Head of the Lab
Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Transcriptional regulation is a core element that requires deep understanding to shed light on mysteries that microbes hide in them. It is a fascinating field that leads to novel avenues from synthetic biology and bioengineering to drug discovery.
A diverse array of projects are carried out in the group to accommodate young talent.
CURRENT MEMBERS
Dr. Tharaka Kusuminda
2024 – Postdoctoral Fellow (IDEAnet Project)
Wildlife ecologist with a special interest in bats.
Dr. Sujanthe Mauran
2023 – Postdoctoral Fellow (IDEAnet Project)
Molecular biologist with a special interest in infectious diseases.
Abira Satkunanathan
2025 – Postgraduate student (IDEAnet project)
A Comprehensive Genomic Surveillance of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Sri Lanka: Unravelling pathogen genetic markers for precision diagnosis.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Dr. Nilanthi Senanayake, Prof. Andreas Nitsche, Dr. Andreas Puyskens and Dr. Sujanthe Mauran
Chamara Amarasinghe
2023 – Postgraduate student (IDEA net project)
The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius) is the most abundant fruit bat in Sri Lanka, though this species is yet to be studied in a wider range. Taxonomic status, movement ecology, and habitat context, including roosting ecology, will be explained in this study while identifying the route of zoonotic diseases that spread in Sri Lanka from India.
Supervisors: Dr. Wipula Yapa, Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Andreas Nitsche, Prof. Claudia Kohl, Dr. Saminda Fernando
Vithusha Aramphamoorthy
2023 – Postgraduate student (IDEA net Project)
Emerging and re-emerging infectious disease outbreaks and viroterrorism attacks are on the rise, with devastating effects on people’s health. Infectious diseases caused by wild animal pathogens usually emerge very quickly, and some of these emerging pathogens can cause unexpected epidemics among wild animals, humans, and livestock. Poxviruses are best known and most feared viruses, which are expected to be a pandemic within the next few years due to the wide host range, including many mammals. Hence, my research focuses on describing the virome of selected rodents in Sri Lanka with a special reference to poxviruses.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Andreas Nitsche, Dr. Wipula B. Yapa, Dr. Saminda P. Fernando, and Dr. Lars Hildebrandt-Einfeldt.
Hansi Ganhewa
2023 – Postgraduate student (IDEA net Project)
Vector mosquitoes of the genus Aedes play an important role as a vector of arboviruses, many of which can severely affect human health. Studying the vector virome is important for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. My project focuses on the analysis of the virome of Aedes sp. mosquitoes in different localities in Sri Lanka and the corresponding disease prevalence in associated human subjects.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Andreas Nitsche, Prof. Gayani Galhena, Dr. Wipula B. Yapa
Vidumini Alwis
2023 – Postgraduate student
My focus is on alkane degradation and regulation pathways in bacteria. It is aimed at identifying a novel n-alkane-degrading microorganism from terrestrial and/or marine environments and gaining more insights into the molecular mechanism of n-alkane degradation.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
-
Alwis, P.D.N.V., Perera, I.C. (2025). Microbial synergy in hydrocarbon breakdown: Bacillus sp. and Brucella sp. driving n-octacosane degradation, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2025, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
-
Alwis, P.D.N.V., Perera, I.C. (2024). Isolation and Identification of Long Chain n-Alkane Degrading Bacteria from Crude Oil-contaminated Soil in Sapugaskanda, Sri Lanka’, Annual Research Conference 2024, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Nimesha Senadeera
2023 – Postgraduate student
My research is focused on biophysical characterization of recombinant full-length human serum albumin and its N-terminal truncated protein (ischemia-modified albumin), which is a novel marker of cardiac ischemia.
Supervisors: Dr. Chathuranga B. Ranaweera (PI – KDU), Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Dr. Darshana Kottahachchi (KDU)
- Senadeera, N.N., Ranaweera, C.B., Perera, I.C. & Kottahachchi, D.U. (2024). Biochemical Insights and Clinical Applications of Ischemia-Modified Albumin in Ischemic Conditions—A Review. Journal of Vascular Diseases, 3(3): 245-266. https://doi.org/10.3390/jvd3030020
Sarani Sepalage
2021 – Postgraduate Student (IDEA project)
My focus is on avian respiratory viruses and gastrointestinal parasites of migratory waterbirds in Mannar, Sri Lanka. Basically, it is aimed at preparing a respiratory virus panel to identify the most common avian respiratory viruses in the world.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Nihal Dayawansa, Prof. Sampath Seneviratne, Prof. Andreas Nitsche, Dr. Wipula B. Yapa
- Sepalage, C.S., Yapa, W.B., Dayawansa, N., Seneviratne, S.S., Nitsche, A. & Perera, I.C. (2024). Designing a Multiplex PCR for the Surveillance of Avian Respiratory Viruses. Tropical Bio Summit 2024, India. 10th July 2024.
