Senior Professor Shyama R. Weerakoon (Chair)

Senior Professor of Botany


Botany
Faculty of Natural Sciences
RG GS
Senior Professor of Botany
Contact:

Central Campus, 1st floor, Science and Technology building, Room No : 155

Office: 011 2881 383, Ext: 383

E-mail: srwee@ou.ac.lk shyamaweerakoon@gmail.com

I graduated from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka following a B.Sc. Special Degree in Botany. Then received my Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from University of Western Australia, Australia, and completed post-doctoral studies (Sept. 2007 to Sept. 2009) at the same university.

I joined the Department of Botany at the Open University of Sri Lanka as a Lecturer (Probationary) in 1992 and promoted as a Senior Lecturer in 1999. (1999-2012). Then promoted to Professor in Botany in June, 2012 and appointed as the Professor of Botany (Chair) in February 2018. In July 2020 I was promoted as the Senior Professor of Botany (Chair). I served as the Head of the Department of Botany from March, 2011 to March, 2014.

Currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the OUSL Journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka and as the Director/Research Unit of the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Last Updated on 3 years

Areas of Specialization:

Genetics, Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, Weed Biology

Research interests:
  1. Breeding Hexaploid (6n – AABBCC) Brassicas.
  2. Breeding canola-quality Sri Lankan mustard (Brassica juncea) lines.
  3. Potential Lupin (Lupinus spp.) varieties and prospective growing areas in Sri Lanka and the impact of bio-films on growth of Lupins.
  4. Phytoremediative potential of mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes in Sri Lanka
  5. Herbicide tolerance/resistance among Oryza spp. and developing herbicide resistance for broad-specturm herbicides in Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties through mutagenesis
  6. Anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities of plant tissue extracts and callus extracts of selected medicinal plants.
  7. Agro-morphological and molecular studies on diversity and genetics origin of weedy rice in rice fields in Sri Lanka.
  8. Hypocholesterolemic activity of plant extracts (Family- Euphorbiaceae) and mode of Mechanisms
  9. Delimitation of Oryza sative complexes in Sri Lanka
  10. Biological responses and Expression of plant genes of Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to different rhythmic sound patterns (Music and religious chants).
  11. Development of a diversity panel of traditional rice accessions/varieties in Sri Lanka.
  12. Growth and yield performances of traditional and inbred rice varieties under SMART- Nano Micronutrient fertilizers (Nano-CuO, Nano-MnO2 and Nano-ZnO)
  13. Molecular and Agro-morphological characterization and Molecular screening for Bacterial Wilt in Brinjal (Solanum melongena) varieties cultivated in Sri Lanka
Programme Coordination:

B.Sc. Degree Programme

B.Sc. Special Degree Programme

Short Course in Plant Breeding Techniques

Diploma in Plant Breeding

Course Coordination:

BYU4301 – Genetics and Evolution

BYU5306 – Plant Breeding

BYU6300 – Plant Molecular Biology

BYU5610 – Research Project in Botany

BYU6911 – Research Project in Botany (Special Degree)

Short Course in Plant Breeding Techniques

Diploma in Plant Breeding

Awards:

1.OUSL Research Award (2020)

2. OUSL Research Award (2019)

3. OUSL Research Award (2018).

4. OUSL Research Award (2017).

5. OUSL Research Award (2016).

6. National Research Council (NRC), Sri Lanka – Merit Award for Scientific Publication (2011)

7. Research Fellow award (Sept. 2007 to Sept. 2009), The University of Western Australia, Australia

8. President’s Research Bonus award, Sri Lanka (1999)

9. Commonwealth Postgraduate Scholarship award (1994), The University of Western Australia, Australia

10. Prof. B.L.T. de Silva memorial prize for Botany (1991), University of Colombo

11. Dr. Swarna Senathiraja memorial prize of Genetics and Plant Breeding (1991) University of Colombo

Researches:

Research Publications:

Research papers in refereed International journals:

