HIGHER EDUCATION

PhD in Plant Biology with a Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology (Specialized in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Genomics)

University of California, Davis (2011)

Dissertation title: RNAi Silencing and Transcriptional Analysis to Control Parasitic Weeds and Dissect the Signalling of Haustorium Development

Master of Science in Horticulture and Agronomy

University of California, Davis  (2007)

Thesis title: Parasitic Plant-Host Plant Interactions: The Role of Host Quinone Oxidoreductase and Cross Family Translocation of siRNA

Master of Philosophy in Crop Science

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2006)

Thesis title: Cultivation of Munronia pinnata: Some Aspects of Micropropagation, Agronomic Practices, and Phytochemical Screening

Master of Science in Biotechnology

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2004)

Project title: Genetic diversity and pathogenicity of the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum in Sri Lanka and its interaction with the host (tomato) in resistance development

Master of Law 

 Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK  (Reading) 

• Field of Specialization: IP and IT

Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) Special

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2002)

Field of Specialization: Agricultural Biology

CURRENT POSITIONS

Professor in Molecular Biotechnology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya

Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Temporary Associate - Visiting Scientist, Department of Plant Sciences, University of California Davis, USA

 Associate Editor – BMC Plant Biology (Section Genetics and crop biotechnology) 

Executive Committee of IPPS

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Endeavour Research Fellow, Plant Genomics Centre, Department of Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Australia, October 2018-February 2019

Visiting Researcher/Scientist, Department of Plant Sciences- UC Davis- October-December, 2012, June-September 2014, October-December 2015, October-December 2016, June-July, 2017

National Consultant, Biosaftry Project - FAO/GEF Funded Project on  “Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety” (GCP/SRL/066/GFF),  Components 3 and 4, Handled by the University of Peradeniya (2019-2022)

Consultant, Scientist, Lankem PLC, R &D, Special project on the development of a P-fertilizer from Epplawala Rock Phosphate, July 2015-July 2016

Senior Lecturer, Department of Crop Science (MI Unit), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka-Jan 2012-March 2013.

Postdoctoral Scientist- Department of Plant Sciences- UC Davis- January-December 2011

Lecturer, Department of Crop Science (MI Unit), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka-Dec 2003- Jan 2012.

Teaching Assistant (Science Integrity) – UC Davis, 2010.

Graduate Student Intern – Monsanto Company, Calgene Campus, 1920, 5th Street, Davis.  2008.

Teaching Assistant (Plant Growth and Development class) - UC Davis. 2007.

Research Associate - Agricultural Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya Sept-Dec 2003.

Graduate Research Assistant - Plant Genetic Resources Center, Sri Lanka. Jan -Sept 2003.

Research Assistant/Assistant Lecturer - Dept. of Agric. Biology, University of Peradeniya. Apr - Aug 2002.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Member of the NSF Subcommittee on Biotechnology- 2022 to date

 Council Member of the National Research Council, Sri Lanka - 2021 to 2023

Member of the National Sectoral Committee,  SLCARP- 2021 to date

National Consultant for a Biosafety Project, Sri Lanka – 2018 to 2022

Member of the working Committee on Biotechnology, NSF- 2019 June to date

Member of the National Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology of Sri Lanka 2013 – 2021

Member of the Steering Committee of Young Scientists Forum (YSF) of Sri Lanka, 2015, 2016.

Member of the Scientific Committee of 14th World Congress of Parasitic Plants, 16th to 29th June 2017, in Asilomar, California, USA.

Chair of the Ceremonial Committee of One Health International conference organized by the University of Peradeniya and University of California, Davis, 5th and  6th September 2014, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Chair of the Fundraising Committee of the Peradeniya International Research Conference 2019, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Coordinator of the 33rd  Annual Congress of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 2021.

Coordinator of the Faculty of Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 2020.

Member of the Scientific Committee of the 16th World Congress of Parasitic Plants, to be held in Kenya. 

OTHER LEADERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS

Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Peradeniya since March 11th 2013.

Coordinator of the 33rd Annual Congress of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, UOP, 2021.

Coordinator of the Undergraduate Research Symposium of the Faculty of Agriculture, UOP, 2021.

President- Alumni Association of University of Peradeniya (AAUP)-2021/2022, 2022-2023.

Treasurer - Peradeniya University Agriculture Teachers’ Association (PUATA)-2015/2016.

Secretary- Peradeniya University Agriculture Teachers’ Association (PUATA)-2016/2017.

