghe, D., & Halwatura, R. (2017). Investigation of bottom ash as an alternative stabilizer for Mud Concrete Block. The annual International Research Conference of KDU (pp. 3–7).
Udawattha, C., Arooz, R., & Halwatura, R. (n.d.). Energy Content of Walling Materials-A Comparison of Mud Concrete Blocks, Bricks Cabook and Cement Blocks in Tropics. Retrieved from http://www.civil.mrt.ac.lk/conference/ICSBE_2016/ICSBE2016-54.pdf
Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2016). Comparative Study of Embodied Energy in Different Walling Materials. In Proceedings of the International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2016, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka (p. 2016).
Nanayakkara, N. H. V. T. N., Udawattha, C., & Halwatura, R. (2017). Investigation on Elements and their Fraction of Building Construction Cost. In Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference.
Udawattha Chameera, Rangika Halwatura. (2016). Comparison of different walling materials’ Embodied energy and life cycle cost. Energy and Building, 1. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004
Udawattha, C. and, & Halwatura, R. (2016). The embodied energy and life cycle costing: A case study on basic dwellings in Sri Lanka. In National Green Conference 2016 at the University of Kelaniya (Vol. 18, pp. 1–10).
Udawattha, C., Arooz, R., & Halwatura, R. (2016). Manufacturing framework and Cost optimization for Building Mud Concrete Blocks (MCB). In Mobilization modern technologies for sustainable development in Asia (p. 112).
