Founder profile

About Dr. Chamila Jeewanee Fernando

PhD in Regional Development, Toyo University, Japan MSc in Public Policy, Meiji University of Tokyo, Japan BSc in Food Science and Technology (Special), Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Diploma in Public Administration, Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration

A researcher, policy analyst, organic farming and food upcycling activist, and former public service administrator working across food science, regional development, waste management, composting, and circular food systems.

Dr. Jeewanee Fernando at her PhD graduation ceremony at Toyo University

Professional Background

Dr. Chamila Jeewanee Fernando is a Visiting Researcher at Toyo University, Tokyo. She holds a PhD in Regional Development from Toyo University, with research focused on waste management, organic farming, and regional development.

Her interdisciplinary background combines Food Science and Technology, Public Policy, local governance, municipal solid waste management, composting, organic agriculture, food upcycling, and climate-focused circular food systems.

Why FoodUpcycle.org Was Created

FoodUpcycle.org was created to make research-based sustainability knowledge easier to understand and more useful for communities, policymakers, students, and entrepreneurs.

  • Share practical education on food waste reduction and zero-waste living.
  • Communicate research in a clear, public-friendly format.
  • Connect circular economy ideas with community-level action.
  • Encourage innovation in food upcycling, composting, and sustainable agriculture.
Research interests

Interdisciplinary sustainability themes

Food Science

Food safety, food technology, food quality, by-products, and value-added food systems.

Waste Management

Municipal solid waste, source separation, composting systems, and circular resource recovery.

Policy & Governance

Local governance, policy design, stakeholder analysis, and sustainable regional development.

Organic Agriculture

Compost-based soil improvement, sustainable farming, and links between waste and agriculture.

Climate Mitigation

Greenhouse gas reduction opportunities through better food waste and organic waste practices.

Community Education

Accessible learning for households, students, local groups, and public audiences.

Education & experience

Academic training and public-sector practice

Dr. Jeewanee's work is shaped by both research training in Japan and hands-on local government experience in Sri Lanka.

Education

  • PhD in Regional Development, Toyo University, Japan (2025).
  • Master of Public Policy, Meiji University of Tokyo, Japan.
  • Diploma in Public Administration, Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration.
  • Bachelor of Food Science and Technology (Special), Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

Professional Roles

  • Visiting Researcher, Toyo University, Tokyo (Oct 2025 - Present).
  • Teaching Assistant, GINOs at Toyo University (Sep 2023 - Sep 2025).
  • Research Assistant, Toyo University (Sep 2023 - Sep 2025).
  • Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Secretary roles in local government administration, Sri Lanka.
Public service & learning

Governance, scholarships, and professional development

Local Government Leadership

Experience administering local government bodies in Sri Lanka, including solid waste management, budgeting, HR management, policy formulation, grievance handling, and regional development planning.

Scholarships

Recipient of the JDS Scholarship in Japan and the JICA SDG Global Leadership Scholarship for PhD study.

Certifications

Completed training related to SDG 12.3.1.a Food Loss Index, aquatic food by-products valorization, sanitation policy innovation in Asia, and TESOL/TEFL.