Facebook Youtube Linkedin Whatsapp Instagram
En | සිං | த

You are here: OUSL / Faculty of Natural Sciences / Dept. of Chemistry

Dr. Kokila Ranasinghe

B.Sc (Hons) First class (Sri Jayewardenepura); PhD in Chemistry (Louisiana State University, USA); M. I. Chem. C.

Senior Lecturer (G II)

Department of Chemistry
  • Colombo Regional Center, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala
  • koran@ou.ac.lk

My research interests span inorganic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, cosmetic science, and higher education research. I am particularly interested in exploring the design and properties of transition metal complexes and their applications in medicine, diagnostics, and environmental problem-solving. My enthusiasm for this field began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where I investigated rhenium(I) complexes for diagnostic imaging applications under the supervision of Prof. Theshini Perera. During my doctoral studies at Louisiana State University, under the supervision of Prof. Luigi Marzilli, I worked on platinum(II)-based anticancer agents and non-radioactive rhenium(I) complexes as models for the development of technetium-99m and rhenium-187 radiopharmaceuticals.

Over the years, my research interests have expanded into several interdisciplinary areas. I am actively involved in cosmetic product development, with a particular focus on the utilization of locally available natural resources to create innovative, sustainable, and value-added cosmetic products. As an academic in an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution, I have developed a strong interest in practitioner research related to teaching, learning, and student success. My current educational research focuses on student engagement, learner support, student retention and dropout patterns, and the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance learning outcomes in ODL environments. I am also interested in quality assurance and quality enhancement practices in higher education, particularly evidence-based approaches that contribute to institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.

Following the completion of my doctoral studies, I joined the Department of Chemistry at South Eastern University of Sri Lanka as a Lecturer in 2019 and subsequently joined the Open University of Sri Lanka as a Senior Lecturer in 2022. As an educator, my goal is to inspire and empower future generations of scientists by nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, innovation, and a lifelong passion for learning.

Inorganic Chemistry
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Cosmetic Chemistry
Practitioner research in ODL higher education

Design, synthesis, characterization and property analysis of novel inorganic/organometallic complexes, Cosmetic product development, Practitioner research in student dropout, student satisfaction, and AI in higher education.Design and develop sustainable solutions for disposing and recycling biodegradable waste.
  • Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (2022 April to present)
  • Lecturer (Unconfirmed), Department of Chemical Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Sammanthurai (2019 – 2022)
  • Research and Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA (2014 – 2018)
  • Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2013)

 



Short Course in Cosmetic Science and Technology

CYU3201 – Basic Principles of Chemistry II – Kinetics
CYU3302 – Practical Chemistry
CYU4300 – Inorganic Chemistry
CYU5300 – Organometallic Chemistry
Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry for BSc (Hon) in Chemistry

International Publications:

  • Ranasinghe, K., Fernando, T. L. D., Vineeshiya, N., Fernando, G. W. A. R. Improving Student Persistence in Open and Distance Learning; An Investigation of Demotivational Challenges. Open Praxis 2025, 17(4), pp. 648–663. DOI: 10.55982/openpraxis.17.4.850.
  • Ranasinghe, ; Fernando, T. L. D.; Vineeshiya, N.; Bozkurt, A. Identification of reasons contributing to the dropout rate in open and distance learning systems. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning. 2025, 26(2), 162–183. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v26i2.8067
  • Ranasinghe, K.; Marzilli, P. A.; Pakhomova, S.; Marzilli, L. G. New fac-[ReI(CO)3(Ltri)]Y complexes of linear N,N′,N′′-tridentate ligands (Ltri) with terminal imidazolyl or pyridyl ring (N and N′′) and central tertiary sulfonamide (N′) N-donors. Effects of size and substituents of the terminal N-donor rings and the rarely found direct sulfonamide N to metal bond, Inorg. Chim. Acta 2021, 533, 120781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2021.120781.
  • Ranasinghe, K.; Marzilli, P. A.; Fronzek, F. R.; Marzilli, L. G. Linear Bidentate Ligands (L) with Two Terminal Pyridyl N-Donor Groups Forming PtIILCl2 Complexes with Rare Eight-Membered Chelate Rings, Inorg. Chem.2018, 57, 12756–12768. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.8b01943.
  • Ranasinghe, K.; Marzilli, P. A.; Pakhomova, S; Marzilli, L. G. A Very Rare Example of a Structurally Characterized 3′-GMP Metal Complex. NMR and Synthetic Assessment of Adducts Formed by Guanine Derivatives with [Pt(Ltri)Cl]Cl Complexes with an N,N’,N” Tridentate Ligand (Ltri) Terminated by Imidazole Rings, Inorg. Chem. 2017, 56, 8462–8477. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b01176. 
  • Ranasinghe, K.; Handunnetti, S.; Perera, I. C.; Perera, T. Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Rhenium(I) Complexes towards Potential Biological Imaging Applications. Chem. Cent. J. 2016, 10,71. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-016-0218-4.

