Department of
BOTANY

Dr. K.A.R.S.Perera

B.Sc.(OUSL), M.Sc. (Sri Jayawardenapura), Ph.D. (Kelaniya), PG Dip. Distance Education (IGNOU), C. Biol. (SL), F. Biol. (SL).

Senior Lecturer (Grade I)

I was graduated from The Open University of Sri Lanka in 1996 and completed the M.Sc. in Forestry (Major specialization–Environmental Forestry) from the University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka in 2000. In addition, completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Education in Indira Gandhi National Open University, India in 2007. Subsequently, obtained Ph.D. on Carbon sink function of Sri Lankan mangrove ecosystems with special reference to the Negombo estuary, from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka in 2014.

 I Joined the Open University of Sri Lanka in 1996 as a Temporary Educational Assistant in Department of Regional Educational Services and later appointed as a Lecturer in 2005. At present, I am working as a Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany since 2014.

Advanced Ecology (BYU6308) – A Course in B.Sc. (Special) Degree Programme;
Plants and Man (BYU5303) – A Course in B.Sc. Degree Programme;
Ecology (ZYU4301) – A Course in B.Sc. Degree Programme;
Conservation and management of the Biodiversity (BYD3306) – A course in Diploma in Environmental Science Programme; Laboratory Techniques in Plant Science (BYC2403) – A course in Advanced Certificate in Laboratory Technology (ACLT) Programme.

  1. Perera, K. A. R. S. and. M.D. Amarasinghe (2016). Atmospheric carbon removal capacity of a mangrove ecosystem in a micro-tidal basin estuary in Sri Lanka, Journal of Atmospheric Environment, 134: 121-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2016.03.034

2. Perera, K. A. R. S., K.H.W.L. De Silva and M.D. Amarasinghe (2018). Potential impact of predicted sea level rise on carbon sink function of mangrove ecosystems with special reference to Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka, Global and Planetary Change 161: 162–171, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2017.12.016 

3. Perera, K. A. R. S. and. M.D. Amarasinghe (2019). Carbon sequestration capacity of mangrove soils in micro tidal estuaries and lagoons: A case study from Sri Lanka, Geoderma, 347:80-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.03.041

4. O. W. Kotagama, S. Pathirage, K. A. R. S. Perera, D. D. G. L. Dahanayaka, S. Miththapala and S. Somarathne (2022). Modelling predictive changes of blue carbon due to sea-level rise using InVEST model in Chilaw Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-022-01521-4

  1. Perera, K.A.R.S., W.A. Sumanadasa and M.D. Amarasinghe (2012). Carbon retention capacity of two mangrove species, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk. and Lumnitzera racemosa Willd. in Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka. Journal of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2012, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 1: 56-70. http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/5418
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S. and M.D. Amarasinghe (2013). Carbon Partitioning and Allometric Relationships between Stem Diameter and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Plant Components of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk. and Lumnitzeraracemosa Willd. in a Microtidal Basin Estuary in Sri Lanka, International Journal of Marine Science,3(9):72-78, DOI:10.5376/ijms.2013.03.0009
  1. Perera, K. A. R. S., M. D. Amarasinghe, and S. Somaratna (2013). Vegetation Structure and Species Distribution of Mangroves along a Soil Salinity Gradient in a Micro Tidal Estuary on the North-western Coast of Sri Lanka,American Journal of Marine Science 1(1): 7-15 pp. DOI: 10.12691/marine-1-1-2
  1. Perera, K. A. R. S. and M. D. Amarasinghe  (2014). Distribution pattern of total organic carbon in soils of micro tidal mangrove ecosystem in west coast of Sri Lanka, International Journal of Science and Knowledge,3(1): 27-33 pp.
  1. Perera, K. A. R. S. and M. D. Amarasinghe  (2014). Effect of vegetation structure on carbon assimilation capacity of mangrove ecosystems in the East coast of Sri Lanka, Journal of Coastal Development, 17: 2-5. doi:10.4172/ 1410-5217.1000382

6. Perera, K. A. R. S. and. M.D. Amarasinghe (2016). Partitioning of system total carbon pool of Kala Oya mangrove ecosystem in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of Academics World 51st International Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, November 2016, ISBN: 978-93-86291-29-5. http://www.worldresearchlibrary.org/up_proc/pdf/517-14795269242-5.pdf

