Dr. (Mrs.) Rodrigo holds B.Sc. degree from The Open University of Sri Lanka and M.Sc. degree in Biotechnology from the Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. She holds Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology from the University of Colombo. She worked as a Senior Research Scientist at Biotechnology Section of the Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka and gained many research experiences as a Scientist for Genetic Engineering of transgenic plants, Production of recombinant enzymes, Bioremediation studies, Detection of food adulterations using molecular techniques, Plant and animal DNA barcoding, Species identification through DNA sequencing and analysis of gene sequences using Bioinformatics tools. Therefore, she has over 15 years research experiences in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka.
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Applications of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology techniques in different fields.
- Senior Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka (2021 onwards)
BSc Degree Programme – ZYU 4300 Animal Form & Function – Senior Coordinator
MSc in Medical Entomology and Applied Parasitology – ZYPA109 Research Project
Featured Research
- PhD research – Structural and Functional Characterization of novel, parasitic nematode specific protein from Setaria digitata
- MSc research – PCR based detection of genetically modified plants, storage materials and foods, animal feeds & processed products
- Undergraduate research – Preliminary study on, new application of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based molecular technique to detect the mosquito DNA among the gut content of predatory fish, Poecilia reticulata and Aplocheilus parvus; as a method to identify the biological control agents of mosquitoes
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Magamulla, L.S., Thiwanka, M.S. and Yapa, Y.M.S.M. (2022). Optimization of Growth Conditions to Identify the Superior Bacillus Strain Which Produce High Yield of Thermostable Alpha Amylase. Journal of Advances in Enzyme Research, 10: 1-22. Enzyme Research, 10, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.4236/aer.2022.101001
- Ranasinghe, K., Gunathilaka, N., Amarasinghe, D., Rodrigo, W., and Udayanga, L. (2021). Diversity of midgut bacteria in larvae and females of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Journal of Parasites Vectors, 14:433. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04900-5.
- Gunathilaka, N., Ranasinghe, K., Amarasinghe, D., Rodrigo, W., Mallawarachchi, H. Chandrasena, N. (2020). Molecular Characterization of Culturable Aerobic Bacteria in the Midgut of Field-Caught Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex gelidus, and Mansonia annulifera
- Mosquitoes in the Gampaha District of Sri Lanka. BioMed Research International, Article ID 8732473, 13 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8732473
- Gunathilaka, N., Perera, H., Wijerathna, T., Rodrigo, W. & Wijegunawardana, N. D. A. D. (2020). The Diversity of Midgut Bacteria among Wild-Caught Phlebotomus argentipes
- (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), the Vector of Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. BioMed Research International, Article ID 5458063, 10 pages.
- Wijerathna, T., Gunathilaka, N., Gunawardena, K. & Rodrigo, W. (2020). Socioeconomic, demographic and landscape factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. Journal of Parasites & Vectors 13:244.
- Wijerathna, T., Gunathilaka, N., Gunawardana, K. and Rodrigo, W. (2017). Review Article, Potential Challenges of Controlling Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka at a Disease Outbreak, BioMed Research International, Article ID 6931497, 9 pages.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S., Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. & Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S. (2014). Novel parasitic nematode-specific protein of bovine filarial parasite Setaria digitata displays conserved gene structure and ubiquitous expression. Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 31(3): 514-524.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S. & Voronin, D. (2014). Novel parasitic nematode- specific protein of Setaria digitata largely localized in muscle, reproductive system and developing embryos. Experimental parasitology 141: 12-20.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S., Karunanayake, E.H., Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S. & Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. (2014). Heterologous expression, chaperone mediated solubilization and purification of parasitic nematode-specific growth factor-like protein of Setaria digitata. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 7(2): 85-92.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S., Karunanayake, E.H. & Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. (2013). Heterologous expression of uncharacterized parasitic nematode-specific growth factor-like protein of Setaria digitata in Pichia pastoris expression systems. Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 30(2): 181-192.
- Dassanayake, R.S., Rodrigo, W.W.P., Karunanayake, E.H., Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. & Chandrasekharan, N.V. (2009). A putative nuclear growth factor-like globular nematode specific protein. Bioinformation 3(9): 370-374.
- Jayawardhana, B.J.G., Rodrigo, W.W.P. and Dharmadasa, R.M. (2021). Evaluation of genetic diversity of Phyllanthus debilis populations in Sri Lanka using Maturase K (matK) gene region. 5th Biennial Research Symposium – 2021, Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka, 15.
- Balatheepan, M., Rodrigo, W.W.P., Jayawardhana, B.J.G. and Dharmadasa, R.M. (2021). Intra-Specific Diversity of Piper longum L. through Genetic Approach Using Nuclear ITS. Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE) 2021, Sri Lanka, Vol. 23, 306.
- Ranasinghe, H.A.K., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Amarasinghe, L.D. and Rodrigo, W.W.P. (2021). Molecular characterization of midgut bacteria in larval and adult stages of Aedes albopictus in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 41 st annual sessions of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, 30.
