Recognition of Research Excellency of the Students Supervised

• Kalubowila, S., Jayaweera. M., Nanayakkara, C.M. and Gunatilleke, D.N. De S. (2013). Floating Wetlands for Management of Algal Washout from Waste Stabilization Pond Effluent: Case study at Hikkaduwa Waste Stabilization Ponds. ENGINEER Vol. XXXXVI (04) 63-74. This article was awarded the best article of the year (over 35 years of age) by the Institution of Engineers

 

• Rajawardana, D. U. (M. Phil Student).

• • 3MT Finalist and Gold Medalist, SLAYS Open Forum 2017 “Research for Impact: March of the Sri Lankan Young Scientists” and 3MT Competition organized jointly by Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) and National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (NSF) in collaboration with Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI) and the Uni. of Queensland, 28th February – 1st March 2017 Hilton Colombo Residences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• • Best Research Paper Award for the research paper titled “Safety assessment and antibiotic susceptibility of potentially probiotic yeasts isolated from dairy sources of Sri Lanka” in the 03^rd Annual Research Sessions of IFSTSL, 2017, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp 1-5.

• • Best Research Paper of the Session Award for the research paper titled “Identification of potentially probiotic Lactobacillus spp. from dairy sources of Sri Lanka as candidates for future food applications” in the International Conference on Food Quality, Safety and Security – FOOD QUALSS 2017,Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• • Best Student Research Award for the research paper titled “Identification of potentially probiotic Lactobacillus spp. from dairy sources of Sri Lanka as candidates for future food applications” in the International Conference on Food Quality, Safety and Security – FOOD QUALSS 2017,Colombo, Sri Lanka.

 

• De Silva, A. (2017), Undergraduate.
  • Certificate of merit for the oral presentation for the research titled “Identifying potential fungal degraders of low density polyethylene” at the First National Undergraduate Symposium, National Science and Technology Commission.

 

• Yasuri Amarasekera (2017) Undergraduate
  • The best poster presentation at the 73^rd annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science; Title: Antimicrobial peptides in web silk of Nephilengys malabarensis (hermit spider) are secreted by the aggregate gland

• A. Witharana (2017) Postgraduate
  • The best oral presentation award for the presentation titled “Biodegradation of grease trap waste by lipolytic fungi under local ambient conditions” at the 5^th International Symposium on Advances in Civil and Environmental engineering Practices for Sustainable Development (ACEPS 2017)

 

• Shanika Yasanthi Etiella (2018) Undergraduate.

• • Gold medalist; The Best Research Project (Undergraduate): Department of Zoology and Environment Science, University of Colombo

• • WMK Fernando (2018)M. Phil student

• • Gold medal for the best Session’s Presentation. Fifth International Conference on Agriculture

 

• V. C. Weerasinghe (2021). Sri Lanka Natural History Society Award for the best undergraduate research project related to natural sciences

 

Collaborations with The Private Sector

 

Project	Private sector partner	Involvement type	Duration (Year)
Isolation of native microbes useful in Agricultural sector	Sarvodaya Agro Research and Technology Center	Consultant team leader	2022
Chemical investigation of some selected Sri Lankan marine algae	The Korean Institute of Ocean and Scientific Technology and Jeju National University	Consultant team leader	01 year (2014)
Detection of microbial contaminants in virgin coconut oil Material Transfer agreement signed to submit two phosphate solubilising fungi for the production of a phosphate biofertilizer for rice	Sunforst  Pvt. Ltd./Hayleys Agriculture Holdings PLC	Consultant team leader	03 months (2015)
Material Transfer agreement signed to submit two phosphate solubilising fungi for the production of a phosphate biofertilizer for rice	Grow Lanka Agro Solutions (PVT) LTD.	Principal Investigator	Oct. 2017
Collecting and manufacturing functional materials extracted from the marine bioresources in the Laccadive Sea	Jeju National University	Consultant Team Member	2018 -2020

 

Research Students/Projects Supervised

At Undergraduate Level:

 

