Hansika Lewkebandara
Title: Graduate Student
Email: lewkebandara-h@webmail.uwinnipeg.ca
Degree: Master of Science
Thesis: Co-Application of Gypsum and Ferric Chloride Soil Amendments in the Fall for Mitigating Spring Snowmelt Phosphorus Losses
Supervisor: Dr. Darshani Kumaragamage and Dr. Nora Casson
Entry: Fall 2025
Research Interests:
My primary research interests exist in the broad area of soil fertility, plant nutrition and environmental impacts related to nutrient management. I am particularly fascinated by advances made the scientists at the University of Winnipeg on phosphorus (P) dynamics in cultivated soils, P loss from such soils to floodwater and the use of amendments to control P losses to surface water bodies. Such research has the potential to reduce environmental issues like eutrophication, and also to provide economic benefits by reducing nutrient losses.
Biography:
I am Hansika Lewkebandara, and I’m pursuing a MSc in Environmental and Social Change at the University of Winnipeg. I had my first degree from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. My academic journey is rooted in environmental science, with a strong focus on soil chemistry, nutrient management, and water quality. Through my research, I explore how gypsum and ferric chloride soil amendments influence phosphorus release from soil and how those can contribute to solve environmental problems such as eutrophication. My aim is to bridge agriculture and environmental conservation.