- Jayaratne, R.R., Jayawardhana, B.J.G & Rodrigo, W.W.P. (2021). Primer designing using cytochrome b gene for the development of a duplex polymerase chain reaction method to identify chicken and turkey adulterations in meat products. Research conference in health sciences 2021, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 111.
- Wickramatunga, P.G.T.S., Gunewardana, Y.I.N.S., Rodrigo, W.W.P. & Dassanayake, R.S. (2019). Annotation of ARV1 like protein of Setaria digitate using bioinformatics tools. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 75 th Annual Sessions – 2019, 161. (421/D)
- Sukumaran, H., Rodrigo, W.W.P. and Dharmadasa, R.M. (2019). Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Piper Longum L. Populations found in Different Districts of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 75.
- Wickramatunga, P.G.T.S., Gunewardana, Y.I.N.S., Rodrigo, W.W.P. & Dassanayake, R.S. (2019). Localization of ARV1 protein expression in the bovine filarial parasite Setaria digitate. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 75 th Annual Sessions – 2019, 78. (416/D)
- Ranasinghe, H.A.K., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N., Amarasinghe, L.D. & Rodrigo, W.W.P. (2019). Bacterial Diversity in the Midgut of Field Caught Culex tritaeniorhynchus. International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 42.
- Chamindi, K.A.W., Rodrigo, W.W.P. & Jayawardhana, B.J.G. (2019). Duplex polymerase chain reaction (Duplex-PCR) to identify adulterations in chicken and turkey meat products. 4 th International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 5.
- Fonseka, W.N.T. & Rodrigo, W.W.P. (2019). Detection of Endosperm Specific Gene Expression in Ferritin Rich Transgenic Rice Seeds. International Research Conference 2019 (IRCUWU 2019), Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 296.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dharmadasa, R.M. & Keeragalaarachchi, G.P. (2018). Phytochemical, physicochemical, toxicological, morphological and genetic variations of two Piper longum L. populations grown in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 74 th Annual Sessions – 2018 of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 13. (206/B)
- Wijerathna, T., Gunathilaka, N., Gunawardena K. & Rodrigo, W. (2018). Breeding sites of Phlebotomine sand flies in cutaneous leishmaniasis disease endemic areas of the Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 3 rd International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 28.
- Lavensan, R.D.B., Niroshana N.P.S.K., Achala H.H.K., Rodrigo W.W.P., Withana, W.T.G.S.L., Attanayake, A.A.M.A.S., Samaresekera J.K.R.R. & Athapaththu A.M.M.H. (2018). Plant DNA barcoding of rbcL gene for eight endemic plant species of Dipterocarpaceae family for authentication. Proceedings of the 38 th Annual Sessions of The Institute of Biology Sri Lanka, 62.
- Manilgama, T.T.D., Hemachandra, C.K., Wewalwela, J.J., Kapuruge, T.N., Rodrigo, W.W.P. & Fonseka, W.R.K. (2018). Isolation and identification of novel bacteria that could potentially capable of degrading crude oil from heavily contaminated sites in Sri Lanka. Vingnanam International Research Conference – 2018 (VIRC 2018), Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 36. (Best Abstract in Track C)
- Silva, F.H.C., Kapuruge, T.N., Athapaththu, A.M.M.H., Rodrigo, W.W.P. & Perera, W.A.J.S. (2018). Detection of Salmonella spp. in meat products using a commercially available kit based real time PCR method. Vingnanam International Research Conference – 2018 (VIRC 2018), Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 28.
- Ganeshan, L., Rodrigo, W.W.P., Withana W.T.G.S.L. & Kapuruge T. N. (2018). Development of a duplex PCR assay for the detection of adulterations in chicken and turkey meat products. Vingnanam International Research Conference – 2018
- (VIRC 2018), Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 22. Kaushalya, W.H., Hemachandra, C.K., Rodrigo, W.W.P., Fonseka, W.R.K. & Samarasekera, R. (2017). Isolation and morphological characterization of possible Glyphosate degrading bacteria from selected contaminated sites in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 73 rd Annual Sessions – 2017, (210/B)
- Iddamalgoda, H.K.S.P.S., Hemachandra, C.K., Rodrigo, W.W.P. & Fonseka, W.R.K. (2017). Isolation and morphological characterization of petroleum crude oil degrading bacteria from contaminated sites in Sri Lanka. 3 rd International Conference of Dry Zone Agriculture-2017 (ICDA-2017), University of Jaffna, 103.
- Perera D.R.C., Gunathilaka P.A.D.H.N., Rodrigo W.W.P. & Athapaththu A.M.M.H., (2016). DNA Fingerprinting of Thunnus obesus and Thunnus albacares Fish Species for Proper Identification in Large Scale Fish Processing Industry. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the 6 th Research Symposium, 7. (Best presentation)
- Talwatta, V.N., Rodrigo, W.W.P., Achala, H.H.K., Withana, W.T.G.S.L., Athapaththu, A.M.M.H. & Bulumulla, P.B.A.I.K. (2016). Optimization of A Polymerase Chain Reaction Based Technique to Detect Genetically Modified Foods. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the 6 th Research Symposium, 1.
