Honours and Awards

  • 2019
    National Science Foundation - SUSRED Award for Supervision of PhD 2017
  • 2020
    President’s Award for Scientific Publication – 2018
  • 2019
    Senate Award for Research - 2017
  • 2019
    Senate Award for Research - 2016
  • 2019
    National Science Foundation Research Award (Health Science) - year 2016
  • 2018
    Presidents Award for Scientific Publications - year 2016
  • 2017
    Presidents Award for Scientific Publications - year 2015
  • 2017
    Long-Service (25 years) Award, University of Colombo
  • 2016
    University of Colombo - Research Award 2015 (IBMBB)
  • 2016
    Presidents Award for Scientific Publications - year 2014
  • 2015
    National Science Foundation – SUSRED Award for Supervision of PhD 2014
  • 2015
    National Research Council – Merit Award for Scientific Publications in 2013
  • 2014
    National Research Council – Merit Award for Scientific Publications in 2012
  • 2014
    Presidential Research Award for Research conducted in year 2010
  • 2014
    Presidential Research Award for Research conducted in year 2009
  • 2014
    Presidential Research Award for Research conducted in year 2008
  • 2014
    Presidential Research Award for Research conducted in year 2007
  • 2010
    Presidential Research Award for Research conducted in year 2006
  • 2010
    Presidential Research Award for Research conducted in year 2005
  • 2002
    Fellowship, Foundation Merieux, Annecy, France for the Diploma course in Advanced Vaccinology
  • 1988
    Research Fellowship, The Rockefeller Foundation, U.S.A.,
  • 1988
    Research Training Fellowship, TDR, World Health Organization, Switzerland
  • 1972
    Year 7 Scholarship, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka

Grants

Research Grants received - As Principal Investigator

  • Feb 2018
    Collaborative ICGEB Research Grant- ICGEB Project CRP/LKA17-01 – Contract No. CRP/18/008, Euro 36,000 Title: Development of an antigen-based immunodiagnostic test for leptospirosis. Co-Investigators - Prof Senaka Rajapakse, Prof Sunil Premawansa, Dr Lilalni Karunanayake, Dr Narmada Fernando, Collaborator: Dr Chandika Gamage
  • July 2017
    Research Grant - National Research Council, NRC-17-098, LKR 4,988,176.00. Title: Detection of genotypes and serotypes of Leptospira isolated from severe leptospirosis patients. Co-Investigators: Dr Jagathpriya Weerasena, Prof Senaka Rajapakse, Dr Lilani Karunanayake, Prof Sunil Premawansa
  • Aug 2016
    Collaborative Research Project funded by Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd: LKR 3,789,194.00. Title: Study on immunomodulatory activity of ‘Samahan’: a herbal formulation in Sri Lankan market. Co-Investigators: Dr OVDSJ Weerasena
  • Aug 2012
    Research Grant - National Research Council, NRC-12-077, LKR 5,228,735.73. Title: Studies on factors contributing to pathogenesis of severe leptospirosis in Sri Lanka. Co-Investigators: Prof Sunil Premawansa, Prof Senaka Rajapakse
  • 2012-2015
    Research Grant- National Science Foundation, NSF/2011/HS/19, LKR 2,997,625.00. Title: Studies on comparing immunodiagnostic methods and immune status of leptospirosis patients in Colombo and Gampaha districts. Co-Investigators: Prof Sunil Premawansa, Prof Senaka Rajapakse, Prof HJ de Silva
  • 2007-2011
    Research Grant - National Research Council, NRC-05-52, LKR 5,080,667. Title: Identification of active components and the mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial effects of medicinal plants in Sri Lanka. Collaborators: Prof W D Ratnasooriya, Prof Dilip E de Silva
  • 2005-2008
    Research Grant - National Science Foundation, NSF/2005/HS/15, LKR 2,153,540 Title: Identification of active components and the mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal plants in Sri Lanka. Co-Investigators: Prof WD Ratnasooriya, Prof EH Karunanayake
  • 2002-2004
    Research Collaborative Grant- WHO/TDR (Committee on Vaccine Discovery Research) Grant ID: A20219, USD 17,500; Title: Development of real time quantitative PCR methods (QRT-PCR) for analysis vaccine protection using the P. cynomolgi model. Co-Investigators: Dr Robert Saurewein, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, Dr Shirley Longacre, Institut Pasteur, France
  • 2000-2002
    Research Collaborative Grant - WHO/TDR (Committee on Vaccine Discovery Research). Grant ID: A00241, USD 45,090. Title: Development of a natural challenge system relevant for testing P. vivax malaria vaccines
  • 2000-2001
    IDA/World Bank Health Services project, Special Research Projects for the Roll Back Malaria Initiative/WHO, USD 30,000. Title: Studies on Drug resistance of P. falciparum: in vitro sensitivity to anti-malarial drugs. Co-Investigator: Dr Sisira Pathirana
  • 1998-2000
    Research Collaborative Grant- WHO/TDR (Committee on Vaccine Discovery Research), Grant ID: 980270, USD 72,250. Title: Efficacy testing of an MSP1 based P. vivax vaccine in a natural, homologous simian model: preparation for clinical trials, Co-Investigator: Dr Shirley Longacre, Institut Pasteur, France
  • July 1997
    Research Collaborative Grant- WHO/TDR, Research Capability Strengthening 2000 (RCS).ID: 930807, USD 474,800 (Total); USD 181,500 (1997-2000) (Partnership) Title: Implementation of new methods of malaria control in Sri Lanka based on molecular, epidemiological and socio-economic studies on P. vivax and P. falciparum”. Co-Investigator: Dr Richrad Carter, University of Edinburgh, UK
  • 1994-1995
    Re-entry Grant- WHO/TDR, Research Capability Strengthening (RCS). Grant ID: 900683, USD 30,000. Title: A study of trophozoite-infected erythrocytes surface antigen of two human malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and P.vivax
  • 1996-1997
    Research Collaborative Grant- WHO/TDR, Strategic Research on Immunology of malaria (IMMAL), Grant ID: 960492, USD 86,435. Title: Development and testing of a MSP1 based asexual stage antigen of P. vivax using an analogous simian host-parasite system. Co-Investigator: Dr Shirley Longacre, Institut Pasteur, France
  • 1996-1997
    Research Collaborative Grant- WHO/TDR, Strategic Research on Pathogenesis (PATHO), Grant ID: 960603, USD 10,000. Title: Pathogenesis of severe and complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Co-Investigator: Dr Sunil Premawansa
  • Jul 88 Jun 89
    Research Fellowship, The Rockefeller Foundation, U.S.A., USD 30,000

