Mr. IDKL Fernando

Kusala Fernando is a Senior Assistant Librarian (Grade I) at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. He began his professional career in 2009 as an Assistant Librarian at the Main Library, University of Ruhuna. In April 2021, he joined Sabaragamuwa University, where he continues to serve with distinction.
With over 17 years of experience in academic librarianship, he has worked as a Senior Assistant Librarian and Visiting Lecturer in Information Literacy and Library Research. His primary research interests include academic library transformation, metaliteracy, metacognition, information literacy, and generational dynamics in higher education. He is currently reading for his PhD at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. His doctoral research focuses on generational metacognitive demands in university library transformation.

In addition to his core professional work, Kusala maintains a strong interest in counselling (including sexual counselling), psychology, and educational psychology. He is also actively involved in consultation services in these areas.

In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, nature photography, music, writing, swimming, and HIIT training.

Contacts 

Whatsapp: +94 719 355 500

Email: kusala@lib.sab.ac.lk

ORCiD ResearchGate LinkedIn  GoogleScholar

Associate Membership Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA)

Member of University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (ULA)

Member of Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)

Member of National Science Foundation Sri Lanka (NSF/STMIS)

Metaliteracy

Information Literacy

Metacognition

Generation studies

Metavarse 

Cognitive Psychology 

Abstracts 

• Fernando, I. D. K. L., & Warnasooriya, W. W. S. T. (2024). USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR COLLABORATIVE LEARNING: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. 1st International Conference on Psychology and Mental Health, 45–45.
• Warnasooriya, W. W. S. T., Munasinghe, M. A. K. S., Fernando, I. D. K. L., & Lakmali, H. A. N. (2024). The Impact of Interactive Bibliotherapy on Selected Undergraduates at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka: A Case Study. 1st International Conference on Psychology and Mental Health, 59–59.
• Warnasooriya, W. W. S. T., Munasinghe, M. A. K. S., Fernando, I. D. K. L., & Lakmali, H. A. N. (2024). Technology Adaptation in Facilitating the Digital Evolution of University Libraries in Sri Lanka: Librarians’ Perspectives. 2nd International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

1. Advisory board member of Sri Lanka Journal of Geography and Environmental Management (Since 2024)
2. Executive Editor of Journal of Social Science and Humanaties Review (Since 2021)
3. Advisory board member of Journal of the University of Ruhuna (Since 2021)
4. 2023 Consultation for the “Human Library project”
5. 2023 Consultation for the “Green Library project”
6. 2022 Consultation for the “Human Library project”
7. 2022 Consultation for the public library development: Opanayaka Public Library, Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha.
8. 2021 Establishing the university journals, Journal of Geospatial Surveying
9. 2021 Establishing the Sri Lanka Journal of Economics, Statistics and Information Management, 2021.
10. 2015 Establishment and rectifying the Linux based information system of Distance and continuing education unit of University of Ruhuna.
11. 2014 Provide assistance to convert the Journal of Faculty of Agriculture to an online journal. University of Ruhuna.
12. 2013 Provide assistance to deploy the Journal of University of Ruhuna in SLJOL, Associated with INSAP, UK and NSF, LK

• 2026. Certificate course in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS. Institute of Applied Statistics Sri Lanka (IASSL)
• 2025. Certificate course in Machine Learning with Python. Institute of Applied Statistics Sri Lanka (IASSL)
• 2023. Certificate course in Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with Bibliometric Analysis: a way of manuscript writing with PRISMA. Institute of Applied Statistics Sri Lanka (IASSL)
• 2013 Certificate course in Professional development in Higher education, Staff development centre, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.

1. [in press] Fernando, I. D. K. L., Warnasooriya, W. W. S. T., Experience of establishing a quality assurance cell for the university library: a case from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Accepted to published by the SLLA Journal 2026.
2. Fernando, I. D. K. L., Warnasooriya, W. W. S. T., Munasinghe, M. A. K. S. (2024). Social media for collaborative learning: a systematic literature review. The Journal of Desk Research Review and Analysis (JDRRA). Pp. 169-187. https://doi.org/10.4038/jdrra.v2i1.34
3. Fernando, IDKL and Jayasekara PK. 2020. Reopening the academic library in the post-pandemic season: a lesson-learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol.23, Issue 2, July 2020, 47-70 DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jula.v23i2.7975  
4. Fernando. IDKL and Hettiarachchi. N. 2013.Installation and Customization Experience of Metadata Harvester System: Case from University of Ruhuna. Journal of University librarians association (JULA). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i1.6642