Secretary- Peradeniya University Agriculture Teachers’ Association (PUATA)-2017/2018.

Secretary – Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)-2016/2017.

Secretary – Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)-2017/2018.

Vice President - Alumni Association of University of Peradeniya (AAUP)-2018/2019,2019/2020.

Assist. Secretary - Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya (AAUP)-2014/2015.

Senior Student Counselor, University of Peradeniya, 2014.

An appointed member of the Physical Education and Sports Advisory Committee of the University of Peradeniya – 2014, 2017, 2018.

Senior treasurer of the University Aquatic Club – 2018.

Chairperson and Secretary of Various Faculty Committees - SAWC, Computer Management, 

Various University Committees - University Safty Committee, University Environmental Management Committee, University SDG Committee

PARTICIPATION AS A JUDGE IN THE WORK OF OTHERS-INTERNATIONAL

   Associate Editor – BMC Plant Biology (Section Genetics and crop biotechnology) since 2020. 

One of the Editors in Chief of Tropical Agricultural Research,  2021 - 2023

 Peer reviews were done for the following journals/conferences- Nature Communications, BMC – Plant Biology, BMC- Biotechnology, Plant Cell Reports, Plant Molecular Microbial Interactions, Plant Recent Patents on Biotechnology, Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, African Journal of    Biotechnology, Phytoparasitica, Tropical Agricultural Research, Journal of Agricultural Sciences, YSF (Young Scientist Forum), Symposium, ASDA (Annual Sessions of the Department of Agriculture)

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT SUPERVISION

One Ph.D. student graduated - Role Senior Supervisor

One Ph.D. student graduated - Role - Co-supervisor

 Three MPhil students graduated - Role -two Senior Supervisor, one Co-supervisor 

Senior Supervisor of 5 Ph.D. students and 3 MPhil students 

Co-supervisor of 3 Ph.D. students and 2 MPhil students 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member- Gamma Sigma Delta (Honor Society of Agriculture). Since 2011

Member - Phi Sigma, Gamma Delta Chapter (honor society for biology). Since 2007

Member - Golden Key International Honor Society. Since 2009

Member of International Parasitic Plant Society. Since 2007

SELECTED EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Captain of the university swimming team, University of Peradeniya – 2000/2001.

Special Awards for Swimming- SLUSA -2000.

Sri Lankan University Colors winner for swimming – 2000, 2001.

University of Peradeniya Colors winner for swimming - 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003.

Outstanding Sportswoman of the Faculty of Agriculture - 2001.

A member of the University athletic team -1999, 2000.

Member of Sports Council of University of Peradeniya – 2001.

A member of several faculty teams- athletic, netball, volleyball, and basketball (1997-2002).

Secretary of Plant Biology Graduate Group Association, the University of California Davis -2008/2009.

Swimming instructor- UC Davis REC Pool- Summer 2007

Teaching swimming and indoor decorations for the Davis community in the summers 2007, 2008, 2009.

Performed in cultural shows organized by Fulbright Association -2006, 2007

Scriptwriting and announcing radio programs.

Acted in a teledrama produced by the faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya

Creating floral arrangements and indoor decorations.

Committee member of the Horticultural Society, Forestry Society, and English Literary Association at the University of Peradeniya. September 1997-March 2002.

Member of School Debating team – 1991-1993.

Championship all Island dancing and music competition-1987, 1988.

ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH AWARDS/HONORS

Presidential Awards for scientific publications Sri Lanka – 2018

SUSRED -PI (Support Scheme for Supervision of Research Degrees) NSF Award 2020/2021

SUSRED - COI(Support Scheme for Supervision of Research Degrees) NSF Award 2020/2021

Annual Research Excellence Award Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya– 2020 – Professor, Senior Professor  (Category I)

Annual Research Excellence Award Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya– 2019 – Professor, Senior Professor  (Category I)

Borlaug Research Fellowship from the United State Department of Agriculture -2020

SL-CARP National Awards for Excellence in Agricultural Research -2019- Second price in the Non-plantation sector

Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Early Career Fellowship -2019

Annual Research Excellence Award Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya– 2018 - Senior Lecturers (Category II)

Endeavour Research Fellowship – from the Australian Government - 2018

Cochran Fellowship from the United State Department of Agriculture - 2015

Presidential Awards for scientific publications Sri Lanka – 2010

Presidential Awards for scientific publications Sri Lanka – 2012

Presidential Awards for scientific publications Sri Lanka – 2013

Presidential Awards for scientific publications Sri Lanka – 2015

NRC Merit Award for scientific publications Sri Lanka- 2011

Fulbright Scholarship: For postgraduate studies in the United States from the US Government. 2005- 2007

University of California- Davis Plant Science Graduate Student Researcher Fellowship: For Ph.D. studies. October 2007 - December 2010.

