Ongoing Postgraduate Research
Postgraduate Research Activities of the Department (From 2015)
In addition to the undergraduate research activities, all the other research activities of the department are classified under various themes:
- Characterization and hazard assessment of acid sulfate soils (ASS) material in Muthurajawela wetland, Sri Lanka-A preliminary study
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith
Student : Dr. Chamindra Vithana
Grant : NSF Post-Doctoral Research Scientist Award (NSF/PDRS/2018/01)
- A Study on Tectonic Evolution, Paleo-depositional Environments, and the Hydrocarbon Potential of the Mannar Basin, Sri Lanka
Supervisors : Prof. HMTGA Pitawala
Co-supervisors : Prof. A. Senaratne
Student : E.K.C.W. Kularathna
Grant : By Petroleum Resources Development Secretariat - Assessment of aquifer quality in relation with chronic kidney disease with unknown etiology in dry zone of Sri Lanka through an integrated approach using isotopes and water chemistry
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith, Dr. Nadeesha Koralegedara
Student : Ms. Charitha Udeshani
Grant : National science Foundation: ICRP/NSF-NSFC/2019/BS/02 - Conversion of readily available Sri Lankan quarts to silicon for industrial applications
Supervisors : Prof. HMTGA Pitawala
Co-supervisors : Prof. RMG Rajapaksje / Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Student : Mr. Sujith Kohobange
Grant : TG-16-127 - Implications of agricultural practices on water and soil quality- a special emphasis on areas with chronic kidney diseases of uncertain aetiology
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith
Co-supervisors : Prof. Sudharma Yattigammana
Student : Ms. Shamalee Balasooriya
Grant : National Resaerch Council- NRC-TO14-05 - Microplastic Contamination in Kelani River due to Industrial Activities in the Lower Catchment and Possible Effect on Soil and Water Resources
Supervisors : Prof. HMTGA Pitawala
Student : Mr. Asanke Welagedara
Grant : By Environment Management / Board of Investments Sri Lanka
- Climatic Induced spatial and temporal variation of mineralogy, sedimentological characteristics and depositional mechanism in Pulmudai mineral sand deposit- geographical significance
Supervisors : Mr. A.K. Wickramasooriya, Dr. N.W.B Balasooriya
Student : Mr. A.V.U.B. Gunawardana - Colour Development of Sri Lankan Opaque Corundum Using Gas-Fired Furnace Heat Treatment; A Study from Kolonna Area
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith, Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Mr. Tilak Dharmaratne
Student : M.N.M. Rifkhan
Grant : TG /2016/Te-D/5 (Technology Grants, National Science Foundation) - Commercial and natural asbestos fibers in the ambient environment of Sri Lanka: A geological, social and environment perspective
Supervisors : Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala, Prof. D.G.G.P. Karunarathna, Prof. M. Pinnawala, Dr. P.G. Manthilaka
Student : Ms. S. Samaradiwakara
Grant : National Research Council Grant no. AB 19-004 (Under the grants receive from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Russia) - Commercial applications of Sri Lankan Red earth
Supervisors : Dr. Nadeesha H. Koralegedara, Prof. R. Chandrajith, Dr. N.W. B. Balasooriya, Prof. Atula Senaratne, Dr. A.N.P.W.M.R.M.B.M.B. Athurupana
Student : Ms. Imanthika Rathnayake
Grant : AHEAD-DOR-PDN-STEM# 13 - Development oriented research project funded by accelerating higher education expansion and development (AHEAD) grant - Critical assessment of hydrogeochemical processes in Walawe River Basin using geochemical and stable isotope signatures
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith
Co-supervisors : Prof. C.K. Jayawardhana (Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka)
Student : Mr. Sachintha Senaratne
Grant : National Science Foundation: Sabaragamuwa University Research Grant: SUSU/RG/2019/01 - Development of battery grade Sri Lankan vein graphite to optimize efficiency by scaling up of the processes
Supervisors : Dr. A. Wijayasinghe, Dr. N.W.B Balasooriya, Dr. T.H.N.G. Amaraweera
Student : Ms. H.M.H.D.K. Naranpanawa
Grant : Ministry of Science and Technology - Development of Srilankan vein graphite for the electrode application in rechargeable batteries
