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Department of
ZOOLOGY

Dr. Ruwan J. Illeperuma

BSc (OUSL), PhD (Colombo)

Senior Lecturer (Grade II)

Department of Zoology
  • Central Campus, Ground floor, Science and Technology building, Room No : 016
  • Office: +94112884446, Ext: 446 Mobile: +94773580515
  • rjill@ou.ac.lk

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.

Molecular Forensics. Population Genetics

Human and animal Forensics, DNA based animal identification, Molecular anthropology
  • Senior Lecturer, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (2021 onwards).
  • Senior Scientist, Genetech Molecular Diagnostics and School of Gene Technology Colombo, Sri Lanka. (June 24th 2010 to June 2021)
  • Visiting Scientist- Full Time research work as a research scientist at the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Development Medicine, University of Washington, USA. (September 10th 2008 to December 10th 2009).
  • Scientist- As the Scientist in-charge of the DNA typing section of the laboratory conducting DNA based human identification for criminal case work and parentage testing for the Government of Sri Lanka (From October 15th 2002 to June 23rd 2010).
  • Demonstrator in Zoology- Department of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka (From January 2002 to October 2002).
  • Research Assistant- Malaria Research Unit, Department Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (From January 2000 to December 2000).

 

Program coordinator: BSc Honors in Zoology
B.Sc Degree Programme- ZYU4303- Animal Behaviour, ZYU6303-Molecualr Biology
M.Sc in Medical Entomology and Applied Parasitology- ZYPA411- Molecular Biology of vectors and parasites
ZYP9308- Public health Issues and Policies

Featured Research

  • 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.
  • Genetic variation at 11 autosomal STR loci in the aboriginal people, the Veddahs of Sri Lanka.
  • 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.
  • Identification, Handling 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 life. ISBN 978-955-52504-3-6
  • 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, 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.
  • Vidanapathirana M, Ruwanpura PR, Illeperuma R J, Attygalle U, Dasanayake PB, Wijewardene HP, Gunathilake KMTB, Wijetunga WMKB, Rathnayake I . (2018) Medico-legal investigation of a series of female murders in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. Medico-LegalJournal of Sri Lanka, 2018; 6(2):55-63.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v6i2.7375
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • W.D.Y. del Mel, U.K.G.K Padmalal, W.D Y del Mel, Saminda P. Fernando, Ruwan J. Illeperuma., (2019) Habitat relations of Elephas maximus maximus in Maduru Oya National Park of Sri Lanka. Student Conference for Conservation Science, Brisbane, Australia.
  • W.D.Y de Mel, U.K.G.K Padmalal, Saminda P. Fernando, Ruwan J. Illeperuma, B.M.J. Pusweldeniya, (2019) Genetic variation of Elephas maximus maximus in Maduru Oya National Park in Sri Lanka”. International Conference on Agriculture, Green Economics, and Energy. 
  • Chandimal K.M., Yasawardene S.G. and Ruwan J. Illeperuma (2019). Evidence of Restricted Maternal Gene Flow of Purana (old) Populations in the Suburbs of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Anatomy Journal (SLAJ), 39II) 2019, 42-54. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/slaj.v3i2.61
  • Chandimal K.M., Yasawardene S.G. and Ruwan J. Illeperuma (2019). Optimization of DNA extraction protocol using skeletal remains found in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Anatomy Journal (SLAJ), 39(II) 2019, 16-28. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/slaj.v3i2.59
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Wakista P.W., Dasanayaka P.N., Illeperuma R.J. and Perera S.A.C.N (2017). Assessment of Genetic Diversity of a Representative sample of Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Collected from four Different Districts of Sri Lanka using SSR markers. Sri Lankan J. Biology, 2017, 2(1):1-8
  • Wakista P.W., Dasanayaka P.N., Illeperuma R.J. and Perera S.A.C.N (2017). SSR Marker based Molecular Characterization of Finger Millet Accessions of India and Anuradhapura Districts of Sri Lanka. Session II- Forest and Natural Resource Management.
  • 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.
  • 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, GoonawardhanaN 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.
  • Wakista P 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, ElanahaiV,Udagama P V, lleperuma R J, FernandopulleN.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 SG. 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.
  • GajanayakaT ,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, 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).

