EDUCATION

• M.Phil. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2025)
• B.Sc. Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (2021) 
• Diploma in Food Quality Management, Sri Lanka Standard Institute (SLSI) (2021)
• Diploma in Marketing, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) (2021)
• Diploma in Human Resource Management, Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs National Youth Service Council, Sri Lanka (2020)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Graduated temporary research assistant (UGC), Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (From 2024)
• Graduated temporary research assistant (Project), Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (2021-2024)
• Implant training at the Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (2021)
• Lab Assistant, work-ware Company, Biyagama export processing zone (2015 to 2016)

PUBLICATIONS

• G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha, A.H.A.T. Ariyarathna, P.M.P.C. Gunathilake, J.K. Vidanarachchi, B.C. Jayawardana, B. Nirooparaj, M.D.S.T. De Croos, P.C.G. Bandaranayake (2025). Development of a Cultivation and Harvest Strategy for Kappaphycus alvarezii: Evaluation of Growth, Morphotypes, Carrageenan Yield, Gel Strength, and Chemical Properties Using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Journal of Applied Phycology, 1-16
• 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).
• Rajapaksha, G.D.S.P., Gunathilake, P.M.P.C., Vidanarachchi, J.K., Jayawardana, B.C., Nirooparaj, B., De Croos, M.D.S.T., and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., 2025. Effect of Growing Environment on the Quality and Quantity of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty Yield. Tropical Agricultural Research, 36(2).
• I.N.S. Dewapriya, G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha, W.A.P. Weerakkody, A.U. Bandaranayake and P.C.G. Bandaranayake., 2024. Effect of Grow Media on Growth, Yield and Quality of Different Tomato Varieties (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Under IoT-Driven Greenhouse Conditions. Proceedings of the 12th YSF Symposium, 2024.
• 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., Comparative Analysis of Green and Brown Morphotypes of Kappaphycus alvarezii Doty (Doty): Morphology, Total Phenol Content, Antioxidant Activity and Antimicrobial Activity, Thirty-Fifth Annual Congress of the PGIA, 17 November 2023 (3) ?
• Rajapaksha, G.D.S.P., Gunathilake, P.M.P.C., Vidanarachchi, J.K., Jayawardana, B.C., Nirooparaj, B., De Croos, M.D.S.T., and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., Effect of Growing Environment on the Quality and Quantity of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty Yield, Thirty-Sixth Annual Congress of the PGIA, 22 November 2024 (2)
• Adhikari, A.M.D.M., Rajapaksha, G.D.S.P., Vidanarachchi, J.K. and Bandaranayake, P.C.G. (2024). Can the Demand for Commercial Carrageenan be fulfilled by Extracting Carrageenan from the Marine Red Seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii (Elkhorn Sea Moss)? Peradeniya University International Research Sessions and Exposition (iPURSE), 2025, 26 (238)
• 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., Comparative Analysis of Green and Brown Morphotypes of Kappaphycus alvarezii Doty (Doty): Morphology, Total Phenol Content, Antioxidant Activity and Antimicrobial Activity, Thirty-Fifth Annual Congress of the PGIA, 17 November 2023 (3)
• Rajapaksha, G.D.S.P., Gunathilake, P.M.P.C., Vidanarachchi, J.K., Jayawardana, B.C., Nirooparaj, B., De Croos, M.D.S.T., and Bandaranayake, P.C.G., Effect of Growing Environment on the Quality and Quantity of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty Yield, Thirty-Sixth Annual Congress of the PGIA, 22 November 2024 (2)
• Adhikari A.M.D.M., Rajapaksha G.D.S.P., Vidanarachchi J.K., Bandaranayake P.C.G., Do Different Carrageenan Extraction Methods Influence on the Carrageenan Yield, Carrageenan Fraction and Gel Strength of a Marine Red Seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii (Elkhorn Sea Moss or Doty)? Proceedings of the Faculty of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2023, 159
• Jayathissa R.D.I.S., Vidanarachchi J.K., Bandaranayake P.C.G., Rajapaksha G.D.S.P., Adassooriya N.M., Chamara H.K.B.S., Priyashantha H., and Jayarathna S., Development and Characterization of Active Bioplastic Film from Carrageenan, Chitosan, and Modified Starch: A Sustainable Alternative for Petroleum-Based Plastics Packaging. Proceedings of the Faculty of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025, 135
• Rajapaksha G.D.S.P., Jayawardena B.C., Bandaranayake P.C.G., Kodithuwakku M., Hathurusinghe H.A.B.M. and Weththasinghe P., Beef Adulteration in Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) Area: PCR Assay and Morphological Identification. Proceedings of the Faculty of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2020, 74
• Jayabhanu A.P.N.E., Wimalasiri K.M.S., Bandaranayake P.C.G., Jayanath N.Y and Rajapaksha G.D.S.P. Food Compatible Extraction of Antioxidants from Selected Food Commodities. Proceedings of the Faculty of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025, 196
• Dassanayake W.N., Rajapaksha G.D.S.P., Rajanayake R.M.U.G.N.M., Marambe B., Bandaranayke P.C.G., Vidanarachchi J.K. and Hulugalla W.M.M.P., (2025). Morphological, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Assessment of Megathyrsus trichocladus (wireweed): Implications of Forage Potential and Maturity Related Changes. Proceedings of the Faculty of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2025,68
• G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha, H.A.B.M. Hathurusinghe, P. Weththasinghe, M. Kodituwakku, B.C. Jayawardana, P.C.G. Bandaranayake, Optimization of a PCR Based Method for the Identification of Cattle and Buffalo Meat, Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Submitted).
• P.C.G. Bandaranayake, G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha, I.N.S. Dewapriya., Replacement of Chemical Fertilizer with Seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii; a Foliar Application. Peradeniya University International Research Sessions and Exposition (iPURSE), 2025
• P.C.G. Bandaranayake, J.K. Vidanarachchi, A.M.D.M. Adhikari, G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha., Locally produced Superior Refined Carrageenan from Locally Produced Kappaphycus alvarezii. Peradeniya University International Research Sessions and Exposition (iPURSE), 2025
• P.C.G. Bandaranayake, G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha, I.N.S. Dewapriya., An Alternative Gelling Agent for Plant Tissue Culture. Peradeniya University International Research Sessions and Exposition (iPURSE), 2024
• P.C.G. Bandaranayake, G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha, P.M.P.C. Gunathilake, J.K. Vidanarachchi, B.C. Jayawardana. B. Nirooparaj, M.D.S.T. De Croos, Isuru Wijesekara, Exploring Seaweed Cultivation Opportunities in Sri Lanka: Mannar to Jaffna. Peradeniya University International Research Sessions and Exposition (iPURSE), 2024  
• P.C.G. Bandaranayake, G.D.S.P. Rajapaksha, P.M.P.C. Gunathilake, J.K. Vidanarachchi, B.C. Jayawardena, M. D. S. T. De Croos, Isuru Wijesekara, B. Nirooparaj, Effect of Agronomic Practices on growth, yield, and related gene expression of Kappaphycus alvarezii Doty (Doty). Peradeniya University Research Excellence Showcase (PURSE) 2022 

           Other scientific communication 

• Research brief in English language: Sri Lanka's Seaweed Potential: A Growing Industry Hanthana Essence, Volume 4, Issue 01, November 2024.
• Research brief in English language: The hidden wonder of seaweed colour; Hanthana Essence, Volume 3, Issue 01, November 2023.
• Research brief in Sinhala language: Does Sri Lanka have adhered to the law of beef production; Hanthana Blossoms, Volume 5, Issue 01, August 2021.