![[Member-Image]](../assets/img/staff/3-rupikar.webp)
President/AAUP (Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya)
Ecoepidemiology of tick borne diseases with special focus on ricketsioses
President’s Awards for Research 2016, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2010 & 2008
Fulbright Advanced Research and Lecturing Fellowship, Georgia Southern University, USA 2020
SUSRED (Support Scheme for Supervision of Research Degrees) National Science Foundation, SL.2017, 2019
Award for Excellence in Scientific Research, Young Scientists Forum (YSF), National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC) Sri Lanka 2010
Fellow of the Graduate School, School of Graduate Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland in recognition of continued academic excellence throughout the Ph.D. 2002
Association of Commonwealth Universities Blue Charter Fellowship, Brunel University London, UK. 2019Systematic and Applied Acarology.
Diyes, G.C.P. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2021). Teratological anomalies of an adult Asiatic blue tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Systematic and Applied Acarology., 26: 320-324.
Acta Parasitologica
Bandaranayaka, K.O., Kularatne, S.A.M., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J., Abeysundara, U.B., Rajapaksha, R.M.M.A. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2021). Human Otoacariasis in Two Climatically Diverse Districts in Sri Lanka: Seasonality, Risk Factors, and Case Notes. Acta Parasitologica, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-021-00372-w
Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
Thilakarathne, S.S., Rajakaruna, R.S., Fernando, D., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Perera, P.K. (2021). Comparison of gastro-intestinal parasites with zoonotic and anthroponotic potential in two subspecies of toque macaque (Macaca sinica) in Sri Lanka. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 24: 100558.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100558
Systematic and Applied Acarology
Diyes, G.C.P. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2021). Teratological anomalies of an adult Asiatic blue tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Systematic and Applied Acarology, 26: 320-324.
Ceylon Journal of Science
Bandaranayaka, K.O., Dissanayke, U.I. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2021). Experimental aspects of life cycle of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma isaaci on New Zealand white rabbits. Ceylon Journal of Science, 50: 47-56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v50i1.7846
Journal of Threatened Taxa
Sepalage, C.S. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2020). Gastro-intestinal helminth and protozoan infections of wild mammals in four major national parks in Sri Lanka. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 12: 17093-17104.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.5160.12.15.17093-17104
PLosOne
Mashkour, N., Ahasan, S., Barnes, A., Bell, I., Bowater, R., Elliman, J., Flint, M., Hamann, M., Jakob-Hoff, M., R., Jones, K., Orduna, S.K., Loganathan, A.L., Rajakaruna, R., Mark Read, M., Walker, G., Work, T., Wittaker, M., Baverstock, W., Blyde, D., Crespo-Picazo, J.L., Eghbali, M., Freggi, D., Gardner, B., Giliam, J., Hale, H., Hyland, K.P., March, D., Mobaraki, A., Mohammadi, M., Nicolle, N., Owens, L., Parga, M., Robinson, D., Saladin, C., Spiby, K., Hipolito, T.V., Wrobel, D., (2020). Disease Risk Analysis in sea turtles: A baseline study to inform conservation efforts. PLosOne, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.10.985432
Parasitology International
Dangolla, A., Wijesundara, D.L.R., Blair, D., Fernando, D.D., Wijesundera, K.K., Chathuranga, W.G.D. de Silva W.A.P.P. and Rajakaruna R.S. (2020). Canine trypanosomosis in Sri Lanka: An emerging problem reported from three distinct geographic locations. Parasitology International, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2020.102129
Ceylon Journal of Science
Sepalage, C.S., Perera, P.K. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2020). Enteric helminthiasis in dogs of University of Peradeniya premises: a potential public health problem. Ceylon Journal of Science, 49: 29-36.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v49i1.7703
Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter
Rajakaruna, R.S., Pemadasa, M.G.N.M., Elepathage, M. and Abeysundara, S.P. (2020). Fisher perception and practices of sea turtle bycatch in Sri Lanka. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter, 31: 2-13 .
