Senior Lecturer
Contact:
Colombo, Central Campus, Ground floor, Science and Technology building, Room No : 016
Office: +94112884446, Ext: 446 Mobile: +94773580515
E-mail: rjill@ou.ac.lk
Senior Lecturer in Zoology
Areas of Specialization:Dr. Illeperuma holds B.Sc. from the Open University of Sri Lanka. He is a former Fulbright scholar and earned his PhD from the University of Colombo for the research he conducted on Forensic Molecular Anthropology at the University of Washington, USA. He worked as the Senor Scientist in Molecular Forensics, specializing forensic human and animal identification at Genetech, Sri Lanka for over 18 years and currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer at Department of Zoology.
Dr. Illeperuma is widely published as an active lecturer for the law enforcement and the members of the judiciary and as a writer on DNA based forensic science. He is an author of several books on the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations and is an active researcher on Genetic Genealogy, molecular anthropology of Sri Lankan populations and animal forensics. His research findings on the genetics of ethnic groups and the aboriginal veddas of Sri Lanka are widely published locally and internationally.
Areas of Specialization: Molecular identification of humans and other animal species.
Research interests:Molecular anthropology, Molecular forensics and population genetics
Course Coordination:ZYU6303-Molecualr Biology
ZYU4303- Animal Behaviour
ZYPA411- Molecular Biology of vectors and parasites
ZYP9.08- Public health Issues and Policies
Awards:National Merit Award for Science & Technology Achievements (NASTA Awards) Awarded by Nation Science Foundation of Sri Lanka-2014
Presidential award for scientific publication – 2014
SUSRED Award, Nation Science Foundation of Sri Lanka – 2013
Outstanding Young Individual for Scientific Development (TOYP award) in Sri Lanka 2011. (Awarded by the Junior Chamber International, JCI)
Hiran Thilakarathna Outstanding Post Graduate Research award (Awarded by the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka)
Researches:
Development of data bases for Autosomal, Y-Chromosomal and Mitochondrial DNA markers for Sri Lankan ethnic populations and the Veddas of Sri Lanka.
Application of Y-Chromosomal and Mitochondrial DNA markers in forensic criminal investigations and population genetics in Sri Lankan populations.
Development of a cost-effective analysis method for degraded forensic DNA evidence of Sri Lanka.
DNA analysis of Human blood meals in Mosquitoes for Forensic applications.
Development of Standard DNA Size Markers for Short Tandem Repeat Loci BM1818 and BM1824 of Cattle DNA Typing in Sri Lanka.
Research Supervisions:Ph.D. student in research titled “The Anthropology and mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms of prehistoric human skeletal remains of Pothana and Cobrahood cave Sigiriya and present population groups in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka”. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka.Successfully completed Ph.D. May, 2014.
Ph.D. student currently engaged in research titled “Assessment of the genetic diversity among Finger Millet (EleusineCoracana (L.) Gaerta) accessions of Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular markers.” Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka. Successfully completed Ph.D. November, 2018.
M.Phill. student currently engaged in research titled “Development of mini-STRs to enhance the sensitivity and amplification efficiency of PCR to aid the analysis of degraded DNA evidence in Sri Lankan case work”. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.completed in 2014.
M.Phill.project titled Morphological and molecular variations of Oreochromis niloticus and its hybrids present in selected reservoirs in Sri Lanka. Candidate successfully completed Master of Philosophy in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniaya, Sri Lanka. Successfully completed February, 2012.
M.Sc. project titled “Optimization of a method for genotyping of Short Tandem Repeat DNA of Elephants” Candidate has registered for Master of Science degree in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Successfully completed, 2013.
Undergraduate research project titled “Development of Standard DNA Size Markers for Short Tandem Repeat Loci BM1818 and BM1824 of Cattle DNA Typing in Sri Lanka”. Candidate successfully completed the project for Animal Science Degree Program (B.A.Sc.), Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University f Sri Lanka, 2013”.
- Undergraduate research project titled “DNA analysis of Human blood meals in Mosquitoes for Forensic applications” Submitted as a partial fulfillment of the Degree of Bachelor of Science 2014, The Open University of Sri Lanka.
- Undergraduate research project titled “Population study of the CODIS Core loci D3S1358, D5S818 and D8S1179 Short Tandem Repeat Polymorphisms in Sri Lankans”. Candidate successfully completed majoring in Zoology and in Bioinformatics, the Open University of Sri Lanka. December, 2008.