Monsanto Scholarship: For Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA. 2008.

John and Terry Kubota Scholarship for Plant Sciences: “In recognition of encouragement scholarship can provide to outstanding students”. University of California, 2007, 2008

UC Davis Graduate Fellowship and Block Grant Support: From Horticulture and Agronomy for good academic records. 2006/2007.

Jastro-Shields Research Award: From the University of California-Davis. 2006/2007

Jastro-Shields Research Award: From the University of California-Davis. 2007/2008

Jastro-Shields Research Award: From the University of California-Davis. 2008/2009

Margosa Foundation Fellowship (a Bay Area foundation to assist Fulbright fellows at Bay Area universities): For outstanding Fulbright scholars in the Bay Area. 2006.

IAPB Fellowship (International Association for Plant Biotechnology): For the participation of the 12th World Congress of IAPB. 2010.

Travel Awards: from the Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis (2007, 2010). From Graduate Student Association, University of California, Davis (2007).

Full Scholarship for M.Sc. Degree Program in Biotechnology (Sri Lanka): Sponsored by the Science and Technology Personnel Development Project from Asian Development Bank. 2002-2004.

Honorary Membership Award from Phi Sigma Society for the Promotion of Research in the Biological Sciences. 2008.

Honorary Membership Award from the Golden Key International Honour Society for top academic achievements. 2009.

Honorary Membership Award from the Honor Society of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta in recognition of high scholarship, an outstanding achievement. 2011.

KEY RESEARCH AND CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANTS

Principle Investigator of National Research Council Project - July 2020- November 2022-  Isolation of local microbial consortia for efficient garbage recycling

Principal Investigator of Japan International Cooperation Agency – JICA Project -August 2021- February 2024- Research on the cultivation of Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in Sri Lanka for the export market

Collaborative Scientist of University Research Council Grant -June 2022 - December 2023 - Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Agriculture: Assessment of a low-cost low-power IoT    system using agronomic parameters, image analysis, and machine learning

Principal  Investigator of NRC funded research grant - NRC Grant No: SP 21-02 -July 2021- December 2021 - Isolation of local microbial consortia for efficient microbial recycling.

Principal  Investigator of OWSD funded research grant -2019-2021 -Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Agriculture: assessment of agronomic traits and related gene expression of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grown under filed, semi-controlled, and controlled environmental conditions employed with low cost, low energy IoT solutions

Principle investigator/UOP partner of DWC (World Bank) funded research grant 2018-2020- DNA fingerprinting using the genetic analysis of wild fauna and flora in Sri Lanka

Principal Contact/UOP partner of FAO/GEF funded grant 2018-2020- Developing technical capacity for the detection and identification of LMOs, strengthening biosafety related infrastructure, and preparing educational material in biosafety for different educational level

Principal Investigator of NSF- Sri Lanka Research Grant – 2017-2020 -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 utilization value of cinnamon in Sri Lanka

A Research Sub-award/Contract of NSF-USA Funded Research Grant- 2013-2017-Evolutionary Gain And Loss Of Function In Parasitic Plant Genomes

Principal Investigator of National Research Council Grant- 2013-2016- Molecular and biochemical characterization of Sri Lankan pomegranates and expression analysis of major hydrolyzable tannin genes under different environmental conditions and maturity stages to popularize cultivation in Sri Lanka.

Principal Investigator of Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP) Sri Lanka, funded research project – 2016-2019- Studying the mechanism of host-parasite interaction between root parasitic Santalum album and its preferred hosts to popularize the cultivation in Sri Lanka

Principal Investigator of International Research Centre Funded Research Grant- 2014-2017-Evaluating genetic resources of an endemic wild rice species, Oryza rhizomatis Vaughan.

Principal Investigator of University Research Grant- 2014-2015- Development of an in vitro culture protocol and gene transformation system for Loranthus spp. to study the mechanism of plant parasitism

Principal Investigator of University Research Grant- 2014-2017- Development of transgenic gerbera varieties for local and export market

Principal Investigator of University Research Grant- 2012-2013-Developing a Micropropagation protocol for commercial-scale production of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng plants.

