EDUCATION

PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and collaboration with National University of Singapore (2016)

• Thesis title: Fragile X syndrome in children with learning disabilities - A Molecular genetics and epidemiological study in Sri Lanka

BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Hons)

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow at Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya ( July 2016 - up to date)                              
• Graduate Research Assistant at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (November 2010 - January 2016)   
• Trainee at Ceylon Tea Board  (August 2010- November 2010)      

PUBLICATIONS

PUBLICATIONS IN PEER REVIEWED JOURNALS

1. 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., 2021. Revisiting traditional SSR based methodologies available for elephant genetic studies. Scientific reports, 11(1), pp.1-13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88034-9
2. Liyanage, N.M., Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B. and Bandaranayake, P.C., 2021. protocol for obtaining high-quality total RNA from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume). 3 Biotech, 11(4), pp.1-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-021-02756-1 
3. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Naranpanawa, D.N.U., Bandusekara, B.S., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G., Wijesundera, D.S.A. and 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), p.e0245592. e0245592. https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245592 
4. Naranpanawa, D.N.U., Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Bandaranayake, P.C.G. and Bandaranayake, A.U., 2020. Raw transcriptomics data to gene specific SSRs: a validated free bioinformatics workflow for biologists. Scientific reports, 10(1), pp.1-16. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75270-8 
5. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Sumanarathne, R.A.P.I. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., 2020. 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). http://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v15i1.8673 
6. Pathirana, C.K., Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Attanayake, S.R.M.R., Weerakkody, W.A.P., Eeswara, J.P. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., 2018. Optimization of DNA extraction and PCR protocols for plants with high Phenolics: Bael, Mango, Pomegranate as examples. Ceylon Journal of Science, 47(1), pp.43-48. http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v47i1.7485 
7. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, S., Chong, S.S. and Perera, H.N., 2017. Prevalence of Fragile X Syndrome among children receiving special education and carrier states in first degree relatives. Ceylon Med J, 62(2), pp.92-96.: http://doi.org/10.4038/cmj.v62i2.8473.
8. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B, Wijesundera, S. and Perera, H., 2016. Fragile X syndrome in children with learning difficulties and the diagnostic dilemma. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 45(1).doi.org/ 10.4038/sljch. V 45i1.8084.
9. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, W.S., Perera, H.N., Chong, S.S. and RajanBabu, I.S., 2015. Cascade screening for fragile X syndrome/CGG repeat expansions in children attending special education in Sri Lanka. PloS one, 10(12), p.e0145537. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145537 
10. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Sulochana, W.W. and Hemamali, N.P., 2013. Polymerase chain reaction optimization for amplification of Guanine-Cytosine rich templates using buccal cell DNA. Indian journal of human genetics, 19(1), p.78-83 doi:10.4103/0971-6866.112898.

RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS

1. Wijethunga P.W.C.M., Benaragama C.K., Bandaranayake P.C.G. Chandrasekara C.H.W.M.R.B. Diversity analysis of Newly Introduced Red-pigments Aglonema Cultivars. Proceedings of the Faculty of Undergraduate Research Symposium, 13tg August 2021. Pp17  
2. Disanayake D.M.S.K., Nissanka S.P., Chandrasekara C.H.W.M.R.B. Bandarnayake P.C.G. Sri Lankan Yams: Genetics and Biochemical Diversity among the Accessions. Proceedings of the Faculty of Undergraduate Research Symposium, 13tg August 2021. Pp59
3. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., H.A.B.M Hathurusinghe, Bandaranayake, P.C.G. Consumer preference for medicinal plants from family Apiaceae; Centella asiatica, Oenanthe Javanica and Hydrocotyle bonariensis. Asian Symposium on Medicinal Plants, Spices and other Natural Products XVI 14th December 2018.pp 188
4. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G., Bandaranayake, P.C.G. DNA extraction from Cinnamamom Zelanicum, Cinnamon: A simple and efficient method. Young Scientist Forum, Proceedings of the 7th YSF Symposium 18th January 2018. pp 22- 25.
5. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Bandaranayake, P.C.G. Assessment of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different Centella asiatica (Gotukola) morphotypes. International symposium on Traditional and complementary medicine 17th August 2017. pp 130.
6. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, W.S.S., Perera. H.N., Chong, S.S., Babu, I.S.R. Screening first degree relatives for fragile X syndrome carrier status. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium, University of Colombo October 2015; p103
7. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, W.S.S., Perera, H.N. In silico analysis of FMR 1 gene to identify and prioritize the single nucleotide polymorphisms for Fragile X syndrome. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science Proceedings of the 70th Annual Sessions December 2014 Part 1; p107.
8. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, S.S., Perera, H.N., Chong, S.S., Babu, I.S.R. Screening for CGG repeat expansions in FMR1 gene among children attending special schools in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Annual research symposium, University of Colombo 20th November 2014; p143.
9. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, S.S., Perera, H.N., Chong, S.S., Genetic analysis of the FMR1 gene for fragile X phenotypes among children attending Mental Health Clinic at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital. International conference on birth defects November 2014; p30.
10. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, S.S., Perera, H.N. Screening for fragile X syndrome among children presenting with learning difficulties. Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Child Health January 2012; p16-17
11. Chandrasekara, C.H.W.M.R.B., Wijesundera, S.S., Perera, H.N. PCR amplification of the GC rich region of the FMR 1 gene. Proceedings of the 68th Annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of science 2012 Part 1; p14