Students with the projects completed

• Dilani N.D.R. (2006). Effect of soil temperature on germination of rice-field weed propagule
• Samanthika K.A. (2008). Investigation of the potential of wood rotting fungi as efficient sawdust decomposers
• Bandara, A. (2008). Isolation and screening of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms from Sri Lankan soils
• Punchihewa, R.N (2009). Investigation of the factors affecting the efficiency of wood rotting fungi in sawdust decomposition (2009).
• Kumari, P.D.S.U. (2009). Determination of the efficiency of phosphate solubilization of some selected phosphate solubilizing fungi isolated from Sri Lankan soils
• Paba, W.D.R. (2009). Antimicrobial properties of some selected marine algae of Sri Lanka
• Ambagaspitiya, A.G.S.S. (2010). Determination of the efficiency of phosphate solubilization of some selected phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from Sri Lankan soils
• Fernanado, M.D.A. (2010). Molecular identification of some efficient phosphate solubilizing fungi
• Ranasighe, H.P.N.P. (2011). Characterization of antimicrobial compounds from some marine macroalgae
• Weerawarna, W.K.B.P.M., (2012). Determination of in vitro activity of 4-Phenyl-1-(2-phynyl-allyl)-pyridinum bromide as a potential antibacterial agent. In collaboration with Perera, R.P., Department of Chemistry.
• Dissanayake, D.M.D.D.M.C. (2012). Use of Bacillus thuringiensis to control strawberry pests
• Harsha, H. (2012). Investigation of bioactive compounds from Daldiniaconcentrica
• De Silva, K.W.R.T., (2012). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of phenyl acridine based antibacterial agent. In collaboration with Perera, R.P., Department of Chemistry
• Galagedara, N.N. (2013/14). Investigating the effect of Hypocreavirens inoculations on rice
• Madhushani, C. (2013/14). A survey on leaf litter fungi of PoppumArboratum
• Gallage, P.N. (2014/15)-The Effect of the inoculum density of Trichodermavirens in increasing phosphorus availability
• Kekulandala, LDW (2014/15)-Screening of soil and leaf litter actinomycetes for antimicrobial activity.
• Rasakulendran, S. (2014/15).Morphological and genetic diversity of Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose of papaya in Sri Lanka.
• Dulan, T (2015). Bioremediation of petroleum oil contaminated water
• Deshani, P.V.D.(2015). Formulating a liquid biofertilizer for improved phosphorus nutrition of rice
• Randeni Arachchi, I.P. (2015). Isolation and screening of actinomycetes for antimicrobial activity
• Thushilalojini, K. (2015). Screening of actinomycetes and leaf litter fungi for industrially important enzymes
• Karunakaran, T. (2015). Molecular identification of Sargassum species in Sri Lanka.
• Janitha, K. (2016/17). Screening of actinomycetes and leaf litter fungi for industrially important enzymes (Continued)
• Kishanthini (2016/17). Molecular identification of Sargassum species in Sri Lanka (Continued)
• Rathnayaka, S. (2016/17). Isolation and screening of actinomycetes for antimicrobial activity
• Rachithra, K.V.D. (2016/17).Assessment of air quality using lichens and bryophytes in Colombo district
• Amarasekera, B.M.Y. (2016/17). Antimicrobial activity of spider silk proteins
• N. Kapuge (2017). Screening actinomycete metabolites against human health related targets (In collaboration with Prof. P. Soyza Faculty of Medicine, UOC)
• JHNC Jayasooriya (2017). Characterization of antimicrobial compounds of actinomycete origin
• AHS Deshani (2017). Antiquorum sensing activity of some selected medicinal plants
• Shanika Yasanthi Etiella (2017). Prevalence of fungal infection among amphibian assemblages inhabiting different land use practices in three climatic zones of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Prof. N. Dayawansa and Dr. I C Perera, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, UOC.
• A.M. Wickramasinghe (2017/18). Characterization of antimicrobial compounds of actinomycete origin
• M. Godakanda (2017/18). Antiquorum sensing botanicals (In collaboration with Dr. MN Kaumal, Dept. of Chemistry)
• J K Anuradha De Silva (2017/18). Polythene degrading fungi
• Erandi Ambawaththa (2017/18). In search of wood rotting enzymes from macrofungi (In collaboration with Dr. N.V. Chandrasekeran, Dept. of Chemistry)
• Sachini Thanthrige(2017/18). Characterizing lichenized fungi and algae in a selected forest reserve (In collaboration with Dr. N.V. Chandrasekeran, Dept. of Chemistry and Dr. Jayalal, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka)
• M. Vinuri C. Weerasighe (2018/19).DNA Barcoding of lichenized phycobionts & mycobionts and probing mycobiont for bioactive compounds
• N. Upatissa (2019). Probiotic activity of Microorganisms used in traditional curd production in Gangabada, Gonnoruwa and Agbopura
• Judy Mathushika (2019/2020). In search of bioactive compounds from lichen inhabiting fungi
• Chamari Amarasekera (2019/2020). Assessing species of Trichoderma as potential biocontrol agents of anthracnose of beans.