- Sepalage, C.S., Yapa, W.B., Dayawansa, N., Seneviratne, S.S., Nitsche, A., Kohl, C. & Perera, I.C. (2023). Optimization of a qPCR to detect six avian respiratory viruses. Annual Research Session of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. 3rd November 2023.
- Sepalage, C.S., Yapa, W.B., Dayawanse, N., Senevirathne, S., Nitsche, A., Kohl, C. & Perera, I.C. (2023). Singleplex PCR Method For Analyzing Six Avian Respiratory Viruses Present In Migratory Water Birds in Mannar, Sri Lanka. 59th Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation. Coimbatore, India. 2-6 July 2023.
-
Sepalage, C.S., Yapa, W.B., Dayawanse, N., Senevirathne, S.S., Nistche, A. & Perera, I.C. (2022). Preliminary survey of gastrointestinal parasites of migratory waterbirds in Mannar, Sri Lanka. Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. 11th-16th December 2022.
-
Anthonies, R.K.D.J.R., Arachchige, N.D.S., Dharmasiri, A.W.R., Hemamali, W.P.E.H., Perera, T., Sepalage, C.S., Siriwardana, S., HildebrandtEinfeldt, L., Perera, I.C. & Janage, S.N. (2022). Emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Sri Lanka. The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists. 29.08.2022.
-
Liyanage, S., Anthonies, R., Sepalage, C.S., Siriwardana, S., & Perera, I.C. (2022). An ARMS PCR-based RT-coupled method for simultaneous identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka. 30.09.2022.
Jayani Gunawardana
2021 – Postgraduate student
An investigation of pro-antioxidant effects of (Oriza sativa L.) extract against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative misbalance and cytotoxicity in kidney cells (in vitro)
Supervisors: Dr. Chamindri Witharana (PI), Dr. Sameera Gunawardena, Dr. N.D. Amal Wageesha and Prof. Inoka C. Perera
- Gunawardana, J.W., Perera, I.C., Witharana, C., Wageesha, N.D.A. & Gunawardena, S.A. (2025). Essential Trace Elements in Commonly Consumed Varieties of Sri Lankan Cooked Rice and Its Dietary Significance: A Focus on Recommended Daily Allowances. Biol Trace Elem Res. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-025-04921-6.
- Gunawardana, W., S.A. Gunawardena, C. Witharana, N.D.A. Wageesha, I.C. Perera, (2025). Evaluating the dietary impact of cooking-induced changes in Essential Trace Elements in Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.), Proceedings of Annual Research Symposium of the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka (IOBSL), 26th September, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Gunawardana J.W, Witharana C, Wageesha N.D.A, Gunawardena S.A, Perera I.C. (2024). Changes in Total Antioxidant Activities of Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains during domestic cooking & antioxidative benefits of rice consumption in the daily diet, Proceedings of Annual Research Symposium of University of Colombo, 5th – Nov, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Gunawardana J.W., Perera I.C., Wageesha N.D.A., Witharana C., Gunawardena S.A. (2024). Toxicological evaluation for the presence of toxic trace elements: Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in Sri Lankan commercial rice (Oryza sativa L.), Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress (RESCON), 1-2 Nov. 2024, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
- Gunawardana, W., I.C. Perera, C.W. Witharana, Gunawardena S.A. (2023). Intake estimation of antioxidant constituents (total phenolics and flavonoids) through consumption of cooked rice (Oryza sativa L.) using dietary data from Sri Lankan households, Proceedings of Annual Research Symposium of University of Colombo, 5th – Nov, Colombo, Sri Lanka,
- Gunawardana W.D.J.W., Gunawardena S.A., Wageesha N.D.A., Perera I.C., Witharana C. (2023). Impact of domestic cooking process on the availability of Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid contents in selected rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties commercially available in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the 16th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU – IRC), 7th–8th September.
- Gunawardana J.W., Perera I.C., Witharana C., Gunawardena S.A. (2023). Grain Hydration and Weight Transformation in Different Varieties of Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) during the Domestic Cooking Processes, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (IUSUCL), 6th–8th December.