Research Grants received – As Co-Principal Investigator & Co-Investigator

  • Oct 2020
    Research Grant – IDEA Collaborative Project component on “Association of SARS CoV-2 viral genotype with disease severity and antibody response assessed using in-house IgM and IgG ELISAs in Sri Lankan patients”. Project Coordinators: Dr Sisira Pathirana, IBMBB & Prof Inoka Perera, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
  • Jul 2019
    Research Grant - National Research Council, NRC-19-065, Title: Development of a colourimetric reverse transcription Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay as a cost-effective, novel surveillance tool for differential detection of Dengue serotypes in Aedes mosquitoes, Principal Investigator: Dr Hasitha Tissera, Co-Investigators: Dr Jagathpriya Weerasena, Dr Sisira Pathirana, Dr Narmada Fernando
  • Jan 2018
    AHEAD DOR STEM-HEMS Research programme on meditation, mindfullness and health. Principal Investigator: Prof Saroj Jayasinghe, Coordinator – Dr.Dilshani Dissanayake, Deputy Coordinator – Dr.Santhushi Amarasuriya. Activity 2.1 – The effects of meditation and mindfulness on biochemical and immunological functions.PI: Prof Shiroma Handunnetti, Co-PIs: Dr. Dilanthi Hewa Warawitage and Dr W Dilashani Dissanayake. Activity 2.1 Budget – SLR 6,000,000.00.
  • May 2014
    Research Grant - National Science Foundation, NSF/2014/HS/04. LKR 4,440,140.00. Title: Studies on prognostic markers of oxidative stress and its host genetic polymorphisms and endothelial dysfunction in severe dengue infection. Principal-Investigator: Prof Sunil Premawansa; Co-Investigators: Dr Gayani Premawansa, Dr Dharshan de Silva.
  • May 2016
    Research Grant - Medical Research Institute, Rs 262,000.00. (2016/06) Title: Identification of gp91phox mutations in patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) Principal Investigator: Mr Shalinda de Silva, Co-Investigator: Dr Rajiva de Silva, Dr Darshan de Silva, Dr. Dhanushka Dasanayake, Collaborator - Mr. B A W Pushpakumara
  • Aug 2016
    Research Grant University of Colombo, AP/3/2/2016/CG/25. SLR 2,998,340. Title: Oxidative stress and effect of anti-oxidants in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDU) in Sri Lanka. Principal Investigator: Prof Saroj Jayasinghe
  • May 2017
    Research Grant University of Colombo, AP/3/2/2017/CG/25, SLR 2,995,270. Title: Dengue infection in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients: Development of diagnostic and risk prediction models for use in clinical settings. Principal Investigator: Prof Deepika Fernando; Co-Investigator: Prof Senaka Rajapakse, Prof Saroj Jayasinghe.
  • May 2016
    Research Grant - Medical Research Institute, Rs 486,600.00. (2016/05) Title: Identification of autosomal recessive p47phox mutations in patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). Principal Investigator: Ms Mifra Faiz, Co-Investigator: Dr Rajiva de Silva, Dr Darshan de Silva, Dr. Dhanushka Dasanayake, Collaborator – Ms N Weerasinghe.
  • Dec 2012
    Research Grant – Ministry of Higher Education, LKR Rs.33,900,000. Title: Drug leads from medicinal plants in Sri Lanka. PrincipalInvestigator: Prof Kamani H Tennekoon, Other Investigators: Prof E Dilip de Silva, Prof Eric H Karunanayake, Prof Ira Thabrew, Dr Sameera Samarakoon
  • Dec 2012
    Research Grant - National Research Council, NRC-12-081, LKR Rs.4,890,000. Title: Activity-guided separation of anti-inflammatory compounds from alpinia calcarata rhizome and leaf. Principal Investigator:Dr Selvaluxmy Chelvendran,Co-Investigator:Dr. GA Sirimal Premakumara
  • Dec 2012
    Research Grant – National Research Council, NRC-12-100, LKR Rs.8,870,000. Title: Validation and Value Addition of Bio-active Natural Ingredients for Industrial Applications. Principal Investigator: Dr Radhika Samarasekara, Co-Investigator: Dr. OVDSJ Weerasena
