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
- 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
- Seismicity around Sri Lanka from historical records and its engineering implications
Publication : Engineer
Year : 2020
Members : Seneviratne, H.N., Perera, L.R.K., Wijesundara, K.K., Dananjaya, R.M.S. and Jayawardena, U. De S. - 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 : 2020
Members : Rajatheja MKJC, Chandrajith R, Bentota A, Jayasinghe GY - Assessment of groundwater quality using water quality index (WQI): a case study of a hard rock terrain in Sri Lanka
Publication : Groundwater for Sustainable development
Year : 2020
Members : Udeshani WAC, Dissanayake HMKP, Chandrajith R, Gunatilake SK - Assessment of nutritional status and dietary pattern of a rural adult population in dry zone, Sri Lanka
Publication : International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Year : 2020
Members : Abeywickrama HM, Wimalasiri S, Koyama Y, Uchiyama M, Shimizu U, Chandrajith R, Nanayakkara N - Bioavailability of selenium (Se) in cattle population in Sri Lanka based on qualitative determination of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities
Publication : Environmental Geochemistry and Health
Year : 2020
Members : Diyabalanage S, Dangolla A, Mallawa C, Rajapakse S, Chandrajith R - Geogenic fluoride and arsenic in ground- water of Sri Lanka and its implications to community health
Publication : Groundwater for Sustainable Development. DOI: 10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100359
Year : 2020
Members : Chandrajith R, Diyabalanage S, Dissanayake CB - Influence of fluoride on chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka
Publication : Chemosphere
Year : 2020
Members : Nanayakkara S, Senevirathna STMLD, Harada KH, Chandrajith R, Nanayakkara N, Koizumu A - Influences of seawater intrusion and anthropogenic activities on a coastal aquifer system in Sri Lanka: evidence from hydrogeochemical and stable isotope data
Publication : Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year : 2020
Members : ayathunga K, Diyabalanage S, Frank AH, Chandrajith R, Barth JAC - Isochron Translation
and a Geological Criterion to Declare an Isochron
Publication : Journal of the Geological Society of Sri Lanka
Year : 2020
Members : Perera, L R.K. - Macro Seismic Hazard Zonation for Sri Lanka
Publication : Engineer
Year : 2020
Members : Seneviratne, H.N., Wijesundara, K.K., Perera, L.R.K. and Dissanayake, P.B.R. - Non-hazardous Process for Extracting Pure Titanium Dioxide Nano-rods from Geogenic Ilmenite
Publication : ACS Omega
Year : 2020
Members : Rajakaruna TPB, Udawatte C, Chandrajith R, Rajapakse RMG - Play distribution and the hydrocarbon potential of the Mannar Basin, Sri Lanka
Publication : Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Year : 2020
Members : EKCW Kularathna, HMTGA Pitawala, A Senaratne, AS Ratnayake - Prolonged Neoproterozoic high-grade metamorphism of the Wanni Complex, Sri Lanka: New insights from petrology, phase equilibria modelling, and zircon U–Pb geochronology of partially melted cordierite gneiss from Walpita
Publication : Geological Journal
Year : 2020
Members : Hirayama, E., Tsunogae, T., Malaviarachchi,S.P.K., Takamura, Y., Dharmapriya,P.L., Tsutsumi, Y. - Quality of life and symptom burden among chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) patients in Girandurukotte, Sri Lanka
Publication : International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Year : 2020
Members : Abeywickrama HM, Wimalasiri S, Koyama Y, Uchiyama M, Shimizu U, Chandrajith R, Kakihara N, Nanayakkara N - Reconstruction of the Late Holocene climate and environmental history from North Bolgoda Lake, Sri Lanka using lipid biomarkers and pollen records
Publication : Journal of Quaternary Science
Year : 2020
Members : Gayantha K, Routh J, Anupama K, Lazar J, Prasad S, Chandrajith R, Roberts P, Gleixner G - Renal bioaccumulation of trace elements in urban and rural Sri Lankan populations: a preliminary study based on post mortem tissue analysis
Publication : Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
Year : 2020
Members : Gunawardena SA, Gunawardana JW, Chandrajith R, Thoradeniya T, Jayasinghe S - Serum and urine fluoride levels in populations of high environmental fluoride exposure with endemic CKDu: a case–control study from Sri Lanka
Publication : Environmental Geochemistry and Health
Year : 2020
Members : Fernando WBNT, Nanayakkara N, Gunarathne L, Chandrajith R - Zoned quartz phenocrysts in supercooled melt inclusions in granulites
from continental collision orogens.
Publication : Island Arc
Year : 2020
Members : Hiroi, Y., Hokada, T., Kayama, M., Miyake, A., Adachi, T., Prame, B., Perera, L.R.K., Satish-Kumar, M., Osanai, Y. Motoyoshi, Y., Ellis, D.J. and Shiraishi, K.