  1. Amarasekera, A. S., Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. and  Dahanayake, S. R. (1994). Constituents of Vernonia zeylanica. FitoterapiaLXV No. 5: 447.
  2. Dahanayake, S. R. and Galwey, N. W. (1998). Effects of interactions between low and high temperature treatments of flowering of spring rape (Brassica napus ‘Annua’). of Botany81: 609-617.
  3. Dahanayake, S. R. (1998). Genetics and Physiology of the vernalization process of  Spring rape (Brassica napus var. annua). PhD Thesis, University of Western Australia.
  4. Dahanayake, S. R. and Galwey, N. W. (1999). Diallel analysis of vernalization responses in spring rape (Brassica napus) : a basis for adaptation to a mediterranean environment. Aust. J. Agric. Res. 50 : 1417-23.
  5. Dahanayake, S. R. and Galwey, N. W. (1999). Effects of interactions between low-temperature treatments, gibberellin (GA3) and photoperiod on flowering and stem height of spring rape (Brassica napus annua).  Ann. of Botany. 84 : 321-327.
  6. Yan, G., Nelson, M., Pradhan, A., Mason, A., Weerakoon, S. R., Si, P., Plummer, J. and Cowling, W. (2009). Progress towards the creation of trigenomichexaploid populations. SABRAO Journal of BREEDING and GENETICS 41: Special Supplement, pp. NA.
  7. Weerakoon, S. R. and Iqbal , M. C. M. (2009). Production of Interspecific Hybrids to improve fatty acid profile of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) germplasm in Sri Lanka. SABRAO Journal of BREEDING and GENETICS41: Special Supplement, pp. NA
  8. Weerakoon, S. R., Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J., Peiris, P. K. D and Somaratne, S.  (2010). Assessment of Genetic Variation within Mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern&Coss) Germplasm in Sri Lanka using Fluorescent-based Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphic DNA Markers. International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 6 (No. 5): 757-768.
  9. Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2013). Agronomic Potential of Lupin  (Lupinus spp.) in Sri Lanka as an Alternative Crop: Growth and Yield Performance in different Agro-  Ecological Regions. Asian Journal of  Agricultural Research, 7: 1-14.
  10. Iqbal, M. C. M.,  Weerakoon, S. R.,  Geethanjalie, H. D. N..,  Peiris, P. K. D. and  Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2011). Changes in the fatty acids in seeds of inter-specific hybrids between Brassica napus and Brassica juncea. Journal of Crop & Pasture Science, 62: 390-395.
  11. Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., Wijeratne, R. G. D. and Ekanayaka, E. M. S. I. (2013). Natural Herbicide Resistance (HR) to Broad-spectrum Herbicide, Glyphosate among Traditional and Inbred-cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa) varieties in Sri Lanka. PakistanJournal of Biological Sciences. 16 (16): 796-803.
  12. Karunaratne, K. D. K., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2015). Molecular and Agro-Morphological Differences among  Traditional Rice variety “PACHCHAPERUMAL” and closely related Weedy rice Eco-types in Sri Lanka.International  Journal of TropicalAgriculture, 33: 3315-3322.
  13. DonPaul, A. M., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2016). Antioxident properties of Leaf, Twig and Calli extracts of Neolamarckiacadamba (Roxb.) Bosser in Sri Lanka. Research  Journal of Medicinal Plants,DOI: 10.3923/rjmp.2016.314-319.
  14. Ekanayaka, E. M. S. I., Weerakoon, S. R., Silva, T. D. and Somaratne, S. (2016). Induction of Herbicide resistance via seed-derived rice (Oryza  sativa) calli. IRA-International Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 3(3). doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.21013/jas.v3.n3.p15. (2016).
  15. Weerakoon, S.R., Somaratne, S., Peiris, P.K.D. and Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. (2016). The ecological provenance of phenotypic and genotypic variation in mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. &Coss.] accessions in Sri Lanka. Acta Hortic. 1127, 503-504.DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1127.79.https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1127.79
  16.  Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2016) Impacts of recent and anticipated changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations on growth performance of Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa spontanea) bio-types in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Current Research. Vol. 8, Issue 12: 43371-43376.
  17. Karunaratne, K. D. K., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2016). Distribution Patterns and Genetic relationships of weedy rice (Oryza sativa spontaneae) populations in different climatic zones in Sri Lanka. . International Journal of Current Research. Vol. 8, Issue 12: 42777-42783.
  18. Ekanayake, E. M. S., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2017). Developing  Herbicide Resistant Sri Lankan rice  (Oryza sativa L.) varieties:  An Application of Self Organizing MAP. Journal: of Information Processing in Agriculture.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.inpa 2017.02.002
  19. Munasinghe, S.P., Weerakoon, S.R., Somaratne, S., Ranasinghe, C. (2017). An Efficient Callus Induction Protocol for GyrinopswallaGaetner ‘Walla patta’, a commercially important Agarwood species in Sri Lanka. ScholarsJournal of Research in Agriculture and Biology, 2(2): 96-102
  20.  Ekanayaka, E. M. S., Weerakoon, S.R., Somarathne, S., Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J., Silva, T.D. (2017). In vivo and in vitro application of chemical mutagen-EMS to induce herbicide resistance in Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. Scholars Journal of Research in Agriculture and Biology, 2(2): 108-114.
  21. Lakshika, R. A. D. D., Ekanayake,  E. M. S. I. Ekanayake, Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2017). Natural Resistance to Broad-Spectrum Herbicides; Glyphosate and Glufosinate by Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties. Journal of Plant Physiology & Pathology (December 2017 Issue
  22. Weerakoon, Shyama R., Somaratne, Seneviratnage, Ekanayaka, E. M. Sachini, I. and Munasinghe, Sachithri (2018). Natural  Resistance of Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties to Broad-Spectrum Herbicides (Glyphosate and   Glufosinate).Farooq Shah Abdul, Zafar Khan Abdul and Amjad Iqbal Abdul (eds.), Rice Crop – Current Developments  (pp. 193-210).   ISBN: 978-1-78923-601-9 Print ISBN: 978-1-78923-600-2. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.69831
  23. Gunarathne V., Mayakaduwa S., Ashiq A., Weerakoon S. R., Biswas J. K. and  Vithanage M. (2018) Transgenic Plants: Benefits,          Applications, and Potential Risks in Phytoremediation. Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad (eds.), Transgenic Plant Technology for Remediation of Toxic Metals and Metalloids (pp. 89-99). ISBN: 978-0-12-814389-6. ELSEVIER, Academic Press Publications, UK
  24. Munasinghe, S. P., Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S. R. and Ranasinghe, C. (2020). Prediction of chemical composition for callus production in GyrinopswallaGaetner through machine learning. Information Processing in Agriculture, 7 (4), 511-522.
  25. Somaratne, S. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2020). Development of a Diversity Panel for Traditional Rice (Oryza sativa L.) accessions/varieties in Sri Lanka (2020). International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis. 3 (12), 260-268. DOI: 10.47191/ijmra/v3-i12-01
  26. Munasinghe, D. S. P., Weerakoon, S. R., and Somaratne, S. (2020). Biological responses of Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to rhythmic sound patterns (music and religious chants). NUSANTARA BIOSCIENCE, 12 (2), 154-161. DOI: 10.13057/nusbiosci/n120211.
  27. Weerakoon, S.R. and Somaratne S. (2020) Herbicide Resistance in Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties: A Molecular Approach. International Journal of Agriculture Sciences, 12 (23), 10446-10450.
  28. Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2021). Development of a core collection from Sri Lankan traditional rice (Oryza sativa) varieties for phenotypic and genetic diversity. NUSANTARA BIOSCIENCE, 13:61-68.
  29. Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, s. (2021). Genetic diversity of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) populations in Sri Lanka: An application of Self Organizing Map (SOM). Asian Journal of Agriculture, 5 (1).DOI https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjagric/g050106.
  30. Munasinghe, D. S. P., Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S. R. and Ranasinghe, C. (2021). In vitro production of sesquiterpenes by electro-elicitation in Gyrinops walla Gaetner calli and cell suspension cultures. The EuroBiotech Journal, 5 (2), 70-78.

Research papers in refereed National journals:

