SLCARP AWARDS 2023 & 2025

Most Outstanding Research in Non-Plantation Sector -2023

 
First Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. Suvanthini Terensan
Senior Lecturer Grade and Head,Department of Agricultural Biology,Faculty of Agriculture,University of Jaffna,Sri Lanka
Assessment of pathogeography and pathogenicity of the blast and brown spot diseases in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using phenetic, molecular and digital image sensing approaches
Prof. O. V. D. S. J. Weerasena
Professor in Molecular Biology,Institute of Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,University of Colombo,Sri Lanka
Prof. N. S. Kottearachchchi
Professor in Biotechnology,Department of Biotechnology,Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management,Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Dr. S. Salgadoe
Lecturer and Head of the Department,Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening,Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management,Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Prof. S. A. C. N. Perera
Professor and Head of the Department,Department of Agricultural Biology Institution University of Peradeniya,Peradeniya
Mrs. Nishadi Fernando
Head/ Pathology Division,Regional Rice Research and Development Center,Bombuwela,Sri Lanka
Ms. J. N. Silva
Assistant Director of Research,Rice Research Station,Ambalantota,Sri Lanka
 
Second Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. Tharmila Christy Jeyaseelan
Senior Lecturer,Department of Botany,Faculty of Science,University of Jaffna,Sri Lanka
Molecular characterization of begomoviruses infecting okra varieties grown in different locations in Sri Lanka and development of effective and eco-friendly approaches for its management
Prof. Devika Malkanthi De Costa
Senior Professor,Department of Agricultural Biology,Faculty of Agriculture,University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Emeritus Prof. Michael
Warren Shaw
School of Agriculture,Policy and Development,University of Reading,Reading,United Kingdom
Dr. B.M.Vindhya S. Basnayake
Director (Agri Technology),Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation,Sri Lanka
Prof. Emmanuel Christy Jeyaseeelan
Head of the Department,Department of Botany,Faculty of Science,University of Jaffna,Sri Lanka
 
Third Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. K. Yakandawala
Chair Professor,Department  of Horticulture & Landscape Gardening,Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management,Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Exploration of New Ornamentally Valuable Lagenandra Species (Araceae) in Sri Lanka
Snr. Prof. D. M. D. Yakandawala
Senior Professor,Department of Botany,Faculty of Science,University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Mr. G. K. I. S. Madola
Research Assistant,Department  of Horticulture & Landscape Gardening,Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management,Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. Indira Wickramasinghe
Professor,Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences,University of Sri Jayewardenepura,Nugegoda,Sri Lanka
Development of nutraceutical and other value-added products from selected Sargassum spp. (Phaeophyta) available in Sri Lanka
Prof. W.L.I.Wijesekara
Professor,Department of Food Science and Technology,Faculty of Applied Sciences,University of Sri Jayewardenepura,Nugegoda,Sri Lanka
Dr.G.I.P.S. Makawita
Nestle R&D Centre India PvtLtd,India
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. K. K. D. V. Jayatilake
Senior Lecturer,Department of Agricultural Biology,Faculty of Agriculture,University of Peradeniya
Development of a single nucleotide polymorphism-based DNA marker for fall armyworm(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) biotyping
Prof. K. K. S. P. Kodithuwakku
Professor,Department of Animal Science,Faculty of Agriculture,University of Peradeniya
Ms. N. H. L. D. L. D. Nanayakkara
Lecturer,Sri Lanka Technological Campus,Padukka
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Ms. Indrani Kalubowila
Retired Director General (Agriculture),Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,No. 500 T.B. Jaya Mawatha,Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Development of High Yielding and Good Quality Varietal Hybrids of Pineapple
Ms. L. G. I. Samanmalee
Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research),Plant Virus Indexing Center,Homagama


Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. Roshni Fathima Hafeel
Director,Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute,Department of Agriculture,Gannoruwa,Peradeniya
In-vivo glycemic index (GI) of improved & traditional varieties of rice in Sri Lanka and its relationship with in vitro GI and other important grain constituent and their heritability estimates
Snr. Prof. Vajira P. Bulugahapitiya
Senior Professor in Chemistry,Department of Chemistry,Faculty of Science,University of Ruhuna,Matara,Sri Lanka
Prof. G. E. D. De Zoysa
Senior Professor in Chemistry,Department of Bio Chemistry,Faculty of Medicine,University of Ruhuna,Karapitiya,Galle,Sri Lanka
Dr. A. P. Benthota
Retired Additional Director General of Agriculture (Research),Department of Agriculture,Gannoruwa,Peradeniya
 

Most Outstanding Research in Plantation Sector-2023

First Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. P. C. G. Bandaranayake
Director,Agricultural Biotechnology Centre,Faculty of Agriculture,University of Peradeniya,Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Molecular and biochemical characterizations of Sri Lankan Cinnamon and their wild relatives, and expression analysis of major biochemical genes under different environmental conditions and plant parts to enhance the utilization of cinnamon in Sri Lanka.
Prof. D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara
Senior Lecturer,Department of Crop Science,Faculty of Agriculture,University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Dr. G. G. Jayasinghe
Director -Research,National Cinnamon Research and Training Centre,Thihagoda,Palolpitiya
Dr. A. U. Bandaranayake
Senior Lecturer,Department  of Computer Engineering,Faculty of Engineering,University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Prof. D. S. A. Wijesundera
Research Professor,National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS),Hantana Rd,Kandy
Prof. S. Wimalasiri
Senior Professor,Department of Food Science and Technology,Faculty of Agriculture,University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Mr. Gamini Wijesinghe
Former Director,National Cinnamon Research and Training Centre, Thihagoda, Palolpitiya
Prof. K. L. Wasantha Kumara
Vice Chairman,University Grants Commission,No 20, Ward Place,Colombo 07
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. M. P. K. S. K. de Silva
Professor,Department of Zoology,University of Ruhuna,MataraSri Lanka
Designing and development of prototype shellfish waste processing machine.
Prof. K. B. S. Gunawickrama
Professor, Department of Zoology,University of Ruhuna,Matara,Sri Lanka
Mr. N. P. P. Liyanage
Senior Lecturer,Department of Animal Science,Faculty of Animal Science & Export Agriculture,Uwa Wellassa University,Badulla,Sri Lanka
Mr. W. A. R. K. Senaarachchi
Agri Farm Elevators (Pvt) Ltd,302, D/1.Alubadda,Awkana

Most Outstanding Research in Non-Plantation Sector-2025

 
First Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. Randombage Saman Dharmakeerthi
Professor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Development of eco-friendly farming technologies to minimize inorganic fertilizer usage while maintaining adequate productivity and improving soil fertility
Dr. Warshi Shamila Dandeniya
Professor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Prof. W. A. U. Vitharana
Chair Professor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Prof. Devika Malkanthi De Costa
Senior Professor and Chair of Plant Protection, Department of Agricultural Biology,Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Dr. Jayasinghe Mudalige Udith Krishantha Jayasinghe
Senior Professor and the Chair, Department of Agribusiness Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila
Mr. D. N. Sirisena
Freelance Soil Scientist
Dr. W. M. U. K. Rathnayake
Additional Secretary (Agriculture Technology), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla,
Dr. A. K. Karunarathne
Senior Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Prof. B. L. Wajira Kumuduni Balasooriya
Professor in Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura,Gonawila
Prof. Darshani Kumaragamage
Professor, The University of Winnipeg, 515, Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Dr. C. P. Attanayake
Research Scientist, University of Illinois, USA
Dr. T. Satyanarayana
Head of Agronomy and Regional Sales Manager, K Plus S Middle East FZE, Office 410 - Indigo Tower Cluster D, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
 
Second Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. P.C.G. Bandaranayake
Director , Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
 
 
 
