Ms. W.G.S.R. Wijesundara
Senior Lecturer- Grade II

BSc (Rajarata)
MPhil(Kelaniya)


Email : shamila@uwu.ac.lk
Office : +94 553 128 943

gsic
  • Master of Philosophy in Marketing (MPhil) Degree – Kelaniya University of Sri Lanka
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Tourism and Hospitality Management (Special) Degree – Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, from 2004-2009
  • Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Events Management
  • Tourist Behavior
  • Tourism Marketing
  • Human Resource Management in Tourism 
  • Community Engagement 
  • Novel Tourism Concepts and Applications 
  • Gastronomy Tourism 
  • Sustainable Tourism 
  • Child Tourism

Full Paper Publications

  • Wijesundara, WGSR., Danthanarayana, CP., Ranasinghe, JPRC., Perera, P., Bandara, AH., Gangananda,N., Pattiyagedara, SS., & AGNK Fernando (2021). Evolving Food Servicescape under Post Covid-19 New Normal Conditions: Empirical Evidence from Sri Lankan Restaurant Industry. Manuscript submitted for publication. 
  • Perera, LAPC., & Wijesundara, WGSR., (2020). Culinary Tourism as a Post Disaster Recovery Marketing Tool for Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion: A Study of South Coast of Sri Lanka. Journal of Business Management, Volume 3, Issue 2, ppt 206-226 (December 2, 2020). Available at SSRN:https://ssrn.com/abstract=3825036 
  • Ranasinghe, Ruwan and Damunupola, Anupama and Wijesundara, Shamila and Karunarathna, Chandi and Nawarathna, Dhananjaya and Gamage, Sammani and Ranaweera, Amaya and Idroos, Ali Abdulla,Tourism after Corona: Impacts of Covid 19 Pandemic and Way Forward for Tourism, Hotel and Mice Industry in Sri Lanka (April 22, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3587170 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3587170 
  • Wijesundara, WGSR, & Gnanapala, WKA., (2019). ‘An Analysis of the Effect of Tourist Harassment in the Destination Image of Sri Lanka: Foreign Tourist Perspective’, proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Advances in Social Science, Management and Human Behaviour – SMHB, Kula Lumpur, Malaysia, 12th-13th January, pp 19-23, On line publication ISSN 78-1-63248-168-9 doi :10.15224/978-1- 63248-168-9-04 
  • Wijesundara, SR., & Ranasinghe, J., (2015). Perceived Barriers for Employment in Tourism Industry among Rural Communities. International Journal of Asian Business and Information Management, 6(3), 1-15, doi:10.4018/IJABIM.2015070101 IGI Global publishing, Hershey, USA  
  • Rathnayake, RDVT., & Wijesundara, WGSR., (2015). Tourist Perception on Harassments in Sri Lanka (With Special Reference to Mount Lavinia). International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 5, Issue 4, On line publication. ISSN 2250-3153 http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper– 0415.php?rp=P403964 
  • Wijesundara, WGSR., (2015). An Evaluation of Graduates’ Perception on Employment in Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Tourism, Leisure and Global Change, International Geographical Union, Volume 02, ppt 172-182. http://www.igutourism.com/issue/view/1167
  • Wijesundara, WGSR., & Gnanapala, WKA., (2019). ‘An Analysis of the Effect of Tourist Harassment in the Destination Image of Sri Lanka: Foreign Tourist Perspective’, proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Advances in Social Science, Management and Human Behaviour – SMHB, Kula Lumpur, Malaysia, 12th-13th January, pp 19-23, On line publication ISSN 78-1-63248-168-9 doi :10.15224/978-1-63248-168-9-04
  • Dinushani, SDI., & Wijesundara, WGSR., “ Perceived Potentials and Barriers for Development of Scuba Diving in Colombo” proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI 2014) University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, pp. 7-12, 21st- 22nd November 2014

 Extended Abstract Publications

  • Ishan, KY., & Wijesundara. WGSR., “ Impacts of Quality Dimensions and Price on Customer Satisfaction of Wedding Banquets in Five Star Hotels in Colombo Districts- 2014”, proceedings of the Open University Annual Academic Sessions, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, pp.268-271, 27t h -28th November 2014 
  • Nadeeshani, RAN., Wijesundara, WGSR., & Tennakoon TMPI. “Stakeholders Participation towards Sustainable Tourism Development in Galle Fort Heritage Site”, proceedings of the 2nd International Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, pp.168-170, on 29th-30th October 2014