- Undergraduate research project titled “Development of a cost-effective in-house method for the analysis of human Y-chromosomal mini STR loci DYS19, DYS390 and DYS388”. Candidate successfully completed her Bachelors, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka. June, 2010.
Publications: Peer Reviewed Papers
Ruwan J Illeperuma, Dinuka Markalanda, Joanna L. Mountain, W. D Ratnasooriaya, Neil D Fernandopullae, Michael J Bamshad (2009). Haplotype data for 12 Y-chromosome STR loci from Sri Lanka. Forensic Science international Genetics 4. E119-e120.
Ruwan J Illeperuma, Dinuka Markalanda, W. D. Ratnasooriya, Neil D. Fernanadopulle, (2009). Genetic variation at 11 autosomal STR loci in the aboriginal people, the Veddahs of Sri Lanka. Forensic Science international Genetics 3. E105-106.
Ruwan J. Illeperuma, Samudi N. K. Mohotti, M. Thilini De Silva, Neil D. Fernanadopulle, W. D. Ratnasooriya (2008) Genetic Profile of Eleven Autosomal STR Loci Among the Four Major Ethnic Groups in Sri Lanka, Forensic Science International Genetics 3 (3): e105-e106.
Ruwan J. Illeperuma. Y-Chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA reference data bases for Sri Lankan Human Population, 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences (2007). OP-72 p83.
Chandimal K.M., Yasawardene S.G. and Ruwan J. Illeperuma (2014). Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis of 4,500-year-old human skeleton found in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 5th International Congress, Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA).
Markalanda DA, Illeperuma RJ, Fernandopulle ND (2007) Establishment of a Differntial extraction of Male and Female DNA from sexual assault samples – 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences (INPALMS).
Wickramarachchi, W. T. A., Illeperuma, R. J., Perera, K. L. R. L., Bandara, S., Longacre, R. S., Handunnetti, S. M. and Udagama-Randeniya, P. V. (2002). Characterization of subclass specific antibody response to p19 representing Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Pritein 1 (MSP-119) in endemic and non-endemic populations in Sri Lanka. (Proceedings of the 22nd annual sessions of the institute of Biology Sri Lanka).
Wickramarachchi, W. T. A., Illeperuma, R. J., Perera, K. L. R. L., Bandara, S., Lokupitiya S., Longacre, R. S., Handunnetti, S. M. and Udagama-Randeniya, P. V. (2001). Pattern of IgG1 and IgG3 isotype response to C-terminal processing products of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 in endemic populations of sri Lanka. (Proceedings of the 57th annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science.
Publications and communications:
Illeperuma R J (2015). Human mtDNA, A candid genetic marker for Forensic Identity testing of degraded human remains in Sri Lanka. 23rd Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine. Dubai, UAE, 2015.
Halliday M R, Illeperuma R J, Jayasooriya H T, Ranawaka G R. (2015). Evaluation of using human blood fed mosquitoes as forensic DNA evidence in crime investigation. Annual Scientific sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2015 Colombo.
Wakista P W & Illeperuma R J (2015). Case Study: Successful DNA typing of saliva found in bite marks of a fruit. Annual Scientific sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2015 Colombo.
Elanahai V & Illeperuma R J (2015). Preliminary study to establish methods to use nuclear DNA markers for forensic identity testing of Sri Lankan elephants. Annual Scientific sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2015 Colombo.
Nugapola N W N P, Bulumulla P B A I K, Fernando T S R , Illeperuma R J (2015) Evaluation of DNA markers for cattle identification; Research towards animal forensics in Sri Lanka. Annual Scientific sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2015 Colombo.
Jayasekara G S K W & Illeperuma R J (2015). A wide array of biological samples to e used as DNA evidence in Sri Lanka – A review. Annual Scientific sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2015 Colombo.
Ruwan J Illeperuma, Eranga Herath, Suraj Goonawardhana, Parami Wakista, sharani Jayasekara, Elenahai Vimaleswaran (2013). Criminal DNA Database was established for Sri Lanka. Indo-Pacific Association of Law medicine and Science congress (INPALMS). OR. 1804. P 75.
Goonawardhana N D S, Udagama P V, Fernandopulle N D, Illeperuma R J (2014). Application of miniaturized human STR markers mini-STRs) for a successful DNA testing of formalin fixed foetus – A case report. Annual Scientific Sessions of Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2014 Colombo.
Kothalawala S D, Goonawardhana N D S, WakistaP W, G S K W Jayasekara, V Elanahai, Illeperuma R J (2014). DNA based forensic identity testing as a valuable tool for crime investigation in Sri Lanka. Annual Scientific Sessions of Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2014 Colombo.