 
Using the Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Agriculture: Evaluating Agronomic Traits and Gene Expression of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Grown in Field, Semi-Controlled, and Controlled Environments with Affordable, Energy-Efficient IoT Solutions.
Prof. W. A. P. Weerakkody
Senior Professor, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Dr. A. U. Bandaranayake
Head, Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Prof.  K. S. P. Amaratunga
Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Mr. P. M. P. C. Gunathilake
Lecturer, Postgraduate Institution of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
 
Third  Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. A. G. W. U. Perera
Senior Lecturer, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
 
 
Development of biorational extended-release tablet formulations for sustainable post-harvest stored grain protection
Prof. S. D. M. Chinthaka
Professor,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Dr. M. M. S. C. Karunaratne
Senior Lecturer, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. K. K. D. V. Jayatilake
Senior Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Phenotypic evaluation and allele profiling of selected major genes conferring tolerance/resistance to abiotic/biotic stresses in selected Sri Lankan rice germplasm
Ms. W. D. P. Weerasinghe
Deputy Director(Research), Regional Rice Research and Development Center, Bombuwela
Ms. N. H. L. D. L. D. Nanayakkara
Lecturer, Sri Lanka Technological Campus, Padukka
Ms. K. I. S. Thamali
Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Ms. A Sumanarathne
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of science, 412,Buller,University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
Ms. R. M. S. D. L. Abeyrathne
Temporary Research Assistant,  Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Ms. I. K. Edirisinghe
School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Science,University of Southern Mississippi, USA
Prof. L. D. B. Suriyagoda
Professor, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. N.S. Kottearachchi
Senior Professor in Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
QTL mapping and Next-generation sequencing based allele mining for salinity tolerance in rice
Dr. D. R. Gimhani
Senior Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Prof. Venura Herath
Professor in Environmental Genomics, Department of Agricultural Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Dr. B. P. Abhayawickrama
Manager – R&D and Innovation, Lankem Ceylon PLC, No.98 Sri Sangaraja Mawatha, Colombo 10
Dr. D. S. Liyanage (Collaborator)
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, South Korea
Dr. Prasad Senadheera (Collaborator)
Country Director, The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, 713, D. P. Wijesinghe Mawatha, Palewatte, Battaramulla
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. B. D. Rohitha Prasantha
Professor in Food Science & Technology, Department  of Food Science and Technology,Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Effect of hermetic storage on the development of hard-to-cook characteristics and nutritional properties of mungbean (vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilezek) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)
Dr. V. P. N. Prasadi
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Guelph, University Centre, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
Dr. K. M. S. Wimalasiri
Senior Lecturer,Department  of Food Science and Technology,Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Dr. G. M. Somaratne
Lecturer,Department  of Food Science and Technology,Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka
Ms. C. K. Abeyrathne
Sri Lanka Teacher Service (Grade 2), Kandy/Wattegama Balika Vidyalaya, Wattegama
Ms. P. H. R. M. M. Abhayawardhana
Deputy Controller, Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. P. N. Dasanayaka
Professor, Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenepura,Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
 
 
 
