Ayesha Wickramasinghe

Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, under the Faculty of Engineering. She specializes in Textile and Fashion Design, with a strong emphasis on preserving and innovating Sri Lankan cultural heritage through design.

Education:

• PhD in Fashion and Textile Design (2016), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka
• MA in Fashion Design and Technology (Women’s Wear) (2009), London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, United Kingdom
• B.Des. (Hons) in Fashion Design and Product Development (2006), Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
• Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2011), University of Colombo
• SEDA Certificate in Staff and Educational Development (2011), Staff and Educational Development Association

Her research interests center on the integration of traditional Sri Lankan craft industries—such as handloom textiles, hemp, traditional jewellery, wood carving, cane, rush and reed, lacquer work (Laksha), and brass work—into contemporary fashion and textile design. She promotes a 'mix & match' methodology to foster knowledge transfer and develop innovative textile products that reflect cultural identity while meeting modern aesthetic and functional demands. This interdisciplinary approach supports sustainable development and local craft economies.

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Dr. Wickramasinghe has served as Chief Investigator on significant research projects focused on craft collaboration and textile innovation, including Craft get-together, Crafting Elegance: New Product Development in Sri Lankan Handloom with Fashion Flair, and Crafting Modern Textile Dreams of Weaving Folklore in Fashion. While specific grant details are not provided, these project roles indicate active research leadership. She is also trained in higher education pedagogy, reflecting her commitment to academic teaching excellence.

She is actively involved in research initiatives that promote local circularity and interdisciplinary craft collaboration, particularly through the integration of handloom textiles with other traditional Sri Lankan crafts. These efforts aim to build sustainable textile futures by revitalizing heritage practices within contemporary design frameworks.