- Rodrigo W.W.P., Achala, H.H.K., Bandara, K.G.W.W., Withana, W.T.G.S.L., Chandrasekharan, N.V. & Senaratne, S.G. (2015). Development of transgenic rice plants with lysine rich protein coding gene. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 71 st Annual Sessions, 80.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Achala, H.H.K., Bandara, K.G.W.W., Rathnayaka, N.R.M.K.N.D., Withana, W.T.G.S.L., Chandrasekharan, N.V. & Senaratne, S.G. (2015). Studies towards the development of transgenic rice expressing ferritin. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Seventh Annual Scientific Sessions, 23.
- Abeygunaratne, S.S., Sabaragamukorale, S.T., Munasinghe, M.M.E., Wickramasinghe Arachchi SM, Rodrigo, W.W.P., De Silva, D.P.D.C., Dalapatadu, K.S.L., Chandrasekharan, N.V. & Senaratne, S.G. (2014). A preliminary Study on the potential use of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria to develop a bio-product for bioremediation. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 70 th Annual Sessions, 80.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S. & Thammitiyagodage, M.G. (2013). Expression, subcellular localization and tissue localization of a novel parasitic nematode-specific protein from bovine filarial parasite Setaria digitata. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 69 th Annual Sessions, 14.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S. & Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. (2013). Genome organization and gene expression of a novel unannotated parasitic nematode-specific gene from Setaria digitata. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 69 th Annual Sessions, 13.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S. & Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. (2013). Optimization of Heterologous Expression of a Novel Parasitic Nematode-Specific Gene of Setaria digitata in Bacterial and Yeast expression system. The Institute of Biology Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the 33 rd Annual Sessions, 64.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S., Karunanayake, E.H. & Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. (2013). Sub-cellular localization of filarial parasites-specific protein in Pichia pastoris. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sixth Annual Scientific Sessions, 12.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Thammitiyagodage, M.G., Dassanayake, R.S., Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. & Karunanayake, E.H. (2012). Production of polyclonal antibodies against recombinant uncharacterized protein of Setaria digitata using New Zealand white rabbits. Allergy and Immunology Society of Sri Lanka, Sixth Biennial Scientific Sessions, 26.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S., Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J., Karunanayake, E.H. & Thammitiyagodage, M.G. (2012). Production of antiserum for uncharacterized protein of Setaria digitata using New Zealand white rabbits. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Fifth Annual Scientific Sessions, 29.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P., Dassanayake, R.S., Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. & Karunanayake, E.H. (2011). Chaperone mediated over expression of parasitic nematode specific growth factor like protein of Setaria digitata. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Fourth Annual Scientific Sessions, 18.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P. & De Silva, S.D. (2004). New application of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based Molecular Technique to detect the mosquito DNA, among the gut contents of predatory fish, Poecilia reticulata and Aplocheilus parvus; as a method to identify the biological control agents of mosquitoes. The Institute of Biology Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the 24 th Annual Sessions, 6.
- Rodrigo, W.W.P. & De Silva, S.D. (2004). Feeding behavior of Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) on mosquito larvae. The Open University of Sri Lanka, Second Annual Academic Sessions, 26.
- Selvaraj, S., Gunesekera, N., Athapaththu, A.M.M.H., Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H. N., Achala, H.H.K. & Rodrigo, W.W.P. (2016). Production of L-(+)-Lactic Acid for the Health-care Industry using Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus delbrueckii with cassava as the raw meterial. Young Scientist Forum, Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the 5 th YSF Symposium, 96-98.
- Wickramasinghe Arachchi, S.M., Munasinghe, M.M.E., Sabaragamukorale, S.T., Abeygunaratne, S.S., Rodrigo, W.W.P., De Silva, D.P.D.C., Dalpatadu, K.S.L., Senaratne, S.G. & Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N. (2015). Role of microorganisms against hydrocarbon contamination; Bioremediation. UvaWellassa University Sri Lanka, 5 th Annual Research Symposium, 4-6.
Senior Lecturer in Zoology
Department of Zoology
Faculty of Natural Sciences
The Open University of Sri Lanka
Nawala, Sri Lanka
- Presidential award for Scientific Publication (2014)
- Postgraduate Research Award (2014), awarded by Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science.
- Certificates of Commendation 2013 award for the PhD research, awarded by National Science Foundation
- Achievement award for the best presentation at the 2 nd biennial research symposium 2015,
awarded by Industrial Technology Institute. - Achievement award for the Academic and Scientific Excellence at the 5 th Biennial Research Symposium 2021, awarded by Industrial Technology Institute.
- Chartered Member of the Institute of Biology Sri Lanka (2020 onwards)