 
Molecular and morphological assessment of genetic diversity and drought stress related transcriptome screening of ex-situ conserved sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) accessions in sri lanka
Prof. S. A. C. N. Perera
Professor, Department of Agricultural Biology
Institution University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Dr. D. V. S. Kaluthanthri
Senior Lecturer, Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Mr. P. M. A. P. K. Wijetunge
Assistant General Manager, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation, (Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka), Thelawala Road, Ratmalana
Selection and development of genetically improved cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) varieties for planting in Sri Lanka and development of a rapid multiplication technique for planting material
production
Emeritus Professor S. J. B. A. Jayasekara
Vice Chancellor, Horizon Campus, Knowledge City Malabe, KCM Drive, Off Millennium Drive, Malabe
Prof. D. P. S. T. G. Attanayaka
Dean – Faculty of Science, Horizon Campus, Knowledge City Malabe, KCM Drive, Off Millennium Drive, Malabe
Prof. N.E.M. Jayasekara
Department of Plantation Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management,  Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila  
Emeritus  Prof. R. C. W. M. R. A. Nugawela
Department of Plantation Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila
Dr. B. Ranaweera
Senior Lecturer and Academic Warden – Makandura Premises, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila
Prof. D. C. Abeysinghe
Department of Plantation Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation
Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila
Prof. D. B. Kelaniyangoda (Deceased)
Former Professor of Wayamba University of  Sri Lanka
Mr. H. M. A. S. Jayawardana
Regional Manager / Supervisory Officer- Research, Research Unit, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation, Karadipooval, Puttlam.
Mr. H. M. S. P Herath
Research Officer, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation- Research Center,  Kammandaluwa, Andigama
Mr. M. B. Loganathan
Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Northern Exporters, 1st Floor, NHDA Building,Kandy Road, Jaffna
Mr. W. S. R. M. Leel Anuradha Wijesekara
General Manager- National Fertilizer Sales, CIC Agri Businesses (Pvt) Ltd., Mehiella, Kurunegala
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. Ilmi G. N. Hewajulige
Director General / CEO, Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), 363, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07.
Development of a database on nutritional, chemical, molecular and morphological characteristics of selected traditional and widely consuming improved rice varieties of Sri Lanka: sustainability to use as chemical and molecular finger prints in identifying rice varieties at grain level
Prof. W. K. S. M. Abeysekara
Professor & Head, Department of Agricultural Technology,  Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Prof. G. A. S. Premakumara
Professor and Head,Department of Bio systems Technology, Faculty of Technology, KDU, Kandawala Road, Rathmalana
Dr. H. P. P. S. Somasiri
Additional Director General – Technical Services, Industrial Technology Institute, 363, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07.
Ms. M. D. W. Samaranayake
Research Scientist, Food Technology Section, Modern Research and Development Complex, Industrial Technology Institute,No 503A, Halbarawa Gardens, Thalahena, Malabe
Ms. K. D. S. M. Karunarathna
Research Technologist, Industrial Technology Institute, 363, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07.
Dr. D.M.J.B. Senanayake
Researcher, Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology, Mahenwatta, Pitipana, Homagama
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Ms. M. H. A. D. Subhashini
Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research), National Plant Quarantine Service, Canada Friendship Road, Katunayake
Characterization of the causal agent of soft rot in Aglaonema ‘Maria’ and exploring the
expression of defense-related genes in response to biological control measures; Causal organism identified as Dickeya fangzhongdai KPJ 1; Biocontrol agent identified as Bacillus velezensis DCJ 2
Prof. C. M. Nanayakkara
Professor of Plant Sciences (Chair), Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Dr. D. M. J. B. Senanayake
Researcher, Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology, Mahenwatta, Pitipana, Homagama
 

Most Outstanding Research in Plantation Sector-2025

 
First Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. H. P. P. S. Somasiri
Additional Director-Technical Services, Industrial Technology Institute, No. 363, Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07
Investigation of the authenticity of virgin coconut oil
Prof. K. R. R. Mahanama
Senior Professor,Department of Chemistry,Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Ms. H. G. T. H. Jayatunga
Research Scientist,Quality Assurance Department,Industrial Technology Institute,No. 363, Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07

 

Most Outstanding Research in Livestock, and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Sector -2025

 
First Place
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Dr. Pabodha Weththasinghe
Senior Lecture, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
Insect-Based innovations in Sri Lanka: Exploration of applications in food, feed, and bioproducts
Prof. Barana Jayawardana
Dean/Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
Dr. Senal Weerasooriya
Senior Lecture, Department of Agricultural Economics and business Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
 
Certificate of Commendation
Members Name
Institute
Project Tittle
Prof. R. A. U. J. Marapana
Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Extraction, characterization and applications of gelatin from selected jellyfish species in coastal belt of Sri Lanka
Prof. W. L. I. Wijesekara
Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Snr. Prof. M. M. Pathmalal
Senior Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Dr. P. R. D. Perera
Senior Scintific Assistant (Retired), Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Dr. S. A. Senanayake
Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.