 

 

Senior Lecturer in Zoology

Department of Zoology
Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Open University of Sri Lanka

Nawala, Sri Lanka

  • Have been commissioned by the Courts of Sri Lanka to give expert evidence in High Court on behalf of the prosecution in criminal and civil cases.
  • Work experience of 18 years as the head Scientist in DNA typing offering services for Criminal casework to Public Prosecutors as well as Law enforcement authorities and armed forces.
  • Performed duties as the head of DNA Typing division of the Genetech laboratory (Since Oct 2002) completing more than 4600 DNA typing tests in cases involving murder, rape and sexual assault, identification of mutilated bodies and theft etc.
  • Work experience of six years as a research scientist in the field of Molecular Forensics. Established three forensic allelic/haplotype data bases of Autosomal, Y-chromosomal and Mitochondrial DNA markers for the Sri Lankan human populations.
  • Have performed DNA tests for 450 civil cases (for testing of paternity and maternity) on the request of the Courts of Sri Lanka.
  • Training of Police personnel, MO- Medico Legal Officers on crime scene evidence collection and handling for DNA analysis.
  • Training of Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) of the Department of Police Sri Lanka in collection, storage and preservation of DNA evidence.

 Lectures conducted on Invitation:

  • Guest Lecture on “Dealing with DNA in Court: The Uses of Known Unknowns for the Defense”. Legal Education Online of US Aid and Colombo Law Society. 2021.
  • Oration – “The proper use of a National DNA Database for Crime Investigation and DVI for Sri Lanka” Annual oration of the Medico Legal Society of Sri Lanka 26th of July 2019.
  • Guest Lecture on ‘The use of DNA evidence in Crime Investigation’. For State Counsels at the Attorney General’s Department, Colombo. February 2019.
  • Lecture on ‘The use of DNA as evidence and its relevance to legal proceedings’. At the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo. “The Law Week 2016” Organized by the Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Law. 15thMarch 2016.
  • Guest Lecture on ‘The use of DNA fingerprinting to trace perpetrators of crime’. For “Open Day” at the Open University of Sri Lanka on 10thDecember 2015.
  • Guest Lecture on ‘The use of DNA testing to trace perpetrators of crime’. At the Law college Colombo. Organized by the Law Students Buddhist brotherhood of the Law collage.26thJune 2015.
  • Guest Lecture on DNA technology for human identity testing. ICGEB international workshop on molecular medicine. Organized by the molecular medicine unit, university of Kelaniya. August 2015.
  •  Two lectures at the Sri Lanka Judges’ Institute, Sri Lanka in Oct. Nov. 2013.

Lecture title: The use of DNA technology for Crime Investigation.

  • Public Lecture organized by the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka (RASSL) inJuly 2013. Lecture title: Genetic Genealogy of Sri Lankans.
  • Plenary Lecture for College of Forensic Pathologists of Sri Lanka, Annual Symposium, 2013; Title: Development of a National DNA DataBase for Sri Lanka, the challenges.
  •  Plenary Lecture at the 6th Annual sessions of Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka (RASSL)March 2013. Lecture title: Genetic Genealogy of Sri Lankans.
  • Lecture on DNA evidence in Crime Investigation; for State Counsels and Judges in Colombo on DNA analysis for Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence- under the programme USAID/RISEN SAFE.January, 2013. 
  • Lecture on DNA evidence in Crime Investigation; Training programme for lawyers and magistrates in Jaffna on DNA analysis for Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence- under the programme USAID/RISEN SAFE.27th Dec, 2012. 
  • Lecture on DNA evidence in Crime Investigation; Training programme for lawyers and magistrates in Batticaloa on DNA analysis for Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence- under the programme USAID/RISEN SAFE.1st of Dec 2012.
  • Lecture series for MO-Medico Legal officers on DNA analysis for Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence- under the programme USAID/RISEN SAFE.
  • More than sixty (60) lectures and training workshops on the collection and handling of DNA evidence from crime scenes have been conducted on invitation of the Department of Police of Sri Lanka to more than 7000 police officers engaged to crime divisions in police stations all over the island.  
  • Training of Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO); a special CSI investigation unit established in 2005 with a collaboration of the Sweden Police Department for the Police Department of Sri Lanka. All the lectures were conducted at the Police training school, Kalutara, Sri Lanka.

 

Contributions of National genetic data to databases of public domain:

  • Entire mitochondrial genome sequencing data of Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) –
  • Genbank accession No.: HQ153103
  • Y-chromosome haplotype database (YHRD)– Y STR haplotype data for 207 Sri Lankans-YHRD accession No.: YA003519

 

  • National Merit Award for Science & Technology Achievements (NASTA Awards) Awarded by National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka-2014
  • Presidential award for scientific publication – 2014
  • SUSRED Award, National 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 PostGraduate Research award (Awarded by the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka)
  • United States Fulbright Professional Development Fellowship award – 2008
  • Secretary of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka.
  • Committee member of the Medico Legal Society of Sri Lanka.
  • Life member of the Sri Lanka Association for the advancement in Science.

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