Research Projects

Eucalyptus-associated fungi in Sri Lanka

Eucalyptus species are important in agro-forestry of Sri Lanka and are used for various commercial purposes viz.; paper pulp, sawn timber, wood-based products, and essential oils. However, a comprehensive study of the mycobiota (pathogens, endophytes, saprobes, mycorrhizal) of Sri Lankan Eucalyptus spp.

Research Student: Mr Rashika Sajith Brahmanage

Research Institute: University of Colombo Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantane road, Kandy, Sri lanka

Advisors: Dr. Sameera Ariyawansa (Main Advisor), Prof. Chandrika M. Nanayakkara (Main Advisor), Prof. Siril Wijesundara (Co-Advisor), Prof. Nalin N. Wijayawardene (Co-Advisor), Prof. Dong-Qin Dai (Co-Advisor)

Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Ethnomycological study of edible and medicinal mushrooms in selected locations of Kandy District, Sri Lanka (2023)

Sri Lanka has a rich biological diversity; thus, its fungal diversity is not adequately studied and documented. Higher plants, vertebrates, and a few other selected groups have been studied extensively, but fungi remain largely unexplored. Recent fungal diversity estimations have predicted that the tropical regions would harbor a large number of novel fungal species. Only around 200,000 fungal species, out of approximately 2-3 million, have been described to date.

Research Student: Ms. Bhagya M. Premarathne

Research Institute: Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Advisors: Prof. Samantha C. Karunarathna (Main Advisor), Prof. Sumedha Madawala (Co-Advisor), Prof. Nalin N. Wijayawardene (Co-Advisor), Prof. Siril Wijesundara (Co-Advisor)

Diversity, Taxonomy, and Potential Bioactive Properties of Lichenicolous Fungi in Selected Montane Ecosystems of Sri Lanka (2022)

This M.Phil research explores **lichenicolous fungi**, which are specialized fungi that live on lichens in selected montane ecosystems of Sri Lanka. The study focuses on identifying and classifying these fungi while investigating their **diversity, taxonomy, and bioactive chemical properties**. Since these fungi can produce unique compounds to survive within lichen hosts, the research also aims to uncover their **potential pharmacological or biochemical value**, contributing to both ecological understanding and future drug discovery.

Research Student: Mr. Hasanka Dangalla

Research Institute: University of Colombo

Advisors: Prof. Chandrika M. Nanayakkara (Main Advisor), Prof. Udeni Jayalal (Co-Advisor), Prof. Dong-Qin Dai (Co-Advisor), Prof. Nalin N. Wijayawardene (Co-Advisor)

Diversity, Taxonomy & molecular Characterization of Freshwater Fungi from Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka: Exploring their Agricultural and Industrial Applications (2025 May 15)

This project explores freshwater fungi in the Anuradhapura District, focusing on their taxonomy, phylogeny, and diversity across rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It aims to discover novel species, study environmental influences, and evaluate industrial applications such as laccase-based dye degradation, antimicrobial activity, and siderophore production.

Research Student: Ms. Thiwanga Nirmani Withana

Research Institute: University of Colombo collaborates with Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

Advisors: Dr. Sameera Ariyawansa (Main Advisor), Prof. Nalin N. Wijayawardene (Co-Advisor), Prof Chathuranga Bamunuarachchige, Dr. H. K. S. de Zoysa (Co-Advisor), Prof. Dong-Qin Dai (Co-Advisor)

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Plant Material Associated Freshwater Fungi in AnurTadhapura and Ratnapura Districts and Screening their Extracellular Enzymes (2022-2025)

This project focuses on exploring the diversity of **freshwater fungi in Sri Lanka**, with special attention to freshwater hyphomycetes (Ingoldian fungi). It aims to discover new fungal species, record novel host and habitat associations, and document fungal biodiversity through taxonomic checklists and culture collections. The research combines morphological and molecular techniques, contributing not only to global fungal taxonomy and ecology but also to building local research capacity by mentoring young scientists.

Research Student: Madhara K. Wimalasena

Research Institute: Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka (MPhil Registered University) Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University, Mihintale, 50300, Sri Lanka (Place of laboratory work were conducted)

Advisors: Prof. Nalin N. Wijayawardene (Main-Advisor), Prof. Chandrika M. Nanayakkara (Main Advisor), Prof. Udeni Jayalal (Co-Advisor), Prof. Dong-Qin Dai (Co-Advisor)