Senior Lecturer Gr. II
ashawijegunawardana@gmail.com
awijegun@tec.rjt.ac.lk

Research Group & Lab

Teaching programs and modules

BPT 2205: Molecular Biology
BPT 2209: Molecular Biotechnology
BPT 3204: Enzyme Technology
BPT 4303: Bioremediation & Waste Management

Biography

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (2001-2006) with a major in Biotechnology and Master of Philosophy degree in Molecular Biology from Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2007 – 2010). In the year 2014, I have registered for my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. My thesis research was supported by funds received through both the WHO/TDR postgraduate research grant and IAEA CRP grant received for the use of sterile insect technique for the control of Aedes mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. I have completed the PhD thesis research in year 2018.

I am currently join into the Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, rajarata University of Sri Lanka to advance my professional skills further while utilizing 14+ years professional experience in scientific research and general office administration. I have worked and trained at a range of laboratory facilities from Government University settings in Sri Lanka to large well established International organizations like IAEA, IPCL in Seibersdorf, Austria; Moscamed Brasil; Mahidol University, Thailand. I was trained in handling all laboratory facilities and techniques related to Molecular Biology research work during this tenure of my research carrier.

Specific highlights of my career and professional work include; having of skills required for fulfillment of responsibilities as academic mentor and researcher including sound knowledge of scientific methodologies and techniques which could applied for both plant and food science research, especially with hands on experience with plant tissue culture methods. In addition, I have a higher ability of working and communication effectively with a team for the better success of teamwork and the ability to communicate effectively in English.

Selected publications

Indexed Articles

1. Rathnayake S, Madushanka A, Wijegunawardana NDAD, Mylvaganam H, Rathnayake A, Perera EG, Jayamanna I, Chandrasena P, Ranaweera A, Jayasooriya P, et al. In Silico Study of 5,7-Dimethoxycoumarin and p-Coumaric Acid in Carica papaya Leaves as Dengue Virus Type 2 Protease InhibitorsConference Proceedings 83(1):11 02 Dec 2020
2. Gunathilaka N, Perera H, Wijerathna T, Rodrigo W, Wijegunawardana NDAD. The Diversity of Midgut Bacteria among Wild-Caught Phlebotomus argentipes (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), the Vector of Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka.BioMed research international 2020:5458063 Jan 2020
3. Wijegunawardana A. Optimization of Aedes albopictus rearing procedures for combined sterile insect techniques (SIT) and Wolbachia-based laboratory studies in Sri LankaInternational Journal of Tropical Insect Science March 2020 13 Mar 2020
4. Gunathilaka N, Ranathunge T, Udayanga L, Wijegunawardena A, Gilles JRL, Abeyewickreme W. Use of mechanical and behavioural methods to eliminate female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique applications.Parasites & vectors 12(1):148 28 Mar 2019
5. Wijegunawardana NDAD, Gunawardene YINS, Chandrasena TGAN, Dassanayake RS, Udayanga NWBAL, Abeyewickreme W. Evaluation of the Effects of Aedes Vector Indices and Climatic Factors on Dengue Incidence in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka.BioMed research international 2019:2950216 31 Jan 2019 
6. Gunathilaka N, Ranathunge T, Udayanga L, Wijegunawardena A, Abeyewickreme W. Oviposition preferences of dengue vectors; Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka under laboratory settings.Bulletin of entomological research 108(4):442-450 Aug 2018 
7. Rao RU, Nagodavithana KC, Samarasekera SD, Wijegunawardana AD, Premakumara WDY, Perera SN, Settinayake S, Miller JP, Weil GJ. A comprehensive assessment of lymphatic filariasis in Sri Lanka six years after cessation of mass drug administration.PLoS neglected tropical diseases 8(11):e3281 Jan 2014 
8. Wijegunawardana AD, Gunawardane NS, Hapuarachchi C, Manamperi A, Gunawardena K, Abeyewickrama W, Latif B. Evaluation of PCR-ELISA as a tool for monitoring transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in District of Gampaha, Sri Lanka.Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine 3(5):381-387 May 2013 
9. Wijegunawardana AD, Gunawardane NS, Hapuarachchi C, Manamperi A, Gunawardena K, Abeyewickrama W. Evaluation of PCR-ELISA as a tool for monitoring transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in District of Gampaha, Sri LankaAsian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 3(5):381-387 01 May 2013 
10. Wijegunawardana NDAD, Gunawardene YINS, Manamperi A, Senarathne H, Abeyewickreme W. Geographic information system (GIS) mapping of lymphatic filariasis endemic areas of Gampaha District, Sri Lanka based on epidemiological and entomological screening.The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health 43(3):557-566 May 2012
11. Wijegunawardana A. Aedes aegypti lines for combined sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique applications: the importance of host genomic backgroundEntomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
12. Wijegunawardana A. Comparison of five DNA extraction methods for the recovery of Wuchereria bancrofti DNA from human blood as assessed by polymerase chain reaction.Bulletin of Trends in Biological Sciences 1(1):12-17

