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Director, Science-Industry Interaction Cell, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (Part-time)- 
Comparison of gastro-intestinal parasites with zoonotic and anthroponotic potential in two subspecies of toque macaque (Macaca sinica) in Sri Lanka
Award of Excellence in Research for 2025, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya
University of Peradeniya Research Grants 2026 - Principal Investigator (Comparison of parasites of freshwater fish sold in fish stalls in selected districts in wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka)
VW officer prize in Veterinary Science through Faculty of Veterinary Science, the University of Melbourne (2014)
Dairy Farmers of Victoria Postgraduate Scholarship through Faculty of Veterinary Science, the University of Melbourne (2013)
Graduate Teaching Assistantship for 2012 (declined) and Graduate Differential Fee Supplement for 2012 by University of Alberta, Canada (declined)
Member of Royal Society of Victoria, Australia
University of Peradeniya Research Grant for 2018
Member of the Biomedical Sciences Board of Study - Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS)Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
Sandamali, T.M.C., Gajavathany, P., Rajeshwaran, M., Rajakaruna., R.S., Jabbar, A., Perera, P.K. (2025). First report of highly pathogenic Theileria luwenshuni in Sri Lanka: Are Jaffna sheep resistant to theileriosis? . Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 60: 101250.
Acta Parasitologica
Ranahewa, D.K., Dangolla, A., Rajakaruna, R.S., Dewasmika, W.A.P.M., Pathirana, N.U.K., Chandrasekara, C.M.B.M.K., Perera, P.K. (2025). Subclinical infections of Babesia and Dirofilaria in dogs presented to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital: evidence for a silent reservoir of infection in Sri Lanka. . Acta Parasitologica, 71(3): 11.
Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases
Ariyarathne, S., Eremeeva, M. E., Kularatne, S. A. M., Nazeem, A. M., Perera, P.K., Dangolla, A., & Rajakaruna, R. (2025). Molecular detection of the spotted fever group rickettsial DNA in ticks in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. . Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases, 14(5).
Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025, Sri Lanka
Tharveena, S., Perera, P.K., Gajavathany, P., Pathmathas, J. (2025). A Preliminary Morphological and Molecular Investigation of Haemo and Gastrointestinal Parasites of Pigeons (Columba livia) from the Jaffna District, Sri Lanka. . Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025, Sri Lanka, Vol. 26: pp: 226.
Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025
Ranahewa, D.K., Dangolla, A., Rajakaruna, R.S., Dewasmika, W.A.P.M., Pathirana, N.U.K., Chandrasekara, B.M.K., Perera, P.K. (2025). High Asymptomatic Cases of Canine Filariasis and Babesiosis Among Dogs Brought to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Do Crossbred Dogs Show Tolerance to Filariasis? . Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025, Vol. 26: pp: 361.
Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025, Sri Lanka
Kumari, M.M.M.M.S., Amarasingha, T.H.P.S., Gajavathany, P., Pathmathas, J., Rajakaruna, R.S., Perera, P.K. (2025). Small Ruminant Theileriosis in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025, Sri Lanka, Vol. 26: pp: 267.
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka
Ranahewa, D.K., Perera, P.K. (2025). First record of gastrointestinal parasites in the Indian Little Swift (Apus affinis singalensis) in Sri Lanka. . Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka, : pp. 135.
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 7th-8th November 2025
Kumari, M.M.M.M.S., Amarasingha, T.H.P.S., Gajavathany, P., Rajeshwaran, M., Rajakaruna, R.S., Perera, P.K. (2025). Detection of bovine theileriosis in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, using Pooled molecular analysis. . Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 7th-8th November 2025, : pp. 137.
Acta Parasitologica
Amarasingha, S., Anupama, N. M. T., Rajakaruna, R. S., Rajapakse, R. P. V. J., & Perera, P. K. (2024). Effect of soil temperature on canine soil-transmitted
nematodes in Kandy District with the first record of hookworm, Ancylostoma tubaeforme from Sri Lanka. . Acta Parasitologica, : 1-10.
DOI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11686-024-00829-8
Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
De Silva, T.K., Wijeratne, S., Perera, P.K., Wijesundera, K., Jayaweera, W.R., Rajakaruna, R.S. (2024). First record of feline urinary bladder worm (Capillaria syn. Pearsonema) in Sri Lanka: Clinical, histopathological and molecular characterization. . Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 56: 101117.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405939024001461
Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports.
Subhasinghe, J., Mahakapuge, T.A.N., Madusanka, K. S., Rajakaruna, R.S., Jabbar, A., Perera, P.K. (2024). First report of oriental
theileriosis in the Intermediate Zone, Sri Lanka: Is Theileria orientalis type 7 always apathogenic?
. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports., 55: 101115.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405939024001448
Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2024 (iPURSE 2024), Sri Lanka, 29-30 August, 2024.
Subhasinghe, J.N. Anupama, N.M.T., Madusanka, K. S., Rajakaruna, R.S., Perera, P.K. (2024). Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of Theileriosis in Dairy Cattle in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. . Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2024 (iPURSE 2024), Sri Lanka, 29-30 August, 2024., : pp. 140..
Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2024 (iPURSE 2024), Sri Lanka, 29-30 August.
Sandamali, T.M.C., Gajavathany, P., Rajeshwaran, M., Rajakaruna, R.S., Perera, P.K. (2024).
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 1st-2nd November 2024.
Amarasingha, T.H.P.S., Gajavathany, P., Rajeshwaran, M., Rajakaruna, R.S., Perera, P.K. (2024). Molecular epidemiological investigations of bovine theileriosis in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. . Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 1st-2nd November 2024., : pp. 129..
Parasitology Research
Thilakarathne S.S., Perera P.K., Wijayawardhane N., Mallawa, C., Rajakaruna, R.S. (2023). Filariasis in dogs brought to the Peradeniya Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. . Parasitology Research, : 1-9.
DOI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-022-07742-x
33rd ECCMID (European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases), Copenhagen, Denmark (17.04.2023)
Perera, P.K., Thilakarathne, S.S., De Silva, T. K., Sepalage, C.S., Rajakaruna, R.S. (2023). Zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in peridomestic toque macaques and free-roaming community dogs in the central province, Sri Lanka. . 33rd ECCMID (European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases), Copenhagen, Denmark (17.04.2023), : pp. 720/P3149..
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Senaratna, C.V., Perera P.K., Arulkumaran, S., Abeysekara, N., Piyumanthi, P., Hamilton, G.S., Nixon, G.M., Rajakaruna, R.S., Dharmage, S.C. (2023). Association of helminth infestation with childhood asthma: a nested case-control study. . International Journal of Infectious Diseases, : 128, 272-277.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=T-r4MD8AAAAJ&citation_for_view
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 28-30 October, 2022.
Amarasingha, T.H.P.S., Anupama, N.M.T., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J., Perera, P.K. (2022). Canine geohelminth in Digana and Pussellawa areas in Kandy District: Investigation with Special reference to Ancylostoma. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 28-30 October, 2022., : pp. 154..
http://www.pgis.pdn.ac.lk/rescon2022/docs/RESCON22%20Proceedings.pdf
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 28th-30th October 2022.
Thilakarathne, S.S, Wijayawardhane, N., Perera P.K., Mallawa, C., Rajakaruna, R.S. (2022). Dirofilariasis in dogs brought to the Veterinary Teaching, Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. . Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 28th-30th October 2022., : pp. 107..
http://www.pgis.pdn.ac.lk/rescon2022/docs/RESCON22%20Proceedings.pdf
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 28th-30th October 2022.
De Silva, T. K., Wijeratne, S., Perera, P.K., Wijesundera, W.R., Perera, V., Rajakaruna, R.S. (2022). Feline urinary bladder worm Capillaria (syn. Pearsonema) in Sri Lanka. . Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 28th-30th October 2022., : pp. 151..
http://www.pgis.pdn.ac.lk/rescon2022/docs/RESCON22%20Proceedings.pdf
Acta Parasitologica
De Silva, T.K., Rajakaruna, R.S., Mohotti, K.P., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J., Perera, P.K. (2022). First molecular identification of Ancylostoma species in dogs in a rural tea estate community in Sri Lanka and the detection of other zoonotic gastro-intestinal parasites. . Acta Parasitologica, 67: 1-12..
DOI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11686-022-00531-7
Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
Sandani S.Thilakarathne, Rupika S.Rajakaruna, Deepani D.Fernando, R.P.V.J.Rajapakse, Piyumali K.Perera (2021). Gastro-intestinal parasites in two subspecies of toque macaque (Macaca sinica) in Sri Lanka and their zoonotic potential. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, : p.100558.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100558
Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress (PGIS ResCon) Proceedings, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
De Silva T.K., Rajakaruna R.S., Mohotti K.P., Rajapakse R.P.V.J., Perera P.K. (2021). Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in a remote tea-growing area in Talawakelle: A potential public health problem. Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress (PGIS ResCon) Proceedings, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, : p. 90.
http://www.pgis.pdn.ac.lk/rescon2021/RESCON_2021proceedings.pdf
Parasitology Research
Hagos Gebrekidan, Piyumali K Perera, Abdul Ghafar, Tariq Abbas, Robin B Gasser, Abdul Jabbar (2020). An appraisal of oriental theileriosis and the Theileria orientalis complex, with an emphasis on diagnosis and genetic characterisation. Parasitology Research, 119: 11-22.
DOI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-019-06557-7
Ceylon Journal of Science
C. Sarani Sepalage, Piyumali K. Perera, Rupika S. Rajakaruna (2020). Helminthiasis in dogs of University of Peradeniya premises: a potential public health problem. Ceylon Journal of Science, 49: 29-36.
DOI: https://cjs.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/cjs.v49i1.7703/
Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress
Thilakarathne S.S, Rajakaruna R.S, Rajapakse R.P.V.J., Perera P.K. (2020). Gastro-intestinal parasites of wet and dry zone toque macaques (Macaca sinica) and their zoonotic and anthroponotic potential. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, : 129.
http://www.pgis.pdn.ac.lk/rescon2020/doc/abstracts/LS/54.pdf
Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens
Muhammad Abubakar, Piyumali K. Perera, Abdullah Iqbal, Shumaila Manzoor (2019). Introductory Chapter: Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens, : 1-7.
https://mts.intechopen.com/articles/show/title/introductory-chapter-ticks-and-tick-borne-pathogens
Proceedings at the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 11th October 2019
C.S. Sepalage, P.K. Perera, R.S. Rajakaruna (2019). Helminthiasis of dogs in Peradeniya University premises: A potential public health problem. Proceedings at the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 11th October 2019, : 73.
PloS one
Jenkins, T.P., Rathnayaka, Y., Perera, P.K., Peachey, L.E., Nolan, M.J., Krause, L., Rajakaruna, R.S., Cantacessi, C. (2017). Infections by human gastrointestinal helminths are associated with changes in faecal microbiota diversity and composition. . PloS one, 12: e0184719.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
Perera, P.K., Gasser, R.B., Firestone, S.M., Smith, L., Roeber, F., Jabbar, A. (2015). Semi- quantitative multiplexed-tandem PCR for the detection and differentiation of four Theileria orientalis genotypes in cattle. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 53: 79-87.
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
Gebrekidan, H., Gasser, R.B., Perera, P.K., McGrath, S., McGrath, S., Jabbar, A., (2015). Investigating the first outbreak of oriental theileriosis in cattle in South Australia using multip lexed tandem PCR (MT-PCR). Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 6: 574-578 .
Parasites & Vectors
Perera, P.K., Gasser, R.B., Pulford, D.J., Stevenson, M.A., Firestone, S.M., McFadden, A.M.J., Jabbar, A., (2015). Comparison of the performance of three PCR assays for the detection and differentiation of Theileria orientalis genotypes. Parasites & Vectors, 8: 192 .
Infection Genetics and Evolution
Perera, P.K., Gasser, R.B., Read, E., Malmo, J., Nguyen, H., Nyein, S., Cheng, C., Jex, A.R., Rawlin, G., Spithill, T., Jabbar, A., (2015). Use of multip lexed tandem PCR to estimate the prevalence and intensity of Theileria orientalis genotypes in cattle from Australia. Infection Genetics and Evolution, 32: 68-73 .
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
Perera, P.K., Gasser, R.B., Jabbar, A., (2015). Assessment of sequence variability in a p23 gene region within and among three genotypes of the Theileria orientalis complex from south- eastern Australia. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 6: 123-128 .
Parasites & Vectors
Perera, P.K., Gasser, R.B., Firestone, S.M., Anderson, G.A., Malmo, J., Davis, G., Beggs, D.S., Jabbar, A., (2014). Oriental theileriosis in dairy cows causes a significant milk production loss. Parasites & Vectors, 7: 73 .
Biological control
Bowatte, G., Perera, P.K., Senevirathne, G., Meegaskumbura, S., Meegaskumbura, M., (2013). Tadpoles as dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti) egg predators. Biological control, 67: 469-474 .
Veterinary Parasitology
Perera, P.K., Gasser, R.B., Anderson, G.A., Jeffers, M., Bell, C.M., Jabbar, A., (2013). Epidemiological survey following oriental theileriosis outbreaks in Victoria, Australia, on selected cattle farms. Veterinary Parasitology, 197: 509-521 .
Journal of National Science Foundation Sri Lanka
Perera, P.K., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J., Rajakaruna, R.S., (2013). Gastro-intestinal parasites of dogs in Hantana area in the Kandy district. Journal of National Science Foundation Sri Lanka, : 81-91.