  1. Dahanayake, S. R. and Wijesundera R. L. C. (1994). Penicillium purpurogenum  on fruits of  Averrhoa bilimbi.  Sri Lanka. Nat. Sci. Coun. Sri Lanka22 (1): 23-24.
  2. Pathirana, P. S. K., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2005). Prior learning experience and student performance in distance education : A cross sectional survey on B.Sc. students at OUSL. VISTAS (Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education) 3 : 31-48.
  3. Iqbal, M.C.M., Weerakoon S. R. and Peiris, P.K.D. (2006). Variability of fatty acid composition in interspecific hybrids of mustard Brassica juncea and Brassica napus. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.)35(1) : 17-23.
  4. Weerakoon, S. R.and Somaratne, S. (2009). Phytoextractive potential among mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science    (Bio. Sci.)38 (2) : 39-47.
  5. Weerakoon, S. R.and Somaratne, S. (2011). Seasonal variation of growth and yield performance of mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern&Coss) genotypes in Sri Lanka. Journal of Agricultural sciences, 6 (1): 1-15.
  6. Weerakoon, S. R.and Somaratne, S. (2010). Agro-Morphological characterization and relationships among mustard germplasm (Brassica juncea {L.) Czern&Coss) in Sri Lanka: A  Classification Tree Approach. Journal of Agricultural sciences, 5 (2): 89-97.
  7. Weerakoon, S. R. (2011). Producing inter-specific hybrids between Brassica juncea (L.) Czern&Coss and B.oleracea (L.) to synthesize trigenomic (ABC) BrassicaJournal of Science, University of Kelaniya, 6 : 13-34
  8. Abeysekera, A. S. K., Weerakoon, S. R., Karunaratne, D. K. and Johnson, D. E. (2012). Morphological variation in offspring derived from single panicle of weedy rice. Annals of Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture (ASDA). 14: 1-9.
  9. Somaratne, S., Karunarathna, K. D. K., Weerakoon, S. R. and Abeysekera, S. K. (2014). Salient characters of Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) populations in highly infested areas in Sri Lanka. Ruhuna Journal of Science, Vol.. 5: 31-36
  10. Weerakoon, S. R. (2014). Introducing Herbicide Resistant Crops to Sri Lanka: A Review. OUSL Journal, Vol. 7: 52-71
  11. Munasinghe, S. P. Somaratne, S. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2017).    Screening of Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces for Drought tolerance.   Tropical Agricultural Research, 28 (2), 183-191.
  12. Karunarathna, K, D. K., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2017). Density Dependent Competitive Interactions between Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa f. spontaneae) and Cultivated rice (Bg379-2) in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Vol. 04 (01): 59-67.
  13.  Munasinghe, D. S. P., Liyanage, K. C. M., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Dissanayake, D. M. L. C. (2018). A preliminary study on effect of buddhistpirith chanting and pop music on the growth and yield performance in rice (Oryza sativaL.). Sri Lankan Journal of Biology. Vol. 3 (Issue 1): 44-51. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljb.v3i1.17
  14. Somaratne, S. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2018). Neglected Grasses in the Wetlands of Sri Lanka: Wild Rice. Wetlands Sri Lanka, Vol. 4: 17-31.
  15. Lakshika, R. A. D. D., Munasinghe, D. S. P., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2019). Natural and Induced Glufosinate-resistance in selected rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in Sri Lanka. Journal of Agricultural Sciences-Sri Lanka, Vol. 14, No. 1: 17-33.
  16.  D.M.L.C. Dissanayaka, N. Nilakarawasam, S. Somaratne, S.R. Weerakoon, C. Ranasinghe (2019). Effect of Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. crude methanolic extract on diet induced hypercholesterolemia in Wistar albino rats (Mus norvegicus albinus). Ceylon Journal of Science, Vol. 48 (3): 285-291.
  17. Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S. R., Karthikeyan, N., Munasinghe, D. S. P. and Widanapathirane, K. N. (2021). The impact of nano-ZnO foliar fertilizer on growth and yield of cultivated rice (Oryzasativa L.) varieties in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, Vo. 50 (2) 2021: 109-119 DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v50i2.7872
  18. Munasinghe, S.P., Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S.R., Ranasinghe, C. (2021).  In vitro propagation of Gyrinops walla Gaetner ‘Walla patta’, a vulnerable agarwood producing species in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan J. Biol. 2021, 6 (2): 14-19. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljb.v6i2.82. 

Conference Proceedings – International: 