A collaborative scientist of NRC-Sri Lanka funded project on Insight into the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu): RNA-Seq based transcriptome analysis and SNP profiling 2015-2018

A collaborative scientist of NSF-Sri Lanka funded project on the Growth and phosphorus (P) nutrition     diversity of Sri Lankan and introduced rice varieties at variable soil P supply and adaptations to increase the P uptake and use-efficiency when grown in P impoverished soils 2014-2017

A collaborative scientist of NSF-Sri Lanka funded project on Home garden development in Sri  Lanka 2013-2016

Principal Investigator of CARP Sri Lanka funded research project on developing a cultivation package for large-scale production of Munronia pinnata(Binkohomba) plants through     tissue culture 2004-2006.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/SPECIAL TRAINING

International training on GMO/LMO detection and Identification 2022, Kochi, India.

International training on GMO/LMO detection and Identification 2021, Online.

 Short Course on Agricultural Biotechnology and Biosafety, at Michigan State University September 2-15, 2015

Training on Bioinformatics(RNA-seq) at Genome Center, UC Davis. September 9-11, 2013

Training on Bioinformatics by Ian Korf lab and Genome Center, UC Davis. July 13-17, 2009

Training on Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) at Genome Center, University of California, Davis

Special Training in Bioinformatics conducted by NCBI at UC Davis,    Sept 12-13, 2006.

Completed Teaching Methodology Course conducted by the Staff Development Center, University of Peradeniya, January - June 2005

Training Program on Use of Bioreactors in Plants conducted by Dr. Allen Scrag, University of West England, UK, at Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya. Sept. 15-17, 2004

Training Program on Plant Transformation conducted by Dr. M. Mohan at Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya, December 22-23, 2003

Training Program on Bioinformatics conducted by Dr. Philip Judge, the University of Cambridge at Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya. August19-20, 2003

PEER-REVIEWED SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

Bandara, R.M.D.M., Koswatta, D.D.K., Weerakkody, W.A.P. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., 2024. Image Sensing, A Unique Tool for Early Detection of Nitrogen Deficiency of Tomato Grown in Hot and Humid Greenhouses. Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 24(2), pp.34-42.

Rajapaksha, G.D.S.P., Gunathilake, P.M.P.C., Nirooparaj, B., Vidanarachchi, J.K., Jayawardana, B.C., De Croose, M.D.S.T., Wijesekara, I. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., 2024. Comparative Analysis of Green and Brown Morphotypes of Kappaphycus alvarezii Doty (Doty): Morphology, Total Phenol Content, Antioxidant Activity and Antimicrobial Activity. Tropical Agricultural Research, 35(1).

Bandaranayake, P.C., Naranpanawa, N., Chandrasekara, C.B., Samarakoon, H., Lokuge, S., Jayasundara, S., Bandaranayake, A.U., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G. and Wijesundara, D.S.A., 2023. Chloroplast genome, nuclear ITS regions, mitogenome regions, and Skmer analysis resolved the genetic relationship among Cinnamomum species in Sri Lanka. Plos one, 18(9), p.e0291763.

Hathurusinghe, B., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G. and Bandaranayake, P.C., 2023. Unveiling the possible floral visitors and invisible pollination networks from Deep RNA-seq Profile. Ecological Genetics and Genomics, 28, p.100178.

Kumari, H.M.P.S., Weebadde, C.K., Pastor-Corrales, M.A., Rajapakshe, R.G.A.S. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., 2023. Development of Local Breeding Lines for Rust Resistance in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) through the Incorporation of Rust-Resistant Genes. Tropical Agricultural Research, 34(4).

Kumari, P.S., Pastor-Corrales, M., Rajapaksha, R.G.A.S., Bandranayake, P.C.G. Weebadde, C., 2023. Characterization of Uromyces appendiculatus First Races in Sri Lanka and Identification of Genes for the Development of Rust-Resistant Snap Beans. Plant Disease, (2023).

Bandusekara, B.S., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G., Bandaranayake, P.C.G. Comparison of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Profiles and Antimicrobial Activity of Different Cinnamomum Species in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 34(2) (2023).

Hathurusinghe, B. M., Pushpakumara, D. K. N. G., and Bandaranayake, P. C. Macroscopic and microscopic study on floral biology and pollination of Cinnamomum verum Blume (Sri Lankan). Plos one, 18(2), e0271938, (2023).

