Dr. R. M. T. B. Ranathunge

Dr R. M. T. B. Ranathunge graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Zoology from the University of Kelaniya in 2011, with a Second Class. He obtained his PhD from the Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Kelaniya in Medical Entomology & Parasitology in 2017. He is in academic service for four years until 2022 and supervising many international and national research projects.

 

Full papers in Peer-reviewed international journals

1. Dilani, P.V.D., Wickramasinghe, P.D.S.U., Lakshman, G.V.C.P., Ranathunge, T., Dassanayake, R.S. and Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., 2023. Hemocup blood feeder: An affordable and simplified blood-feeding device for maintenance of Aedes aegypti mosquito colonies in Sri Lanka. Experimental Parasitology, 249, p.108518.
2. Ranathunge, T., Harishchandra, J., Maiga, H., Bouyer, J., Gunawardena, Y.N.S. and Hapugoda, M., 2022. Development of the Sterile Insect Technique to control the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) in Sri Lanka. PloS one, 17(4): 0265244.
3. Ranathunge, T., Udayanga, L., Sarasija, S., Karunathilaka, S., Nawarathne, S., Rathnarajah, H., Dulficar, F.F., Shafi, F.N., Dassanayake, R.S. and Gunawardene, Y.I. 2021. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (Vgsc) Mutation-Based Pyrethroid Resistance in Aedes aegypti Populations of Three Endemic Dengue Risk Areas of Sri Lanka. BioMed Research International 2021: 1-10.
4. Ranathunge, T., Kusumawathie, P.H.D., Abeyewickreme, W., Udayanga, L., Fernando, T. and Hapugoda, M., 2021. Biocontrol potential of six locally available fish species as predators of Aedes aegypti in Sri Lanka. Biological Control 160: 1-10.
5. Gunathilaka, N., Ranathunge, T. Hettiarachchi, D., Udayanga, L. and Abeyewickreme, W. 2020. Field-based evaluation of novaluron EC10 insect growth regulator, a chitin synthesis inhibitor against dengue vector breeding in leaf axils of pineapple plantations in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Parasites & Vectors 13: 1-9.
6. Senevirathna, U., Udayanga, L., Ganehiarachchi, G.A.S.M., Hapugoda, M., Ranathunge, T. and Silva Gunawardene, N. 2020. Development of an Alternative Low-Cost Larval Diet for Mass Rearing of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes. BioMed Research International 2020: 1-9.
7. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Kannangara, D.N., Gunatilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Abeyewickreme, W. and Hapugoda, M.D. 2020. Occurrence of major and potential malaria vector immature stages in different breeding habitats and associated biotic and abiotic characters in the district of Trincomalee Sri Lanka. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases 57(1): 85-95.
8. Udayanga, L., Ranathunge, T., Iqbal, M.C.M., Abeyewickreme, W. and Hapugoda M. 2019. Predatory efficacy of five locally available copepods on Aedes larvae under laboratory settings: An approach towards bio-control of dengue in Sri Lanka Plos One: 14(5): 1-14.
9. Ranathunge, T., Abeyewickreme, W., Iqbal, M.C.M. and Hapugoda, M. 2019. Use of cyclopoid copepods for control of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito larvae to prevent re-emergence of malaria in Sri Lanka. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases. 57: 31-18.
10. Gunathilaka, N., Ranathunge, T., Udayanga, L., Wijegunawardena, A., Jeremie, R.L.G. and Wimaladharma A. 2019. Use of mechanical and behavioural methods to eliminate female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique applications. Parasites & Vectors 12:148.
11. Samanmali, C., Udayanga, L., Ranathunge, T., Sandun, J.P., Hapugoda, M. and Chathura, W. 2018. Larvicidal Potential of Five Selected Dragonfly Nymphs in Sri Lanka over Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) Larvae under Laboratory Settings. Hindawi BioMed Research International 2018(8759459): 1-11.
12. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Uduwawala, U.M.H.U., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Amarasinghe, L.D. and Abeyewickreme, W. 2017. Determination of the efficiency of diets for larval development in mass rearing Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research: 1-10.
13. Gunathilaka, N., Ranathunge, T., Udayanga, L. and Abeyewickreme W. 2017. Efficacy of blood sources and artificial blood feeding methods in mass rearing of Aedes aegypti (Diptera; Culicidae) for Sterile Insect Technology and Incompatible Insect applications. Hindawi BioMed Research International 2017(3196924): 1-7.
14. Gunathilaka, N., Ranathunge, T., Udayanga, L., Wijegunawardena, A., and Abeyewickreme, W. 2017. Oviposition preferences of dengue vectors; Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka under laboratory settings. Bulletin of Entomological Research 27:1-9