  1. Dahanayake, S. R. and Galwey, N. W. (1997). Effects of flowering and stem height of         interactions between vernalization, gibberellin and photoperiod in spring genotypes of canola. 11th  Australian Research Assembly on Brassicas, Perth. 93.
  2. Dahanayake, S. R. and Galwey, N. W. (1997). Diallel analysis of vernalization responses in spring rape (Brassica napus var. annua). Genetics Society of Australia – 44th annual conference, Perth : 73.
  3. Dahanayake, S. R. and Galwey, N. W. (1999). Adaptation of canola to a mediterranean environment : genetics of the vernalization response. 10th International Rapeseed Congress, Canberra, Australia. 270.
  4. Weerakoon, S. R. (2000). The role of the Open University of Sri Lanka to reach th unreached through open and distance learning. VIIth Annual Conference of Indian Distance Education Association, New Delhi : 18.
  5. Somaratne, S. and Weerakoon, S. R (2005). Relationship between entrance qualifications and performance of science undergraduate students of the Open University of Sri Lanka. ICDE International Conference, India : 1-15.
  6. Weerakoon, S. R. Iqbal, M. C. M., Somaratne, S., Peiris, P. K. D. and Wimalasuriya, W. S. R. (2007). Delimitation of local mustard (Brassica juncea) germplasm in Sri Lanka and improvement of their nutritive quality. 12th International Rapesed Congress, Wuhan, China. Vol. 5 : 75-78.
  7. Yan, G. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2007). Breeding “Super Brassica” cultivars at hexaploid level. Fifteenth biennial Australian Research Assembly on Brassicas, 10-14 September, Geraldton, Western Australia : 69-73.
  8. Weerakoon, S. R., Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J., Peiris, P. K. D. and Somaratne, S. (2008). Differentiation of Sri Lankan mustard (Brassica juncea) accessions using FAFLP markers and Agro-Morphological data. International Society of Bio Technology Conference (ISBT-2008), Gingtok, Skkim, India : 239-243.
  9. Weerakoon, S. R., Si, P., Zili, W., Meng, J. and Yan, G. (2009). Production and confirmation of hybrids through interspecific crossing between tetraploid juncea and diploid B. Oleracea towards a hexaploidBrassica population. 16th Australian Research Assembly on Brassicas, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia ; 205-211.
  10. Si, P., Chen, Y., Weerakoon, S.,  Quealy, J., Powles, S.  and Erskine, W.  (2010). Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) breeding lines tolerant to metribuzin applied post-emergence. Proceedings of the 5th International Food Legumes Research Conference and 7th European Conference on Grain Legumes, April 26th to 30th April, 2010,  Antalya, Turkey, pp: 216-216.
  11. Weerakoon, S. R. (2010). Direct and Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis from petiole and leaf explants of Purple Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula R. Br. Cv. ‘Purple Fanefare’). World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, Tokyo, Japan. Part IV: 814-823.
  12. Plummer, J. A., Pradhan, A., Si, P., Mason, A., Nelson, M., Cowling, W.,Yan, G. and  Weerakoon, S. R. (2010). Development for Tri-genomic Hexaploid  Brassica Populations.Proceedings of American Society for Horticultural Sciences (ASHS), 2nd to 5thAugust, 2010, California, USA, 45 (8): S156-S156. Publisher AMER. SOC. HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
  13. Peiris, P. K. D., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2011). Assessment of Genetic Diversity of mustard (Brassica juncea [L.] Czern&Coss) germplasm in Sri Lanka: An Application of Self-Organizing Map (SOM) with dimension reduction . 13th International GCIRC Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic on 5th to 9th June 2011 (Poster presentation).
  14.  Wickramasekera, S., Weerakoon, S. R. and Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2011). Production and Molecular confirmation of true hybrids (3n, ABC) of Brassica juncea (AABB) and Brassica oleracea (CC). 13th International GCIRC Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic in 5th to 9th June 2011 (Poster presentation).
  15. Nimanthika, W. J. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2011). Impact of pre-plant and post- emergence herbicides on growth performance and yield of Oryza genotypes in Sri Lanka. 23rd Asia Pacific Weed Science Society Conference, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. 22nd-24thNovember, 2011. Pp 405-410.
  16. Somaratne, S. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2012). A Comprehensive Study on Phytoextractive Potential of Sri Lankan Mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. &Coss) Genotypes. ICAFNS ( International Conference on Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences), January, 2012 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Pp. 20-24.
  17. Abeysekera, A. S. K., Weerakoon, S. R. and Johnson, D. E. (2012).Competitive interactions between weedy rice and cultivated rice in Sri Lanka. VIth International Weed Science Congress, Hangzhou, China, 17th-22nd June. Pp 48-49.
  18. Abeysekera, A. S. K., Weerakoon, S. R., Karunaratne, D. K. and Johnson, D. E.  (2012).            Variation in the morphology of offspring derived from single panicle of weedy rice. VIthInternational Weed Science Congress, Hangzhou, China, 17th-22nd June. Pp. 48.
  19. Weerakoon, S, R,. Wijeratne, R. G. D. and Somaratne, S. (2013). Studies on Natural Herbicide Resistance (HR) among traditional and developed rice (Oryzasativa L.) varieties cultivated in Sri Lanka and inducing HR with Chemical mutagens, NaN3 and EMS. The 4th Tropical Weed Science Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand. 23rd to 25thJanuary, 2013. Pp. 27.
  20. Karunarathna, K. D. K., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., Weerasena, O.V.D.S.J. and Abeysekera, A. S. K. (2013). Phenotypic and Genotypic variations among Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) populations in Matara and Kurunegala Districts of Sri Lanka.Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society (APWSS) Congress, 22nd to 25th October 2013,Bandung, Indonesia.  Pp. 200-205.
  21. Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., Peiris, P. K. D. and Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2014). The  ecological provenance of phenotypic and genotypic variation in mustard (Brassica  juncea (L.) Czern&Coss) accessions in Sri Lanka. International Horticultural Congress (IHC), Queensland, Australia, 17th  to 22ndAugust, 2014. Pp. 269.
  22.  Ekanyaka, E. M. S. I., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Abeysekara, A. S. K. (2014). Glyphosate Resistance among cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) varieties in Sri Lanka. 4th IRC Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 27th October to 1stNovember, 2014.  Pp. 71.
  23. Karunarathna, K. D. K., Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, ,S. R., Weeresena, O. V. D. S. J. and Abeysekera. A. S. K. (2015). Eco-climatic dependency of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontaneae) distribution in Sri Lanka. 25th APWSS 2015 Conference. Hyderabad, India on 13th to 16th October 2015.  Pp. 11-12.
  24. Ekanayaka, S. I., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. and Silva, T. D. (2016). In vivo and in vitro application of EMS to induce Herbicide Resistance in Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. 20th Australian Weeds Conference (20WSC), Perth, Australia. 11th to 15thSeptember, 2016. Pp. 89-92.
  25. Karunaratne, K. D. K., Weerakoon, S. R.,Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. and Somaratne, S. (2016). Multiple origin of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) in Sri Lanka. 7th Global Summit on Agriculture & Horticulture, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 17th to 19thOctober, 2016. Pp. 42.
  26.  Lakshika R. A. D. D., Ekanayake E. M. S. I., Weerakoon S. R. and Somaratne   S.,  Natural Herbicide Resistance in Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties for Broad-spectrum Herbicides; Glyphosate and Glufosinate (2017). 3rd Global Summit on Plant Science, Rome, Italy, 7th to 9th August 2017.
  27.  Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2018). Delimitation of wild species of the genus Oryza in Sri Lanka. Conference  Proceedings  of 5th International Rice Congress (IRC2018).  15th to 17th  October, 2018, Singapore.
  28.  Weerakoon, S. R., Lakshika, R. A. D. D. and S. Somaratne (2017). Induction of Glufosinate-resistance in Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties via scutellum-derived callus mutagenesis. 26th Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society (26th APWSS) Conference, Kyoto, Japan, 19th to 22nd September 2017. Pp. 273.http://www.c-linkage.co.jp/apwss2017/programme.html
  29. Sakeelabanu, S. Somaratne, S. R. Weerakoon, and R. Tharmatharsanan (2019). Distribution patterns of weedy rice populations  inVavunia District, Northern province of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 27th APWSS Conference, 3rd to 5th September 2019, Malaysia. Pp. 84.

Conference Proceedings – National:

  1. Dahanayake, S. R. and  Silva, T. (1993). Effect of media formulation and genotypi  differences on the callus forming ability and plant regeneration in the genus Psopocarpus. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 49th annual sessions : 49-50.
  2. Weerakoon, S. R. (1999). A preliminary study of the possibilities of introducing canola (Brassicanapus) to Sri Lanka and breeding mustard (Brassica juncea) using interspecific hybrids between mustard and canola with a view to improve favourable fatty acid content in mustard. Sri Lanka Institute of Biology 19th annual sessions : 40.
  3. Weerakoon, S. R. (2002). Testing hybrids of mustard (Brassica juncea) and canola (Brassica napus) to improve favourable fatty acids in mustard., and testing canola for cultivation in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 58th annual sessions : 190.
  4. Jayasinghe, J. A. S. S. C., Weerakoon, S. R. and Weerakoon, L. K. (2002). Studies on cryopreservation of mature zygotic embryos of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 58th annual sessions : 66.
  5. Weerakoon, S. R. , Wimalasiri, K. M. S. and Perera, B. B. I. A. (2003). Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and phytopathogenic properties of the fungus Penicillium purpurogenum. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 59th annual sessions : 150.
  6. Weerakoon, S. R.,Daulagala, P. W. H. K. P. and Fernando, L. (2003). Bioassay methods for the detection of antagonistic activity by selected non-pathogenic bacterial isolates against the phytopathogenic fungus Penicillium purpurogenum. Inaugural Annual Academic Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka.: 56
  7. Gamlathge, M. V., Weerakoon, S. R. and Wimalasiri, K. M. S. (2004). A comparative study of chemical and biological properties of some selected spring canola (Brassica napus) varieties, Fi progeny and mustard (Brassica juncea), with a view of introducing a value added trait – high content of favourable fatty acids, to mustard. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 60th annual sessions : 161.
  8. Weerakoon, S. R., Iqbal, M. C. M. and Pieris, K. (2004). Transfer of value added traits and agronomic characters from Brassica napus to Brassica juncea by conventional crossing. Second Annual Academic Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka :16.
  9. Weerakoon, S. R., Iqbal, M. C. M. and Pieris, K. (2005). Interspecific hybridization of Brassica juncea(local mustard ) with Brassica napus toimprove the fatty acid content of B. juncea. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 61st annual sessions : 46.
  10. Somaratne, S. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2005). Deterministic variables of the student performance of B.Sc. graduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka : A case study with Multivariate Regression Tree Analysis (MRT). OUSL Silver Jubilee Academic Sessions. : 123-128.
  11. Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., Wimalasooriya, R. and Iqbal, M. C. M. (2005). Phenotypic variation and the relationships among mustard (Brassica juncea L.) germplasm from Sri Lanka. OUSL Silver Jubilee Academic Sessions. : 67-73.
  12. Wimalasuriya, W. S. R., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., and Iqbal, M. C. M. (2006). Characterization and differentiation of local mustard (Brassica juncea L.) germplasm in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 62nd annual sessions : 77
  13. Peiris, P. K. D., Weerakoon, S. R. and Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2007). Preliminary study of the suitability of commercial spring canola (Brassica napus) varieties to the local environment. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uni. of Colombo, 2nd Annual Scientific Sessions : 14.
  14. Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S. R. and Iqbal, M. C. M. (2007). Agro-Morphological characters in classification of mustard accessions (Brassica junceaL.) in Sri Lanka: A Classification Tree  Approach. The Open University Annual Academic Sessions 28th – 29th June : 77-80.
  15. Peiris, P. K. D., Weerakoon, S. R., Iqbal, M. C. M. and Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2009). Developing low Erucic acid and high Oleic acid-containing genotypes via Embryo rescue, using  Mustard(Brassica juncea L.) germplasm in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka ; 45.
  16. Peiris, P. K. D., Perera, H. A. V. S., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2009). Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activity of mustard (Brassica junceaL.) genotypes in Sri Lanka against pytopathogenic bacteria and fungi. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 65th annual sessions. (Abstract).
  17. Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S and Chaminda, L. A. D. D. (2009). Impact of seasonal variations on the seed yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 65th annual sessions. (Abstract).
  18. Weerakoon, S. R. Weerakoon, Somaratne, S. and Chaminda, L. A. D. D. (2009). Phytoremediative potential ofmustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 65th annual sessions. (Abstract).
  19. Somaratne S. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2010). A Preliminary study on the effectiveness of Level 4 and Level 5 Botany courses on employment prospects based on responses of OUSL   graduates. OUSL 30th Anniversary International Research Conference, Colombo, Sri      Lanka: 70-73.
  20. Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2010). Lupin (Lupinusssp.): A new cash crop for Sri Lanka.30th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka : 05.
  21. Weerakoon, S. R., Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. and Peiris, P. K. D. (2010). Genetic Differentiation of Mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern&Coss) germplasm in Sri Lanka by AFLP markers. Proceedings of the 5th Asian Biotechnology Conference, 15th to 17th December, Sri Lanka. Pp. 5-6.
  22. Wickramasekera, S., Weerakoon, S. R. And Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. (2010). Production and Molecular confirmation of true hybrids (3n, ABC) of Brassica juncea (AABB) and B. oleracea (CC). Proceedings of the 5th Asian Biotechnology Conference, 15th to 17th December, Sri Lanka. Pp. 15-16.
  23. Nimantika, W. J. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2011). Screening Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties for tolerance/resistance of pre-planting broad-specturm herbicide, Glyphosate. Proceedings of the 31st Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka. Pp. 20.
  24. Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2011). Lupin (Lupinus spp.): A new pulse crop and its yield performance under different climatic conditions in Sri Lanka. Annual Academic Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka on 14th to 15th September. 2011. Pp. 270-273.
  25. Bandarage, G. Fernando, G.W.A.R., Nupearachchi, C. N., Peiris, P. K. D., Rajendra, J. C. N., Siriwardena, K. D. V. F., Tantrigoda, R. U., Wattavidanage, J. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2011). Experience in implementing a student support programme based on “PASS” model for BSc undergraduates at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Annual Academic Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka on 14th to 15th September. 2012. Pp. 56-59.
  26. Wijeratne, R. G. D., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2012). Screening herbicide resistance (HR) in selected Sri Lankan cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties throughinducedmutagenesis. International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE 2012), Sri Lanka. Pp. 171-174.
  27. Rusaina, M. H., Weerakoon, S. R. and Razmy, A. M. (2013). Viabilityof Replacing Inorganic Fertilizer with Compost made of Eichhorniacrassipes for intensive paddy cultivation in Ampara District, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Institute of Biology 33rd  annual sessions : 35.
  28. Siriwardana, K. G. D. I., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2013). Comparative study on Agro-Morphological variations among Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa f. spontania) Accessions in MataraDistrice, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Institute of Biology33rd  Annual Sessions : 36.
  29. Weerakoon, S. R., Ekanayake, E. M. S. I., Somarathe, S. and Wijeratne, R. G. D. (2013). Preliminary Studies on Inducing Herbicide Resistance in Sri Lankan Rice Varieties using chemical mutagens, NaN3 and EMS. Annual Research Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka 2013. Pp. 426-430.
  30. Bandarage, G. Peiris, P. K. D., Rajendra, J. C. N., Siriwardena, K. D. V. F., Tantrigoda, R. U., Wattavidanage, J. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2013). Effectiveness of an induction Programme in inspiring students in engaging in collaborative learning : An ODL Case Study. Annual Academic Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka on 27th to 28th November 2013. Pp.63–67.