Hathurusinghe, H. A. B. M., Bandusekara, B. S., Pushpakumar, D. K. N. G., Ranawaka, R. A. A. K., and Bandaranayake, P. C. G. Possibility of utilizing Inter Simple Sequence Repeat regions, bark powder morphology and floral morphometry to characterize the Cinnamomum species in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 34(1), 65-79 (2023).

Nilanthi, R.M.R., Samarakoon, H., Jayawardana, N., Hathurusinghe, B., Wijesundara, S. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G..  Strobilanthes glandulata (Acanthaceae), a new species from Sri Lanka based on the morphological and molecular evidences. Phytotaxa, 573(1), (2022).

Sooriyabandara, M. G. C., A. U. Bandaranayake, S. Jayasundara, H. A. B. M. Hathurusinghe, M. S. L. R. Marasighe, G. A. T. Prasad, V. P. M. K. Abeywardana, M. A. Pinidiya, R. M. R. Nilanthi, Bandaranayake, P.C.G. "A unique single nucleotide polymorphism in Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) gene changes coat colour of Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) to dark black." bioRxiv (2022).

Hathurusinghe, Bhagya M., D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara, Bandaranayake, P.C.G. "Macroscopic and microscopic study on floral biology and pollination of Cinnamomum verum Blume (Sri Lankan)." bioRxiv (2022).

Abhayagunasekara, A. V. C., Chandrasena, G. D. S. N., Dissanayake, D. M. O. K. B., Jayasundara, J. M. S. M., Pushpakumara, D. K. N. G., Samarasinghe, W. L. G., Bandaranayake, P. C. G. "Wild Rice Species in Sri Lanka as Genetic Resources for Breeding for Brown Plant Hopper (Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) Resistance in Rice." Tropical Agricultural Research 33.2 (2022): 102-112.

Nilanthi, R. M. R., Samarakoon, H., Jayawardana, N., Wijesundara, S., & Bandaranayake, P. C. G. Strobilanthes medahinnensis (Acanthaceae) a new species, based on morphological and molecular data, from the Peak Wilderness Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka. Phytotaxa, 514(1), 26-38 (2021).

Nilanthi, R. M. R., Rajathewa, R. A. M. P. M., Jayawardana, N., Wijesundara, S., & Bandaranayake, P. C. G.. New Addition, Different Habitats, Distribution Range and Diversity of Genus Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) in Sri Lanka. Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment, 11(01) (2021).

Kumari, H. M. P. S., Weebadde, C. K., Bandaranayake, P. C. G., Corrales, M. P., & Rajapakshe, R. G. A. S. Snap Bean Breeding for Rust Resistance: Validation of Molecular Markers for The Ur-11 Gene Introgression. Tropical Agricultural Research, 33(1) (2022).

Marasinghe, M.S.L.R.P., Nilanthi, R.M.R., Hathurusinghe, H.A.B.M., Sooriyabandara, M. G. C., Chandrasekara, C. H. W. M. R. B., Jayawardana, K. A. N. C., Kodagoda, M. M., Rajapakse R. C., and Bandaranayake P. C. G. Revisiting traditional SSR based methodologies available for elephant genetic studies. Scientific Reports 11, 8718 (2021). 

Liyanage, N.M.N., Chandrasekara, B.C.H.W.M. & Bandaranayake, P.C.G. A CTAB protocol for obtaining high-quality total RNA from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume). 3 Biotech 11, 201 (2021). 

Suriyagoda, L., Mohotti, A.J., Vidanarachchi, J.K., Kodithuwakku, S.P., Chathurika, M., Bandaranayake, P.C.G., Hetherington, A.M. and Beneragama, C.K., 2021. “Ceylon cinnamon”: Much more than just a spice. Plants, People, Planet. 

Chandrasekara, C. B., Naranpanawa, D. N. U., Bandusekara, B. S., Pushpakumara, D. K. N. G., Wijesundera, D. S. A., & Bandaranayake, P. C. (2021). Universal barcoding regions, rbc L, mat K and trn H-psb A do not discriminate Cinnamomum species in Sri Lanka. PloS one, 16(2), e0245592.

T?šitel, Jakub, Ai-Rong Li, Kate?ina Knotková, Richard McLellan, P. C.G Bandaranayake, and David M. Watson. "The bright side of parasitic  plants:  What  are  they  good  for?." Plant Physiology (2020).