  • Feb 2014
    Research Grant – Medical Research Institute, Rs 2,300,000. (40-2013). Title: Genetics of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID); Role of Transmembrane Activator and Calcium-modulator and cytophilin ligand Interactor (TACI). Principal Investigator: Mr H Sathkumara, Co-Investigator: Dr Rajiva de Silva, Dr Darshan de Silva.
  • Feb 2014
    Research Grant - University of Colombo, AP/3/2/2014/RG/14. Rs 2,998,200. Title: Clinico-epidemiological and serological characteristics of human leptospirosis infection in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Principal Investigator: Prof Senaka Rajapakse, Co-Investigator: Prof Deepika Fernando.
  • Feb 2014
    Research Grant - Medical Research Institute, Rs 2,027,600. (46-2013). Title: Immunochemical characterization of hymenopteran insect venom of Apis cerana, A. dorsata and Vespa affinis. Principal Investigator: Mr Peshala Gunasekera, Co-Investigators: Dr Rajiva de Silva, Prof Sunil Premawansa, Prof Sriyani Dias, Dr Danushka Dissanayake, Dr Neelika Malavige.
  • 1998-2001
    Research Collaborative Grant- WHO/TDR, Strategic Research on Pathogenesis (PATHO), Grant ID: 980615, USD 76,030. Title: Studies on var gene expression by isolates from patients in Sri Lanka in relation to disease severity and association with cytoadherence phenotypes. Principal Investigator: Dr Sunil Premawansa
  • 2001-2004
    Re-entry Grant- WHO/TDR, Research Capability Strengthening (RCS), Grant ID: A00577, USD 40,000. Title: Studies on strain-specific protective immunity to Plasmodium cynomolgi infection. Principal Investigator: Dr Sisira Pathirana
  • April 2012
    Research Funding from the Medical Research Institute, Rs 900,000. (48-2011). Title: Study on measles, mumps and rubella antibody status in mothers and their new born babies in (Colombo District). Principal Investigator:Dr Geethani Galagoda, Co-Investigator: Dr. Sisira Pathirana
  • 1994-1995
    Research Collaborative Grant-WHO/TDR, Strategic Research on Pathogenesis (PATHO), Grant ID: 940434, USD 74,400. Title: Parasite and host genetic determinants of malaria Pathogenesis. Principal-Investigator: Dr Sunil Premawansa

Research Grants received – Collaborative studies

  • 2020
    National Research Council Grant: CVD RRG-20-024. Title: Proof of principle for development of an antigen detection rapid diagnostic test for the diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 infections. Principal-Investigator: Dr Sisira Pathirana
  • 2016
    Research Grant - University of Colombo. Title: The place of Beta blockers in resistant hypertension and the pathophysiology of resistant hypertension. Principal-Investigator: Dr Godwin R Constantine, Collaborator: Dr Shiroma Handunnetti
  • May 2014
    Research Grant - National Science Foundation, LKR 3,881,625.00.Title: Monitoring the management response following the detection of malaria cases during the phase of malaria elimination in Sri Lanka.Principal-Investigator: Prof Deepika Fernando, Co-Investigators: Dr Risintha Premaratne, Dr OVDSJ Weerasena, Prof Sunil Premawansa, Collaborator: Dr Shiroma Handunnetti
  • May 2015
    Research Grant - National Science Foundation, LKR 2,125,300.00. NSF/RG/2015/HS/02 Title: Immunochemical characterization of hymenopteran insect venom Apis cerana, Apis dorsataand Vaspa affinis. Principal-Investigator: Dr Rajiva De Silva, Co-Investigator-Prof Sriyani Dias, Collaborators: Prof Sunil Premawansa & Dr Shiroma Handunnetti
  • July 2015
    National Research Council Grant: 15-069. Title: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in severe leptospirosis – A randomized controlled clinical trial. Principal-Investigator: Prof Senaka Rajapakse, Collaborator: Dr Shiroma Handunnetti