- Gunawardana J.W., Gunawardana S.A., Perera I.C., Witharana C. (2023). Daily dietary intake of total phenolic and total flavonoids from consumption of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties commercially available in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Post Graduate Institute of Science Research Congress (RESCON), Sri Lanka, 3rd–4th November.
- Gunawardana, J.W., Gunawardena, S.A., Perera, I.C., Wageesha, N.D.A., Witharana, C. (2023). Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid contents in crude boiled broth of commercially available Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, Proceedings of the International Research Conference in Health Sciences 2023-FAHS, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, 31st March, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Chamila Nandasena
2019 – Postgraduate Student
My project deals with the FLT3/FL system in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, where it is aimed at finding a peripheral blood marker for treatment assessment.
Supervisors: Dr. D. U. Kottahachchi (PI), Dr. Darshan de Silva, Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Dr. Sasikala Suresh
- Kottahachchi, D., Nandasena, C., Gallage, S., Perera, I., De Silva, D. & Suresh S. (2021). A Review on the Role of C Kit /SCF System in Hematological Malignancies. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. 6(2): 979-983.
- Nandasena, C.K., Jayathilake, P.W.D.C.C., Dharmarathne, G., Suresh, S., De Silva, A.D., Perera, I.C. & Kottahachchi, D.U. (2023). Comparison of the presence of FLT3 receptor on peripheral blood mononuclear cells between newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and healthy individuals. 12th Annual Scientific Sessions, IBMBB, University of Colombo.
- Nandasena, C.K., Jayathilake, P.W.D.C.C., Suresh, S., De Silva, A.D., Perera, I.C. & Kottahachchi, D.U. (2023). Preliminary study on the association between FLT3 ligand level in plasma and peripheral white blood cell counts in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and healthy individuals. 16th International Research Conference, KDU.
- Nandasena, C.K., Jayathilake, P.W.D.C.C., Suresh, S., De Silva, A.D., Perera, I.C. & Kottahachchi, D.U. (2023). Preliminary study to detect the associations between FLT3 positivity/negativity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, FLT3 ligand level in plasma, and peripheral white blood cell counts in newly diagnosed NHL patients and healthy individuals. Annual Research Symposium 2023, University of Colombo.
- Nandasena, C.K., Jayathilake, P.W.D.C.C., Suresh, S., De Silva, A.D., Perera, I.C. & Kottahachchi, D.U. (2024). Role of FLT3 receptor in peripheral white blood cells of newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients and healthy individuals: A preliminary study. Annual Research Symposium 2024, University of Colombo.
- Nandasena, C.K., Suresh, S., De Silva, A.D., Perera, I.C. & Kottahachchi, D.U. (2025). Exploring FLT3/FLT3 Ligand and White Blood Cell Ratios as Predictors of Immune Health in Sri Lankan Healthy Cohorts. 18th International Research Conference, KDU.
Nashma Sainudeen
2025 – Project Assistant
BSc Hons in Medical Laboratory Sciences (KDU)
Thiyasha Dharithri Peiris
2025 – Project Assistant
BSc Hons in Microbiology and Biotechnology (ENU)
Winuka V. Jayasinghe
2025/26 – Undergraduate research student (IIMB Honors)
I investigated the prevalence and protective effect of the HSD17B13 rs72613567 TA polymorphism in a Sri Lankan cohort with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Madunil A. Niriella (University of Kelaniya), Dr. Padmapani Padeniya (University of Kelaniya)
Imasha Nawagamuwa
2025/26 – Undergraduate research student (BSc Hons in Zoology)
I investigated the association of GCKR rs1260326 (P446L) Variant with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Sri Lankan Population..