Liyanage, N.M.N., Bandusekara, B.S., Kanchanamala, R.W.M.K., Hathurusinghe,  H.A.B.M., Dilhan, A.M.R.W.S., Pushpakumara, D.G., Samita, S., Wijesinghe, K.G.G., Jayasinghe, G.G., Liyanage, W.K. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., Identification of superior Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume germplasm for future true cinnamon breeding in the world. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 96, p.103747

Naranpanawa, D. N. U., C. H. W. M. R. B. Chandrasekara, P. C. G. Bandaranayake, and A. U. Bandaranayake. "Raw transcriptomics data to gene-specific SSRs: a validated free bioinformatics workflow for biologists." Scientific reports 10, no. 1 (2020): 1-16.

Liyanage, NM N., A. L. Ranawake, and P. C. G. Bandaranayake. "Cross-pollination effects on morphological, molecular, and biochemical diversity of a selected cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) seedling population." Journal of Crop Improvement (2020): 1-17.

Bandusekara, B. S., D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara, P. C. G. Bandaranayake, K. G. G. Wijesinghe, and G. G. Jayasinghe. "Field Level Identification of Cinnamomum Species in Sri Lanka Using a Morphological Index." (2020)

Chandrasekara, C. H. W. M. R. B., Sumanarathne, R. A. P. I., & Bandaranayake, P. C. G. Centellaasiatica Morphotypes Differ Genetically as well as Macronutrients Content, Total Phenolic Content and Chemical Fingerprints of  Leaves,  Journal  of  Agricultural  Sciences–Sri Lanka, 15(1)(2020).

Suriyagoda, L., Sirisena, D., Kekulandara, D., Bandaranayake, P., Samarasinghe, G., & Wissuwa, M. Biomass and nutrient accumulation rates of rice cultivars differing in their growth duration when grown in fertile and low-fertile soils, (2020) Journal of Plant Nutrition, 43(2), 251-269.

Kanchanamala, R. W. M. K., & Bandaranayake, P. C. G. An efficient and rapid Rhizobium rhizogenes root transformation protocol for Lemna minor. (2019) Plant Biotechnology Reports, 1-9.

Attanayake, R., Rajapaksha, R., Weerakkody, P. Bandaranayake, P.C.G. The Effect of Maturity Status on Biochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Gene Expression in a Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) A cultivar with Red Flowers, Yellow Peel, and Pinkish Arils. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 38: 992-1006. (2019)

Bandaranayake, P.C.G.  and  Yoder  J.I.  Factors  affecting  the  efficiency  of Rhizobium rhizogenes root  transformation  of  the  root  parasitic   plant Triphysaria   versicolor and   its host Arabidopsis thaliana, (2018) BMC Plant Methods, 14:61.

Attanayake R., Eeswaran E., Rajapaksha R., Weerakkody, W., Bandaranayake, P.C.G. Biochemical composition and expression analysis of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes of a yellow peeled and pinkish ariled pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivar are differentially regulated in response to agro-climatic conditions, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 66::31: 8761-8771 (2018).

Kekulandara, D. S., Sirisena, D. N., Bandaranayake, P. C. G., Samarasinghe, G., Wissuwa, M., & Suriyagoda, L. D. B. Variation in grain yield, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrition of irrigated rice cultivars grown at fertile and low-fertile soils,  Plant and Soil, 1-17(2018).

Pathirana, C. K., Attanayake, A. M. U. R. K., Dissanayake, D. M. U. S. K., Gamlath, J. G. K. L., Ketipearachchi, K. W., Madhujith, T., Bandaranayake P.C.G. & Eeswara, J. P. Effect of Phenological Growth Stage on Establishment of In-vitro Cultures of Bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.). Tropical Agricultural Research, (2018), 29(3), 268-275

Pathirana, C. K., Chandrasekara, C. H. W. M. R. B., Attanayake, S. R. M. R., Weerakkody, W. A. P., Eeswara, J. P., & Bandaranayake, P. C. G. Optimization of DNA extraction and PCR protocols for plants with high phenolics:  Bael,  Mango,  Pomegranate as examples. Ceylon  Journal  of Science, (2018), 47(1), 43-48.

Kumari, T., Rajapaksha, R., Karunarathne, L., Pushpakumara, G., & Bandaranayake, P. Morphological characterization of Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw.: Screening of indigenous crop genetic resources for future  food and nutritional security,  Sri  Lanka  Journal  of  Food  and Agriculture, (2017) 3(2).

