Entomology Research Team

Welcome to the forefront of entomology research at CINEC Campus.

Our dedicated team is committed to advancing our understanding of these fascinating creatures and their impact on ecosystems by unraveling the mysteries of the insect world. Through exploring their behavior, ecology, molecular biological background, epidemiological relationships, and evolutionary pathways, we aim to contribute significantly to the field of entomological science.

Team Leader

Ms.Harshani Perera (P.hD (Reading), BSc(Hons) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

 

Meet the leader of our entomology research group, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular entomology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, she holds a special degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Colombo. With a strong foundation in scientific research, she has honed her skills in insect identification, molecular biological analysis of insect-related biomolecules, mosquito field surveillance, and collection and processing of mosquitoes. Committed to advancing knowledge in the field, she is dedicated to publishing our research findings in scientific journals and presenting them at research conferences.

Vision-

“To pioneer groundbreaking discoveries in entomology, shaping the future of insect science and ecological and molecular biological understanding.”

Mission-

“Our mission is to conduct innovative research in entomology, fostering a deeper understanding of insect biology and ecology to address pressing environmental and agricultural challenges.”

Projects- Title of the research, Student names and year

Batch 01- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences

  • Molecular Characterization of Dirofilaria vector species in Sri Lanka- 2022

Students: H. G. Nipuni Thilakshani Rathnayaka ,P. M. Bhashitha Pannila , Devin Vindula Wickramarathne ,N. Shahama Kudhoos  and P. W. Dilini Kasurika

  • Characterization of Entomological risk factors affecting transmission of parasites causing Rural (lymphatic) Filariasis in the District of Galle, Sri Lanka-2022

Students: Edirisinghe D.P.T., Dewmanthi W.J., Kalpani W.M.I, Devagiri D.H.N and Malalasekara I.U.

Batch 01- Higher Diploma in Biomedical Sciences

  • “Mosquito larvicidal effect of three endemic plant species; Garcinia quaesia, Garcinia zeylanica and Coleus hadiensis in Sri Lanka”

Students: G.C.A. Perera, J.D.A.S.M. Jayakodi, J.A.H. Madhumika and M.S. Ishara 

  • “Characterization of mechanically transmitted bacteria by thoracic legs of Musca domestica”

Students: W.A.N.S. Perera, M.G.P.G. Hasangika, W.M.P. Prarthana, M.D.D.W. Mudalige and D.G.R. Divyanjali

Batch 03- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences

  • Antibacterial, Larvicidal and Phytochemical Properties of Citrus crenatifolia and Citrus Reticulata-2023

 

Students: Iruki Amaya Salwathura, Isuri Amanda Deraniyagala, Nethmi Hirushika Fernando and Minoli Dilna Perera 

 

Batch 04- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences

  • “Evaluation of anti-oxidative, anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and larvicidal properties of plants in genera Eleusine of family Poaceae”-2024

Students: R.M.N.M. Bandara, M.C. Ransarani, R.H.M.L.D. Bandara, E.M.M.A.B. Ekanayake,

E.M.M.A.B. Ekanayake and A.K.R. Kularathna

Publications

Peer reviewed articles

  1. A. K. Ranasinghe, E.H.L.Perera, M. D. D. W. Mudalige, W. A. N. S. Perera, M. G. P. G. Hasangika, W. M. P. Prarthana, D. G. R. Diwyanjalee (2023) Detection of mechanically transmitted bacteria by Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) in Malabe Medical Officer of Health (MOH) division, Sri Lanka, Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya. 16(2), pp. 105–112. doi:10.4038/josuk.v16i2.8085.

Journal articles under revision

H.A.K. Ranasinghe, E.H.L Perera, G.C.A. Perera, J.D.A.S.M. Jayakodi, J.A.H. Madhumika, M.S. Ishara and M. Hettihewa, Marching towards bioeconomy: Larvicidal effect of three Indigenous plant extracts from Sri Lanka; Garcinia quaesita, Garcinia zeylanica and Coleus hadiensis on dengue vector Aedes aegypti, Entomological research- Manuscript submitted and under revision- Manuscript ID ENR-23-060.

Conference abstracts Oral Presentation

  • C.A. Perera, J.D.A.S.M. Jayakodi, J.A.H. Madhumika, M.S. Ishara, H.A.K. Ranasinghe,

E.H.L Perera and M. Hettihewa, “Larvicidal effect of three Indigenous plant extracts; Garcinia quaesita, Garcinia zeylanica and Coleus hadiensis, on dengue vector Aedes aegypti. 4th CINEC International research symposium, 2023-Pg 236.

  • DHN Devagiri, DPT Edirisinghe, IU Malalasekara, WAJ Dewmanthi, WMI Kalpani, EHL Perera, “Analysis of the Climatic Risk Factors Affecting Transmission of Parasites Causing Rural (Lymphatic) Filariasis in Galle District, Sri ” 4th CINEC International research symposium, 2023-Pg 264.
  • H.L. Perera , Y.I.N.S. Gunawardene ,M.D. Hapugoda, T. Ranathunge, L. Udayanga, “Blood meal preferences of Aedes aegypti (LINNAEUS) and Ae. albopictus (SKUSE) in the district of Colombo”. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science Proceedings of the 78th Annual Sessions – 2022. A/013
  • H.L. Perera, M.D. Hapugoda, S. Viswakula, S.M.C.U.P Subasinghe, L. Fernando “Comparative analysis of possible risk factors affecting transmission of dengue in the District of Gampaha, Sri Lanka”. Proceedings of the Open University Research Sessions (OURS 2021)-ID 47
  • H.L.Perera, S. Viswakula, Y.I.N.S. Gunawardene, U. Subasinghe, M.D. Hapugoda. “Assessment of possible risk factors affecting transmission of Dengue in the District of Gampaha based on reported dengue cases”, The 20th International Postgraduate Research Conference organized by University of Kelaniya, 2019.
  • Perera, H.L., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S. , Wisawakula, S. , Subasinghe, U., Fernando, L., Manamperi, A.and Hapugoda, M. Assessment of the distribution of aedes breeding sites at the households of district of Gampaha. The International Postgraduate Research Conference organized by University of Kelaniya, 2022- IPRC/22/82
  • Perera, E.H.L., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S, Hapugoda, M., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B, Udayanga, L., Study on the resting preferences of Aedes aegypti (LINNAEUS) and albopictus (SKUSE) adult mosquitoes in the District of Colombo,  The International Postgraduate Research Conference organized by University of Kelaniya, 2022. IPRC/22/84
  • DHN Devagiri, DPT Edirisinghe , IU Malalasekara, WAJ Dewmanthi, WMI Kalpani, EHL Molecular Characterization of Brugia malayi which Causes Rural (Lymphatic) Filariasis in Galle District, Sri Lanka. 2nd International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka (March, 2024)- Accepted and to be presented. 
  • DHN Devagiri, DPT Edirisinghe , IU Malalasekara, WAJ Dewmanthi, WMI Kalpani, EHL Perera. “Analysis Of Microbial Diversity in The Midgut of The Mansonia Spp. In Sri Lanka.” “Online World Multidisciplinary Conference on Recent Trends in Environmental Science and Management (WMCRTESM 2024)- R.T. Arts, B.H. Commerce and A.M. Science (KTHM) College, India (February, 2024)- Accepted and to be presented.

Poster Presentation 

  • A.K. Ranasinghe, H.G.N.T. Rathnayaka, P.M.B.Pannila, D.V. Wickramarathne, N.S. Kudhoos,

P.W.D. Kasurika and E.H.L.Perera, “Molecular based Identification of Dirofilariasis vector mosquitoes in Colombo and Gampaha districts in Sri lanka”. 4th CINEC International research symposium, 2023-Pg 262

  • A.N.S. Perera, M.G.P.G. Hasangika, W.M.P. Prarthana, M.D.D.W. Mudalige, D.G.R. Divyanjali, H.A.K. Ranasinghe, E.H.L Perera and M. Hettihewa, “Detection of mechanically transmitted bacteria by Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)”, 4th CINEC International research symposium, 2023-Pg 261
  • HEMRTK Hathnagoda, PA Goonathilake, KAT Buddhinee, WDP Welgama , PKHN Gunarathna, HAK Ranasinghe, and EHL Perera, “Diversity of Culturable Aerobic Bacteria in the Midgut of Filariasis Vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Adults in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka”, 16th International Research Conference- General Sir John Kothalawala Defense University( September 7–8, 2023 ), Pg
  • HAK Ranasinghe, HGNT Rathnayaka, PMB Pannila, DV Wickramarathne, NS Kudhoos, PWD Kasurika, and EHL Perera, “Molecular Identification of Vector Mosquitoes of Dirofilariasis in Matale District, Sri Lanka”, 16th International Research Conference-General Sir John Kothalawala Defense University- (September 7–8, 2023 ), Pg