Abstracts / Extended Abstracts (National & International)

1. Rathnayake, S., Madushanka, A., Wijegunawardana, A., Mylvaganam, H., Ranaweera, A., Jayasooriya, P., & Bamunuarachchige, T.C. (2020). In silico study of 5, 7-Dimethoxycoumarin and p-Coumaric acid in Carica papayaLeaves as Dengue Virus Type 2 Protease Inhibitors. Presented at the 1st International Electronic Conference on Biomolecules: Natural and Bio-Inspired Therapeutics for Human Diseases, 1–13 December 2020; Available online: https://iecbm2020.sciforum.net/.
2. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2018). A combined sterile insect technique (SIT) and a Wolbachia-based approach (Incompatible Insect Technique, IIT) as an additional tool in the integrated dengue vector control for control of Aedes albopictus population in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 74th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. pp35.
3. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2018). Potential use of a combined sterile insect technique (SIT) and Wolbachia-based approach for the control of the dengue vector Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Post-graduate Research Sessions, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Abstract ID IPCR/18/32. 18, pp 32.
4. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2017) Introgression and characterization of Wolbachia triple infected Aedes albopictus mosquito line to be used for a pilot trial in dengue vector control in Sri Lanka. Proceedings at the oral presentation of the Symposium on current research activities on dengue organized by the Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (19th December 2017).
5. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2017) Optimization of direct maternal micro-injection technique of Wolbachiapurified from Armigeres subalbatus mosquito host for Aedes albopictus Proceedings at the oral presentation of the Symposium on current research activities on dengue organized by the Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (19th December 2017).
6. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2017) Potential use of a combined sterile insect technique (SIT) and Wolbachia-based (Wb) approach for the control of the dengue vector Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the SLAYS open forum 2017 “Research for Impact; March of the Sri Lankan Young Scientists” organized by the Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) and National Science Foundation (NSF) Sri Lanka in collaboration with Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI). Pp 88-89.
7. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2016) A preliminary community survey of selected dengue patient households in the Ragama MOH, Gampaha District. Proceedings of the International Post-graduate Research Sessions, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 17, pp 137.
8. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Abeyewickreme, W. (2016) Eliminating female Aedes mosquitoes by spiking blood meals with toxicants as a sex separation method in the context of the sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique. Proceedings of the International Post-graduate Research Sessions, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 17, pp 249.
9. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Gunathilaka, N., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Kittayapong, P., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2016) Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in Sri Lankan mosquito. Proceedings of the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions, Sri Lanka. 20, pp 303.
10. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Dilushika, W.A.P., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., De Silva, B.G.D.N.K., Abeyewickreme, W. (2016) Potential use of mechanical methods for sex separation of dengue vector mosquitoes for large scale laboratory rearing. Proceedings of the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions, Sri Lanka. 20, pp 226.
11. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Gunathilaka, N., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N. (2015) Establishment and maintenance of laboratory colonies of Aedes albopictus Proceedings of the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions, Sri Lanka. 19, pp 204.
12. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Gunathilaka, N., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N. (2015) Determination of appropriate positioning of the ovitraps for dengue mosquito surveillance. Proceedings of the International Post-graduate Research Sessions, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
13. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Chandrasena, T.G.A.N., Dassanayake, R.S., Ruanareerate, T., Kittayapong, P., Abeyewickreme, W. (2015) Maternal transformation of Wolbachia isolated from infected mosquito hosts to Aedes aegypti using micro-injection based procedure: an approach towards integrated dengue vector control. Proceedings of the Symposium on current research activities on dengue organized by the Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (13th November, 2015) pp 28-29.
14. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Dilushika, W.A.P., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., De Silva, B.G.D.N.K.N., Udayanga, W.B.A.L. (2016) Evaluation of the efficacy of two veterinary preparations as a behavioural sex separation tool for Aedes aegypti Oral presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Sri Jayawardanapura University, Sri Lanka.
15. Abeyewickreme, W., Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B. (2015) Male isolation of dengue vector Aedes mosquitoes for sterile insect technique (SIT) by spiking blood with Ivermectine. Proceedings of the 71st Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. pp 8.
16. Pinidiyapathirage, M. J., Gunethilake, M. A. G. N., Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D. (2010). Knowledge and practices of dengue control and their effect on breeding sites and vector populations. Proceedings of 123rd Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. The Ceylon medical journal. 55 (1), pp34.
17. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Manamperi, A. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2009). GIS mapping of Lymphatic filariasis endemic areas in Gampaha district Sri Lanka; based on the epidemiological and entomological screening. Proceedings of the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting, Bangkok, Thailand. pp111.
18. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Manamperi, A. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2009). Lymphatic filariasis in selected endemic communities in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 10th Annual Research Symposium in Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sri Lanka. pp150.
19. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Hapangama, H. A. D. C., Gunawardane, Y. I. N. S., Manamperi, A. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2009). Efficacy and potential use of VectoBac WG® for the control of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in three different localities at Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 65th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. pp5.
20. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Manamperi, A., Bandara, K. B. A. T., Liyanage, T. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2008). Polymerase Chain Reaction and mosquito dissection as tools to monitor filarial infection levels following mass treatment in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Infectious Diseases (December 2008), 12, Supplement 1, pg. e48-e48.
21. Hapangama, H. A. D. C., Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Benjamin, S. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2008). Ovitrap-based surveillance for Aedes in dengue-endemic Gampaha district, Sri Lanka during rainy season. Proceedings of the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting, Bangkok, Thailand. pp130.
22. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Manamperi, A., Hapuarachchi, C., Gunawardena, N. K., Abeysundara, S. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2008). Comparison of five DNA extraction methods from human blood for the detection of Wuchereria bancrofti by polymerase chain reaction assays. Proceedings of the 64th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. pp7.
23. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Manamperi, A., Hapuarachchi, C., Bandara, K. B. A. T. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2008). Large-scale entomological assesssment of Wuchereria bancroftitransmission by dissection and PCR-ELISA in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 64th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. pp9.
24. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., and Abeyewickreme, W. (2007). Entomological assessment of Wuchereria bancrofti transmission following mass treatment in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting, Bangkok, Thailand. pp130.
25. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., and Abeyewickreme, W. (2007). Impact of repeated annual Diethylcarbamizine-Albendazole mass treatment on transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in the Gampaha district. Proceedings of the 2nd International symposium on infectious diseases and Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pp34.
26. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Hapuarachchi, C., Gunawardena, N. K., Abeysundara, S. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2007). Night blood survey of a selected high-risk population for lymphatic filariasis. Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. pp1-2.
27. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Gunathilaka, N., Abeyewickreme, W., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Dasannayaka, R.S., Chandrasena, N., Kittayapong, P., Bourtzis, K., Xi, Z. (2016) Screening for Wolbachia infection in mosquito and other insect populations in Ragama, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Session Mosquitoes and Human health at the Third FAO/IAEA International Conference on Area-wide Management of Insect Pests: Integrating the Sterile Insect and Related Nuclear and Other Techniques (22 – 26 May 2017) at the IAEA Headquarters, in Vienna, Austria.
28. Abeyewickreme, W., Ranathunga, T., Gunatilake, N., Udayanga, N. W. B. A. L., Wijegunawardana, A. (2016) A Combination of Mechanical and Behavioural Methods for Sex separation of Aedes mosquitoes for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Incompatible Insect Techniques (IIT). Proceedings of the Session Mosquitoes and Human health at the Third FAO/IAEA International Conference on Area-wide Management of Insect Pests: Integrating the Sterile Insect and Related Nuclear and Other Techniques (22 – 26 May 2017) at the IAEA Headquarters, in Vienna, Austria.
29. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S., Manamperi, A. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2009). Patterns of monthly Culex mosquito density variation in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting, Bangkok, Thailand. pp157.
30. Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D., Gunewardene, Y. I. N. S. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2007). An entomological assessment of transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in selected localities of the Gampaha District.Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka. pp164.

