Blog

The genus Ganoderma is widely recognized for its medicinal properties and ecological significance, particularly in traditional East Asian medicine. Despite extensive global research on its taxonomy and nomenclature, studies on Ganoderma species in Sri Lanka remain limited.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura identified three Ganoderma species—Ganoderma angustisporum, G. ellipsoideum, and G. orbiforme—for the first time in Sri Lanka. These findings, based on comprehensive morphological analysis and rDNA-ITS sequence-based phylogeny, contribute to expanding the understanding of fungal diversity in the country.
This study not only enriches the knowledge of Sri Lanka’s fungal biodiversity but also paves the way for further research on the medicinal and ecological potential of Ganoderma species.

Dr. Samawansha Tennakoon received the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World’s 2023 Early Career Fellowship award for her research project on investigating the chemical and biological properties of a plant-based treatment used in Sri Lanka to treat cancer patients.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our very own lecturer, Dr. Kasun M. Thambugala on your inclusion in the prestigious World’s Top 2% Scientists list, as published by Elsevier in 2023 & 2024.
This notable acknowledgment serves as concrete evidence of your outstanding contributions to the field of Science.

The Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit organized a workshop on Techniques in Molecular Biology for advanced-level biology students on the 11th of September 2023 from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the premises of the Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit. This program was intended to update and disseminate knowledge on recent advancements and techniques of molecular biology that suit the A/L biology curriculum.