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Madunil A. Niriella (University of Kelaniya), Dr. Padmapani Padeniya (University of Kelaniya)
Shambhavee Uthiran
2025/26 – Undergraduate Research Student (Zoology Honours)
I am conducting an undergraduate research study titled “Venomic profiling of the Sri Lankan Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) and its changes in correlation with spatial and temporal variations.” This study aims to characterize the composition of Russell’s viper venom and evaluate how venom profiles vary across different geographical regions in Sri Lanka.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera and Prof. Nihal P. Dayawansa
Aseni Perera
2025/26 – Undergraduate Research Student (Environmental Science Honors)
My research focuses on the isolation and identification of indigenous marine bacteria for the bioremediation of oil-contaminated coastal waters in Sri Lanka.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
PAST MEMBERS
R.G. Vihanga Ranishka Bandara Rathnayake
2024/25 – Undergraduate research student (IIMB Honors)
I investigated the role of Mycobacterium xylanase regulator (MxyR) in controlling essential metabolic and virulence pathways of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
R.B.Arunodya Rashmi Wijayarathna
2024/25 – Undergraduate research student (IIMB Honors)
I investigated the structural and functional characterization of a copper-responsive transcriptional regulator in Leptospira interrogans, with the goal of understanding its role in metal ion homeostasis and gene regulation during host-pathogen interactions.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera and Dr. Sujanthie Mauran
Wijerathna, R.B.A.R., Senadeera, S.P.N.N., Jayasundara, J.M.D.D., Mauran, S., Perera, I.C. (2025) Molecular insights into the regulation of copper detoxification in pathogenic Leptospira. Proceedings of the 45th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka. 25th September 2025
Shoumela Sivayogeswaran
2022/23 – Internship student from Ecoles des Biologies Industrielle (EBI), Cergy, France.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Sasini Angunawala
2023/24 – Undergraduate research student (IIMB Honors)
I investigated the gut microbiome of Apis dorsata in Sri Lanka
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera and Dr. A. Jayatunga
Ramona Perera
2023/24 – Undergraduate research student (IIMB Honors)
My project was to examine the regulatory mechanisms of a metal ion transporter in Leptospira interrogans
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Dinushka Ariyarathne
2023/24 – Undergraduate research Student (Zoology Honors)
My goal was to survey and study the dynamics of mite infestations in honey bees.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Inoka Karunaratne (University of Peradeniya)
Sajani Gaspe
2023/24 – Undergraduate research student (IIMB Honors)
I designed a diagnostic assay to identify the serovars of leptospirosis circulating in Sri Lanka.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Yasara Rathnayaka
2023 – 2024 – Postgraduate student
My project is to examine the regulatory mechanisms of alkane degradation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
R.R.P.Y.K. Rathnayaka, Erandika H. Hemamali, Cristina Bez, Iris Bertani, Vittorio Venturi, and Inoka C. Perera (2024) AlkB1 as a key enzyme for alkane degradation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 strain, FIRST INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (June 27, 2024)
Shyn Palihakkara
2023 – Undergraduate student (Edinburgh Napier University)
Establishing an mpox-specific real-time PCR assay for molecular diagnostics
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Thiyasha Dharithri Peiris
2023 Undergraduate student (Edinburgh Napier University)
My work focuses on studying the wound-healing properties of a topical application prepared using traditional Sri Lankan medicine, which is used in treating diabetic patients. The formulation is tested based on its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities and angiogenic potential.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
J. A. T. D. Peiris, S. P. N. N. Senadeera, K. R. Weerasekara, I. C. Perera (2023) Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of a polyherbal formulation based on traditional Sri Lankan medicine for diabetic wound healing. Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka. 22nd September 2023
Sashika Mendis
2022/23 – Internship student from Tianjin University of Science and Technology, China
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Madhawa Madusanka
2022/23 – Undergraduate Research Student (IIMB)
My work is focused on resolving the activity of an unusual xylanase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
T.R.M. Madusanka, I.C. Perera (2023) Predicting the structure and active site of a putative xylanase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka. 22nd September 2023
Sadani Panchasika
2021/22 – Undergraduate Research Student (IIMB)
I designed cost-effective probes to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants and analyzed the effect of mutations on the vaccine efficacy.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Liyanage S, Perera I C, Anthonies R, Sepalage C S, Siriwardana S. (2022) An ARMS PCR-based RT coupled method for simultaneous identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants [abstract]. In: The Proceedings of The 42nd Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka; 2022 September 30
Janith Wickramasinghe
2021/22 – Undergraduate Research Student (IIMB)
My project revolved around the wound-healing activity of an elusive mushroom, which I identified as Calvatia craniiformis. Aqueous extract of the mushroom shows an inhibitory effect on the virulence activation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Prof. Chandrika Nanayakkara (Plant Sciences, UoC), Dr. Helani Munasinghe (Department of Botany, SJP)
W.M.J.V. Wickramasinghe, I. C. Perera (2022) Molecular docking for discovering lead compounds of fungal origin as quorum quenching agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, In: The Proceedings of The 42nd Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka; 2022 September 30
Sahan Siriwardana
2019 – 2025 – Postgraduate student (IDEA project)
Studying virome and viral shedding dynamics in pteropid bats in Sri Lanka.