  31. Somaratne, S., Karunarathna, K. D. K., Weerakoon, S. R., Abeysekera, A. S. K. and Weeresena, O. V. D. S. J. (2014). Salient characters of Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f.spontanea) populations in highly infested areas in Sri Lanka. 1st Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RITSCON), University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka on 22nd and 23rdJanuary, 2014. Pp. 20.
  32. Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S. R. and  Siriwardana, K. G. D. I., (2014). Response of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea)  to changing climate of  Sri Lanka. . Sri Lanka Institute of Biology 34th Annual Sessions : 68.
  33. Karunarathna, K. D. K., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Weeresena, O. V. D. S. J. (2014). Molecular and Agro-Morphological affinities among weedy, wild and cultivated  rice varieties in in different climatic zones in Sri Lanka.  Annual Academic Sessions-2014, The Open University of Sri Lanka on 27th to 28th November 2014. Pp. 319-323.
  34. Ekanyaka, E. M. S., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., and  Abeysekara, A. S. K. (2015). Response of traditional and inbred rice varieties (Oryza sativa l.) to broad spectrum herbicide; Glyphosate.  2nd Ruhuna International Science and  Technology Conference (RITSCON), University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka on 22nd and 23rdJanuary, 2015.  Pp. 23.
  35. Ekanayaka, E. M. S. I., Weerakoon, S. R., Silva, T. D. and Somaratne, S. (2015). Ethyl Methyl Sulfonate (EMS) induced Herbicide Resistance in Seed-derived rice (Oryza sativa) callus.  Sri Lanka Institute of Biology 35th Annual Sessions. Pp. 57.
  36. Ekanayaka, E. S. M. I., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2015). Ethyl Methyl Sulfonate (EMS) induced Herbicide Resistance in Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa) varieties. (2015). International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches (ICMA), Uni. of Sri Jayewardenepura on 11th and 12thSeptember, 2015. Pp. 218.
  37. Don Paul, A. M., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2015). Antimicrobial and Antioxident Properties of  Leaf, Twig and Calli Extracts of Neolamarckiacadamba (Roxb.) Bosser. (2015). Annual Academic Sessions-2015, The Open University of Sri Lanka on 19th to 20th November 2015. Pp. 45-48.
  38. Weerakoon, S. R. and S. Somaratne  (2016). Effect of Changing Atmospheric CO2  concentrations on Growth Performance of Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) in Sri Lanka. National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19thJanuary, 2016.  Pp. 10.
  39. Ekanayaka, E. M. S. I., Weerakoon, S. R., Weerasena, O. V. D. S. J. and Somaratne, S. (2016). Identification of AFLP marker/s to differentiate herbicide resistant Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. Proceeding of the 8th IBMBB Annual Scientific Sessions, 27thMay, 2016. Pp. 24.
  40. Munasinghe, S. P., Somaratne, S. and Weerakoon, S. R. (2016). Drought resistance and salinity tolerance of selected Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces. Sri Lanka Institute of Biology 36th Annual Sessions : 38.
  41. Kalpani, P. G. M., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., Nilakarawasam, N. and Ranasinghe, C. (2016). Effect of Methanolic Extracts of Barks of Phyllanthus reticulatus and Brideliaretusa on Serum Lipid Profiles in Hypercholesterolemic Rats (Rattus novergicus). Open University Research Sessions 2016, 17th to 18thNovember, 2016: 137-140.
  42. Lakshika, R. A. D. D., Weerakoon, S. R. and Somaratne, S. (2017). Assessment of Glufosinate resistance in selected Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. Proceedings of the 6th YSF Symposium, 20th January 2017: 69-73.
  43. Kalpani, P. G. M., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. Nillakarawasm, N. and Ranasinghe, C. (2017). A preliminary study on the evaluation of hypochlesterolemic activity of some Phyllanthus species. Proceedings of 4th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON), 26th January 2017: 28.
  44. Dissanayake, D. M. L. C., Weerakoon, S. R.,Somaratne, S., Nilakarawasam, N. and C. Ranasinghe (2017). Effect of crude methanolic extracts of Emblica officinalis in cholesterol induced Wistar albino rats (Mus norvegicus albinus). Open University of Sri Lanka Research Sessions 2017, 16th to 17thNovember, 2017: 415-418.
  45. Dissanayaka, D.M.L.C., Weerakoon, S.R., Somaratne, S., Nilakarawasam, N., Ranasinghe, C. (2017). Optimization of the dosage of Phyllanthus maderaspatensis (Family: Euphorbeaceae) to improve serum lipid profile in Wistar rats (Mus norvegicus albinus). Proceedings of SLAAS 73rd Annual Sessions, Pp. 68.
  46. Munasinghe, D.S.P., Liyanage, K.C.M, Weerakoon, S.R., Dissanayaka, D.M.L.C., Somaratne, S. (2017). Effect of Rhythmic Buddhist Chanting (Pirith) and Pop Music on Growth Performance of Codariocalyxmotorius (Houtt.) H. Ohasi. Proceedings ofSLAAS 73rd Annual Sessions, Pp. 168.
  47. Dissanayake, D. M. L. C., Liyanage, K. C. M., Munasinghe, D. S. P., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Jayasinghe, C. D. (2018). Effect of rhythmic Buddhist chanting (Pirith) and western pop music on rats’ behavioural and haematological responses. Proceedings of 5th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON), 15th February 2018: 35.
  48. Dissanayake, D. M. L. C., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S., Nilakarawasam, N. and Ranasinghe, C. (2018). Anti-hypochlesterolemic activity of Phyllanthusreticulatus (Wel-kyla) and Glochidionzeylanicum (Hunukirilla) methonolic extracts on Wistar albino rats (Mus norvegicus albinus). Proceedings of 5th Ruhuna International Science and Technology   Conference (RISTCON), 15th February, 2018: 16.
  49. Munasinghe D. S. P., Weerakoon S. R. and  Somaratne S. (2018) Effects of Coconut water on callus induction of GyrinopseallaGaetner (“Walla Patta”). Open University of Sri Lanka International Research Sessions 2018, 29th to 30th November, 2018 116.
  50. Widanapathirana, K. N., Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S R., and Karthekayan, N. (2019). Growth and Yield performance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under treatment of Nano-ZnO fertilizer. Proceedings of the 39th Annual Sessions, Institute of Biology, 27th September, 2019. Pp. 44.
  51. Munasinghe D. S. P., Weerakoon S. R., SomaratneS.and Ranasinghe, C. (2019). A comparative wood anatomical study on healthy and infected wood samples of GyrinopswallaGaetner (‘Walla Patta’). Open University of Sri Lanka Research Sessions 2019, 30th to 31st October, 2019  14.
  52. Ranasinghe, C., Dissanayake, D. M. L. C., Weerakoon, S. R., and Nilakkarawasam, N. (2020). Antioxidant capacity and constituents of the methanolic extract of Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Proceedings of 7th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference – 2020 (RISTCON 2020), 22nd January 2020, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.
  53. Dissanayaka, D. M. L. C., Nilakarawasam, N., Weerakoon, S. R., Somaratne, S. and Ranasinghe, C. (2020). Anti-hypercholesterolemic activity in plant species of the family Euphorbiaceae on cholesterol-induced wistar albino rats. Proceedings of Open University Research Sessions 2020 (OURS 2020), 12th and 13th November 2020, The Open University of Sri Lanka. Pp. 23.
  54. Sandanayake, C. L. T., Somaratne, S., and Weerakoon, S. R. (2020), Morphological diversity among selected Sri Lankan traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. Proceedings of Open University Research Sessions 2020 (OURS 2020), 12th and 13th November 2020, The Open University of Sri Lanka. Pp. 24.
  55. Sandanayake C.L.T., Weerakoon S. R., Somaratne S., Karthikayan N. (2021). Effect of Nano-CuO and Nano-ZnOMicronutrient Fertilizers on Physiological Parameters of selected Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties. Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference – 2021 (RISTCON 2021), 17th February 2021, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Pp 12.
  56. Sakeelabanu A., Somaratne S., Weerakoon S. R. (2021).Factors affecting adaptation of crop diversification by paddy farmers in ‘Pavatkulam’ irrigation scheme, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference – 2021 (RISTCON 2021), 17th February 2021, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Pp 91.
  57. Sandanayake, C. L. T., Weerakoon, S. R., Karthikeyan, N. &Somaratne, S. (2021).Growth and Yield performances of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties under nano-micronutrient fertilizers, nano- Cuo and nano- Zno. Proceedings of Open University Research Sessions 2021 (OURS 2021), 16th and 17th September 2021, The Open University of Sri Lanka. Pp. 35. (Ext. Abstract Pp. 1-5)
Ongoing Research:

