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Department of
ZOOLOGY

Prof. Gaya R. Ranawaka

BSc (Colombo), DIC Parasitology (Imperial College, London), PhD (London)

Senior Professor in Zoology

Department of Zoology
  • Central Campus, Ground floor, Science and Technology building, Department of Zoology, Room No :007: w5
  • Office: 0112811455, Ext: 455
  • grana@ou.ac.lk

Gaya read for her BSc Degree at the University of Colombo and then proceeded to the Imperial College, London for postgraduate research studies relating to malaria transmission blocking antibodies, on scholarships awarded by the President’s Fund, Sri Lanka and the Beit Fellowship, UK, and earned her PhD in Parasitology from the University of London, UK. Gaya is an old girl of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo.

She is currently serving as a Senior Professor in Zoology and has more than 25 years of experience in university teaching, particularly covering Parasitology and Human Biology modules. Gaya’s expertise and research focus lies mainly within the fields of parasite cell biology and immunology, and molecular systematics. She has served as the Dean of the Faculties of Natural Sciences and the Health Sciences at the Open University of Sri Lanka. She has also worked as a postdoctoral scientist at the National Institute for Medical Research, London on a Commonwealth Fellowship and at the University of Swansea, Wales on an Association of Commonwealth Universities Titular Fellowship.

Parasitology, Molecular Phylogenetics, Distance Education

Cellular, immunological and molecular aspects of parasites, DNA Barcoding, Molecular phylogenetics, Open and Distance Education
  • Senior Professor in Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka (February 2018 – to-date)
  • Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (July 2015 – July 2021)
  • Professor in Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka (February 2010 – February 2018)
  • Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (January 2010 – October 2012)
  • Head, Dept. of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka (June 2005 – May 2008)
  • Senior Lecturer in Zoology: Dept. of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka (September 1993– February 2010)
  • Research Assistant: Environmental Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd (1987-1988)

 

Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (July 2015 – July 2021)

Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (January 2010 – October 2012)

Head, Dept. of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka (June 2005 – May 2008)

BSc Degree Programme
ZYU5304 Parasitology
ZYU5305 Human Biology
ZYU5608 Zoology Project
ZYU5312 Zoology Essay

BSc Honours in Zoology Degree Programme
ZYU6908 Research project in Zoology
ZYU6311 Special topics in Zoology

MSc in Medical Entomology & Applied Parasitology
ZYP8302 Human Parasites

  • Framework for Quality Assurance of Open Distance Learning (ODL) Institutions (2006) – co-author
  • Manual for Self Evaluation of ODL Institutions (2006) – co-author
  • Introduction to host-parasite interactions (2013) ISBN 978-955-23-1367-7 – author
  • Lumen dwelling parasites of human (2013) ISBN 978-955-23-1379-0- author
  • Blood and tissue parasites of human (2013) ISBN 978-955-23-1380-6- author
  • Basic patterns of biogeography (2009) ISBN 978-955-23-1061-4- author
  • Fundamental processes and historical impacts on biogeography (2009) ISBN978-955-1062-1- author
  • Biogeography of islands and humanity (2009) ISBN 978-955-23-1063-8- author
  • Controlling the internal environment (2005) 955-23-1002- author
  • Learning the fundamental principles and concepts of parasitism(1999)ISBN 955-23-07430- author
  • Learning about parasitic protozoans (1999) ISBN 955-23-0744-9 – author
  • Learning about parasitic flatworms (1999) ISBN 955-23-0745-7 – author
  • Learning about parasitic roundworms (1999) ISBN 955-23-0746-5 – author
  • Learning about parasitic arthropods (1999) ISBN 955-23-0747-3 – author
  • Detecting parasites in the laboratory (1999) ISBN 955-23-0748-1 – author
  • Human against disease (1999) ISBN 955-23-0859-3 – author
  • Limbless protostomes and joint legged protostomes (2003) ISBN 955-23-0927-1 – co-author
  • Early deuterostomes and ectothermic vertebrates (2003) ISBN 955-23-0929-8 – co-author
  • Animal organisation, nutrition and energy generation (2005) 955-23-1002-4 – editor
  • Gaseous exchange and transport (2005) 955-23-1003-2 – editor
  • Coordination, movement and continuation of life (2005) 955-23-1004-0 – editor
  • Human identity ISBN 955-23-0854-2- editor
  • Support and movement ISBN 955-23-0855-0- editor
  • Processing and transporting ISBN 955-23-0856-9- editor
  • Integration and coordination ISBN 955-23-0857-7- editor
  • Human continuity ISBN 955-23-0858-5- editor
  • Analysis of development & recent advances in development biology (2005) 955-23-107-5 – co-editor