Attanayake, SRMR, Kumari, SASM, Weerakkody, WAP, Ranil, RHG, Damania AB, Bandaranayake PCG, Molecular diversity and genetic relationships of Sri Lankan pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) landraces assessed with Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) regions, Nordic Journal of Botany, (2017), 35: 385-394.

Abhayagunasekara AVC., Pushpakumara, DKNG, Samarasinghe WLG., Bandaranayake PCG, Habitat loss of Oryza rhizomatis Vaughan in Sri Lanka over fiver years, Wildlanka, (2017) 5: (4): 164-179.

DS Kekulandara, PCG Bandaranayake, DN Sirisena, WLG Samarasinghe, LDB Suriyagoda, Temporal tillering behavior of Sri Lankan elite rice varieties in response to phosphorus availability, (2017), Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 28 (2): 133 – 143.

Attanayake, SRMR, Weerakkody, WAP, Ranil, RHG, Bandaranayake PCG, Genetic diversity of Punica granatum (L.) germplasm in several major cultivation areas of Sri Lanka assessed with ISSR markers (2016), Wild lanka journal, 4: 106-116

Zhenzhen Yang, Eric K Wafula, Loren A Honaas, Huiting Zhang, Malay Das, Monica Fernandez- Aparicio, Kan Huang, Pradeepa CG Bandaranayake, Biao Wu, Joshua P Der, Christopher R Clarke, Paula E Ralph, Lena Landherr, Naomi S Altman, Michael P Timko, John I Yoder, James H Westwood (2014). Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal core parasitism genes and suggest gene duplication and repurposing as sources of structural novelty, Molecular Biology and Evolution (2014), doi: 10.1093/molbev/msu343

Pradeepa C.G. Bandaranayake and John I. Yoder . Trans-specific gene silencing of Acetyl-CoA- Carboxylase in a root-parasitic plant (2013). MPMI 26: 576-584.

    Featured in the cover of Molecular Plant Microbial Interactions (MPMI) May 2013 issue

Gunawardana, W.G.N. Ariyaratne, M. Bandaranayake, P. Marambe, B. (2013). Control of Echinochloa contains aerobic rice: effect of different rates of seed paddy and post-plant herbicides in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the 24th Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society Conference October 22-25, Bandung Indonesia (431-437).

Nadia N. Ono, Pradeepa C.G. Bandaranayake*(2012), Li Tian Establishment of pomegranate (Punica granatum) hairy root cultures for genetic interrogation of the hydrolyzable tannin biosynthetic pathway. Planta (2012) 236(3):936-41 * Co-first authors.

Pradeepa C.G. Bandaranayake, Alexey Tomilov, Natalya B. Tomilova, Quy Ngo, Kristina Mahan, Norman Wickett, Claude W. dePamphilis and John I. Yoder. The gene TvPirin is necessary for haustorium formation in the parasitic plant Triphysaria. Plant Physiology (2011), 158:1046-1053.

Fernández-Aparicio M, Rubiales D, Bandaranayake PCG, Yoder JI, & Westwood JH Transformation and regeneration of the holoparasitic plant Phelipanche aegyptiaca, Plant methods (2011).

Pradeepa C.G. Bandaranayake, Tatiana Filappova, Alexey Tomilov, Natalya B. Tomilova, Denneal Jamison-McClung, Quy Ngo, Kentaro Inoue, and John I. Yoder. A Single-Electron Reducing Quinone Oxidoreductase Is Necessary to Induce Haustorium Development in the Root Parasitic Plant Triphysaria. Plant Cell, (2010) 22: 1404-1419.

Featured in an In Brief article; A Shot in the Dark: How Parasitic Plants Find Host Roots, Mach J Plant Cell 2010;22:995-995

J.I. Yoder, P.C. Gunathilake, B. Wu, N. Tomilova, and A.A. Tomilov.. Engineering host resistance against parasitic weeds with RNA interference. Pest Management Science, (2009) 65: 460-466.

P. M.P.C. Gunathilake, A.G.N.I. Abayagunawardhana, S. Wimalasiri, U.R. Sangakkara and J.P. Eeswara. Direct Shoot Organogenesis from Nodal and Leaf Explants of Munronia pinnata (Wall.) Theob: a Valuable Medicinal Plant, Tropical Agricultural Research, (2008)Vol. 20

P.M.P.C.K. Gunathilake, J.M.R.S. Bandara and P.K. Samarajeewa. Genetic Diversity and Patogenecity of Ralstonia solanacearum E.F. Smith in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) in Kandy, Matale, and Monaragala Districts, Tropical Argicultural Research (2004) Vol. 16: 51-60.