Supervisors : Dr. A. Wijayasinghe, Dr. N.W.B Balasooriya, Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala
Student : Ms. T.C. Senevirathna
Grant : NRC 15-007 - Estimate subsurface extension of Eppawala apatite deposit and its parent rock using geophysical techniques
Supervisors : Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala
Co-supervisors : Prof. Deepal Subasinghe (National Institute of Fundamental Studies)
Student : Mr. W.K.D.G.D.R. Charles
Grant : NSF Grant - Extraction of Trace and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from Eppawala Carbonatites, Sri Lanka for advanced technological applications
Supervisors : Prof. HMTGA. Pitawala, Dr. N.W. B. Balasooriya, Dr. M. Mantilake
Student : Ms.G.T.D. Chandrakumara
Grant : AHEAD/ RA3/PDN/ICE/SCI/ Activity 4 - Innovation commercialization enhancement (ICE) grants funded by accelerating higher education expansion and development (AHEAD) grant - Investigation of Electrochemical Performance of Prepared Ag- Vein Graphite Composites and Their Antibacterial Properties
Supervisors : Dr. T.H.N.G. Amaraweera, Dr. M.M.S.N. Premetilake, Dr. A. Wijayasinghe, Dr. N.W.B Balasooriya
Student : Ms. V.M. Rajindra Swarnamali
Grant : University Research Grant, UWU - Low temperature hydrothermal extraction of metal oxide nano particles from Sri Lankan ilmenite
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith
Co-supervisors : Prof C.P. Udawatta (Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka)
Student : Mr. Tharidu Rajakaruna
Grant : Sabaragamuwa University Research Grant: SUSU/RG/2016/05 - Millennial and sub-millennial-scale variability of northeast monsoon and its impact on terrestrial ecosystems in Sri Lanka
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith
Student : Ms. Kusala Premaratne
Grant : National Science Foundation: NSF/SCH/2018/06 - Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of beach sediments in the south eastern coastal belt of Sri Lanka
Supervisors : Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala
Co-supervisors : Dr. A.M.N. Madurya Adikaram(South Eastern University of Sri Lanka), Dr. N. Madugalla, (South Eastern University of Sri Lanka)
Student : Mr. G.B.C. Sandaruwan
Grant : University research grant, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka - Petrogenesis of Calcite Occurrence in Balangoda, Sri Lanka: Geochemical, Petrographic and Isotope Evidences for Marble Melting
Supervisors : Prof. H.M.T.G.A.Pitawala
Co-supervisors : Dr. A.N.P.W.M.R.M.B.M.B. Athurupana, Dr. T.B.N.S.Madugalla (South Eastern University of Sri Lanka)
Student : Mr. W.A.G.K.Wickramasinghe
Grant : TG/2016/Tech-D/02 (NSF Grant No.) - Petrogenesis, geochemistry and potential of economic mineralization of granitic pegmatite in Sri Lanka
Supervisors : Dr. P.L. Dharmapriya, Prof. H.M. Pitawala, Prof. Robert Martin, Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Prof. Deepal Subasinghe
Student : Ms. S. Dissanayake
Grant : Investigator Driven Research Grants 2019, National Research Council, Sri Lanka (NRC Grant No. 19-092) - Petrological and Geochemical study of charnockites, carbonatite and granitoids in Wanni Complex Sri Lanka and Madurai Block India/; Implications for relationships with Gondwana
Supervisors : Prof.S.P.K.Malaviarachchi, Prof. Sajeev Krishnan (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India), Dr. P.L.Dharmapriya
Student : Mr. U.G.A.M.P. Abewardana
Grant : MTR/TRD/AGR/3/2/20 (Indo-Sri Lanka Research Grants- Part A, Ministry of Science Technology & Innovation, Sri Lanka and Department of Science and Technology, India) - Possible influencing factors of accumulation of trace and REEs in tea leaves in Sri Lanka
Supervisors : Prof. R. Chandrajith
Co-supervisors : Dr. G.P. Gunarathne
Student : Ms. Niluka Wickramasinghe
Grant : By Tea Research Institute - Probing the provenance and distribution of heavy mineral placer deposits in coastal areas of Southern India and SW Sri Lanka; A new multi-mineral proxy approach to understand source-to-sink link
Supervisors : Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Prof. Sajeev Krishnan (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India), Dr. P.L. Dharmapriya
Student : Gayathri Wijeratne