Feature Articles

1. Fernando, I.D.K.L (2025). Booktalk: transforming reader engagement in the digital age. Sri Lanka Library Association, Newsletter. Vol. 41, Issue 03, Page. 17-19. 
2. Fernando, I.D.K.L. (2024) Brand your Library as a Travel Guide: A Way Forward. Newsletter, University librarians Association, Sri Lanka. Volume 18. Issue 03. July-September, 2024.
3. Fernando, I.D.K.L. (2023) Librarians as Metaliterate Educators: A New Frontier in Information Literacy. Sri Lanka Library Association, Newsletter. Vol. 40. issue. 02. Page. 10-13. 

1. Fernando, I.D.K.L. and Senevirathna, R.A.P.S. 2021. VAFA Map: well use of academic library resources and services by providing better visibility, availability, flexibility, and accessibility. 4th International conference on library and information management (ICLIM 2021).  
2. Fernando, I.D.K.L. and Pannila, U.A.L. 2021. Capacity building program for teacher librarians in Akuressa zonal educational area, Sri Lanka: experience recap. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference of University Librarians Association (ICULA 2021).  
3. Senevirathna, R.A.P.S. and Fernando, I.D.K.L. 2021. Public library services in the time of pandemic: a special reference to the public libraries in Matara district. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference of University Librarians Association (ICULA 2021).  
4. Fernando, I.D.K.L. and Senevirathna, R.A.P.S. 2019. Sustainable academic library transformation approach: hybridizing university publication collection of Ruhuna university library. 3rd International conference on library and information management (ICLIM 2019).  
5. Fernando, IDKL and Senevirathna, RAPS. 2018. Taking the Library to patron: market and promotion of library materials using noticeboard advertisements. International conference of University librarian’s association (ICULA 2018), Sri Lanka.
6. Hettiarachchi, N; Fernando, I.D.K.L. 2010. Assuring the Security and Accuracy of Data Using a MySQL Driven Database in an Automated Library Environment: a case study of the Library of University of Ruhuna. International conference of University librarian’s association (ICULA 2010)