Supervisors: Prof. Wipula B. Yapa, Prof. Andreas Nitsche, Dr. Claudia Kohl, Prof. Sunil Premawansa, Prof. Inoka C. Perera
W. P. Erandika Harshani Hemamali
2016-2022 – Postgraduate student
Alkane degradation is a key aspect of biodegradation and the conversion of alkanes to useful industrial products. It is important to study the regulatory pathway of alkane degradation for modifying organisms for this purpose. I have studied a master regulator of this process in P. aeruginosa that I named LcaR, which belongs to the GntR family of transcriptional regulators.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Hemamali, Erandika H; Weerasinghe, Laksiri P; Tanaka, Hideaki; Kurisu, Genji; Perera, Inoka C; LcaR: a regulatory switch from Pseudomonas aeruginosa for bioengineering alkane degrading bacteria Biodegradation 17-Jan 2022 Springer
Perera, Inoka C; Hemamali, Erandika H; Genetically Modified Organisms for Bioremediation: Current Research and Advancements Bioremediation of Environmental Pollutants 1 163-186 2021 Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86169-8_7
Hemamali, W.P.E.H., Misumi, Y., Tanaka, H., Kurisu, G., Perera, I.C. (2018) Structural Insight to PA1526, a GntR type transcriptional regulator from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 6th Annual Conference on Sri Lanka Japan Collaborative Research, Kandy, Sri Lanka, pg. no. 45
Hemamali, W.P.E.H., Tanaka, H., Kurisu, G., Perera, I.C. (2018) Secondary Structure Determination and Molecular docking of GntR type transcriptional regulator of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as potential drug target, International conference on Health and Medicine, Colombo, Sri Lanka, pg. no. 38
Hemamali, W.P.E.H. and Perera, I.C. (2018) Characterization of promoter interaction of GntR type transcriptional regulator PA1526 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in pursue of finding novel drug leads, South Asian Biotechnology Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka, pg. no. 51
Hemamali, W. P. E. H. and Perera, I. C. (2019) LcaR: A GntR regulator of Pesudomonas aeruginosa regulates medium chain alkane degradation, Annual research symposium, University of Colombo, pg. no. 218
E. A. Rahman, W. P. E. H. Hemamali, Inoka C. Perera, (2019) Structure Determination and Molecular Docking of Alkane monoxygenase 2 (AlkB2) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.Annual research symposium of Institute of Biology, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pg. no. 35
Prabashi M. Wikramasinghe., W. P. E. H. Hemamali., Inoka C. Perera., (2020) An in silico study on elusiating the mechanism of Alkane-1-monoxygenase 2 enzyme catalysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Annual research symposium of Institute of Biology, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pg. no. 58
Sujanthe Mauran
2015-2022 – Postgraduate Student
Ligand responsive MarR homologs play a major role in the regulation of gene expression. My project was on a xylan-responsive MarR homolog, where I explored the possibility of using it as a novel drug target against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera and Prof. N. T. Perera
Mauran, S., Perera, N.T., and Perera, I.C., MxyR of Mycobacterium tuberculosis responds to xylan; an unusual ligand for a MarR family transcriptional regulator., Mol. Biol., 2021, 55 (6)
Mauran, S. Gamage, N.P. Senanayaka, J. Perera, N.T. Perera and I.C. Perera, (2021), Differential expression of mxyr gene cluster of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the presence of carbohydrates, Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka pp. 140, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
de Alwis KAG, Mauran S, Perera IC (2021). Isolation and identification of bacteria with antibacterial activity from cow dung samples collected from selected areas in Sri Lanka – in Proceedings of 41st Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka pp. 66, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nadeesha WGN, Mauran S, Perera IC (2020). Rv3095: A probable virulence regulator in Mycobacterium tuberculosis – in Proceedings of 40thAnnual Sessions of the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka pp. 69, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Rasakulendran S, Perera NT, Perera IC (2019). Homologs of Rv3095: in the quest of finding its role in Mycobacterium tuberculosis – in Annual Research Symposium, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. pp. 234, Colombo Srilanka
Rasakulendran S, Perera NT, Perera IC (2018). Natural ligands of transcriptional regulator Rv3095: A potential drug target for tuberculosis –in South Asian Biotechnology Conference, pp 111, Colombo, Sri Lanka (The FEBS Journal Poster Prize – Outstanding poster)
Rasakulendran S, Perera NT and Perera IC (2017). Metallobiology of transcriptional regulator Rv3095 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A potential drug target. in World congress on Genetics, Genomics and personalized medicine 2017, Bangalore, India (Best Oral presentation Award)
Rasakulendran S, Perera NT, Perera IC (2017). Transcriptional regulator Rv3095 as potential drug target for Mycobacterium tuberculosis – in The International Conference on Nutritional and Genetic Epidermiology, pp 18, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Session’s Best Presentation Award in the session of Multi-Omics Approaches, Best Student Presentation Award)
N. Abeydeera, S. Rasakulendran, T. Abaywikrama, C. Nanayakara, I. C. Perera and T Perera (2016). Synthesis, characterization and BSA binding studies of novel zinc ferene complexes – in Chemistry in Sri Lanka, Vol 33 pp 208, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Thanusha Abeywickrama
2015-2022 – Postgraduate student
A major component of understanding the complex physiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis depends on how much we understand its mechanisms of gene regulation. I worked on a GntR family transcriptional regulator that I named MoyR which is a probable monooxygenase regulator that can be further studied as a potential drug target.