 

  • Perera N., Wijithalal R., Galhena G. & Ranawaka G. (2022). Linkage, recombination and mutation rate analyses of 16 X-chromosomal STR loci in Sri Lankan Sinhalese pedigrees. Int J Legal Med. doi: 10.1007/s00414-021-02762-1
  • Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2021). X‑chromosomal STR based genetic polymorphisms and demographic history of Sri Lankan ethnicities and their relationship with global populations. Scientific Reports, 11:12748. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92314-9
  • Goonesekera, K., Lee, P.L.M., Van Der Poorten, G. and Ranawaka, G. (2021), A global comparison of DNA sequences of Pelopidas (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) reveals discordance between morphological and genetic data, and an insular ‘ghost’ population. Insect Conserv Divers, 14: 81-94. https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12443
  • Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2021). Development of a 16 X-STR multiplex PCR system for kinship analysis and its applicability for the Sinhalese population in Sri Lanka. Int J Legal Med (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-020-02450-6
  • Goonesekera, K.S., van der Poorten, G., Lee, P.L.M. & Ranawaka, G. R. (2019). The phylogenetic history of the Old World butterfly subtribe Mycalesina extended: the Mycalesis of Sri Lanka (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) of Sri Lanka. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 22(1), 121-133. doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2018.12.013.
  • Goonesekera, K., van der Poorten, G. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2018). Morphometry as a tool in species identification: a study with special reference to species of the genus Mycalesis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Journal of the National Science Foundation Sri Lanka; 46 (3): 311 – 328.doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v46i3.8484
  • Dharmasiri, A. G. Gayan, Perera, A. Yashan, Harishchandra, Jeevanie, Herath, Hemantha,
  • Aravindan, Kandasamy, Jayasooriya, H. T. R., Ranawaka, G. R. and Hewavitharane, Mihirini (2017). First record of Anopheles stephensi in Sri Lanka: a potential challenge for prevention
  • of malaria reintroduction-case report. Malaria Journal, 16:326; doi.10.1186/s12936-017-1977-7
  • Chathumal, D. Markalanda, R. Illeperuma, G. Ranawaka, N. Fernandopulle, (2010). Population study of the CODIS Core loci D3S1358, D5S818, D8S1179 Short Tandom Repeat (STR) polymorphisms in Sri Lanka. The Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 38 (1), 65 -68.
  • Dessens,J.T., Medonza, J., Claudianos, C., Vinetz, J.M., Khater, E., Hassard, S., Ranawaka, G.., Sinden, R.E. (2001). Knockout of the rodent malaria parasite chitinase PbCHT1 reduces infectivity to mosquitoes. Infection and Immunity, 69 (6) 4041-4047.
  • Ranawaka, G., Fleck, S.,  Alejo-Blanco, R. & Sinden, R.E (1994). Characterization of modes of action of anti-Pbs21 malaria transmission blocking immunity: ookinte to oocyst differentiation in vivo. Parasitology, 109, 403-411.
  • Ranawaka, G., Alejo-Blanco, R. & Sinden, R.E (1994).  Characterization of the effector mechanisms of a transmission blocking antibody upon differentiation of P. beghei gametocytes into ookinetes in vitro. Parasitology, 109, 11-17.
  • Ranawaka, G., Alejo-Blanco, R. & Sinden, R.E (1993). The effect of transmission blocking antibody ingested in primary and secondary bloodfeeds, upon the development of P berghei in the mosquito vector. Parasitology, 107, 225-231.
  • Sinden, R, Couchman, A., Suhrbier, A, Marsh, F., Winger, L. & Ranawaka, G. (1991). The development of exo-erythrocytic schizonts of P berghei in vitro from gamma irradiated and non-irradiated sporozoites: a study using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Parasitology, 103, 17-21.
  • Jayatilleke, B.G. Ranawaka, R., Wijesekara, G. G. W. C. and Kumarasinha, M. C. B. (2018). Asian Association of Open Universities Journal; https://doi.org/10.1108/AAOUJ-02-2018-0013