Local Publications:

  • Ranasinghe, Cosmetic Science in Undergraduate Education in Sri Lanka: An Integrative Review of Educational, Industrial, and Economic Perspectives. OUSL Journal, 2026, 22(1).
  • Chandramali, M.A.N.; Ranasinghe, K. Evaluation of the effect of cocopeat in continuous thermophilic composting (CTC) of kitchen waste, a preliminary study of the process rate and the quality of compost. Journal of Science-FAS-SEUSL. 2021. https://www.seu.ac.lk/jsc/publication/v2n2/Manuscript%202.pdf. 

 

Conference proceedings Abstracts, extended abstracts and Poster presentations

  • Nov 2025 – Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial potential of a pt(ii) complex with a novel linear sulfonamide ligand terminated by benzimidazolyl moieties.” Presented at the International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka 2025 (IRCOUSL2025) – Oral
  • Oct 2024 – Improving Student Persistence in Open and Distance Learning; An Investigation of Demotivational Challenges” presented at the 37th AAOU Annual Conference. – Oral.
  • Sep 2024 – “N,N’,N”-Donor Linear Sulfonamide Ligands Terminated with Quinolinyl Rings to Synthesize Biologically Relevant Metal Complexes” presented at the 5th Commonwealth Chemistry Posters (Online). – Oral
  • July 2024 – “Water Soluble Re(ɪ) Complexes of N,N’,N”-Donor Linear Sulfonamide Ligands Terminated with Quinolinyl & Benzimidazolyl Rings to Develop PhotoCORMs” presented at the 30th International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry (ICOMC 2024), India. – Oral
  • June 2024 – “Synthesis and characterization of N,N’,N”-Donor sulfonamide ligands terminated with quinoline rings and their platinum complexes” presented at the 2nd International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Technology 2024 (FCT-2024), Sri Lanka – Oral
  • Dec 2023 – “Origin and mineralogy of gem and rare earth element bearing gravels in Eheliyagoda, Sri Lanka.” Presented at the 12th Annual Science Research Sessions – 2023 organized by the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. – Oral
  • Nov 2023 – “An EBT based zinc dipicolyl sulfonamide complex as a potential colorimetric sensor for inorganic phosphate.” Presented at the Open University Research Sessions 2023 (OURS 2023) conducted by the Open University of Sri Lanka. – Oral
  • Nov 2023 – “Geochemical analysis of gem-bearing gravels from Eheliyagoda, Sri Lanka as a potential source of rare earth elements.” Presented at the Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR) 2023, the 5th international research conference organized by the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka. – Oral
  • Nov 2022 – “Evaluation of a zinc(II) phenanthroline complex as a potential inorganic phosphate sensor.” Presented at the International Open University Research Sessions 2022 (iOURS 2022) conducted by     the Open University of Sri Lanka. – Oral
  • 30th Nov 2021 – “Evaluation of the effect of cocopeat in continuous thermophilic composting (CTC) of kitchen waste.” Presented at 10th Annual Science Research Sessions – 2021 conducted by South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. – Oral
  • 7th Nov 2019 – “An NMR Spectral Study Investigating Potential Anticancer Activity of a Platinum(II) sulfonamide complex.” Presented at 8th Annual Science Research Sessions – 2019 conducted by South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. – Oral
  • 4th May 2018 – “New Platinum(II) and Rhenium(I) Complexes of “Linear” Chelate Ligands Terminated with Pyridyl or Imidazolyl N-Donor Groups.” Presented at Graduate Excellence Research Symposium, Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University – Oral
  • 9th November 2017 – “New Linear Tridentate or Bidentate N,N,N” Ligands Terminated by Imidazolyl Rings Elaborated by Dangling Groups at the Central Nitrogen (N’) and Intended for Use in Diagnostic or Therapeutic Metal Complexes.” Presented at Southeast Regional Meeting of American Chemical Society (SERMACS) – Poster
  • 9th March 2017 – “Novel Monofunctional Platinum Complexes with Tridentate Ligands as Potential Anticancer Drugs.” Presented at Prof. Barry Dellinger Research Symposium, Louisiana State University – Poster
  • 21st June 2013 – “Synthesis and Characterization of Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Ferene Complexes for Fluorescence Imaging.” Presented at the technical session: A-37 at Institute of chemistry Ceylon – Oral