PEER-REVIEWED BOOK CHAPTERS

Bandaranayake, P. C. G. "Use of Biotechnology for Crop Improvement in Sri Lanka: Current Status and Future Prospects." Agricultural Research for Sustainable Food Systems in Sri Lanka. Springer, Singapore, 2020. 89-106.

Ranil, R. H. G., Gamini Pushpakumara, R. M. Fonseka, H. Fonseka, P. C. G. Bandaranayake, W.A. P. Weerakkody, W. M. T. P. Ariyaratne, A. N. De Silva, and N. P. T. Gunawardena. "Utilizing Neglected Crop Genetic Resources for Food and Nutritional Security: Special Reference to Indigenous Vegetables of Sri Lanka." Agricultural Research for Sustainable Food Systems in Sri Lanka. Springer, Singapore, 2020. 39-66.

Pradeepa C.G. Bndaranayake and D.K.N.G. Pushpakumara. Genetics and Molecular Characterisation of Genus Cinnamomum, in R.Senaratna and R. Pathirana (Eds.) Cinnamon(Cinamomum zeylanicum  Blume):  Botany,  Chemistry,  Production, and  Industrial  Applications. Springer.

P. Abysinghe, Pradeepa C.G. Bndaranayake and R. Pathirana, Botany, anatomy, ontogeny and reproductive biology of cinnamon species, R.Senaratna and R. Pathirana (Eds.) Cinnamon (Cinamomum zeylanicum Blume): Botany, Chemistry, Production, and Industrial Applications. Springer.

Pradeepa C.G. Bandaranayake and John I. Yoder. Haustorium Initiation and Early Development in Joel, DM, Musselman LJ, Gressel J (Eds.) Parasitic Orobanchaceae parasitic mechanisms and control strategies (2013). Springer ISBN 978-3-642-38146-1

Pradeepa C.G. Bandaranayake. GM Foods: Solving the Global Food Crisis", Encyclopedia of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Food (EBAF), Edited by Dennis R. Heldman, Dallas G. Hoover and Matthew B. Wheeler (2010). CRC Press ISBN 9780849350276 - CAT# DK271X

J.I. Yoder, P.C. Gunathilake, D. Jamison-McClung. Hemiparasitic plants: exploiting their host’s inherent nature to talk. In: Baluska, F., Vivanco, J. (eds). Plant-Environment Interactions. (2009) Springer, pp 85-100. ISSN 1867-9048 ISBN 978-3-540-89229-8 e-ISBN 978-3-540-89230-4

INVITED TALKS

Delivered a keynote address at the National Scinece Day celebration event of Sri Lanka 2022, held on November 10, 2022 - Organized by the National Sceince Foundation, Sri Lanka.

SLAAS theme seminar: Title :Biotechnology for Crop Improvement in Sri Lanka: Current Status and Future Directions, 9th December, Colombo 2019.

6th Annual South Asia Biosafety Conference (SABC). Title: Research Advances in the Development of Transgenic and Gene Edited Products in South Asia, September 15-17 2018, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

9th World Congress of the International Association for Plant Biotechnology. Title: Quinone oxidoreductases mediate rhizosphere signaling between parasitic plants and their hosts’ roots. June 6-11, 2010 St. Louis, Missouri USA.

TALKS/SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS

15th World Congress on Parasitic Plants. Title: Transcriptomics to farmer field: a system biology approach for commercializing root parasitic Santalum album (Sandalwood), 30 June- July 5, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

14th World Congress on Parasitic Plants. Title: Haustorial hair and root hair development, June 25- 30, Asilamor, California, USA

13th World Congress on Parasitic Plants. Title: Haustorial hair development, July 5-10, Kumning, China

Department of Plant Sciences Spring Quarter seminar series. Title: Comparative transcriptomics and RNAi silencing to dissect and control parasitic weeds May 12, 2010, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.

Plant Biology Seminar Series. Title: Functional characterization of host signal perception, transduction, and response in early haustorium development in Triphysaria. October 06, 2009, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.

Plant Biology Seminar Series. Silencing flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in the parasitic plant Triphysaria versicolor to identify their roles in plant parasitism, November 18, 2008, University of California, Davis, CA 95616

9th World Congress on Parasitic Plants.   Title: Macromolecular Trafficking from Host Plants into the Hemiparasitic Plant Triphysaria versicolor. June 3-7, 2007, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.