  • Messer W.B., Kanakaratne N., Thevanesam V., Ranawaka, Shahani A., de Silva A.M. and Gunasekera M. (2012). Clinical features of hospitalized dengue patients in Sri Lanka from 2004 to 2006, Sri Lanka Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol.1(2); 9-18.
  • Lekamge, L., Ranawaka G., Gunaratne, R., & Jayanada, R (1999). Student satisfaction with OUSL support services. OUSL Journal, Volume 2, 80.
  • Priyadarshani, S., Ranawaka, G.R., Jude, P.J., and Jayasooriya, H.T.R. (2022). Effects of climatic factors on the larval densities and insecticide susceptibility status of Anopheles subpictus in Hambantota District. Proceedings of the 78th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka, 13−14 December 2022
  • Hewavitharane, H. M. P., Ranawaka, G. R., Saparamadu, M. D. J. S., Premaratne, R. G. and Jayasooriya, H. T. R. (2022). Primary malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies (Giles): abundance and climatic correlations in a post-malaria elimination setting. In Proceedings of the International Open University Research Sessions- iOURS2022, (pp.28). Nawala: OUSL
  • Priyadarshani, S., Ranawaka, G.R., Jude, P.J., and Jayasooriya, H.T.R. (2022). Prevalence and bionomics of the Anopheles mosquitoes in selected sites in the Hambantota district. In Proceedings of the International Open University Research Sessions- iOURS2022, (pp. 31). Nawala: OUSL
  • Fernando, T.S.P., Jayasuriya, T. and Ranawaka, G.R. (2022). Parasitology eLab: a Covid-19 pandemic induced drive for change to facilitate laboratory teaching-learning practices for undergraduates. In Proceedings of Tenth Pan-Commonwealth Forum-PCF10. Calgary, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning
  • Jayatilleke, B.G., Fernando, T.S.P, Nishshanka, K.M., Nayanajeehwi, S.G. and Ranawaka, G.R. (2021). Learners’ perceived impact on virtual learning activities in an undergraduate Human Biology course. In Proceedings of 34th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU 2021), 1-3 June 2021, Volume II-Full papers (pp 63-74) The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala
  • Tennakoon, T.K., Somarathna, L., Wijesinghe, M.R., Ranawaka, G.R. & Fernando, T.S.P. (2021). Morphometric variation between Rattus species in Sri Lanka and its taxonomic implications. In Proceedings of the Annual Session, WILDLANKA Symposium – 2020; held on 6th  & 7th April, 2021 (pp 40). Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka
  • Jayatilleke, B.G., Ranawaka, G.R. & G.G.W.C. Wijesekera (2020). Summative evaluation of a mobile learning application using a tablet computer: experiences of health science undergraduate learners. In Proceedings of the 18th Open University Research Sessions- OURS2020, (pp. 5). Nawala: OUSL
  • Perera, N., Galhena, G. and Ranawaka, G. (2019). Haplotype analysis of two X-chromosome STR clusters in Sinhalese population – FOS2019, In Proceedings of University of Colombo Research Symposium – FOS2019 (pp. 230). Colombo: University of Colombo
  • Perera, N., Galhena, G. and Ranawaka, G. (2019). Genetic profiling of six X-chromosomal STR loci among Tamil populations in Sri Lanka – In Proceedings of 39th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology (pp. 36). Colombo: Institute of Biology
  • Perera, N., Galhena, G. and Ranawaka, G. (2019). Development of a novel X CHROMOSOMAL STR based dacaplex PCR assay for the kinship analysis of Sri Lankans In Proceedings of the 17th Open University Research Sessions- OURS2019, (pp. 19). Nawala: OUSL
  • Jayasooriya, T., Jayasinghe, C, Jayatilleke, G. and G. Ranawaka (2019). Perceptions of postgraduate alumni on knowledge and enhancing skills: experience of the Open University of Sri Lanka. In Proceedings of Ninth Pan-Commonwealth Forum-PCF9. Edinburgh, Scotland: Commonwealth of Learning