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
Abeywickrama, Thanusha D; Perera, Inoka C; In Silico Characterization and Virtual Screening of GntR/HutC Family Transcriptional Regulator MoyR: A Potential Monooxygenase Regulator in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Biology 10 12 1241 2021 MDPI, https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10121241
Thanusha D. Abeywickrama and Inoka C. Perera (2021). Identification of GntR/HutC Transcriptional Regulator MoyR from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that responds to monovalent cations in DNA binding and Oligomerization. Proceedings of the Virtual symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Protein Data Bank.
Thanusha D. Abeywickrama, Yuko Misumi, Hideaki Tanaka, Genji Kurisu and Inoka C. Perera (2018). Rv0792c; A GntR Protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Characterization and Ligand Screening. 6th Conference on Sri Lanka-Japan Collaborative Research, 2018.
Abeywickrama, T.A., Perera, I. C., Kurisu, G. (2018). Characterization of the GntR Family Transcriptional Regulator Rv0792c; A potential Drug Target for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. International Journal of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, vol:12, No: 2, Malaysia.
Abeywickrama, T. A. and Perera, I. C. (2017). Rv0792; a potential drug target for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Applied Science and Environmental Technology-ASET, Thailand.
Ayodya de Alwis
2020/21 – Undergraduate student
2021-2022 – Voluntary research assistant
Identification of antimicrobial properties of gut microbial secretions of cow dung in Sri Lanka
Supervisor: Prof. Inoka C. Perera
K.A.G. de Alwis, S. Mauran, I.C. Perera | Isolation and Identification of Bacteria with Antibacterial Activity from Cow Dung Samples Collected from Selected Areas in Sri Lanka, 41st Annual Session of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka. 24th September 2021
Indeewari Liyanage
2020/21 – Undergraduate Student
Wound-healing properties and potential hypoglycemic effects of major decoctions used to treat diabetic chronic wounds in Sri Lankan traditional medicine and Ayurvedic medicine
Supervisors: Prof. Inoka C. Perera and Dr. S.K.M.K. Herapathdeniya
P.I.T. Liyanage, V.K. Fernando, J.R.A.C. Jayakody, S.K.M.K. Herapathdeniya, I.C. Perera. Hypoglycemic, antibacterial, and angiogenic activities and toxicities of two decoctions used in Sri Lankan traditional and Ayurvedic medicine systems. Presented at the 41st Annual Session of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, 24th September 2021 (Won the best research presentation award)
Hashadi N. Gamage
2019/20 – Undergraduate student
Determination of probable binding sites for the Rv 3095; a MarR family regulator in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Supervisor: Dr. Inoka C. Perera
W.G.H. Nadeesha, S. Mauran, I.C. Perera. (2020). ‘Rv3095; A Probable Virulence Regulator in Mycobacterium tuberculosis’, proceedings of the 40th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, 26th of September 2020.
Prabashi M. Wickramasinghe
2019/20 – Undergraduate student
Towards construction of a bioengineered model organism for biotransformation of alkanes
Supervisor: Dr. Inoka C. Perera
P.M.Wickramasinghe., W.P.E.H.Hemamali., I.C.Perera. (2020). ‘An in silico study on elucidating the mechanism of alkane 1-monooxygenase 2 (AlkB2) enzyme catalysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1’, Proceedings of the 40th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, September, 2020.