1. Growth and yield performances of traditional and inbred rice varieties under Nano Micronutrient fertilizers(Nano-CuO, Nano-MnO2 and Nano-ZnO)– Co Investigator

2. Development of a diversity panel of traditional rice accessions/varieties in Sri Lanka– Principal Investigator

3. Molecular and Agro-morphological characterization and Molecular screening for Bacterial Wilt in Brinjal (Solanum melongena) varieties cultivated in Sri Lanka

Completed Important Research

1. Open University Competitive Research Grant (OU201601) – Sustainable utilization of Gyrinops walla Gaetner (‘Walla Patta’):  Production  of Agarwood type  fragrant constituents using calli/cell suspension and  in vitro plant propagation – Principal Investigator

2. Open University Competitive Research Grant (OU/201401) – Hypocholesterolemic activity of plant extracts (Family – Euphorbiaceae) and mode of Mechanisms – Principal Investigator

3. NRC Grant (Grant No. 12-037) – Developing herbicide resistant (HR) Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties by means of seed/anther mutagenesis and developing molecular markers to identify HR rice. – Principal Investigator

4. NSF Grant (Grant No. RG/2011/BT/06) – Assessment of genetic diversity and tracing the origin of weedy rice population found in rice fields of Sri Lanka. – Principal Investigator

5. NSF Grant (Grant No. RG/2006/AG/04) – Breeding Canola-Quality Mustards. – Principal Investigator

6. Fac. of Natural Science Research Fund, OUSL – Synthesis of Hexaploid (AABBCC) “Super Brassica”. – Principal Investigator

7. Fac. of Natural Science Research Fund, OUSL  – Effect of climatic change on wide occurrence of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) in Sri Lanka. – Principal Investigator

8. Fac. of Natural Science Research Fund, OUSL  – Developing Glufosinate (Broad-spectrum herbicide) resistant Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties by means of seed and callus mutagenesis. – Principal Investigator

9. Fac. of Natural Science Research Fund, OUSL  – Biological responses and Expression of plant genes of Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to different rhythmic sound patterns (Music and religious chants) – Principal Investigator

Research Supervisions:

Co-supervision of MPhil and PhD Degrees

1. Technological Adaptive Strategies of Paddy Cultivation in Nortthern Province of Sri Lanka : Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach

2. Sustainable utilization of Gyrinops walla Gaetner (‘Walla Patta’):  Production of Agarwood type  fragrant constituents using calli/cell suspension and  in vitro plant propagation

3. Hypocholesterolemic activity of plant extracts (Family – Euphorbiaceae) and mode of Mechanisms

4. Developing herbicide resistant (HR) Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties by means of seed/anther mutagenesis and developing molecular markers to identify HR rice

5. Assessment of genetic diversity and tracing the origin of weedy rice population found in rice fields of Sri Lanka

6. Differentiation of Sri Lankan Mustard (Brassica juncea) varieties and altering their fatty acid profile by interspecific hybridization with  Canola (Brassica napus)

Publications:

Books and other publications:

Books

  1. Breeding Plants: A Pleasurable Hobby for you By Dr Shyama R. Weerakoon. ISBN 978-955-54201-0-5 .Tissera Printers & Publishers (2012)
  2. By Prof. Shyama R. Weerakoon.ISBN 978-955-30-7118-7.Godage& Sons (PVT.) Ltd. (2016)

Book Chapters

  1. Somaratne, S., Weerakoon, S. R. and Siriwardana, K. G. D. I. (2018). Oryza rhizomatis Vaughan. T. K. Mondal and R. I. Henry (eds.), The Wild Oryza Genomes, Compendium of Plant Genomes (pp. 263-269).               https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71997-9_23    Springer International Publishing AG 2018.
  2. Weerakoon, Shyama R., Somaratne, Seneviratnage, Ekanayaka, E. M. Sachini, I. and Munasinghe, Sachithri (2018). Natural Resistance of Sri Lankan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties to Broad-Spectrum Herbicides (Glyphosate and   Glufosinate). Farooq Shah Abdul, Zafar Khan Abdul and Amjad Iqbal Abdul (eds.), Rice Crop – Current Developments (pp. 193-210).   ISBN: 978-1-78923-601-9 Print ISBN: 978-1-78923-600-2.  DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.69831
  3. Gunarathne V., Mayakaduwa S., Ashiq A., Weerakoon S. R., Biswas J. K. and  Vithanage M. (2018) Transgenic Plants: Benefits, Applications, and Potential Risks in Phytoremediation. Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad (eds.), Transgenic Plant Technology for Remediation of Toxic Metals and Metalloids (pp. 89-99). ISBN: 978-0-12-814389-6. ELSEVIER, Academic Press Publications, UK.
  4. Weerakoon S. R. (2018) Genetic Engineering for Metal and Metalloid Detoxification. Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad (eds.), Transgenic Plant Technology for Remediation of Toxic Metals and Metalloids (pp. 23-38). ISBN: 978-0-12-814389-6. ELSEVIER, Academic Press Publications, UK.
  5. Weerakoon, S. R. (2021) Characterization of Wild Rice – Oryza Species Complexes in Sri Lanka. Publisher: Intec Open (In Press)

Monographs

  1. Monograph Series in Research in an Academic Discipline No. 4 – “Mustard (Brassica juncea [L.] Czern&Coss) germplasm  in Sri    Lanka and its potential uses”, By Shyama R. Weerakoon .ISBN 978-955-23-1235-9. The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2010)
  2. Monograph: ‘“Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea): Origin and Distribution Patterns in Sri Lanka” .ISBN (978-613-4-97640-,By Prof. S. R. Weerakoon, Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany (2018)