Following six projects are given as collaborative projects by Prof. Chandrika Nanayakkara, Dr. Sameera Ariyawansa, Dr. Surani Ediriweera, Prof. Nalin Wijewardena (College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University,  P.R. China), Dr. Samantha Karunarathna (Researcher, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.R. China), Dr Prabhath Jayasinghe (Head, Regional Research Centre, Kalpitiya, NARA)- 2021-2023

• Fungal degraders in mangroves- Kavini Thalagala and Rushda Amani
• Lichen inhabiting fungi of Kalpitiya Mangrove and their bioactivities- Sewwandi Nuwani and Nipuni Happitiya
• Technological applications of halophilic fungi- Dheyogini Arulmoli Arokkiam
• Comparative analysis of diversity and exploitation of endophytic fungi of Pandanaceae- WN Niromi Dabarera and DPTH Silva
• Biological and chemical diversity of sea grass inhabiting endophytic and epiphytic fungi- H. M. K. O. Rajakaruna
• Endophytes of mangrove plants: Their antimicrobial and anticancer potentials- MKD Fernando
• Diversity and industrial potential of fungal endophytes associated with mangrove plants- RGS Anurangi
• Isolation of soil fungal communities in Eucalyptus plantations of Sri Lanka- GLSN De Silva
• Diversity of halophilic fungi in Kalpitiya area of Puttalam lagoon and their bioactivity -PHHJ Bandara
• Investigating biologically active secondary metabolites of termite-derived fungi- Ovin Amarasinghe
• Exploring Biotechnological Potential in Mangrove Inhabiting Fungi – Chalani Amarasinghe

 

At Postgraduate Level

 

Ph. D.  Degree –  Completed

• Fernando, M.D.M. (2012-2016). Investigation of metabolites of the macrofungi against human health related targets
• Ediriweera, S.S. (2012-2018). Morphological and Molecular Diversity of Macrofungi in selected dry zone forest reserves in Sri Lanka and culture optimization of edible counterparts
• Witharana, A. – A sustainable solution to management of oil and grease from food industry wastewater and kitchen waste. In collaboration with Prof. J. Manathunga, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa (2018).
• Gunesekera, N.W. –Investigating bioactive metabolites of some macrofungi from Sri Lanka and profiling the nutritional composition of edible forms (2012-2019).
• Samanthi, P.D.S.U.- Use of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria as biofertilizers to improve Sri Lankan agriculture (2019)
• Ranasinghe, P.K.R. S. (2020). Use of microorganisms to improve solubility of phosphate fertilizer
• MKR Silva (2020). A study on brown root disease of Rubber and its causative agent Phellinus noxius
• Rajawardana, D. U. (2020). Isolation, identification and characterization of health beneficial bacteria and pathogenic microflora of dairy origin in Sri Lanka. In collaboration with Dr. I. Hewajulige, Industrial Technology Institute, Colombo.
• Chandrasena, WAGAB (2021). Development of a biofertilizer for cinnamon and pepper, In collaboration with Dr. H.A. Sumanasena, Massey University, Australia and Dr. D.N. Samaraweera, Department of Export Agriculture
• Pathirana, Nirosha (2022). Screening isolation and characterization of type II restriction enzymes from bacteria isolated from different regions of SriLanka. In collaboration with Dr. N.V. Chandrasekeran, Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo
• Nadeera D. Wickramasinghe (2022). Synthesis of Titanium dioxide and other valuable titanate intermediates: A facile route from naturally occurring ilmenite mineral, In Collaboration with Prof. Rohini De Silva and Prof. K. M. N. De Silva
• Palliyaguru, N.M. (2022). The Water footprint of production of rice and its impact on water resources in intermediate zone, Sri Lanka. In collaboration with Prof. Champa Navarathna, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Ruhuna and Dr. D. Wickramasinghe, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo. Student is registered with the University of Ruhuna.
• Fernando, W.M.K. (2023). Identification of onion black mold and its biological control using Trichoderma In collaboration with Dr. DMB Jayantha Senanayake, Field Crop Research and Development Institute, Mahailluppallama.