InTechOpen
Rajakaruna, R.S. and Diyes, G.C.P. (2019). Spinose ear tick Otobius megnini infestations in race horses. In Ticks and Tick Borne pathogens. Editors: M. Abubakar and P.K. Perera. InTechOpen, .
Ecology and Evolution
Pathirana, N.U.K., Meegaskumbura, M. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2019). Infection sequence alters disease severity-Effects of the sequential exposure of two larval trematodes to Polypedates cruciger tadpoles. Ecology and Evolution, : 1-11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.5180
Canadian Journal of Zoology
Pathirana, N.U.K., Meegaskumbura, M. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2019). Host resistance and tolerance to parasitism: age dependent fitness consequences in common hourglass tree frog Polypedates cruciger exposed to two larval trematodes. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 97: 11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2018-0126
Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal
Jayatilaka, P.S., Pinnagoda, P.P.H., Gunawardena, P.E., Ginarathne, K.M.H., Silva, I.D., Wijeyawardena, N., Mallawa, M.R.C.K., Karunaratne, T.M.K., Dangolla, A and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2019). Emergence of a thrombocytopenic disorder in a group of working dogs of Sri Lanka Air Force. Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 65: 13-15 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Bandaranayaka, K.O., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2019). Potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Lunugala Tea estate community in Central Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 48: 43-50.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v48i1.7587
Ceylon Journal of Science
Ratnayake, Y. and Rajakaruna, R.S (2018). Cocktail effect of Profenophos and Abamectin on tadpoles of Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus). Ceylon Journal of Science, 47: 185-194.
DOI: https://cjs.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/cjs.v47i2.7515/
Ceylon Journal of Science
Dyes, G.C.P., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2018). Molecular evidence of Babesia infections in Spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini infesting stabled horses in Nuwara Eliya racecourse: A case study. Ceylon Journal of Science, 47(4) 2018: 405-409 .
Journal of Threatened Taxa
Abeysekara, N.N., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2018). Comparative cross-sectional survey on gastrointestinal parasites of captive, semi-captive, and wild Elephants of Sri Lanka. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 10(5): 11583-11594 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Pathirana, N.U.K. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2018). Trematode infections in frogs: Do all cercarial morphotypes infect and induce effects on the common hourglass tree frog,. Ceylon Journal of Science, 47: 319-330.
DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.4038/cjs.v47i4.7549
Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter
Phillott, A., Hewapathiranage, S., and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2018). Unregulated numbers and management practices of sea turtle hatcheries: An on-going concern in Sri Lanka. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter, 27: 8-17.
https://www.iotn.org/iotn27-03-unregulated-numbers-and-management-practices-of-sea-turtle-hatcheries
Acarologia
Diyes, P., Karunaratne, N., Silva, S., Karunaratne, I. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2017). Ants as potential biological control agents of spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini (Dug. Acarologia, 57: 747-753.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/acarologia/ 20174200
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Sands, F., Apanaskevich, D., Matthee, S., Horak, I., Harrison, A., Karim, S., Mohammad, M., Mumcuoglu, K., Rajakaruna, R.S., Santos-Silva, M., Kamani, J. and Matthee, C. (2017). Effects of tectonics and large scale climatic changes on the evolutionary history of Hyalomma ticks. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 114: 153-165 .
PLoS ONE
Jenkins, T.P., Rathnayake, 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(9).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184719
Journal of Zoology
Jayawardena, U.A., Rohr, J.R., Amerasinghe, P.H. Navaratne, A.N., and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2017). Effects of agrochemicals on disease severity of Acanthostomum burminis infections (Digenea: Trematoda) in the Asian common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus BMC. Journal of Zoology, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/165795
Journal of Threatened Taxa
Ekanayake, E.M.L., Kapurusinghe, T., Saman, M.M., Rathanakumara, D.S., Samaraweera, P., and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2017). Genetic diversity of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) population nesting at Kosgoda rookery, Sri Lanka. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 9(6): 10261-10268 .