 Abstract Publications

  • Ubayawardana, PGAD., Wijesundara, WGSR., Nawarathne, AMDB., (2021) “The Impact of Customer Choice Attributes (CCA) On Hotel Banquet Events in Sri Lanka during Covid-19 Pandemic”. Accepted for 2nd Asia Pacific Virtual Events Conference (AVEC2), Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia will be held on 15th November 2021 
  • Jayawardena, HN., Wijesundara, WGSR., & Herath, HMJP (2021). Exploring the Demand for Organic Food Consumption in Casual Dining Restaurants in Western Province; from the Restaurant Managers‟ Perspective. Conference Proceedings of 5th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.241, 1st – 2nd July , 2021 
  • Munasinghe, MAMA.,. Wijesundara, WGSR., & Sammani, UGO (2021). A Comparative Study on Usage of Marketing Strategies by Themed Hotels and Traditional Hotels in Southern Province of Sri Lanka: From the Managerial Perspective. Conference Proceedings of 5th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.242, 1st – 2nd July , 2021 
  • Lakshani, MKAR., Wijesundara, WGSR., and Nawarathna, AMDB (2021). A Study on Employee Readiness on Inventory Control Practices in Hotel Industry in Sri Lanka; With Reference to Five Star Hotels in Southern Coastal Belt. Conference Proceedings of 5th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.243, 1st – 2nd July , 2021 
  • Senevirathne, KAMP., Wijesundara, WGSR & Sammani, UGO (2021). A Study on the Future Prospects of Tourist Hostel Operations under Covid – 19: Hostel Operators‟ Perspective in Western Province of Sri Lanka. Conference Proceedings of 5th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.246, 1st – 2nd July , 2021
  •  Dissanayake, BDCN., Peiris, HRN., & Wijesundara, WGSR (2021). A Study on The Impact of Employee Engagement Techniques to Ensure Employee Obedience on Hotel Policies and Procedures (With special reference to boutique hotels in Kandy district). Conference Proceedings of 5th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.253, 1st – 2nd July , 2021 
  • Nisitha, SN., Wijesundara, WGSR., Tennakoon, TMPSI (2021). How Does Tourism Development Influence on Family Cultures in Host Community in Beach Tourism Destinations? An Analysis through Micro-interlocutor Analysis. Conference Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Contemporary Management (ICCM-2021), organized by the Faculty of Management Studies & Commerce, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 29th April 2021 
  • Wijesundara, WGSR, & Ranasinghe, JPRC, “Characteristics of Enclave Tourism and Its Impact on Tourist Harassment: An Examination through Social Exchange Theory”, Submitted to 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka 
  • Wijesundara, WGSR, & Ranasinghe, JPRC, “Characteristics of Enclave Tourism and Its Impact on Tourist Harassment: An Examination through Social Exchange Theory”, Submitted to 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka 
  • Karunarathna, STI, Wijesundara, WGSR, & Yapa UAS, Exploring the Influential Factors on E-marketing Adoption of Small and Medium Restaurants in Ella, Sri Lanka; Using TOE Technology Acceptance Model”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.134, 29th –30th July , 2020 
  • Malshan, GS, Wijesundara, WGSR, & Rajapaksha RMMC, “ Comparative Study on the Impact of Brand Image towards Local Consumers Buying Behaviour in Franchised Fast Food Restaurants (With Special Reference to Colombo District)”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.140, 29th –30th July , 2020 
  • Perera, LAPC, Wijesundara, WGSR, & Peiris HRN, “Does Culinary Tourism Act as a Pull Factor in Tourist Destinations in South Coast of Sri Lanka?”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.333, 29th –30th July , 2020 
  • Gallage, NM, Wijesundara WGSR, Kumara, PHT & Sammani, UGO, “A Study of Tourist Perception on Tourist Harassment on Destination Image (With Special Reference to Arugam Bay Area)”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.335, 29th –30th July , 2020 
  • Rajapaksha, LT, Ranasinghe, JPRC, Wijesundara, WGSR, & Idroos A, “A Study of Impact of Dive Tourism on Community Development (With Special References to Southern Province of Sri Lanka)”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.341, 29th –30th July , 2020
  • Weerasooriya, PCU, Wijesundara, WGSR, Kumara, PHT, & Ranaweera, RAAK, “ Potentials for Agro Tourism Development in Pinnawala, Sri Lanka”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.345, 29th –30th July , 2020 
  • Gunawardhana, TANP, Wijesundara, WGSR, & Peiris, HRN, “Identification of Foreign Tourist’ Perception on Quality of International Food and Beverages Available in Destination Food Outlets in Sri Lanka (With Special Reference to Ella Area)”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.347, 29th –30th July, 2020  
  • Jayasundara, HMMT, Tennakoon, TMPSI, & Wijesundara, WGSR, “A Study on Community Involvement in Tourism Benefit Sharing in Sri Lanka (With Special Reference to Dambulla)”, Conference Proceedings of 4th International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.350, 29th –30th July , 2020 