Grant : MTR/TRD/AGR//3/2/20 (Indo-Sri Lanka Research Grants- Part A, Ministry of Science Technology & Innovation, Sri Lanka and Department of Science and Technology, India) - Reconstructing prehistoric human diet using stable isotope, palaeo-proteomic and chemical analysis of human and faunal skeletal remains recovered from Pallemalala shell midden, Sri Lanka
Supervisors : Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala
Co-supervisors : Prof. H.R.D. Peiris (Faculty of Dental Sciences)
Associate Professor (Darren Curnoe, University of New South Wales, Australia)
Prof. Raj Somadeva (University of Kelaniya)
Student : Ms. K.P.M. Weerarathne
Grant : National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka - NSF/SCH/2018/11 - Sociotechnical aspects of sustainable environmental management to achieve SDG goals from selected dry zone basins in Sri Lanka (Potential)
Supervisors : Prof. H.A.H. Jayasena, Prof. R. Chandrajith
Co-supervisors : Prof. Deepthi Yakandawela
Student : Mrs Nadheesha Chandrasena - Structural modifications of Sri Lankan vein graphite for the rechargeable battery applications
Supervisors : Dr. A. Wijayasinghe, Dr. N.W.B Balasooriya, Dr. T.H.N.G. Amaraweera
Student : Ms. Jael Nirubha Kanagaratnam
Grant : Ministry of Science and Technology and NRC 15-007 - Study on geochemistry, mineralogy, and paleoclimatology of secondary gem deposits of Sri Lanka
Supervisors : Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala
Co-supervisors : Prof. A.L.T. Hewawasam (Department of Geography)
Student : Mr. Naleen Jayasinghe
Grant : Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute- - Utilization of natural red earths in the northwest coastal belt, Sri Lanka as an economic deposit
Supervisors : Dr. Nadeesha H. Koralegedara, Prof. R. Chandrajith, Dr. N.W. B. Balasooriya, Prof. Atula Senaratne, Dr. A.N.P.W.M.R.M.B.M.B. Athurupana
Student : Mr. Chamidu Weedagama
Grant : AHEAD-DOR-PDN-STEM# 13 - Development oriented research project funded by accelerating higher education expansion and development (AHEAD) grant
Ongoing Undergraduate Projects
- An engineering geological soil material in Dambulla area
Student: Priyashantha U.G.C. (S/15/067)
Supervisor(s): Dr. U. B. Amarasinghe - Climate changes in Sri Lanka
Student: Uggalpaya U.G.S. (A/15/451)
Supervisor(s): Prof. H.A.H. Jayasena, Dr. Nadeesha H. Koralegedara - Competitive absorption of multivalent trace metal into natural red earth
Student: Imalsha W.P.C. (S/15/104)
Supervisor(s): Prof. Rohana Chandrajith - Derivation of a yield formula for groundwater related to macro characters of Sri Lankan crystalline terrain
Student: Kumarage M.N.G.M.V. (S/15/132)
Supervisor(s): Prof. Atula Senarathne - Mineralogical, geochemical and microstructural characterization of Gallbladder stones: Implications of Biomineralization
Student: Jayasoma M.E.K.L. (S/15/045)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Nadeesha H. Koralegedara - Occurence of precious metals along the Highland Vijayan boundary focusing on Seruwila Sri Lanka
Student: Rathnayake R.M.R.P. (S/15/400)
Supervisor(s): Prof. Atula Senarathne - Optimization of engineering design incorporating findings of the geological assesment: A case study at CH 19+000 on extension of southern expressway project
Student: Weerasekara M.M.C.M. (S/15/436)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jagath Gunathilake - Petrogenesis and geochemical signatures of khondalites in Highland complex, Sri Lanka
Student: Athauda A.M.M.G.I.U.B. (S/14/212)
Supervisor(s): Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Dr. P.L. Dharmapriya - Petrogenesis and geochemical signatures of mafic granulites in Highland complex, Sri Lanka
Student: Weligamage N.K.W.L.M.K. (S/15/133)
Supervisor(s): Dr. P.L. Dharmapriya - Petrological and mineralogical study of yabakei basalt in Oita prefecture, Japan
Student: Gunatilake A.A.S.V. (S/15/449)
Supervisor(s): Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Prof. S. Kakubuchi - Petrological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of apatite-enriched secondary phosphate deposits at Eppawala, Sri Lanka
Student: Amaya W.A.D.S. (S/15/304)
Supervisor(s): Prof. H.M.T.G.A. Pitawala, Dr. P.L. Dharmapriya - Physical, geochemical, mineralogical and technical study of rapid rock weathering in Samanala Wewa project area