 

Ph. D.  Degree –  On going

• Prishanthini (2022). Mining for microbes of the tea plants (Camellia sinensis) with potential to enhance black tea quality using metabolomics approach, in collaboration with Massey University, New Zealand.
• Ginigathdarage, P.H. (2018). Investigation of incidence of histamine forming bacteria in chilled yellow-fin tuna (Thunus albacares) in export fishery industry in Sri Lanka. In collaboration with National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency.
• Subhashini, MHDA (2018). Characterization of causal agent of soft rot in Agalaonema and exploring the expression of defense related genes in response to biological control measures. In collaboration with Dr. DMBJ Senanayake, National Plant Quarantine Services.

 

M. Phil – Completed

• Mala, W.J. (2013). Use of Vesicular Abuscular Mycorrhizae (VAM) for improvement of Eppawala Rock phosphate absorption ability of pepper (Piper nigram) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum presl.) –as the co-investigator with Dr. H.A. Sumanasena, Head/Agronomy, Export Crops Development Board, Matale
• Kumari, K.A.S.I. (2020). Identification of Anthracnose disease resistant chili accessions and detection of associated R genes. In collaboration with Dr. DMB Jayantha Senanayake, Field Crop Research and Development Institute, Mahailluppallama.

 

M. Phil –  On going

• DD Pramodi Sewwandi (2024). Physiological properties and disease susceptibilities of selected mango varieties of Sri Lanka with special reference to postharvest disease control in mango using a novel biofungicide formulation in collaboration with ITI and University of Sydney
• RA Prasadhi De Alwis (2024). A study on microflora and microbiological quality associated with freshly consumed selected vegetables and leafy greens of Sri Lanka for a sustainable healthy diet, in collaboration with ITI and University of Sydney
• Ashini Wanasinghe (2024). Food safety risk assessment, analysis and development of strategies for overcoming challenges in the Ceylon spice industry, in collaboration with ITI
• M.D. A. Jayawardana (2023). (2023). Development of grain/milk incorporated dairy functional beverages; In collaboration with Dr. Theja Herath (Principal Research Scientist, ITI) and Dr. Upeka Rajawardana (Senior Research Scientist – ITI).
• Rashika Brahmanage (2022). Eucalyptus phyllosphere associated fungi in Sri Lanka; In collaboration with Prof. Syril Wijesundera, Prof. Nalin Wijewardena (Quijing Normal University, China) and Dr. KGSU Ariyawansa
• H.M. Dangalla (2022). Study of lichenicolous fungi in Horton Plains and Hanthana in Sri Lanka; In collaboration with Prof. R.G.U. Jayalal (Sabaragamuwa University) and Prof. Nalin Wijewardena (Quijing Normal University, China)

 