  • Prasangika, WDL, Ranasinghe JPRC, & Wijesundara WGSR, “Impact of Tourism Education on Job Performance of Tourism Graduates from State Universities in Sri Lanka”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.311, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019 
  • Lahiru, RPS Ranasinghe JPRC, & Wijesundara WGSR, “Investigating Intellectual Workplace Relationships: Hotel Industry Employees’ Perspective in Sri Lanka ”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.312, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019 
  • Gunawardhane, UGSN, Ranasinghe JPRC, & Wijesundara WGSR, “Enhancing Community Involvement in Wildlife Tourism: A Focus on Challenges and Issues (With Special Reference to Wasgamuwa National Park”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.575, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019 
  • Senevirathne, SMID, Fazana, SF, & Wijesundara WGSR, “Impact of Entrepreneurs Self-Efficieny on Tourism Industry Frim Performance (With Special Reference to Ella Area ”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.579, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019 
  • Madhusha Chaturangi GA, Wijesundara WGSR, & Tennnakoon TMPSI, “The Impact of Destination Image on Foreign Tourist Future Behavior; Special Reference to Benthota in Sri Lanka ”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.582, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019 
  • Dolfina SK, Wijesundara WGSR, & Tennnakoon TMPSI, “Percived Potentials to Promote Bird Watching in Mannar District, Sri Lanka”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.596, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019 
  • Alwis, LLKS & Wijesundara WGSR “Empirical Study on Residents’ Characteristics on Tourism Development (With Special Reference to Mahiyanganaya)”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.597, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019  
  • Wijesundara, WGSR, Danthanarayana CP, & Idroos AA “Does Begging Add Flavour to Tourism Destinations in Sri Lanka?”, Conference Proceedings of 3rd International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.600, 7th-9th February 1-3, 2019 
  • Wijesundara, WGSR. (2018), “Stepping Boom to Doom Tourism? Special Focus on Elephant Seeing in Sri Lanka”, Conference Proceedings of 2nd International Research Symposium of Uva Wellassa University, February 1-3, 2018, Badulla, Sri Lanka  
  • Wijesundara WGSR & Nishantha Rohan,“Photo Tourism: A Strategy to Create Entrepreneurs in Tourism Industry (A Case of Nuwaraeliya)”, Proceedings of the 2nd Interdisciplinary Conference of Management Researchers in Collaboration with 10th Tourism Outlook Conference and 1st International Environmental Sustainability Conference, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka, pp.96, 19th-21st October 2017  
  • Wijesundara WGSR & Athula C. Gnanapala, “An Analysis of The Tourists’ Behavior on Tea Tourism in Sri Lanka”, Proceedings of the 2nd Interdisciplinary Conference of Management Researchers in Collaboration with 10th Tourism Outlook Conference and 1st International Environmental Sustainability Conference, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka, pp.99, 19th-21st October 2017  
  • Dhanapala, DMPU., Wijesundara, WGSR., &Tennakoon, TMPSI., “Analysis of Service Quality and Tourist Satisfaction Levels with Reference to Tourist Information Centres (TICs) (With Special Reference to Kandy City)”, Proceedings of the 1st International Research Symposium, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.204, 19th-20th January 2017  
  • Gangananda, AMNM., Wijesundara, WGSR., & Herath, HMWM., “Type of Brand Image and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Activities of Hotels (With Special Reference to the Local Community Established around Hotels in Galle and Kandy Districts)”, Proceedings of the 1st International Research Symposium, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.221, 19th-20th January 2017  
  • Kulathunga, KMMCB., Wijesundara, WGSR., Kulathilake, CJP., & Tennakoon, TMPSI., “ Heritage Attributes and Tourists’ Satisfaction; Special Reference to Uva Province in Sri Lanka”, Proceedings of the 1st International Research Symposium, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.222, 19th-20th January 2017  
  • Dharmarathna, DMJU., Wijesundara, WGSR., & Peiris, HRN., “ Identification of Inbound Tourists’ Image Perception on Local Foods and Cuisines in Sri Lanka by cognitive and Affective Factors (With Special Reference to Galle District in Sri Lanka)”, Proceedings of the 1st International Research Symposium, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka, pp.224, 19th-20th January 2017
  • Wijesundara, WGSR., “ Street Side Food Vendors and Education”, Conference proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management, Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp.21, 05th-06th November 2015  

Book Chapters

  • Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C., Wijesundara, W.G.S.R., Karunarathne, A.C.I.D., & Nawarathne, A.M.D.B. Edited by Ramkissoon, H. (in Progress). Successful Young Tourism Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka: Does Gender Matter?
  • Wijesundara, WGSR., & Gnanapala, WKA., (2020). “Perceived Tourist Harassment in TouristDestinations: A Study of Southern Coastal Belt of Sri Lanka’, Global Challenges and Strategic Disruptors in Asian Businesses and Economies, IGI Global Publications, pp 299-313
  • Danthanarayana, CP., Wijesundara, WGSR., Kumara, PHT., & Sutha, J., (2020). ‘The Effect of Knowledge Sharing Practices on Employees’ Knowledge and Capabilities in the Hotel Industry in Sri Lanka’, İnci Oya Coşkun et al. (Eds): Travel and Tourism: Sustainability, Economics, and Management Issues, 978-981-10-7067-9, 458433_1_En, (11)
  • Wijesundara, WGSR., & Ranasinghe, JPRC., (2018). ‘Perceived Barriers for Employment in Tourism Industry among Rural Communities (A special reference to Kotmale divisional secretariat)’. Sustainable Tourism: Breakthroughs in research and practice, IGI Global Publication, pp 255-270

 Books

  • 2014 – Basics for Food and Beverage Service (2014) – Vol. 01, Author publication, ISBN978-955-41104-0-3 
  • 2014 – “Glossary for undergraduates” published by Uva Wellassa University

 Other

  • Special Proposal to Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation on “Promoting Mattala Rajapaksha Airport as a Tourism Hub in Sri Lanka” Ranasinghe, R.; Damunupola, A.; Wijesundara, S.; Karunarathna, C.; Nawarathna, D.; Gamage, S.; Herath, J.; Pattiyagedara, S.; Bandara, A; Gangananda, N; Bowala, U. (2021). Promoting Mattala Rajapaksha Airport as a Tourism Hub in Sri Lanka. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352179103_Promoting_Mattala_Rajapaksha_Airport_as_a_ Tourism_Hub_in_Sri_Lanka [accessed Oct 22, 2021].
  • 2021 Main Coordinator for obtaining “UNWTO TEDQUAL Certification” for the Hospitality,
  • Tourism and Events Management Degree Programme at Uva Wellassa University
  • 2021 Main Coordinator for obtaining “APIEM Undergraduate Centre of Excellence Certification”
  • for Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management Degree Programme at Uva Wellassa
  • University
  • 2021 Main Coordinator for UNWTO Students’ League underthe theme ofRural Development and
  • Tourism Organized by UNWTO
  • 2021 Main Coordinator and the supervisor for 17th South Asian Economics Students’ Meet
  • (SAESM), (Lahore, Pakistan), December 28 – 30, 2021
  • 2021 Main Coordinator forthe Request for Proposals(RFPs) on New Tourism Products or
  • Services/Tourism by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority From 2021 Senate Representative from the Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University
  • From 2019 Member of the Faculty Board, Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University
  • From 2021 Faculty Career Guidance Advisor, Career Guidance Unit, Uva Wellassa University
  • From 2021 Faculty representative for Curriculum Revision and Development Committee, Uva
  • Wellassa University
  • From 2021 Senior Editor, HTE Club, Department of Tourism Studies, Uva Wellassa University
  • https://uwuhteclub.blogspot.com
  • From 2019 Coordinator, Enterprise andEvents Management Unit(EEMU), Faculty of Management
  • From 2015 Coordinator, HTE Lab, Department of Tourism Studies, Uva Wellassa University
  • From 2018 Member of the University Business Linkage Cell (UBL), Uva Wellassa University
  • 2021 Certified Event Educator (CEE) qualification at Asia Pacific Institute for Event
    Management (APIEM), UK and membership from 2021-2025 https://theapiem.com/apiemcertified-event-scholars/

Awards

  • 2021 Best Research Award at International Research Conference of Uva Wellassa University (IRCUWU), http://www.uwu.ac.lk/ircuwu2021/ 
  • 2021 Best Paper Award at 2nd Asia Pacific Virtual Events Conference by Asia Pacific Institute for Events Management (APIEM-AVEC) 
  • 2020 APIEM Academy (UK) Full Scholarship Awards for studying on Certified Event Educator

    Qualification

    2009 “Prof. Geoffrey C. Lloyed Gold medal” for Best performance in the Department of
    Tourism and Hospitality Management (2003/2004th Batch)
  • 2021 Postgraduate Teaching on Operations Management for Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree Programme at Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka From 2013 
  • Undergraduate Teaching on Food and Beverage Management, Material Management in Tourism, Cookery, Operations Management and Event catering at Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka 
  • Up to date – 2020 : Senior Lecturer (Grade II)
  • 2020 – 2019 : Lecturer
  • 2019 – 2015 : Lecturer (Probationary)
  • 2015 – 2013 : Temporary Lecturer
  • 2014 Visiting Lecturer at SriLanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education, Badulla,Sri Lanka for “Heritage Tourism” and “Legal frame work for Tourism Industry” 
  • 2013 Visiting Lecturer at Sabaragamuwa University of SriLanka for Hospitality Accounting
  • 2012 English Teacher at Rojersangama Maha Viduhala – Kotmale, Sri Lanka”