Student: Upekshika A.M.A.H. (S/15/090)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jagath Gunathilake - Preparation of graphene based membrane for water purification using Sri Lankan vein Graphite
Student: Koswaththa A.V.R.S. (S/15/154)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Nanda Balasooriya - The dilemma of achieving SDG 6 target s in Sri Lanka
Student: Gamagae T.B.D.D. (S/15/512)
Supervisor(s): Prof. H.A.H. Jayasen - Web based GIS platform to visualize real-time borehole data: A case study of Samanalawewa hydropower project
Student: Premachandra H.D.M. (S/15/395)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jagath Gunathilake
Recent Research Publications
- Synergic Origin and Evolution of TDS, Mg and Fluoride in Groundwater as Relative to Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka
Publication : Synergic Origin and Evolution of TDS, Mg and Fluoride in Groundwater as Relative to Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka
Year : 2024
Members : KSGS Priyadarshanee, Zhonghe Pang, EANV Edirisinghe, HMTGA Pitawala, JDC Gunasekara, WMGS Wijesooriya, Yinlei Hao, Yifan Bao, Jiao Tian - Crustal-Origin Carbonatites in Ultra-High Temperature Granulite Terrains of Sri Lanka
Publication : An unusual occurrence of carbonatites derived from the crust in the UHT granulite facies metamorphic terrain of Sri Lanka
Year : 2024
Members : WAGK Wickramasinghe, TBNS Madugalla, Bhathiya Athurupana, Lei Zhao, Mingguo Zhai, Xianhua Li, HMTGA Pitawala - Evaluation of coconut shell biochar on recycled aggregate concrete through petrographic studies
Publication : Evaluation of coconut shell biochar on recycled aggregate concrete through petrographic studies
Year : 2024
Members : KP Arandara, GN Paranavithana, ST Priyadarshana, HMTGA Pitawala, R Dissanayake - Slope-Dependent Lateritization Processes in the Matale Region, Sri Lanka
Publication : Slope-specific lateritization of garnet–sillimanite–gneiss cuestas in Matale area, Sri Lanka
Year : 2024
Members : WKGV Weligepola, DMSN Dissanayake, MMMGPG Mantilaka, HMTGA Pitawala
- Sustainable mining of natural vein graphite via acid-extraction from waste attached to rock pieces of vein banks
Publication : Scientific Reports
Year : 2023
Members : Asiri DT Medagedara, Poornima Dahanayake, Herath Mudiyanselage TGA Pitawala, Buddika Karunarathne, K Kanishka H De Silva, Masamichi Yoshimura, Kosala P Walikannage, Thennakoon Mudiyanselage WJ Bandara, Rajapakse Mudiyanselage G Rajapakse, Gamaralalage RA Kumara - Expanding Azania at the heart of Gondwana: Terrane correlation from Southern India to Sri Lanka
Publication : Precambrian Research
Year : 2023
Members : Lei Zhao, Prasanna Lakshitha Dharmapriya, Yan-Bin Zhang, Ming-Guo Zhai, Jing-Hui Guo, Amarasooriya Pitawala, Xian-Hua Li - Polyaniline-conjugated graphite–montmorillonite composite electrode prepared by in situ electropolymerization for supercapacitor applications
Publication : Polyaniline-conjugated graphite–montmorillonite composite electrode prepared by in situ electropolymerization for supercapacitor applications
Year : 2023
Members : Dananjali T Rathnayake, Kohobhange SP Karunadasa, Apeksha SK Wijekoon, Chinthan H Manoratne, Rajapakse M Gamini Rajapakse, Herath MTGA Pitawala
- Mineralogy and geochemistry of beach sediments associated with the Precambrian crystalline rocks (Vijayan Complex) of Sri Lanka; perspective for heavy minerals
Publication : Regional Studies in Marine Science
Year : 2022
Members : Chaturanga Sandaruwan, Madurya Adikaram, Nadeesha Madugalla, Amarasooriya Pitawala, Hiroaki Ishiga, Tharanga Udagedara - Geochemistry of Groundwater in the Semi-Arid
Crystalline Terrain of Sri Lanka and Its Health Implications among Agricultural
Communities
Publication : Water
Year : 2022
Members : Udeshani W.A.C., Koralegedara N.H., Gunatilake S.K., Li S., Zhu X., Chandrajith R - Microstructural and Geochemical Characterization of Gallstones: Implication for Biomineralization
Publication : Biological Trace Element Research
Year : 2022
Members : Jayasoma, K., Koralegedara, N.H., Dharmapala, A., R. Chandrajith
- Bacterial influence on the formation of hematite: implications for Martian
dormant life
Publication : International Journal of Astrobiology
Year : 2021
Members : Wickramarathna S, Chandrajith R, Senaratne A, Paul V, Dash P, Wickramasinghe S, Biggs PJ - A comparative assessment of trace element accumulation in native and improved rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties grown under different conditions of fertilizer application
Publication : Biological Trace element Research
Year : 2021
Members : Rajatheja MKJC, Chandrajith R, Bentota A, Jayasinghe GY - A pilot case-control study using a one health approach to evaluate behavioral, environmental, and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
Publication : One Health Outlook
Year : 2021
Members : Pry, JM, Jackson W, Rupasinghe R, Lishanthe G, Badurdeen Z, Abeysekara T, Chandrajith R, Smith W, Wickramasinghe S - Acid sulfate soils on the west coast of Sri Lanka : A review
Publication : Geoderma Regional
Year : 2021
Members : Chamindra L. Vithana , Prashani A.K. Ulapane , Rohana Chandrajith , Leigh A. Sullivan , Jochen Bundschuh d , Nadia Toppler , Nicholas J. Ward , Atula Senaratne - Acid sulfate soils on the west coast of Sri Lanka: A review
Publication : Geoderma Regional
Year : 2021
Members : Vithana CL, Ulapane PAK, Chandrajith R, Sullivan LA, Bundschuh J, Toppler N, Ward NJ, Senaratne, A - An overview of Holocene monsoon variability of Sri Lanka and its association with Indian subcontinent climate records
Publication : Ceylon Journal of Science
Year : 2021
Members : Premaratne KM, Chandrajith R, Ratnayake NP - Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis in the Medawachchiya Area and the Huruluwewwa Areas in Anuradhapura District
Publication : KDU Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
Year : 2021
Members : Senanayke I, Piyasiri S, Chandrajith R, Nandalal W, Ranatunga K - Bacterial influence on the formation of hematite: implications for Martian dormant life
Publication : International Journal of Astrobiology
Year : 2021
Members : Sudeera Wickramarathna, Rohana Chandrajith, Atula Senaratne, Varun Paul, Padmanava Dash, Saumya Wickramasinghe and Patrick J. Biggs - Chemical, Mineralogical and Textural Characterization of Red Earth
Publication : Journal of Geological Society of Sri Lanka
Year : 2021
Members : Nadeesha H. Koralegedera, W.L.A.C.I. Weedagama, B. Athurupana, N.W.B. BalasooriyaR.Chandrajith, A.Senaratne - Chemical, Mineralogical and Textural Characterization of Red Earth Formation in the Northwest Coast of Sri Lanka
Publication : Journal of the Geological Society of Sri Lanka
Year : 2021
Members : Koralegedara NH, Weedagama WLACI, Athurupana B, Balasooriya NWB, Chandrajith R, Senaratne A - Chemical, Mineralogical and Textural Characterization of Red Earth Formation in the Northwest Coast of Sri Lanka
Publication : Journal of Geological Society of Sri Lanka
Year : 2021
Members : Koralegedara N.H., W.L.A.C.I., Athurupana B., Balasooriya N.W.B., Chandrajith R., Senaratne A. - Comprehensive assessment of essential and potentially toxic trace elements in bovine milk and their feeds in different agro-climatic zones of Sri Lanka
Publication : Biological Trace element Research
Year : 2021
Members : Diyabalanage S, Kalpage MD, Mohotti DG, Dissanayake CKK, Fernando R, Frew RD, Chandrajith R - Exposure Assessment of Fluoride Intake Through Commercially Available Black Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) from Areas with High Incidences of Chronic Kidney Disease with Undetermined Origin (CKDu) in Sri Lanka
Publication : Biological Trace Element Research
Year : 2021
Members : Chandrajith R, Bhagya S, Diyabalanage S, Wimalasiri S, Ranatunga MAB, Barth JAC - Geochemical
and isotope evidence for groundwater mineralization in a semi-arid river basin,
Sri Lanka
Publication : Applied Geochemistry
Year : 2021
Members : Senarathne S, Jayawardana JMCK, Edirisinghe EANV, Chandrajith R - Influence of regional climatic on the hydrogeochemistry of a tropical river basin—a study from the Walawe river basin of Sri Lanka
Publication : Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year : 2021
Members : Senarathne S, Jayawardana JMCK, Edirisinghe EANV, Chandrajith R - Micronutrient status and associated factors of adiposity in primary school children with normal and high body fat in Colombo municipal area, Sri Lanka
Publication : BMC Paediatrics
Year : 2021
Members : Thillan K, Lanerolle P, Thoradeniya T, Samaranayake D, Chandrajith R, Wickramasinghe P