1. Warnasooriya, W. W. S. T., Munasinghe, M. A. K. S., Fernando, I. D. K. L., & Lakmali, H. A. N. (2024). Technology Adaptation in Facilitating the Digital Evolution of University Libraries in Sri Lanka: Librarians’ Perspectives. 2nd International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
2. Fernando, I. D.K.L. and Warnasooriya, W.W.S.T.  2023. Adopting Artificial Intelligence for digital transformation of University libraries: A review. 7^th International research conference (IRCUWU 2023). Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. 
3. Fernando, I. D.K.L. and Warnasooriya, W.W.S.T.  2022. Defining quality assurance in academic library perspective: a systematic review. 22nd International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC 2022). Faculty of Graduate Studies University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 
4. Fernando, IDKL and Neighsoori, TN. 2021. Adoption of Google translator to promote reading literature in foreign languages. Virtual International Conference on Library & Information Science- VICLIS 2021. Sri Lanka Technological Campus. 
5. Senevirathna, R.A.P.S. and Fernando, I.D.K.L. 2020. Information services provided through the OPAC: with special reference to the government university libraries of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the NILIS Research Symposium 2020. National Institute of Library and Information Sciences University of Colombo. 
6. Fernando, I.D.K.L. and Senevirathna, R.A.P.S. 2020. Survey on online library services provided during the COVID pandemic situation: with special reference to academic libraries of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the NILIS Research Symposium 2020. National Institute of Library and Information Sciences University of Colombo. 
7. Fernando, IDKL (2019) Academic library as a community centre: modern social outreach strategy. To be presented in the APRC19 Library Futures Conference, Singapore.
8. Fernando, IDKL (2015) Development of a Composite Quality Indicator (CQI) to evaluate Digital Libraries in Sri Lanka. Abstract of 2nd MPil/ PhD Colloquium. Pp.27-28.
9. Fernando, IDKL, Senevirathna, RAPS (2015) Digital Library: The agent for bridging the information divide. Proceedings of the International Multidisciplinary academic conference. Thailand. p.61.
10. Fernando, IDKL, Lal, UA (2015) Are we ready for the future challenge? Investigation of competencies of library paraprofessional staff of University of Ruhuna. Thailand. p.63.
11. Fernando, IDKL, Senevirathna, RAPS (2015) Information needs and behavior of older academics of University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Multidisciplinary academic conference. Thailand. p.64.
12. Fernando, IDKL and Pannila, UAL. 2015. Competencies of Paraprofessional Staff of Academic Libraries: a Case from University of Ruhuna. Proceedings of the 12th Academic Sessions University of Ruhuna. Sri Lanka. P. 117.
13. Fernando, IDKL, Karunaratne, A, Edirisinghe, CPKA (2015) Capacity and usage of library collection: a case from University of Ruhuna. Proceedings of the 12th Academic Sessions University of Ruhuna. Sri Lanka. p.132.
14. Fernando, IDKL, Nishantha, PG, Ramanayaka, KH (2015) Types and Wi-Fi capabilities of Mobile devices used by undergraduates: a case from University of Ruhuna. Proceedings of the 12th Academic Sessions University of Ruhuna. Sri Lanka. p.31
15. Senevirathna, RAPS, Fernando, IDKL (2015) Investigation of library and infromation science skills of school librarians in Matara district, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Multidisciplinary academic conference. Thailand. p.62.
16. Senevirathna, RAPS, Fernando, IDKL (2015) Ceylon collection: the rare book collection of University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Multidisciplinary academic conference. Pataya, Thailand. p.60.
17. Fernando, IDKL, Jayasekara, PK (2014) Usage pattern of the past examination papers collection by undergraduates: a case from university of Ruhuna. Proceedings of ULA acdemic sessions Matara, Sri Lanka. P.48.
18. Nishantha, PG, Fernando, IDKL (2014) Use of computer facilities by undergraduate students: a case study at the library of university of Ruhuna. Proceedings of ULA academic sessions. Matara, Sri Lanka. P.26.
19. Fernando. IDKL and Hettiarachchi. N. 2013. Searching on OAI-registered open-access repositories through a unified interface: experience of deploying the Harvester System for University of Ruhuna (HaSURu). Published in 12th Academic sessions, university of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
20. Fernando. IDKL and Hettiarachchi. N. (2013) Enabling access to open-access repositories using metadata harvester: Harvester System for University of Ruhuna. Published in 10th Academic sessions, university of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
21. Fernando, IDKLand Karunarathna, A. (2013) Expanding library services of e-repository through Web and Mobile interfaces: experience from University of Ruhuna. 
22. Gammanpila S.L, Fernando. IDKL and Hettiarachchi. N. (2013) Student’s usage and awareness on the information resources and services of the Library, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna: A case study. Published in 10th Academic sessions, university of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.
23. Hettiarachchi. N, Ramanayaka, K.H and Fernando. IDKL  (2012). Digital file management system for Distance & Continuing Education unit (DECU) in University of Ruhuna. Published in 9th Academic Sessions University of Ruhuna
24. Hettiarachchi. N, Fernando. IDKL (2010). Assuring the security and accuracy of data by using a MySQL driven database in an automated library environment: case study in Library of University of Ruhuna. Published in international conference on university librarians association (ICULA), in Sri Lanka.

[in press] Fernando, IDKL. (2026). Understanding Metaliteracy. Thri-basha Pusthakala Vimasuma. Neptune Publications (Pvt) Ltd., Malabe.

[in press] Fernando, IDKL. and Warnasooriya, WWST. (2025). "Alpha Generation: The world's first fully digital generation" (in Sinhalese) Felicitation volume honoring Mr. Y.K. Thissa Bandara. Teachers association, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura.

[Chapter] Fernando, IDKL. 2019. Role of Academic Librarian in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (in Sinhalese). Published in the Topics in Library and Information Literacy, Ananda Karunaratna Felicitation Volume. Pp. 138-155. University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka

[Thesis] Fernando, IDKL. 2015. Formulation of multidimensional criteria to evaluate Digital Libraries in Universities of Sri Lanka. Postgraduate Thesis submitted for Master of Information Systems Management, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• 2016 Fellowship to the World library and information congress: 82nd IFLA conference and Assembly, United States, Ohio, Colombus.
• 2015. SAARC fellowship to attend “workshop on creation of digital repository” organized by the SAARC documentation New Delhi. Male, Maldives.
• 2015. SAARC fellowship to attend short term training program on “Information technology for information management” organized by the National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR) and SAARC documentation New Delhi.
  