  1. Perera, K. A. R. S. and. M.D. Amarasinghe. (2017). Partitioning of system total carbon pool of Kala Oya mangrove ecosystem in Sri Lanka, International Journal of Advances in Science Engineering and Technology, 5(1):1-4, IJASEAT-IRAJ-DOI-6647
  1. M.D. Amarasinghe and K.A.R.S. Perera (2017). Ecological biogeography of mangroves in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Journal of Science 46 (Special Issue) 2017: 119-125, DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.
  1. M.D. Amarasinghe and K.A.R.S. Perera (2017). Historical biogeography of Sri Lankan mangroves, Ceylon Journal of Science 46 (Special Issue) 2017: 111-117, DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v46i5.7458.
  1. Umayangani, M.A.D. and K.A.R.S. Perera (2017). Contribution of Vegetation Structure on Carbon Assimilation Capacity of Mangrove Ecosystem: A Case Study from Negombo Estuary, Sri Lanka, International Journal of Marine Science, 7(46): 439-446, http://ijms.biopublisher.ca
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S. and M.D. Amarasinghe (2018). Ecosystem carbon stock of mangroves at Batticaloa  lagoon, Sri Lanka, OUSL Journal, The Open University of Sri Lanka 13(2): 81-100. http://doi.org/10.4038/ouslj.v13i2.7441
  2. Perera, K. A. R. S. and M. D. Amarasinghe (2021). Assessment of Blue Carbon Stock of Mangroves at Malwathu Oya estuary, Sri Lanka, OUSL Journal, 16(1): 75-90, DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/ouslj.v16i1.7519.
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S. and M.D. Amarasinghe (2021). Vegetation structure, biomass and carbon retention capacity of mangroves at Northeast coast of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Journal of Science, 50(2): 183-191, DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v50i2.7881
  1. 14. Perera, K.A.R.S. and M.D. Amarasinghe (2021). Does the Extent of Photosynthetic surface and Potential Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) of Mangrove Ecosystems Depend on Climate? : A Case Study from Sri Lanka,  Journal of Engineering and Technology of The Open University of Sri Lanka, 8(2): 35-50.
  1. Wasana de Silva, K.A.R.S. Perera, Mala D. Amarasinghe (2022). Spatial distribution and dynamics of selected mangrove forests on the east and west coasts of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka. Journal of Aquatic Science 27(2): 123 – 135. http://doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v27i2.7601
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S. and M.D. Amarasinghe (1999). Human influence on structure of mangrove vegetation in Negombo estuary, Proceedingof 5th Annual Scientific Sessions of Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka, June 1999 at Colombo, Sri Lanka, 13 p.
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S. and M.D. Amarasinghe (2010). Potential of mangrove ecosystems in Negombo estuary as carbon sinks, Proceeding of The National Conference on identification of knowledge gaps for sustainable management of mangrove ecosystem in Sri Lanka, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, June 2010 at Matara, Sri Lanka, 6 p.
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S., M.D. Amarasinghe and V. Pahalawattaarachchi, (2010). Effect of vegetation structure on potential gross primary productivity for mangrove ecosystem in Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka, Proceeding of 11th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya,  Sri Lanka, November 2010 at Kalaniya, Sri Lanka, 122 p.  http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4740
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S., M.D.J.S. Saparamadu and M.D. Amarasinghe (2011). Net photosynthetic production and potential carbon assimilation capacity of mangroves of Kadolkele in Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka, Proceeding of 12th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya,  Sri Lanka, November 2011 at Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 113 p. http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8075
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S., W.A. Sumanadasa and M.D. Amarasinghe (2011). Development of allometric equations to determine above and below ground biomass and organic carbon content in Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Lumnitzera racemosa,Proceeding of 12th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya,  Sri Lanka, November 2011 at Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 114 p. http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8074
  1. Chandarasiri N.D., K.A.R.S. Perera, M.D. Amarasinghe (2011). Contribution of mangrove above-ground roots for carbon sequestration function in mangrove ecosystem at Kadolkele in Meegamuwa estuary, Proceedings of 7th Annual Scientific Sessions of Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka, May 2011 at Colombo, 35 p. https://www.boblme.org/documentRepository/2011%20SLAFAR%20meeting%20proceedings.pdf
  1. Perera, K.A.R.S., M.D. Amarasinghe and W.A. Sumanadasa  (2012). Contribution of plant species to carbon sequestration function of mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka, Proceeding of the International Conference: Meeting on Mangrove ecology, functioning and Management (MMM3), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the UniversitéLibre de Bruxelles and University of Ruhuna,  July 2012 Sri Lanka, 137p. http://www.vliz.be/en/imis?refid=223409
  1. De Silva, K.H.W.L., K.A.R.S. Perera and M.D. Amarsinghe (2012). Efficacy of traditional practice of mangrove cultivation in Negombo estuary, Proceeding of the International Conference: Meeting on Mangrove ecology, functioning and Management (MMM3), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the UniversitéLibre de Bruxelles and University of Ruhuna,  July 2012 Sri Lanka, 53p. http://www.vliz.be/en/imis?refid=223409
  2. Perera, K. A. R. S. and M. D. Amarasinghe  (2015). Mangrove soils are superior carbon sinks: Evidence from Sri Lankan mangrove ecosystems, Proceeding of 21th Annual Scientific Sessions, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Sri Lanka, May 2015, 13 p. http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8287

Member of “National expert committee on mangrove conservation and sustainable use” setup under Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka.

 Member of the “Task force for the Restoration of Mangroves” setup by the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment.

 Member of the team of Experts in National Scale up plan for Environment Sensitive Areas (ESA’s), Ministry of Environment

President’s Award for highly rated Scientific Publications in 2016

President’s Award for highly rated Scientific Publications in 2018

Annual Research Award 2016 of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Annual Research Award 2017 of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Annual Research Award 2018 of the Open University of Sri Lanka

President’s Award for highly rated Scientific Publications in 2016

President’s Award for highly rated Scientific Publications in 2018

Annual Research Award 2016 of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Annual Research Award 2017 of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Annual Research Award 2018 of the Open University of Sri Lanka