Celebrating a Milestone: The Inaugural Professorship at the Department of Bioprocess Technology
The Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka proudly announces Prof. Chathuranga Bamunuarachchige as its first Professor in the Department. Prof. Bamunuarachchige, currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty, has contributed significantly to the academic and research landscape with his extensive expertise in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Peradeniya and a B.Sc. from the Open University of Sri Lanka. Prof. Bamunuarachchige has held various administrative roles, including Department Head and Program Coordinator, demonstrating leadership and dedication to advancing the Faculty’s mission. His recognition includes prestigious awards such as the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Most Outstanding Senior Researcher and scholarships highlighting his meritorious achievements.
A Milestone Event in Bioprocess Technology and Pest Control; Innovative Melon Fly Control Project Kick-Off and International Workshop
The Department of Bioprocess Technology at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka proudly initiated the Melon Fly Control Project with a significant launch ceremony on March 22, 2024. This groundbreaking project, generously funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), marks a pivotal step forward in the fight against agricultural pests and vectors of medical importance.
This inaugural international workshop, hosted in the Main Auditorium of the Faculty of Management Studies, brought together experts and enthusiasts from around the globe. It facilitated discussions that are expected to shape the future of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Dr. Asha Wijegunawardana set the stage with an insightful overview of the Melon Fly Control Project. The workshop further benefited from the profound contributions of Prof. T. C. Bamunuarachchige and Dr. Wolly Wijayaratne, who shared details on the human resources and infrastructure available at the Faculty of Technology and the Faculty of Agriculture, which are crucial for the project’s success.
Highlighting the event, Dr. Konstantinos Bourtzis, a renowned Molecular Biologist from the IAEA Laboratories in Austria, delivered an engaging presentation on the global advancements in pest control techniques, specifically the sterile insect technique (SIT) and incompatible insect technique (IIT). His talk illuminated the path for future research and application in controlling mosquitoes and agricultural pests.
Attracting over 60 participants, the workshop witnessed the gathering of academics, researchers from various faculties at Rajarata University, and representatives from the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, Browns Agri Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, and Vikadenigama Farm in Anuradhapura. This diverse attendance underscored the wide-reaching interest and urgency in advancing pest control methods that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
International Exchange Enriches Fungal Research:
Ms. Guiquing Zhang’s Visit to Rajarata University
Ms Guiquing Zhang, an international student, arrived through the Tropical Microbiology Research Foundation fund to visit the Department of Bioprocess Technology lab from 4th March to 3rd April 2024. Ms Zhang is a master’s student at Chiang Mai University Thailand from China conducting her research on saprobic and endophytic fungi of the Rhododendron simisii plant. Her expertise fields are taxonomy and phylogeny. So far, she has published two papers as first author and eight as co-author. During her stay in Sri Lanka, she submitted one paper to Mycokeys.
During her time in the Department of Bioprocess Technology lab, she conducted a talk for research assistants and undergraduate students, and she covered molecular phylogenetic analysis using multi-gene tree analysis to explain how fungi are taxonomically categorised using their molecular characters. In addition, she has given some ideas and answered the questions raised by undergraduates by showing troubleshooting issues that can occur during the analysis. Participants’ feedback emphasised the talk’s success, with many expressing appreciations for the quality of content and the interactive nature of the session.
In the end, she thanks Professor Nalin for arranging this opportunity for her to study as an exchange student at Rajatara University in Sri Lanka, and thanks Prof. Chathuranga Bamunuarachchige, Dr. Ajith Rathnayake, Dr. H. K. S. de Zoysa, and the Research Assistants who shared food and lab space with her.
A New Chapter: Dr. H.K.S. de Zoysa’s Return with a Ph.D. from Italy
The Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka warmly welcomes back Dr H.K.S. de Zoysa to the Department of Bioprocess Technology following the completion of his PhD in Biology at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy. Dr. de Zoysa, a lecturer and an esteemed member of the faculty since its inception, has made significant contributions to the fields of Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. His return is eagerly anticipated, promising to enrich the academic and research environment with his enhanced expertise and insights gained from his studies and research in Italy. For more details about Dr. de Zoysa’s journey and achievements, please visit the faculty’s website here.