  • Hewavitharane, H. M. P., Ranawaka, G. R., Saparamadu, M. D. J. S., Premaratne, R. G. and Jayasooriya, H. T. R. (2017). Prevalence and bionomics of Anopheles species in a gem mining area in Moneragala District of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 15th Open University Research Sessions (p 425-428). Nawala: OUSL Press.
  • Jayatilleke, B. G., Wijesekara, G. G. W. C. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2017). Access and Use of Electronic Technologies By Undergraduates of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Proceedings of the 15th Open University Research Sessions (p 5-9). Nawala: OUSL Press.
  • Dushanan, R., Ranawaka, G. R., Weerasinghe, S. and Senthilnithy, R. (2017). Computational studies on inhibition of histone deacetylation by hydroxamic acid derivatives: an in-silico Proceedings of the 15th Open University Research Sessions (pp. 461-464). Nawala: OUSL Press.
  • Jayatilleke,B.G., Ranawaka, G. R., Wijesekara, G. G. W. C. and Kumarasinha, M.C.B. (2017). Development and Testing of a Mobile Application through Design-Based Research. Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities. 27 – 29 September 2017, Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel Yogyakarta, Indonesia (pp. 49) – won the AAOU best practice Silver Award.
  • Goonesekera, K.S., van der Poorten, G. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2017). Evolution and Adaptation: A Butterfly. Proceedings of SLAYS open forum 2017; 28th Feb to 1st March, Colombo.
  • Hewavitharane, H.M.P., Saparamadu, M.D.J.S., Premaratne, R.G., Ranawaka, G. R. and Jayasooriya. H.T.R. (2016). Receptivity for malaria transmissionin a highly vulnerable district: A potential challenge for prevention of reintroduction efforts in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka, 5−9 December 2016 (pp 4).
  • Perera, K.M.K.J., Jayasooriya, H.T.R. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2015). Alternate sources of DNA for molecular identification of Aedes aegypti. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions of the OUSL (pp 57). Nawala: OUSL Press
  • 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. Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka Annual Scientific Sessions 2015, Sri Lanka Foundation, Colombo, p 45
  • Goonesekera, K.S., van der Poorten, G., Lee, P.L.M. & Ranawaka, G. R. (2015). DNA barcoding reveals a possible cryptic species complex of Mycalesis mineus: a case study from Sri Lanka. International Barcode of Life Conference August 18-21, University of Guelph, Canada, Conference abstracts 2015. Genome, vol. 58 (pp 222).
  • Goonesekera, K.S. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2015). DNA barcoding of the genus Pelopidas butterflies in Sri Lanka – WildLanka Symposium 2015-Proceedings of the Annual Session 2015 (pp 12).
  • Goonesekera, K.S., van der Poorten, G. & Ranawaka, G. R. (2014). Discriminant analysis of morphometric characters of four species of Mycalesis in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Bioscience Conference and the 5th Joint International PSU-UNS Bioscience Conference 2014, Phuket, Thailand (pp 81).
  • Goonesekera, K.S., van der Poorten, G. & Ranawaka, G. R. (2014). Phenotypic variation in Mycalesis perseus butterfly populations in different climatic zones of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions of the OUSL, 2014 (pp 451).
  • Goonesekera, K.S., van der Poorten, G. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2013). Morphometric characterisation of the genus Mycalesis butterflies in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions OUSL, 2013 (pp 451).
  • Goonesekera, K.S. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2013). Genetic variation in Mycalesis from Sri Lanka based on analysis of the mitochondrial DNA COI gene (2013). Proceedings of the 69th Annual Session of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (pp 78)
  • Sooriya Arachchi, N.N., Illeperuma, R.J., Jayasooriya, H.T.R. and Ranawaka, G. R. (2013). Genetic characterisation of DNA barcode region of Aedes vectors in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 33rd Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology (pp 24).