Text Books written for The Open University:

  1. Plant Molecular Biology – BYU6300Unit I – Regulation of Gene ExpressionISBN 955-23-0977-8) (Pgs. 1-37)By Prof. S. R.  Weerakoon and Dr Chandrika PereraThe Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2018)
  2. Plant Molecular Biology – BYU6300Unit II – Techniques for Plant Gene TransformationISBN 978-955-23-1659-3 (Pgs. 1-66)By Prof. S. R. Weerakoon and Dr Jagath WeerasenaThe Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2018)
  3. Plant Molecular Biology – BYU6300Unit III – Molecular Biology of Plant ProcessesISBN 955-23-0979-4 (Pgs. 1-49)By Prof. S. R. Weerakoon and Dr Nilanthi DassanayakeThe Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2018)
  4. Plant Molecular Biology – BYU6300Unit IV – Applications and Issues Related in Plant Molecular BiologyISBN 978-955-23-1661-6 (Pgs. 1-40)By Prof. S. R. Weerakoon and Dr Chandrika PereraThe Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2018)
  5. Plant Breeding (SLQF version) – BYU5306 Unit I – Basic Concepts in Plant Breeding ISBN 978-955-23-1296-0By Prof. N. E. M. Jayasekera, Prof. Athula Perera and  Prof,  S. R. Weerakoon. The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  6. Plant Breeding (SLQF version) – BYU5306 Unit II – Conventional Plant Breeding Techniques ISBN 978-955-23-1297-7By Dr Ursla Fernando and Prof. S. R. Weerakoon. The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  7. Plant Breeding (SLQF version) – BYU 5306 Unit III – Modern Plant Breeding TechniquesISBN 978-955-23-1298-4By Prof. Tara Silva and  Prof. S. R. Weerakoon. The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  8.  Plant Breeding (SLQF version) – BYU 5306 Unit IV – Reproduction, Germplasm Conservation and Seed Production Practices.ISBN 978-955-23-1299-1 By Dr Tara Silva and  Dr S. R. Weerakoon.The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  9. Genetics and Evolution (SLQF version) – BYU 4301Unit I -Genetics ISBN 978-955-23-1028-7By Prof.  S. R. Weerakoon The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  10. Genetics Practical Manual (SLQF version) – BYU 4301 ISBN – 978-955-23-1303-5By Prof. S. R. Weerakoon The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  11. Plant Breeding (SLQF version) – BYU 5306 – Practical Manual (Pgs. 1-35)By Prof. S. R. WeerakoonISBN 978-955-23-1419-3 The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  12. Plant Molecular Biology Practical Manual – BYU 6300 By Prof. S. R. Weerakoon .The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2017)
  13. Plant Breeding (Old version – BTU 3111 and  revised version – BOU 3106)Unit I – Basic Concepts in Plant Breeding ISBN 955-23-0977-8 –BTU 3111 and  ISBN 978-955-23-1296-0 – BOU 3106 By Prof. N. E. M. Jayasekera, Prof. Athula Perera and  Dr S. R. Weerakoon. The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (BTU 3111 in 2003 and BOU3106 in 2011)Plant Breeding (Old version – BTU 3111 and  revised version – BOU 3106)Unit II – Conventional Plant Breeding Techniques
  14. Unit II – Conventional Plant Breeding Techniques
    ISBN 955-23-0978-6 – BTU 3111 and ISBN 978-955-23-1297-7 – BOU3106
    By Dr Ursla Fernando and Dr S. R. Weerakoon.
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (BTU 3111 in 2003 and BOU3106 in 2011)
  15. Plant Breeding (Old version – BTU 3111 and Revised version – BOU 3106)
    Unit III – Modern Plant Breeding Techniques
    ISBN 955-23-0979-4 – BTU 3111 and ISBN 978-955-23-1298-4 – BOU3106
    By Dr Tara Silva and  Dr S. R. Weerakoon.
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (BTU 3111 in 2003 and BOU3106 in 2011)
  16. Plant Breeding (Old version – BTU 3111 and Revised version – BOU 3106)
    Unit IV – Reproduction, Germplasm Conservation and Seed Production Practices.
    ISBN 955-23-0976-x – BTU 3111 and  ISBN 978-955-23-1298-4 – BOU3106 By Dr Tara Silva and  Dr S. R. Weerakoon.
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (BTU 3111 in 2003 and BOU3196 in 2011)
  17. Plant Breeding Practical Manual (BOU 3106) – Old version
    ISBN 978-955-23-1419-3
    By Dr S. R. Weerakoon
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2013)
  18. Genetics and Evolution (BOU 2101) – Old version
    Unit I –  Genetics
    ISBN 978-955-23-1028-7
    By Dr S. R. Weerakoon
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2010)
  19. Genetics Practical Manual (BOU 2101) – Old version
    ISBN 978-955-23-1303-5
    By Dr S. R. Weerakoon
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2011)
  20. BZF 2207 (Biology I) – Block 2 – Energy and Continuity of Life
    By Dr S. R. Weerakoon and Dr S. Somaratne
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2012)
  21. Concepts in Genetics (BYD3321)
    Unit I – Concepts in Genetics Part 1
    ISBN 978-955-23-1806-1
    By Prof.  S. R. Weerakoon
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2021)
  22. Concepts in Genetics – Part 2 (BYD3321)
    Unit II – Concepts in Genetics Part 2
    ISBN 978-955-23-1807-8
    By Prof.  S. R. Weerakoon
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2021)
  23. Concepts in Pant Breeding – Part 1(BYD3622)
    Unit I – Concepts in Pant Breeding Part 1
    ISBN 978-955-23-1805-4
    By Prof.  S. R. Weerakoon
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2021)
  24. Concepts in Pant Breeding – Part 2 (BYD3622)
    Unit II – Concepts in Pant Breeding Part 2
    ISBN 978-955-23-1804-7
    By Prof.  S. R. Weerakoon
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2021)
  25. Applications in Plant Breeding (BYD3623)
    Unit II – Plant Germplasm Conservation and Pollination Techniques
    ISBN 978-955-23-1817-7
    By Prof.  S. R. Weerakoon and Dr Chandrika Perera
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2021)
  26. Applications in Plant Breeding (BYD3623)
    Unit III – Seed Production Practices
    ISBN 978-955-23-1820-7
    By Prof.  S. R. Weerakoon and Dr Hemal Fonseka
    The Open University of Sri Lanka Press (2021)

 

The Open University of Sri Lanka
Apply Online