International Conferences Proceedings

1. Wickramasinghe, K., Udayanga, L., Gunawardene, N.S., Hapugoda, M. and Ranathunge, T.B., 2020. Diversity of medically important mosquitoes in lentic microhabitats prevalent along the Daduru Oya River, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 101, p.362.
2. Abeyewickreme, W., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D. (2017). A Combination of Mechanical and Behavioural Methods for Sex separation of Aedes mosquitoes for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Incompatible Insect Techniques (IIT). International Conference on Area-wide Management of Insect Pests: Integrating the Sterile Insect and Related Nuclear and Other Techniques 3:215.

 

Book chapter

1. Udayanga, L., Perera, S.J. and Ranathunge, T., 2023. Natural Enemies Against Dengue: Opportunities and Constraints on Biological Control of Dengue Vectors in Sri Lanka. One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad, 2023, Wiley Online Library, pp.351-362.

Peer-reviewed Abstract

 

International Conferences Proceedings

1. Wickramasinghe, K., Udayanga, L., Gunawardene, N.S., Hapugoda, M. and Ranathunge, T.B., 2020. Diversity of medically important mosquitoes in lentic microhabitats prevalent along the Daduru Oya River, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 101, p.362.
2. Abeyewickreme, W., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D. (2017). A Combination of Mechanical and Behavioural Methods for Sex separation of Aedes mosquitoes for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Incompatible Insect Techniques (IIT). International Conference on Area-wide Management of Insect Pests: Integrating the Sterile Insect and Related Nuclear and Other Techniques 3:215.

 