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Dyes, G.C.P., Apanaskevich, D.A. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2017). Life cycle of Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides under laboratory conditions. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/mve.12238
Journal of Threatened Taxa
Kobbekaduwa, V, Fillieux, C., Thudugala, A., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2017). First record of tapeworm Moniezia (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) infections in leopards: Coprological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of wild and captive cats in Sri Lanka. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 9(3): 9956-9961 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Dissanayake, S., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2017). Gastrointestinal parasites of domesticated and feral horses (Equus caballus) in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 46: 17-26.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v46i1.7414
Acta Tropica
Dyes, G.C.P. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Life cycle of Spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini (Acari: Argasidae) infesting the race horses in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Acta Tropica, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.026
Ceylon Journal of Science
Ekanayake, E.M.L., Kapurusinghe, T., Saman, M.M., Rathanakumara, D.S., Samaraweera, P., and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Reproductive Output and Morphometrics of Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas Nesting at the Kosgoda Rookery in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 45: 103-116 .
Experimental and Applied Acarology
Ariyaratne, S., Apanaskevich, D., Amerasinghe, P.H. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Diversity and distribution of tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with human otoacariasis and socio-ecological risk factors of tick infestations in Sri Lanka. Experimental and Applied Acarology, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-016-0056-z
Acta Tropica
Dyes, G.C.P. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Seasonal dynamics of spinose ear tick Otobius megnini associated with horse otoacariasis in Sri Lanka. Acta Tropica, 159: 170-175 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Aviruppola, A.J.M.K., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Prevalence and intensity of gatrointestinal parasites of mammals in Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 45(1): 83-96 .
Experimental and Applied Acarology
Bandaranayaka, K.O., Apanaskevich, D.A. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Life cycle of Amblyomma integrum under laboratory conditions. Experimental and Applied Acarology, .
DOI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10493-016-0034-5
EcoHealth
Jayawardhana, U.A., Rohr, J., Nawaratne, A.N., Amerasinghe, P.H. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Combined effect of Pesticides and trematode infections on amphibian survival, growth and malformations in hourglass tree frog Polypedates cruciger. EcoHealth, 13: 111-22 .
Experimental and Applied Acarology
Bandaranayaka, K.O., Apanaskevich, D.A. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2016). Life cycle of Nosomma monstrosum (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions. Experimental and Applied Acarology, 69(1): 97-106 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Yathramullage, S., Dissanayake, U., Rajakaruna, R.S. and Meegaskumbura, S. (2016). New records of small mammal hosts for four tick species from Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 45: 29-37 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Liyanarachchi, D.R., Rajakaruna, R.S. and Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. (2015). Spotted fever group rickettsia in ticks infesting humans, wild and domesticated animals of Sri Lanka: one health approach. Ceylon Journal of Science, 44(2): 69-76 .
Journal of the National Science Foundation
Dyes, G.C.P. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2015). Diversity and distribution of tick species infesting goats with four new host records from Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation, 43(3): 225-234 .
Tropical Biomedicine
Diyes, G.C.P., Karunaratne, W.A.I.P., Tomberlin, J.K. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2015). First record of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) infesting a spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini, colony in Sri Lanka. Tropical Biomedicine, 32(4): 1-5 .
Zootaxa
Liyanarachchi, D.R., Rajakaruna, R.S., Dikkumbura, A.W., De Silva, A. and Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. (2015). Ticks (Acarina: Ixodida) infesting five reptile species in Sri Lanka with sixteen new host records. Zootaxa, 3964: 146-148 .
Acta Tropica
Liyanaarachchi, D.R., Rajakaruna, R.S., Dikkumbura, A.W. and Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. (2015). Ticks infesting wild and domestic animals and humans of Sri Lanka with new host records. Acta Tropica, 142: 64-70 .
