CAREER SUMMARY
- I retired as the Chair/ Senior Professor from the Department of Zoology & Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, where I served for 29 years as a lecturer cum biomedical researcher.
- My area of expertise is in Basic Immunology.
- By collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of scientists I strive to conduct transdisciplinary research.
- I am with SLIIT to lead the proposed BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences programme.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Faculty of Science, University of Colombo.
- BSc (Biological Sciences) 1980
- MSc (Nuclear Science) 1984
Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
- PhD (Immuno-Parasitology) 1990
[Post Doctoral Training:
Tree Physiology & Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Canada
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Visiting fellow (1992-1994)
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Post-doctoral fellow (1990-1992)
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[Both fellowships were awarded by the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada.]
RESEARCH INTERESTS AND MEMBERSHIP
Research Interests
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Bioprospecting for natural products as potenail drug leads, cued from Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine for :
- immunomodulatory activity,
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anti-cancer activity, and
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stimulants of stem cell proliferatio
screened on in-house developed stem cell platforms, cancer cell lines, and in murine models.
Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Biology Society, UK (2024)
- Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka
- Fellow of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka (2010) (President of IOBSL -2000/2001)
- Chartered Biologist of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka (2010)
- Life Member of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (General Presient in 2018/1019; President Section D Life Sciences in 2009/2010)
- LIfe Member of Allergy & Immunoloogy Society of Sri Lanka
Research Clusters
Green Medicine
This research cluster focuses on transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies on the identification of phytocompounds cued from Sri Lankan traditional medicine screened on human stem cell platforms, for use as potential drugs/ neutraceuticals for well being and for health related issues.
Beyond Type 2 Diabetes
Clinical and Genetic Characterization of MODY in Sri Lanka