 

By Kokila Research Group Members:

  • 11th Nov 2022 – “Evaluation of a Zinc(II) phenanthroline complex as a potential inorganic phosphate sensor” Presented at International Open University Research Sessions  – 2022 conducted by the Open University of Sri Lanka. – Presenter –  P. Maheshwaran
  • 30th Nov 2021 – “Evaluation of the effect of cocopeat in continuous thermophilic composting (CTC) of kitchen waste.” Presented at 10th Annual Science Research Sessions – 2021 conducted by South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. – Presenter – K. Chandramali

By Kokila Ranasinghe:

  • 7th Nov 2019 – “An NMR Spectral Study Investigating Potential Anticancer Activity of a Platinum(II) sulfonamide complex.” Presented at 8th Annual Science Research Sessions – 2019 conducted by South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. – Oral
  • 4th May 2018 – “New Platinum(II) and Rhenium(I) Complexes of “Linear” Chelate Ligands Terminated with Pyridyl or Imidazolyl N-Donor Groups.” Presented at Graduate Excellence Research Symposium, Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University – Oral
  • 9th November 2017 – “New Linear Tridentate or Bidentate N,N,N” Ligands Terminated by Imidazolyl Rings Elaborated by Dangling Groups at the Central Nitrogen (N’) and Intended for Use in Diagnostic or Therapeutic Metal Complexes.” Presented at Southeast Regional Meeting of American Chemical Society (SERMACS) – Poster
  • 9th March 2017 – “Novel Monofunctional Platinum Complexes with Tridentate Ligands as Potential Anticancer Drugs.” Presented at Prof. Barry Dellinger Research Symposium, Louisiana State University – Poster
  • 21st June 2013 – “Synthesis and Characterization of Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Ferene Complexes for Fluorescence Imaging.” Presented at the technical session: A-37 at Institute of Chemistry Ceylon – Oral

 

  • Coordinator, Faculty Quality Assurance Cell, Faculty of Natural Sciences, OUSL (July 2025 – present).
  • Member of the editorial panel of Vidya E-News website – Research & Innovation division, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka (2022 – present)
  • Faculty Research Grants – 2026 and 2023.
  • AAOU-COL Fellowship – 2024 offered by the Commonwealth of Learning, Canada, to participate in the 37th AAOU Annual Conference.
  • TWAS research grant award 2021 – sponsored by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) to be utilized until 2nd of November 2023. Proposal Title: Evaluation of [Re(CO)3L]+ Complexes of L = NN(SO2R)N-Type Linear Tridentate Sulfonamide Ligands as Theragnostic PhotoCORMs (Photo-Activated CO Releasing Molecules).
  • Mary Jo Pribble Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Inorganic Chemistry 2018 –awarded by the Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, USA.
  • Coates Conference Travel Award 2017 – offered by the College of Science, Louisiana State University to present a research paper at SERMACS 2017.
  • Merit Award for Scientific Publications 2016 – awarded by the National Research Council, Sri Lanka (2016).
  • Merit Award 2013 – Inter University Chemistry Competition (Royal Society of Chemistry, Sri Lanka).

 

  • Life Member of Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (I. Chem. C) (Dec 2025 – present)
  • Life Member of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS-E2) (Dec 2018 – present)
  • Full member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) (March 2022 – present)
  • Member of the Women Chemists Committee of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (Oct 2021 – present)
  • Member of National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry (Iota Sigma Pi, Chlorine Chapter, Louisiana)
  • Life-Member, Buckyball Society, Department of Chemistry, The Open University of Sri Lanka (April 2022 – present)