PloS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Schousboe, M.L., Ranjitkar, S., Rajakaruna, R.S., Amerasinghe, P.H., Morales, F., Ord, R., Pearce, R., Leslie, T., Rowland, M., Gadalla, N., Konradsen, F., Bygbjerg, I.C., Roper, C. and Alifrangis, M. (2015). Multiple origins of mutations in the mdr1 gene -a putative marker of chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium vivax. PloS Neglected Tropical Diseases, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0004196
Malaria Journal
Schousboe, M.L., Ranjitkar, S., Rajakaruna, R.S., Amerasinghe, P.H., Konradsen, F., Morales, F., Ord, R., Pearce, R., Leslie, T., Rowland, M., Gadalla, N., Bygbjerg, I.C., Alifrangis, M. and Roper, C. (2014). Global and local genetic diversity of two polymorphic loci in Plasmodium vivax parasites from Asia, Africa and the Americas. Malaria Journal, 13: 392 .
Wildlife
Rajakaruna, R.S. and Ekanayeke, E.M.L. (2013). Sea Turtle conservation and research focus in Sri Lanka. Wildlife, 9: 51-55 .
Journal of the National Science Foundation
Kandasamy, G., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). Gastro-intestinal and blood parasites of a free grazing flock of sheep in Kaithady farm in the Jaffna district. Journal of the National Science Foundation, 41: 195-201 .
Frontiers of Biological and Life Sciences
Jayawardena, U.A., Amerasinghe, P.H. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). In-vitro encystment and excystment of xiphidiocercariae (Family: Lecithiodendridae). Frontiers of Biological and Life Sciences, 1: 9-12 .
Herpetological Conservation and Biology
Ekanayake, E.M.L., Kapurusinghe, T. Saman M.M., Samaraweera P., Ranawana, K.B. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). Paternity of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) clutches laid at Kosgoda, Sri Lanka. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 8: 27-36 .
Froglog
Jayawardena, U. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). Understanding Possible Etiologies of Amphibian Crisis in Sri Lanka. Froglog, 21: 47-49 .
Froglog
Uthpala A. Jayawardena, Vasyl V. Tkach, Ayanthi N. Navaratne, Priyanie H. Amerasinghe & Rupika S. Rajakaruna (2013). Malformations and mortality in the Asian common toad induced by exposure to pleurolophocercous cercariae (Trematoda: Cryptogonimidae). Froglog, 22: 86 .
Journal of Science
Mahagedara, P.D. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). Parasites of two co-occurring house gecko species, Hemidactylus frenatus and Gehyra mutilata from Central Sri Lanka. Journal of Science, 11: 32-38 .
Journal of the National Science Foundation
Perera, P.K., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Hantana area, Kandy district. Journal of the National Science Foundation, 41: 83-93 .
Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter
Rajakaruna, R.S., Ekanayake E.M.L., Kapurusinghe T., and Ranawana, K.B. (2013). Sea turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka: Their activities and potential contribution to sea turtle conservation. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter, 17: 2-12 .
Journal of Science
Gunatilake, B.M.N.S and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). Occurrence of acanthocephalans in two cockroach species, Periplaneta americana and Pycnoscelus surinamensis. Journal of Science, 11: 26-31 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Jayawardena, U.A., Navaratne, A., and Amerasinghe, P.H. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2013). Effect of exposure of ultraviolet B radiation on two anuran species Polypedates cruciger and Duttaphrynus melanostictus under empirical conditions. Ceylon Journal of Science, 42: 45-53 .
Marine Turtle Newsletter
Rajakaruna, R.S., Wijetilake, N., E.M.L Ekanayake and Ranawana, K.B. (2012). Tortoiseshell trade in Sri Lanka: Is centuries-old trade now history?. Marine Turtle Newsletter, 134: 9-11 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Sumangali, K., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2012). Urban rodents as potential reservoirs of zoonoses: a parasitic survey in two selected areas in Kandy district. Ceylon Journal of Science, 44: 71-7773.
Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal
Bandara, N.W.R.V.N., Rajakaruna, R.S. and Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. (2012). Coccidia infections in goats in the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 59: 13-18 .
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Schousboe, M.L., Rajakaruna, R.S., Amerasinghe, P.H., Konradsen, F., Ord, R., Pearce, R., Bygbjerg, I.C., Roper, C. and Alifrangis, M. (2011). Analysis of polymorphism in the merozoite surface protein-3α gene and two microsatellite loci in Sri Lankan Plasmodium vivax: Evidence of population sub-structure in Sri Lanka. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 85: 994-1001 .
Ceylon Medical Journal
Ariyaratne, S., Dilrukshi R.M.P.I., Amerasinghe P.H. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2011). Intra-aural ecdysis of a tick (Dermacentor auratus Supino, 1897). Ceylon Medical Journal, 56: 133-134 .
Annual Research Journal SLSAJ
Rajakaruna, R.S. and Warnakulasooriya, K.N. (2011). Gastrointestinal parasites in dairy cattle in Kandy district Sri Lanka. Annual Research Journal SLSAJ, 11: 92-99 .
Journal of the National Science Foundation
Jayawardena, U.A., Navaratne, A.N., Amerasinghe, P.H. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2011). Acute and chronic toxicity of four commonly used agricultural pesticides on the common toad, Bufo melanostictus. Journal of the National Science Foundation, 39(3): 267-276 .
Ceylon Journal of Science
Harishchandra, H.K.S.P., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P. and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2011). Effect of mosquito larvicide Abate® on the developmental stages of the Asian common toad, Bufo melanostictus. Ceylon Journal of Science, 40: 133-140 .
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Zhang, J.J., Senaratne, T.N., Daniels, R., Valim C., Alifrangis, M., Amerasinghe, P. Konradsen, F., Rajakaruna, R. Wirth, D.F., and Karunaweera, N.D. (2011). Distribution pattern of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine transporter (pfcrt) gene haplotypes in Sri Lanka 1996 - 2006. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 85(5): 811-814 .
Malaria Journal
Rajakaruna, R.S., Alifrangis, M., Amerasinghe, P.H. and Konradsen, F. (2010). Pre-elimination stage of malaria in Sri Lanka: assessing the level of hidden parasites in the population. Malaria Journal, 9: 25.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.186/1475-2875-9-25
Journal of the National Science Foundation
Jayawardena, U. A., Rajakaruna, R.S., Navaratne, A., and Amerasinghe, P.H. (2010). Trematode induced malformations in amphibians: effect of infection at pre limb bud stage tadpoles of Polypedates cruciger. Journal of the National Science Foundation, 38: 241-248 .
International Journal of Agriculture and Biology
Jayawardena, U.A., Rajakaruna, R.S., Navaratne, A.N., and Amerasinghe, P.H. (2010). Toxicity of pesticides exposure on common hourglass tree frog, Polypedates cruciger. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 12: 641-648.
Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Science)
Ekanayake E.M.L. Rajakaruna, R.S., Kapurusinghe, T., Saman M.M., Samaraweera, P. and Ranawana, K.B. (2010). Nesting behaviour of the green turtles at Kosgoda rookery, Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Science), 39(2): 109-120 .
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Gunawardena, S., Karunaweera, N.D., Ferreira, M.U., Phone-Kyaw, M., Pollack, R.J, Alifrangis, M., Rajakaruna, R.S., Konradsen, F. Amerasinghe, P.H., Schousboe, M.L., Galappaththy, G.N.L., Abeyasinghe, R.R., Hartl, D.L. and Wirth, D.F. (2010). Geographic structure of Plasmodium vivax: Microsatellite analysis of parasite populations from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Ethiopia. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 82: 235-242.