Sumudu Nipuni Upatissa
2019/20 – Undergraduate student
Regional diversity in microorganisms used in traditional curd production in Sri Lanka
Supervisor: Dr. Inoka C. Perera
Upatissa, H. D. S. N., Nanayakkara, C.M ., & Perera, I. C. (2020). 40th Annual Session of Institute of Biology In Using the resilience of nature to face the reality of climate change (p. 75). The Institute of Biology Sri Lanka
Dinithi Hemachandra
2019/20 – Undergraduate student
Assessment of the well-being and identification of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the well-being of elephants in Udawalawe National Park
Supervisors: Prof. P. N. Dayawansa (PI), Mrs. C. M.N.K. Chandrasekara, Dr. C. D. Wijayarathna and Dr. Inoka C. Perera
Vidyani S. Kulatunga
2019/20 – Undergraduate student
Study of ectoparasites in nests of common birds in Sri Lanka
Supervisors: Prof. P. N. Dayawansa (PI) and Dr. Inoka C. Perera
V.S. Kulatunga, I.C. Perera, P.N. Dayawansa (2020). ‘Diversity of nest-dwelling ectoparasites of selected captive breeding birds in National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka’, Proceedings of the 40th annual sessions of the institute of Biology, 2020.
V.S. Kulatunga, I.C. Perera, P.N. Dayawansa (2021). ‘Diversity and infestation level of nest-dwelling ectoparasites in five types of bird nests in Sri Lanka’,in proceedings of the 25th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Sri Lanka, 2020.
Erandi Suhashini Weerappuliarachchi
2016-2018 – Postgraduate student (MSc in Environmental Science, UOP)
Synthesis and optimization of properties of antibacterial nylon for biomedical applications
Supervisors: Dr. B.S. Dassanayake (PI), Dr. Inoka C. Perera, Dr. S.S. Gunathilake
Weerappuliarachchi, JWMES; Perera, IC; Gunathilake, SS; Thennakoon, SKS; Dassanayake, BS; (2020) Synthesis of cellulose microcrystals (CMC)/nylon 6, 10 composite by incorporating CMC isolated from Pandanus ceylanicus. Carbohydrate Polymers 241 116227 Elsevier
Warunika Karunasiri
2018/19 – Undergraduate student (IIMB)
Studying MSMEG_0596 gene encoding GntR transcriptional regulator in Mycobacterium smegmatis for drug targetting
Supervisor: Dr. Inoka C. Perera
W. Karunasiri., T.D. Abeywickrama., I.C. Perera. (2019). ‘DNA and ligand binding properties of MSMEG_0596; a GntR family transcriptional regulator in Mycobacterium smegmatis’, Proceedings of the 39th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, 27th September, 2019.
Asma Rahman
2018/19 – Undergraduate student
Characterization of alkB2 alkane monooxygenase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Supervisor: Dr. Inoka C. Perera
F.A. Rahman, W.P.E.H. Hemamali, I.C. Perera. Structure determination and molecular docking of AlkB2 alkane-1-monooxygenase 2 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Proceedings of the 39th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology. 27th September 2019;1-13
V.M. Rasuni Thilakshika
2018-2019 Undergraduate student
The effect of I-131 treatment on radio-sensitivities of Thyroid cancer patients
supervised by Dr. Inoka C. Perera and Dr. Sujeewa Weerasinghe
Ravindra Lakshantha Jayaratne
2013-2019 Graduate Student
Assessing bird feathers as a biomonitoring tool for heavy metal pollution
Supervised by Prof. Sarath Kotagama, Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, and Dr. Inoka C. Perera
Jayaratne, RL; Perera, IC; Weerakoon, DK; Kotagama, SW; Dietary assessment of Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) by analyzing regurgitated materials during their breeding seasons in Sri Lanka NeBIO 7 4 170-178 2016 NECEER, Imphal
Jayaratne, RL; Perera, IC; Weerakoon, DK; Kotagama, SW; Do Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis in Sri Lanka migrate to breed? Indian Birds 11 3 69-70 2016 New Ornis Foundation, Hyderabad, India
Jayaratne, Ravindra Lakshantha; Perera, Inoka Chinthana; Weerakoon, Devaka Keerthi; Kotagama, Sarath Wimalabandara; Feathers of Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) Fledglings as a Bio Monitoring Tool for Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead Pollution in Sri Lanka. Journal of Ecotoxicology and Ecobiology. Vol44103-1132019
Asitha Premaratne
2017-2018 Undergraduate Research Student (IIMB)
EGFR Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Development of an economical identification method using PCR techniques and in-silico assessment for new TKI drug leads.
EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma: development of an economical method for the detection of SNPs at exon 20 and 21 | Presented at the 38th Annual Session of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka |28th September 2018
Asela Chandrasinghe
2017 Internship Student
From Pacific University, Oregon, USA
Gayara Udawatta
2017 Internship Student
From The British School of Colombo
Nishanth Kuganesan
2016-2017 Undergraduate Student (Nuclear Sciences)
Preliminary investigation on the influence of WDR3 gene on radiation induced chromosomal damage in thyroid cancer patients in Sri Lanka
supervised by Dr. Inoka C. Perera (PI) Dr. N. V. Chandrasekharan Dr. Sujeeva Weerasinghe
Lakindu S. Pathira Kankanamge
2016-2017 Undergraduate Student
Structure-guided design of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Topoisomerase (I) Inhibitors
Lakindu Samaranayake P.K., and Inoka C. Perera. 2017. “Structure Guided Design of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Topoisomerase I Inhibitors” Proceedings 1, no. 6: 668. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings1060668 Presented at the 1st Molecules Medicinal Chemistry Symposium, Barcelona, Spain, 8 September 2017.
Tharushi de Silva
2016-2017 Undergraduate Student
Analysis of EGFR mutants and demographic data in relation to lung adenocarcinoma patients in Sri Lanka supervised by Dr. Inoka C. Perera (PI) and Dr. Jayantha Balawardana (KDU)
de Silva, T. A., Perera, I. C., & Balawardane, J. (2017). Analysis of EGFR mutants and demographic data in relation to lung adenocarcinoma patients in Sri Lanka. Abstract presented at the Annual Scientific sessions of The Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Yasuri Amarasekara
2016-2017 Undergraduate Student (IIMB)
Analysis of antibacterial properties in Web-Silk Derived from Nephylengys malabarensis supervised by Dr. Inoka C. Perera (PI), Prof. Amaramali Jayatunga, Dr. Chandrika Nanayakkara
Vindhya Kulasena Fernando
2012-2016 Graduate Student
Comparative lethal and sub-lethal toxicity of hexavalent chromium in selected faunal species in Sri Lanka
supervised by Prof M. Wijesinghe (PI), Prof. Sunil Premawansa, Dr. C. Dangalle, and Dr. Inoka C. Perera
Fernando, Vindhya AK; Weerasena, Jagathpriya; Lakraj, G Pemantha; Perera, Inoka C; Dangalle, Chandima D; Handunnetti, Shiroma; Premawansa, Sunil; Wijesinghe, Mayuri R; Lethal and sub-lethal effects on the Asian common toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus from exposure to hexavalent chromium Aquatic Toxicology 177 98-105 2016 Elsevier
Fernando, VK; Perera, IC; Dangalle, CD; Premawansa, S; Wijesinghe, MR; Histological alterations in the body wall of the tropical earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae exposed to hexavalent chromium Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 94 6 744-748 2015 Springer US
Fernando, VAK; Dangalle, CD; Perera, IC; Weerasena OVDSJ, Premawansa S; Handunnetti, S; Wijesinghe, MR; Genotoxic effects of hexavalent chromium on Labeo dussumieri, a food fish in Sri LankaToxicology20152015
Chamil Rajapaksha
2015-2016 Graduate student (MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Peradeniya)
Improved bactericidal activity of Graphene Oxide – Fe3O4 Nanocomposite against pathogenic bacteria supervised by Dr. Inoka C Perera, Dr. Laksiri Weerasinghe , Dr. Chinthika Gunasekara, Prof Sanath Rajapaksha
2013-2014 Undergraduate Student (Zoology)
Development of PCR based method for the detection of subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus disgalactiae in dairy cows through analysis of milk supervised by Prof Dewaka Weerakoon (PI), Dr. Inoka C Perera, Dr. Dhammika Senewirathna
Tharaka Wijerathna
2014-2015 Undergraduate Student (Zoology)
An investigation of the variations in morphometry and the web architecture of the giant wood spider (Nephila pilipes) in forest and non-forest habitats in the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka supervised by Prof. Mayuri Wijesinghe (PI), Dr. Inoka C. Perera
Wijerathna, Tharaka; Tharanga, Dilini; Perera, Inoka C; Wijesinghe, Mayuri R; (2019) Effects of Habitat Change on the Web Characteristics and Fitness of the Giant Wood Spider (Nephila pilipes) in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Zoology, Hindawi
Supun Katugampala
2013-2014 Undergraduate Student (USJP)
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Studies of Novel Copper-Triazine complexes
supervised by Dr. Theshini Perera (PI) and Dr. Inoka C. Perera
S Katugampala, IC Perera, C Nanayakkara, T Perera (2018) Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of novel sulfonated copper-triazine complexes. Bioinorganic chemistry and applications 2018
Savini Thrikawala
2010-2011 Undergraduate research student (Zoology)
Immune status, clinical aspects and risk factors of human leptospirosis in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka supervised by Prof. Sunil Premawansa (PI) and Dr. Inoka C. Perera