  • Kanakaratne N, Ranawaka, G., Thevanesam V, and de Silva A (2012). Severe dengue disease that is not explained by antibody enhancement or serotypic and genotypic differences in causative viruses. Medical Research institute Scientific sessions 2012, Colombo, 23rd November 2012
  • Fernando, S. Samaradivakara, D. De Silva, G. Baranage, I. Herath, N. Fernandopulle, K. Padmalal, G. Ranawaka (2009). DNA Barcoding of the Sri Lankan Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus or Loris lydekkerianus?) – a preliminary report. Proceedings of the 14th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2009, p74
  • Chathumal, D. Markalanda, R. Illeperuma, N. Fernandopulle, G. Ranawaka (2009). Genetic diversity of Sri Lankans with respect to the human DNA typing STR markers, D3S1358, D5S818 AND D8S1179. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions OUSL, 2009, p63
  • BG Jayatilleke, VD Dasanayake, GR Ranawaka (2009). Tracer study of Science graduates. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions OUSL. P66.
  • Kuruppu, A & Ranawaka, G. (2008). Prevalence and intensity of infection of trematode cercarial infections in the snail  host at a selected study site in the OUSL premises. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions OUSL (2008), pp 89.
  • R Careem, G. Ranawaka, V. de Silva and J Alahakone. Molecular sexing of birds in the National Zoological gardens Dehiwela. . Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions OUSL (2007), p68.
  • Bandarage G., Iqbal S.S., Jayakody L.K.R.R., Liyanage L.S.G., Ramasinghe W. & Ranawaka G R (2007) Credit Conversion Scheme for the B.Sc Degree Programmes Offered through Distance and Face To Face Teaching Methods in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions OUSL, p4
  • Wahala M Wahalla WM, Kanakaratne N, Perera N, Seneviratne D, Ranawaka GR, Shahani AR, Ruberu D, Gunasekera MB, de Silva AM. (2005). Virological parameters of recent dengue hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Sri Lanka. Poster presentation (Presentation Number: 728) at 54th Annual sessions of the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 11-15 December 2005, Washington, USA
  • Ranawaka, G., Perera, N, Seneviratne D, Baranage G, Gamage P Gunasekera, M (2005). Dengue virus serotypes circulating in Colombo during 2004. Proceedings of the OUSL silver jubilee Academic sessions, p24
  • Baranage, G., Senevirathne, D, Gamage, P., Ranawaka, G., Perera, N., Illeperuma, R., Ruberu, D., Shahani A., Gunasekera, M. (2004). Screening of febrile cases for early diagnosis of dengue and identification of dengue virus type using in-house diagnostic kits based on Polymerase Chain Reaction. The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, volume 2, issue1, pg 14.
  • Ranawaka, G., Gamage, P., De Silva, V., Fernando, A., Seneviratne, D., Gunasekera, M. (2003). Evaluation of a Polymerase chain Reaction (PCR) – agarose gel electrophoresis assay with a PCR-Hybridisation assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Proceedings of the 59th Annual Session of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, p22.
  • Amaratunga, C. & Ranawaka, G. (1997). Endoparasites in faecal matter of the Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus). Proceedings of the 53rd Annual Session of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, p22
  • OUSL Award for the Best Interactive Multimedia Courseware – 2021
  • OUSL Research Award – 2020
  • British Government Technical Cooperation Training Award 1998
  • Overseas Research Award (1991)
  • President’s Scholarship (1989 – 1990)
  • University of Wales Swansea Fulton Fellowship 2008/2009 (May – July 2009)
  • Commonwealth Fellowship (October 2002 – March 2003)
  • Beit Fellowship for Scientific Research, U.K. (1991/92)

 

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