Ms. Rasangi Aluthge

Education

• M.Phil in Biotechnology, University of Colombo- 2022
• B.Sc. in Agricultre Biology, University of Ruhuna- 2015

Biography

Ms. Rasangi Aluthge is a Lecturer (Unconfirmed) at the Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. She graduated from the University of Ruhuna (UOR) with a special degree in Agricultural Biology, securing a second class upper division pass. Then she completed her master of Master of Philosophy degree in Biotechnology in university of Colombo (UOC), with the financial support of the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy.

Meanwhile, she joined as a Research Assistant at Plant Virus Indexing Center, Department of Agriculture, where she gained extensive experience in plant virus diagnostics, molecular biology, and transgenic research.    Her work involved nucleic acid extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based pathogen detection, molecular characterization of plant viruses, gene cloning, plant genetic transformation, and transgenic plants for disease management. Through her research activities, she contributed to the application of modern biotechnological tools for addressing challenges in agriculture and plant health. Her research interests include plant biotechnology, plant virology, molecular plant pathology, transgenic technology, genetic engineering, virus characterization, and molecular plant breeding.

Afterword She joined the Fruit crop research and development institute, where particularly interested in applying her knowledge to improve and develop crop productivity via breeding programs. She is passionate about promoting innovation in agricultural biotechnology and contributing to the development of practical, science-based solutions for crop improvement, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

Researches and Projects

On going

• Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Sri Lankan plassiflora virus associated with yellow passion fruit.
• Development of a Chitosan-Based Postharvest Coating Combined with Calcium Chloride for Extending Shelf Life and Reducing Postharvest Losses of Yellow Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa)
• Evaluation and development of a sustainable maintenance package for yellow passion fruit cultivation.
• Molecular identification of Phytophthora disease in Durio zibethinus.

Past

• Detection of common virus diseases of passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) in, Sri Lanka and molecular characterization of a newly identified virus.
• Detection and Molecular Characterization of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) and viroids Associated with Citrus Cultivations Sri Lanka.
• Development of duplex PCR method for molecular detection of Common Bean Viruses.
•  Agrobacterium mediated expression of the Cp gene of Papaya ring spot virus in Carica papaya var. Rathna.    

Publications

• H.W.K. Kavindi, B.M.V.S. Basnayake, K.M. Mewan and A.D.R.P. Aluthge. (2025). Molecular detection of viral diseases of Plassiflora edulis L. and identification of virus transmission methods. Proceeding Agricultural research symposium (23)406-410.
• D.G.D. Jayarathne, B.M.V.S. Basnayake, P.W. M. Tharindi, A.D.R.P. Aluthge and M.L.M.C. Dissanayake (2025). Detection of common virus diseases of Passionruit (Plassiflora edulis) in Colombo and Kaluthara Districts in Sri Lanka. International conference on Agricultural and Plantation Management, (96)
• A.D.R.P. Aluthge, B.M.V.S. Basnayake, K.G.U. Madumali. 2023. Efficient In – Vitro Regeneration Protocol for Transgenic Papaya Carica Papaya L. Annals of the Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture. (25): 328
• A.D.R.P. Aluthge, B.M.V.S. Basnayake, U.G.K. Aberathne. 2023. Cloning and Sequencing of Papaya Ring Spot Virus Coat Protein (cp) Gene from Sri Lankan Isolate. Annals of the Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture. (25): 327
• Basnayake, B. M. V. S., Aluthge, A. D. R. P., & Amarajeewa, A. W. P. (2021). Development of a molecular assay for the detection of tomato mosaic virus in sri lanka. Asian journal of agriculture and allied sciences, 4(1), 19-27. retrieved from https://www.ikprress.org/index.php/ajaas/article/view/7263
• Aluthge, A. D. R. P., Nagahawaththa, S. M. S., Basnayake, B. M. V. S., Hettiarachchi, C., & Senanayake, D. M. J. B. (2021). Regeneration of carica papaya “rathna” variety through somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos. Asian journal of research and review in agriculture, 3(4), 38-45. Retrieved from https://globalpresshub.com/index.php/ajrra/article/view/1284
• Aluthge A.D.R.P., Nagahawatta S.M.S., Basnayake B.M.V.S., Jayasekara G.A.U.,(2017) Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of Carica papaya v. Red lady.ICDA. 03. 97-98.
• Aluthge A.D.R.P., Thennakoon T.M.D., Basnayake B.M.S.V., (2016) Agrobacterium mediated transformation for development of transgenic papaya. Winc. 04. 78-79.