Our Team

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Lab Director

Snr.Prof. B.G.D.N.K. De Silva

B.Sc. (USJP), Ph.D. (USJP)

nissanka@sci.sjp.ac.lk
nissankakolitha@gmail.com

Research Interests:

Development of molecular assays for the identification of malaria vectors and sand flies, Population genetic structure analysis and phylogenetic studies of malaria vectors, Dengue vectors, and sand flies, Insecticide resistant studies of disease vectors, Transmission dynamics of Dengue and Leishmaniasis.

Research Scientists

	Dr. Pamoda W. Jayathunga B.Sc. (UOC), A. I. Chem. C., M.Phil. (USJP) Ph.D. (ECU – Australia) pamodajayatunga@gmail.com Research Interests: Nutraceuticals against Alzheimer’s disease, Epigenetic modifications by nutraceuticals. Effect of nutraceuticals on mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer etc.
	Dr. Sachini Fernando B.Sc. (USJP), Ph.D. (USJP) sacdinu@gmail.com sachini@sci.sjp.ac.lk Research Interests: Population genetics of disease vectors, Molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance of disease vectors and molecular techniques for epidemiology and evolution of vector born diseases.
	Dr. Hiruni Harischandra B.Sc. (ISU), Ph.D. (ISU) hirunih@sci.sjp.ac.lk Research Interests: To investigate the host-parasite interactions of parasitic nematodes, to understand vectors of zoonotic parasites and to find innovative solutions for current issues.
	Dr. Dilakshini Dayananda B.Sc. (UOC), Ph.D. (USJP) dilakshini@sci.sjp.ac.lk dilakshini@gmail.com Research Interests: To investigate the genetic diversity of the dengue virus to understand the disease virulence, recurrence and the spread of the disease.

Postgraduate Researchers

	Ms. Methsala Wedage B.Sc. (USJP) methsala@sci.sjp.ac.lk methmadurangi@gmail.com Research Interests: Studying the taxonomical status and population genetic structure of the leishmaniasis vector Phlebotomus argentipes in Sri Lanka.
	Ms. Dilekha Hegoda B.Sc. (USJP) lakmini@sci.sjp.ac.lk lakmini.hegoda@gmail.com Research Interests: Studies on population genetic variation and insecticide resistance of Dengue vectors Sri Lanka
	Ms. Sachini Nimalarathna B.Sc. (RUSL) sachiniupeka4@gmail.com Research Interests: Studying Zoonotic filariaisis in Sri Lanka and identification of the vectors of these parasites to guide more targeted vector control to eradicate these diseases from Sri Lanka.
	Ms. Pawani Abeysiriwardhana B.Sc. (University of Ruhuna) pawani.anuradha@gmail.com Research Interests: Interested in studying the insecticide resistant and genetic variation of Dengue vectors, use of herbal repellents for effective vector control, status of CKDu in Sri Lanka and animal behavior.