WakistaP W & Illeperuma R J (2014). Differential DNA extraction; a successful method to isolate male DNA from challenging sexual assault evidence in Sri Lanka. Annual Scientific Sessions of Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2014 Colombo.
Goonawardhana N.D.S., Fernandopulle N.D., Udagama P. V., Illeperuma R J (2014). Successful DNA based identification of a formalin fixed foetus using Human Mini STR markers-A case report . Annual Scientific Sessions of Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, 2014 Colombo.
Goonawardhana N D S, Jayasekara, G S K W, Elanahai V, Udagama P V, lleperuma R J , Fernandopulle N.D. (2014) Polymorphism studies of ten non-CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) mini-STR loci for three ethnic populations in Sri Lanka. Proceedings 70th annual research symposium 2013, university of Colombo 2014)
Chandimal K.M., Yasawardene S.G. and Illeperuma R J (2014). Application of an ancient DNA approach to analyze highly degraded human remain – a case study. Proceedings of Annual scientific sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka. 30th August 2014.
Chandimal K.M., Yasawardene S.G. and Illeperuma R J (2013). Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis of human remains found in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 6th Research Conference, The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka, March 2013.
Goonawardhana N.D.S., Fernandopulle N.D., Udagama P. V., Illeperuma R J (2013). Application of miniaturized human STRs (Mini-STRs) in DNA based identification of a formalin fixed foetus: A case report . Proceedings annual research symposium 2013, university of Colombo 2013.
Chandimal K. M., Yasawardene S G. and Illeperuma R. J (2012). Analysis of mitochondrial DNA recovered from old human bones in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress, June 2012.
Chandimal K.M., Yasawardene S.G. and Illeperuma R J (2012). Extraction and analysis of ancient DNA from human remains from Polonnaruwa historic site in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 68th Annual Scientific Sessions of SLAAS, December 2012.
Goonawardhana N.D.S., Fernandopulle N.D., Udagama P. V., Illeperuma R J (2012). Evaluation of new Mini STR markers for DNA based human identification; An in silico approach. Proceedings of the 68th Annual Sessions – University of Colombo 2012.
Gajanayaka T , Markalanda D.A, Hettiarachchi P, Fernandopulle N and Illeperuma R J. Development of low cost in-house method for the analysis of human Y- chromosomal mini STR loci DYS19,DYS388 and DYS 390 Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science and law (1) 2, 2010.
ChatumalW., Markalanda D. A., Illeperuma R. J., Ranawaka G. R, Fernandopulle N. D (2010). Population study of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core loci D3S1358, D5S818, D8S1179 short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms in Sri Lanka. J.Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2010 38 (1): 65-68
Thilan Wickramarachchi, Ruwan J Illeperuma, Lakshman Perera, Sumith Bandara, Shirley Longacre, Shiroma M Handunnetti, Preethi V. Udagama (2006) Human antibody response against the C-Termunus of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 in Sri Lanka: Comparison of antibody shifts for p42 and p19 towards functionally important IgG isotypes under low transmission and unstable malaria conditions. International Journal of Parasitology, 37 (2007); 199-208
Ruwan J. Illeperuma, Samudi N. K. Mohotti, M. Thilini De Silva, Neil D. Fernanadopulle, W. D. Ratnasooriya (2006). Mutation Rates in Short Tandem Repeats of Human DNA Among Sri Lankans: Influence of Gender and Age. The annual sessions of the Physiological Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) on 22nd November 2006.
Ruwan J. Illeperuma, Neil D. Fernandopulle, Dhammika Seneviratne, Gayathri Baranage, Nandika Perera, Maya B. Gunasekera (2004). A comparison of theoretical and observed statistical data in paternity testing by DNA analysis. (Proceedings of the 60th annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science)
Ruwan J. Illeperuma, Neil Fernandopulle, Gayathri Baranage, Maya B. Gunasekara (2003) Population study of the F13B, LPL and HPRTB short tandem repeat polymorphisms in Sri Lanka. (Proceedings of the 59th annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science).
Books Published:
Identification, Handing and Preservation of DNA evidence– A field guide for Crime Scene Investigation Officers. ISBN – 978-955-52504-0-5. A field guide written in Sinhala for Police officers and Judicial Medical officers.
DNA Fingerprints, Silent evidence in Crime Investigation – ISBN 978-955-52504-1-2
DNA Profile of a crime – ISBN 978-955-52504-2-9
PCR Test -The inanimate copier of the life. ISBN 978-955-52504-3-6