M.Sc. Degree –  Completed

• Karunarathna, U. T. (2015/17). Assessment of the effect of using effective microorganisms (mud balls) in removing algal blooms in Beira Lake, Colombo.
• Premarathna, G.D.B.P. (2015/16). Development of Medical textiles using nanotechnology in orthopaedic applications (In collaboration with Dr. WRM De Silva and Prof. K.M.N. De Silva)
• Perera, S. (2015). Screening for rice blast resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae oryzae through anther culture
• De Silva, L.I. (2014). Investigating the Enterococcus faecalis contamination of desiccated coconut under different industrial settings
• Gunapala, R. (2014). Study on the effect of Glyphosate on soil microbial density of rice fields
• Wijerathna, D. (2014). Factors affecting phosphate dissolution by Aspergillus aculeatus
• Fernando, S. (2014). Investigation of antimicrobial compounds from Padina and Sargassum
• Warnakulasuriya, S. (2014). Determination of phosphate dissolution by microbial inocula- In collaboration with H.D. Gunawardena, Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo.
• Kalubowila, S. (2013). Floating Wetlands for Management of Algal Washout from Waste Stabilization Pond Effluent: Case study at Hikkaduwa Waste Stabilization Ponds. In collaboration with M. Jayaweera (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa) and D.N. De S.Gunatilleke (National Water Supply and Drainage Board).
• Markandu, A. (2013). Biomedical applications of iron oxide nanoparticles and functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles- In collaboration with W.R.M. De Silva, Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo.
• Palliyaguru, N.M. (2010). Relationship between production and storage conditions on shelf life and microbial quality of desiccated coconut-In collaboration with S. S. Purasinghe, B.Sc. (Bio Science, (Hon.), M.Sc. (Analytical Chemistry), Director (QC & QA), Coconut Development Board, Narahenpita.
• Rajasinghe, M. (2010). Performance optimization of microbiological wastewater treatment for rubber effluents- In collaboration with Dr. W.M.G. Senevirathne, Deputy Director – Research (Technology), Rubber Research Institute, Rathmalana.
• Ranaweera, R.S.M. (2010). Effect of biofertilizers on coconut seedling growth, nutrient availability and soil microbial activities-In collaboration with N. A. Tennakoon, Head, Soil and Plant Nutrition Division, CRI, Lunuwila
• Hamilton, C. (2011). Eco-friendly development of enriched compost from municipal solid waste using microbial inoculants-In collaboration with Arun Lakshmanan, Consultant Biotechnologist, Biopower Lanka Ltd., 125, St. Micheals Rd., Col. 03
• Ariyasena, P. (2007). In-vitro screening of rice for bacterial leaf blight resistance

 

M.Sc. Degree –  Ongoing

• Risk Assessment in Dairy Farming: Importance of Food Safety Management Systems in the Dairy Sector in Sri Lanka- AAAU Aberathne, In collaboration with Dr. D.U. Rajawardena (ITI)
• Mycoprotein production: Some preliminary investigations – V.S.P.Dayarathne- In collaboration with Dr. P.E. Gunasekera (SLIBTEC)
• Integrated management of circular leaf spot disease of rubber – S.S.Millavithanachchi, In collaboration with Dr. Sarojini Fernanado and Dr. Keshani Silva (RRI)
• Diversity and biotechnological potential of sooty molds- Asiri Perera, In collaboration with Prof. N.N. Wijeywardena (Quinjing Normal University, P R China
• Lactic acid bacteria as plant protectors- Thamira Gajanan, In collaboration with Dr. D.U. Rajawardena (ITI)

 

Contributing to cultivate research among school children

 

I have served as a principal supervisor for four consecutive years (2016 to 2019) in the Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) Programme organized and conducted by National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka. The details are as follows:

 

	Year	School	Title of the project
1	2019	F.S. Nazeer Muslim Ladies College	Investigating bacterial contamination of  domestic refrigerators and identifying an effective method for disinfection
2	2018	M.D. Susiriwardana Nalanda College, Colombo	Investigation of antibacterial properties of the root extract and leaf extract of Asparagus falcatus (Maha-Hathawariya)
3	2017	Miriswaththa Maha Vidyalaya, Bentota	Purifying polluted water by using some material used traditionally
4	2016	Sirimavo Bandaranaika Vidyalaya, Colombo	Evaluation of in vitro antibacterial activity of some Sri Lankan medicinal plants used in the preliminary treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis