Mycology Research Team

General description of the team

Our team is comprised of dedicated scientists and researchers passionate about unraveling the mysteries of mycology and its implications for various fields including medicine, agriculture, ecology, and biotechnology. With a blend of expertise ranging from molecular biology to ecology, we aim to push the boundaries of knowledge in fungal biology and its applications.

Team Leader- Omila Perera

 

As a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science and an MSc in Biotechnology from the UK, I bring a wealth of academic knowledge to my role, complemented by my professional qualification as a former Medical Laboratory Technologist at Lanka Hospital Diagnostics in Colombo, where I specialized in Molecular Biology, Hematology, Microbiology, and Serology from 2020 to 2021. Mr. Omila Perera is an expert in diverse microbiology and mycology laboratory techniques, encompassing bacterial and fungal culture and identification, blood culture, staining methods, microbial identification, antibiotic sensitivity testing, sterilization techniques, media preparation, light microscopy, and quality control, Mr. Omila Perera also possesses advanced skills obtained through specialized workshops and courses, including ICP-MS and HPLC instruments, research methodology, and molecular biology techniques. As a devoted professional, he is dedicated to advancing biomedical science, demonstrating a keen passion for continuous learning and a commitment to research excellence

 

–       Vision

Our vision is to become a leading global hub for innovative research in mycology, driving discoveries that revolutionize our understanding of fungi and their diverse roles in shaping the world around us.

 

–       Mission

 

Our Mycology Research Team is dedicated to exploring fungi, understanding their unique traits, and collaborating across genetics, ecology, and biotechnology to address complex challenges. We aim to translate our findings into practical solutions for therapeutics, sustainable agriculture, bioremediation, and biotechnology. Committed to education, outreach, and high ethical standards, we strive for a global impact on food security, public health, and environmental conservation through responsible fungal resource stewardship.

–Projects

  1. Analysis of Pathogenic Bacterial assemblages in the Phyllosphere, Rhizosphere, and Edaphic Surroundings of Rosa in Colombo District, Sri Lanka.

Peththa Thanthrige Dimanka Sathsara, Sajini Nethmini Madampe, Aththanayaka Mudiyanselage Melan Tirantha Bandara Aththanayaka, Kobbegala Gedara Ridmi Rashoga Kobbegala, Yawni Kaawya Manuweera, Gonagalage Nimesha Nuwanthi Jayawickrama-2024

  1. Microbial ecological analysis of pathogenic bacterial diversity of Hevea brasiliensis, Camellia sinensis

and associated soil in Rathnapura district and town of Avissawella in Colombo District.

  1. M. Sanduni Sachinthana Jayathunga, L. A. D. Shashini Kavindi Wijethunga, H. A. Neshaka Malintha Iduranga, K. A. Damith Krishantha and A. Jayani Hansika De Zoysa-2024.
  2. Identification, prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms present in agricultural soil in Sri

Demidu ravinda bookoladeniya, a. Manuli tharusha thilakarathna, m. A. A. Ninuri nureka amarasinghe, w. W. R. W. M. M. Shamindi weerasooriya-2023.

  1. Microbial Composition and antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Beach sand and Sea water across Beaches in the Colombo District, Sri
  2. Ashani Dewthilini Dias, Nilakshi Perera, A.A Kalani Aishwarya and Achinika Devindi- 2023
  3. Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria in Water resources in Colombo District, Sri ASS Alahakoon, HGG Opeshala, SAG Priyadarshani, WMRC Ranasinghe-2022.
  4. Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity of secondary metabolites produced by selected

Aspergillus species against pathogenic microorganisms.

Gonsaluwasam Buddhi Priyantha De Silva, Rashmi Wandana Prathapasinghe, Sadee Edirisinghe, Justin Vidushan, Malniyadelage Harini Natasha Fernando and Sesathpura Dewage Hemamalee Rajapaksha.-2022

 

–    Publications

  1. ASS Alahakoon, HGG Opeshala, SAG Priyadarshani, WMRC Ranasinghe, VA Bodhinayaka and ODK Perera, Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria in Water resources in Colombo District, Sri Lanka, 4th CINEC International Research Symposium (CRIS)-2023.
  2. Vithushan, H Natasha, B Priyantha, R. Priyantha, R. Wandana, S Edirisinghe and ODK Perera, Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity of secondary metabolites produced by selected Aspergillus species against pathogenic microorganisms, 4th CINEC International Research Symposium (CRIS)-2023.
  3. MDIY Mahawatte, SS. Kudagodage, PGNT Rajakaruna, ETDM Weerasinghe, HMPMW Bandara, ODK Perera and VA. Bodhinayaka, Determination of Pathogenic microorganisms in commercially available shawarma food in Colombo District, Sri Lanka, 4th CINEC International Research Symposium (CRIS)-2023.
  4. DIY Mahawatte, SS Kudagodage, PGNT Rajakaruna, ETDM Weerasinghe1, HMPMW Bandara1, ODK Perera1, VA Bodhinayaka1, Microbiological Quality of Commercially Available Ready-To-Eat Meat Street Food Doner Kebab in Colombo District, Sri Lanka, 16th International Research Conference

ofKDU 2023. (Paper ID-422).

  1. J Vithushan, VA Bodhinayaka, ODK Perera, Investigation of antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolites produced by selected Aspergillus fumigatus species against pathogenic International Conference on Medical Sciences (ICM) 2023, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University ofSri Jayewardenepura. (PP-15).
  2. VA Bodhinayaka, HAK Ranasinghe, ODK Perera and Kothalawala Diversity of Pathogenic Bacteria in Commercially Available Mango Fruits In Western Province, Sri Lanka. 15th International ResearchConference, General Sri Kothalawela Defence, University, Sri Lanka 2023 (Auother ID- 447).
  3. KGYO Vidushani, ODK Perera, and VA Bodhinayaka, Determination of Pathogenic Bacteria in Commercially Available Fresh Green Leafy Vegetables in Western Province, Sri 16th International Research Conference of KDU 2023. (Paper ID-427).
  4. R WIijesooriya, ODK Perera, VA Bodhinayaka, Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria (Escherichia coli) in drinking water sources and detection of their antibiotic resistant genes in Gampaha District, Sri 16th International Research Conference of KDU 2023. (Paper ID-606)