Contributing Reports

1. Impact of mass chemotherapy on low count transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in Sri Lanka. WHO Funded publications/Research reports. Online: Available from: http://whosrilanka.healthrepository.org/handle/123456789/242.
2. Potential use of a combined sterile insect technique (SIT) and Wolbachia-based approach for the control of the dengue vector Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka” (2016) WHO Funded publications/Research reports.

Awards and external recognitions

Memberships:

• STMIS registration number at the NSF: NSF/STMIS/13/3213

Administrative & Other Activities within the University

• Coordinator – Accreditation Program 2020 – to date

Working Experience and Employment History

• Senior Lecturer Gr. II – FoT, RUSL – October 2020 – to date
• Senior Lecturer Gr. II (Assignment basis) – FoT, RUSL – January 2020 – October 2021
• Scientific Assistant Gr. I – Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka- April 2014 – January 2020.
• Visiting Lecturer – in Basic Mathematics and Applied Statistics; and Project Proposal Formulation & Report Writing, Advanced Technology Institute, Ministry of Higher Education, Gampaha, Sri Lanka– March 2018 – January 2020.
• Research Officer – Anti Filariasis Campaign, Ministry of Health, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka– March 2011 – March 2014.
• Research Assistant – Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka- February 2007 – February 2011.
• Research Assistant – Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka- December 2005 – January 2007.