National Conference Proceedings

1. Rangana, U.L.P., Kumarasinghe, K.G.D.S.G.S., Jayasinghe, H.P.N.T., Refai, F.W., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L. and Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., 2022. First report of Culex (Lophoceraomyia) cinctellus in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences, 2022Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 4pp.
2. Wickramasinghe, T.K.C., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Manamperi, A.A.P.S., Hapugoda, M.D., Karunarathna, K.H.T. and Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., 2022. Use of morphological and molecular methods in identification of Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901), in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences, 2022Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2pp.
3. Perera, E.H.L., Hapugoda M.D., Ranathunge, T., Udayanga, L. and Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S. 2022. Blood meal preferences of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Ae. albopictus (Skuse) in the district of Colombo. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science Proceedings of the 78th Annual Sessions 2022.
4. Karunarathna, D.M.N.P., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Kumarawansha, W.K.W.S. and Ganehiarachchi, G.A.S.M., 2022. Distribution of leishmaniasis cases and some demographic characters of patients recorded in the Medirigiriya medical officer of health (MOH) area, Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. 22nd International Postgraduate Research Conference, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka. 25.
5. Perera, E.H.L., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S., Hapugoda, M.D., Ranathunge, T. and Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., 2022. Study on the resting preferences of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Ae. albopictus (Skuse) adult mosquitoes in the district of Colombo. 22nd International Postgraduate Research Conference, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka 25.
6. Ranathunge, T., Adikari, D., Harishchandra, J., Gunawardene, N.S. and Hapugoda, M. (2019). Optimization of Irradiation Dose for Sterilization of Ae. aegypti (Linnaeus) Mosquitoes for Application of Sterile Insect Techniques (SIT) Program in Sri Lanka. The 20th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC 2019): 35.
7. Ranathunge, T., Udayanga, L., Sarasija, S., Karunathilaka, S., Shavindhya, N., Rathnarajah, H., Dulficar, F.F., Fathima N.S., Dassanayake, R. and. Gunawardene, S.Y.I.N.S. (2019). Evaluation of the Pyrethroid Resistance based on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (VGSC) Mutations in Aedes aegypti populations of Colombo, Gampaha and Kandy Districts in Sri Lanka. The 20th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC 2019): 35.
8. Samanmali, W.R.C., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Sandun, J.P., Hapugoda M.D. and Welivitiya, P.M.C.J.A.C. (2018). Predatory efficacy of selected Dragonfly nymphs on Aedes aegypti larvae under laboratory settings in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) 74:9
9. Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Iqbal, M.C.M., Abeyewickreme, W. and Hapugoda M. (2018). Laboratory evaluation of the Bio-control efficacy of selected Copepods on dengue vectors of Sri Lanka. International Postgraduate Research Conference (iprc) 19:37.
10. Induwara, R., Fernando, M., Ranathunge, R., Parakrama, G. and Hapugoda, M. (2018). Isolation of potential microbial agent for controlling dengue mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. International Postgraduate Research Conference (iprc) 19:47.
11. Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Hapugoda M.D. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2017). Predatory efficacy of Mesocyclops and Cyclops copepods on Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae under laboratory settings. Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) 73.
12. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2016). Evaluation the oviposition behaviour of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes; main and secondary vector for dengue transmission in Sri Lanka under laboratory conditions.  International Postgraduate Research Conference (iprc) 17:138.
13. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2016). Assessment of artificial blood feeding methods and efficacy of different blood meal sources in mass rearing of Aedes aegypti for innovative vector controlling strategies. International Postgraduate Research Conference (iprc) 17:247.
14. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Wijegunawardena, N.D.A. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2016). Eliminating female Aedes mosquitoes by spiking blood meals with toxicants as a sex separation method in the context of the sterile insect technique and Incompatible Insect Technique. International Postgraduate Research Conference (iprc) 17:24
15. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Abeyewickreme, W., Dilushika, W.A.P., De Silva, B.G.D.N.K., Udayanga, N.W.B.A.L., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B. and Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D. (2016). Potential use of mechanical methods for the sex separation of dengue vector mosquitos for large scale laboratory rearing. Proceeding of the Peradeniya University International Research session, Sri Lanka 20:
16. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Kannangara, D.N., Abeyewickreme, W. and Hapugoda, M.D. (2015). Characterization of Anopheline larval habitats and species composition of aquatic macro-invertebrates in Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka. International Postgraduate Research Conference (iprc) (1) pp134.
17. Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2015). Male isolation of dengue vector Aedes mosquitoes for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) by spiking blood with Ivermectin. Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) 71: 8.
18. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Kannangara, D.N., Abeyewickreme,W. and Hapugoda, M.D. (2015). Abundance and diversity of anopheline larvae in relation to physico-chemical parameters of breeding habitats selected sites in Mannar, Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the Peradeniya University International Research session, Sri Lanka 19:196.
19. Kannangara, D.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Abeyewickreme,W., W., Wickramasinghe, P., Subasinghe S.M.C.U.P., Hapugoda, M.D. (2014). Climatic factors affecting density of Anopheles vector mosquitoes in Ampara District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 15th Annual Research Symposium of Faculty of Graduate Studies 15:129.
20. Kannangara, D.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Abeyewickreme, W., W., Wickramasinghe, P., Subasinghe S.M.C.U.P., Hapugoda, M.D. (2014). Relationship between water quality parameters in rock pools with the Anopheles larvae in the district of Ampara. Annual sessions of SLAAS 70:105.
21. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Kannangara, D.N., Abeyewickreme,W., Wickramasinghe, P. and Hapugoda, M.D. (2014). Diversity of Anopheline mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Trincomalee district Sri Lanka in April, 2013 – March, 2014. Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). 70:09.
22. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Kannangara, D.N., Abeyewickreme,W., Wickramasinghe, P. and Hapugoda, M.D. (2014). Anopheles subpictus s.l. breeding in polluted water bodies in Vankalai area in the district of Mannar. Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). 70:104.
23. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Hapugoda, M.D., Wickramasinghe, A.R. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2014). Morphological Identification and abundance of malaria vectors in the Trincomalee District. Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS). 70:107.
24. Kannangara, D.N., Fernando, M.A.S.T., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Abeyewickreme, W., W., Wickramasinghe, P., Subasinghe S.M.C.U.P., Hapugoda, M.D. (2014). Effect of water quality on the density of Anopheles mosquito larvae breeding in different habitats in the District of Batticaloa. Proceeding of the Peradeniya University International Research session, Sri Lanka 18:274
25. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Kannangara, D.N., Abeyewickreme, W., Wickramasinghe, P. and Hapugoda, M.D. (2014). Breeding of malaria vector mosquitoes in built wells in the District of Mannar, Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the Peradeniya University International Research session, Sri Lanka 18:270.
26. Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Kannangara, D.N., Abeyewickreme, W., Wickramasinghe, P. and Hapugoda, M.D. (2014). Breeding of malaria vector mosquitoes in built wells in the District of Mannar, Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the Peradeniya University International Research session, Sri Lanka 18:270.
27. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B, Hapugoda, M.D, Abeyewickreme, W, Wickremasinghe, A.R. and Wijeyerathne, P. (2014). Status of insecticide susceptibility in Anopheles subpictus (Grassi) from malaria surveillance sites in the District of Mannar, Sri Lanka. One Health International Symposium, Peradeniya University of Sri Lanka.
28. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B, Hapugoda, M.D, Abeyewickreme, W, Wickremasinghe, A.R. and Wijeyerathne, P. (2014). Entomological investigations on prevalence of malaria vectors in the district of Killinochchi in Sri Lanka. One Health International Symposium, Peradeniya University of Sri Lanka.
29. Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Ranathunge, R.M.T.B., Fernando, M.A.S.T., Hapugoda, M.D., Wijeyerathne, P., Wickramasinghe, A.R. and Abeyewickreme, W. (2013). Species succession of malaria vector mosquitoes and Physico-chemical factors affecting their abundance in rice ecosystems in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 14:128-129.
30. Ranathuge, R.M.T.B. and Chandrasekera, W.U. (2012). Impact of rubber effluent discharges on the water/sediment quality and macrobenthic community in the Gurugoda stream in Ruwanwella (Sri Lanka), Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (SLAFAR) 18:44.

1. Medical and Veterinary Parasitology
2. Medical and Agricultural Entomology
3. Molecular Entomology
4. Infectious Diseases

Research Titles

1. Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)
2. Insecticide Resistance 
3. Leishmaniasis

 

1. Cell Biology (Theory)

2. Basic Biology (Theory and Practical)

3. Introductory Evolution Biology (Theory)

4. Animal Physiology (Theory)

5. Advance Pest Management (Practical)

6. Advance Biotechnology (Theory and Practical)

7. Scientific Writing (Theory)

International Awards Fellowships

1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Young Investigator Award, for selected research at 19th International Congress on Infectious Diseases presented by the International Society of Infectious Diseases and Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemo Therapy: 2020.
2. Fellowship from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to participate interregional training course on “Use of the Sterile Insect and Related Techniques for the Area-wide Integrated Pest Management of Native and Exotic Insect Pests” in Mexico and Guatemala: 2017

National Awards Fellowships

1. Best Poster presentation from Student Research Symposium, Cinec Campus: 2021.
2. Best oral presentation from Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 73rd Annual Sessions, (Section A – Medical, Dental and Veterinary Sciences): 2017.
3. Postgraduate Fellowship from National Research Council (NRC 12-133).