Services rendered to other Universities/Institutes

2026 Editorial Committee of the University Librarians Association (ULA) – 2026/2027
2025 Newsletter Editor for SIG III for the term 2025/2026. The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
2025 Exco committee member- University Library Association -2025/2026
2024 Exco committee member- University Library Association -2024/2025
2023 Review team member of NILIS Symposium 2022
2023 Web-editor- University Library Association -2022/ 2023
2023 Exco committee member- University Library Association -2022/2023
2022 Exco committee member- University Library Association 2021/2022
2022 Conference Secretary of NACLIS
2022 Committee member of NACLIS 
2022 Review team member of NACLIS conference 
2022 Official co-spokesperson of ICULA
2022 National Collaborators of VICLIS 
2022 Review team member of VICLIS 

1. Guest lecture on “Research Methodology and Statistics: Literature Review” organized by the Department of Community Medicine for the first batch of students, Faculty of Medicine on 7th March 2022 via ZOOM.
2. [Workshop] Practical use of Information Literacy skills on Research activities: A Workshop for the Academic Staff of Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. 2019
3. [Workshop] Working with institutional Repositories: a workshop for library professionals, university of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka. 2019
4. [Workshop]Workshop for school librarians of Matara District. Organized by Zonal Education office, Akuressa, Matara, Sri Lanka. 2015
5. [Workshop]Workshop on Modern Library practices for library staff of Matara Municipal Council, Sri Lanka. 2014
6. [Workshop]Contribute as a resource person to the workshop on “Development and management of institutional repositories using DSpace open source software”, organized by the national Science Foundation (NSF) Sri Lanka. 2012
7. [Awareness session] Online Journal Access and literature search for the Academic Staff, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna 2014
8. [Practical training] for Diploma in Library and Information Science program 2014/2015conducted by national Library, Sri Lanka. 2014
9. [Practical training] for Diploma in Library and Information Science program 2013/2014conducted by national Library, Sri Lanka. 2013
10. [Practical training] for Students of Pali and Buddhist Department. 2013
11. [Awareness session] Contribute as a resource person to the student awareness program “විශ්වවිද්‍යාල පද්ධතිය තුල පුස්තකාලයට හිමි තැන” (position of library usage in University system”) at the Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. 2010
12. Conduct library orientation programs for the Faculty of social sciences and languages, Faculty of medicine, and Geomatics.
13. Organized a webinar series on “How to Publish with Oxford Journals” (useful for Law, Humanities, Medicine & Social Sciences) in association with Oxford University Press, 19 and 25 August, 2021.
14. Capacity building workshop on Introduction to Digital libraries and eRepository SUSL, Nov 2021
15. Capacity building workshop on Working with the eRepository SUSL-1, Nov 2021
16. Capacity building workshop on Working with the DSpace eRepository SUSL-2, Nov 2021
17. Capacity building workshop on Using Google services for office work-1, Nov 2021
18. Capacity building workshop on Using Google services for office work-2, Nov 2021
19. Capacity building workshop on Working with Microsoft Word 365 (or version 2019), Nov 2021
20. Capacity building workshop on Working with MS Office 365-day-2, Nov 2021
21. Capacity building workshop on Working with MS Excel 365, Nov 2021
22. Capacity building workshop on Working with MS Excel 365 Day-2, Nov 2021
23. Capacity building workshop on Hands on with MS Windows 10, Nov 2021
24. Capacity building workshop on Working with Linux OS (Ubuntu 21.04), Nov 2021
25. Capacity building workshop on Working with Linux OS (Ubuntu 21.04)-Day-02, Nov 2021
26. Scientific writing and Communication for the special science degree students 19 July 2021, University of Ruhuna
27. Guest lecture on “Working with academic journals” 23rd February 2022,
28. organized by the Center for Research and Publication in Humanities and Social Sciences (RPCHSS), University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka on via ZOOM.
29. Visiting Lectures on Information Literacy and Scientific Communications Skills at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna for the module of Information Literacy and Scientific Communications Skills.
30. A guest lecture on “How to do undergraduate research” 10.07.2021 organized by the “LEO club”, Faculty of FMST, University of Ruhuna.
31. Research article reviews, NACLIS 2021, ICULA 2021
32. Journal editorial committees, Journal of the university of Ruhuna and Journal of Humanities and social science review, university of Ruhuna
33. Training workshop on SLJOL platform for the editorial members of the journal of the University of Ruhuna 01 June 2021
34. Training workshop on SLJOL platform for the editorial members of the journal of the University of Ruhuna 01 June 2022
35. Training workshop on SLJOL platform SLOL platform for the editorial members of the JSSHR, 2021
36. Awareness workshop and training on DSpace for library staff, university of Ruhuna. 15.07.2021

Position hold/ service rendered to the University 

1. 2023 IT Secretary of International Conference of University Librarians Association (ICULA 2023)
2. 2023 Chairman of Policy on policies, QAC, SUSL
3. 2023 Chairman of the committee for policy gap analysis, QAC, SUSL
4. 2023 Coverup duties as the Senior Assistant Librarian of the Faculty of Medicine, SUSL.
5. 2022 Coordinator IQAC/ Library 2022-to the date
6. 2021 Coordinator turnitin of the Library 04.05.2021 - to the date
7. 2022 Web Coordinator of the Library 
8. 2021 Member of software selection committee.
9. Team leader of the TREDLIB Grant (Transforming Sri Lankan Higher Education Landscape by Enhancing Digital Competencies of Library Staff), 2021-2024.
10. Resource person for a consultation session on “Information literacy and academic research” for the undergraduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, SUSL in the industrial week 2022 
11. A new cyber zone was established in the main library, SUSL, to provide internet and related hardware facilities for users.
12. Digital Scanning Project - initiated a digital scanning project with the newly purchased digital scanner received to the main library.
13. Guidance for Current contents and index service of the main library– SUSL 
14. Electronic resource pack service -SUSL
15. Awareness workshop conducted as the chairman of Policy on policies, QAC, SUSL  
16. The research cube was newly established at the main library, SUSL, to enhance the research culture and to promote lifelong and self-learning opportunities among the university community.

Community development

• 2022 Demonstration on a digital library project "Let's Read" 08.02.2022

1. Information literacy and library skills. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FDN 3122 2024

2. Information literacy and Science communication skills. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. University of Ruhuna. SES 22613 2022

3. Information literacy and library skills. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FDN 3122 2021

4. Information literacy and library research skills. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FSC 4121 2019

5. Information literacy and library skills. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FDN 3122 2019

6. Information literacy and Science communication skills. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna. SOC 22623 2018

7. Scientific writing and communication, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna. FSC3252 2018

8. Information literacy and library skills. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FSC 4121 2017

9. Computer literacy course, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. CLC 1b10 2016

10. Information literacy and library skills. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FSC 1140 2013

11. Information literacy. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FSC 4121 2013

12. Information literacy and library skills. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. FSC 4121 2011

13. Information literacy. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. 2010

14. Information literacy. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. 2010

15. Information literacy. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology. University of Ruhuna. 2010

Community development works

• Organized and Conducted 1^st LQAC Awareness workshop on Library Quality Assurance for the Library staff, SUSL on What  is LQAC of SUSL
• Organized 2^nd LQAC awareness workshop on Green library concept (Green Library Project)
• organized 3rd LQAC awareness workshop on "Innovative pedagogies and academic literacy
• organized LQAC webinar series on “AI Horizons: Exploring the Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence”
• Consultation for the Human Library Project-SUSL: Event 06
• Organized Plazz Café Project of SUSL library : scholarly discussion on “Reading Effectively”. 2023
• Organized Plazz Café Project of SUSL library : book review on the novel "Kurulu Hadawatha" with Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi 2023
• Organized Plazz Café Project of SUSL library : book review on the novel "Loveena" with Mr. Mohan Raj Madawala 2024
• organized - ICSUSL Pre-conference workshop on “Redefining university rankings: the crucial role of libraries and e-repositories in the digital age”
• organized - ICSUSL Pre-conference workshop on “ResBaz: Upskill your digital research practice”
• organized - ICSUSL AI and the Future Library_ Reshaping Universities in the New Age
• Organized ORCID awareness workshop for SUSL academics – February 2024
• Maintaining digital scanning project at the main library Since 2022