Professor R.L.C. WIJESUNDERA

1. B.Sc. Hons (Colombo), 1978, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Second Class Upper Division. Special degree in Botany with Chemistry as the subsidiary subject.

2. Ph.D. (Bristol), 1984, in Plant Pathology from University of Bristol, England.

CAREER RECORD:

1. Lecturer in Botany, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1978 to 1984.

2. Senior Lecturer in Botany, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1984 to 1995.

3. Associate Professor of Botany, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1995 to 1997 – a merit promotion.

4. Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1997 to-date.

ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS:

Head, Department of Botany, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka from Jan 1996 to Jan 2002.

Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo from Jan 2002 to-date.

Coordinator, M.Sc programme in Plant Pathology, University of Colombo.

ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS:

1975 – Awarded the “University of Colombo, Botany Department Staff Prize” for the best performance at the first examination in Science, University of Colombo.

1978 – Awarded the “Professor B.L.T. de Silva Memorial Prize” for the most outstanding student at the final special degree examination in Science (Botany), University of Colombo.

1981 to 1984 – Commonwealth Scholarship awarded by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK tenured at the University of Bristol, Long Ashton Research Station, Department of Agriculture and Horticulture.

1991/1992 – Visiting Scientist, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, at University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.

1995 – Merit promotion to Associate Professor.

1997 – Appointed Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Colombo.

2001 – Presidential Award for Excellence in Research, awarded by the National Research Council, Sri Lanka.

2003 – Elected Fellow, National Academy of Science, Sri Lanka.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

	Teach the following for undergraduate programmes
	A course in Plant Pathology for the general degree
	Two courses in Advanced Plant Pathology for the special degree
	A short course in Mycology for both general & special degree
	Also teach in the following M.Sc. programmes Plant Pathology Cell and Tissue Culture

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE / INTERESTS

1. Study of morphological, growth, physiological & biochemical characters of plant pathogenic fungi.

2. Post harvest diseases of selected tropical fruits.

3. Evaluation of disease control methods.

4. Anti-microbial activity of chemicals from medicinal plants and other natural sources.

5. Use of molecular biological techniques to determine variability amongst fungal isolates and to detect presence of plant pathogenic fungi.

The research programmes were supported by the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka, Centre for Agricultural Research & Policy, Sri Lanka, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, International Science Foundation, Sweden and the University of Colombo. 

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Wijesundera, R.L.C., Bailey,J.A. & Byrde,R.J.W. (1984). Production of pectin lyase by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in culture and in infected bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) tissue. Journal of General Microbiology, 130, 285-290.

Wijesundera, R.L.C. (1986). Floristic studies and distribution of fungi in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, 96, 375-377.

Jayaweera,K.P., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Medis, S.A. (1988). A study of the seed borne fungi of Oryzae sativa. Indian Journal of Phytopathology, 41, 355-358.

Wijesundera, R.L.C., Bailey,J.A., Byrde,R.J.W & Fielding,A.H. (1989). Cell wall degrading enzymes of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum: Their role in the development of bean anthracnose. Physiological & Molecular Plant Pathology, 34, 403-413.

Senaratne,L.K., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Liyanage,A.de S. (1991). Morphological and physiological characters of two isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosprioides from rubber (Hevea brasiliensis). Mycological Research, 95, 1085-1089.

Wijesundera,R.L.C., Jeganathan,S. & Liyanage, N.I.S. (1991). Some effects of isolates of Trichoderma on Rigidiporus lignosus. Journal of the Rubber Research Institute, Sri Lanka. 71, 45-50.

Wijesundera,R.L.C., Prelis,S. & Liyanage,N.I.S. (1991). A study of isolates of Rigidiporus lignosus, the causative agent of the white root diosease of rubber. Journal of the Rubber Research Institute, Sri Lanka. 71, 29-43.

Mithrasena,Y.J.P.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1992). Growth and sporulation of Sarocladium oryzae, the rice sheath rot pathogen. Tropical Agriculturist, 148, 1-13.

Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1993). Effect of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum pectin lyase on bean tissue. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 21, 49-62.

Senaratne,L.K., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Liyanage,A.de S. (1993). Pectolytic enzymes in the development of Colletotrichum leaf disease of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis). Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 21, 157-163.

Weeresena,O.V.D.S.J., Amarasekera,A.S. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1993). Fungicidal activity of synthetically modified cashew nut shell liquid.  Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 21, 227-233.

Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Kulatunga,S.M. (1993). Differences between three Poria hypolateritia isolates in Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 21, 227-233.

Dahanayake,S. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1994). Penicillium purpurogenum on fruits of Averrhoa bilimbi. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 22, 23-24.

Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Herath,W.H.M.W. (1994). An isolate of Bacillus subtilis from Sri Lanka inhibitory to Rhizoctonia solani. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 22, 15-21.

Jayatissa,H.G., Liyanage,N.I.S. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1994). Fungicides in the control of Phytophthora disease of rubber in Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 22, 7-13.

Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1994). Variations in isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from banana. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 22, 145-150. 

Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1995). In-vitro evaluation of fungicides against the clove isolate of Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum. International Journal of Pest Management, 41, 219-223.

de Silva,L.B., Herath,W.H.M.W., Gunawardena,D.S.S., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Medis S.A., Choudhary,M.I. & Clardy.J. (1995). Bisbynin, a novel secondary metabolite from the fungus Stachybotrys bisbyi (Srinivasan). Tetrahedron Letters, 36, 1997-2000.

Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1995). Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum: a potential pathogen of Hevea in Sri Lanka: factors effecting production, germination and viability of spores. Proceedings of the International Rubber Research & Development Board Symposium on Diseases of Rubber, Cochin, India, 24-38.

Wijesundera, R.L.C., Amarasekera, A.S. & Yapa, D.N.D. (1995). Production of a siderophore by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka, 23, 97-100.

Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1995). Factors affecting production, germination and viability of Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum. Indian Journal of Natural Rubber Research, 8, 38-50.

Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1996). Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum: Cultural characteristics and reproductive morphology of the clove isolate IMI 342173. Journal of the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. 77, 28-73.

Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1996). Morphological, cultural and pathogenic variations among the isolates of Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum. Journal of Plantation Crops. 24,34-42.

Wijesekera,H.T.R., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Rajapakse,C.N.K. (1996). Hyphal interactions between Trichoderma viridae and Ganoderma boninsense, the cause of coconut root and bole rot. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka, 24, 217-219.

Palamkumbura,C., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Deraniyagala,S. & Amarasekera,A.S. (1996). Anti-fungal activity of Barringtonia ceylanica bark extract. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka, 24, 279-283.

Sivakumar, D., Wijeratnam, R.S.W., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Abeyesekera, M. (1997). Post harvest diseases of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 25, 225-229.

Deraniyagala,S.A., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Weeresena, O.V.D.S.J. (1998). Anti-fungal activity of Ficus racemosa leaf extract and isolation of the active compound. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 26, 19-26.

Abeytunga, D.T.U., Peiris, T.E.M. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1998). Structure anti-bacterial relationship of some aromatic compounds. Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 26, 133-139.

Arambawela,L.S.R., Perera,A. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1999). Anti-bacterial activity of Knempheria galanga. Fitoterapia. 70, 425-427.

Sivakumar,D.,Wijeratnam,R.S.W. &  Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1999). Field sanitation and occurrence of brown spot disease of rambutan fruits.  Journal of the National Science Council, Sri Lanka. 27, 93-97.

Jayasuriya,K.E., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Jyasinghe,C.K. & Thennakoon,B.I.  (1999). A comparative study of Phytophthora meadii isolates from rubber plantations in Sri Lanka. Mycopathologia. 147, 125-132

Fernando,T.H.P.S., Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (2000). Factors affecting spore production, germination and viability of Colletotrichum acutatum isolates from Hevea brasiliensis. Mycological Research. 104, 681-685.

Silva,W.P.K., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Karunanayake,E.H., Jayasinghe,C.K. & Priyankara,.U.M.S. (2000). New hosts of Corynespora cassiicola in Sri Lanka. Plant Disease. 84, 202.

Sivakumar,D.,Wilson Wijeratnam,R.S., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Marikar,P.M.T. & Abeysekera,M. (2000). Antagonistic effects of Trichoderma harzianum on post harvest pathogens of rubber. Phytoparasitica. 28, 240-247.

Sivakumar,D.,Wilson Wijeratnam,R.S., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Abeysekera,M. (2000). Effect of potassium metabisulphite on low temperature storage of rambutan. Tropical Science. 40, 29-31.

Basnayake,M.D.V.R., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Jayasinghe,C.K. (2000). A leaf disease of Murraya koenigii caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Indian Journal of Phytopathology. 53.

Sivakumar, D., Wilson Wijeratnam, R.S. & Wijesundera, R.L.C. (2001). Effect of GRAS compounds on mycelial growth, pectic enzyme activity and disease severity of post harvest pathogens on rambutan. Phytoparasitica. 29, 135-141.

Fernando,T.H.P.S., Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (2001). Cell wall degrading enzyme secretion by Colletotrichum acutatum, the causative fungus of secondary leaf fall of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber). Mycological Research. 105, 195-201.

Atukoralage,P.S., Herath,H.M.T.B., Deraniyagala, S.A., Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Weerasinghe,P.A. (2001). Anti-fungal constituent from Gordonia dassanayakei. Fitoterapia, 72, 565-567 

Silva,W.P.K, Deraniyagala,S.A., Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Priyanka,U.M.S. (2001). Isolation of scopoletin from leaves of Hevea brasiliensis and the effect of scopoletin on pathogens of H.brasiliensis. Mycolpathologia. 153, 199-202.

Sivakumar, D., Wilson Wijeratnam, R.S., Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Abeyesekera, M. (2002). Combined effect of generally regarded as safe (GRAS) compounds and Trichoderma harzianum on the control of post harvest diseases of rambutan. Phytoprasitica, 29, 30, 43-51.

Sivakumar, D., Wilson Wijeratnam, R.S., Wijesundera R.L.C. & Abeyesekera, M. (2002). Control of post harvest diseases of rambutan using controlled atmosphere storage and potassium metabisulphite or Trichoderma harzianum. Phytoparasitica, 30, 403-409.

Sivakumar, D., Hewarathgamagae,N.K., Wilson Wijeratnam, R.S. & Wijesundera, R.L.C. (2002). Effect of ammonium carbonate & sodium bicarbonate on anthracnose of papaya. Phytoparasitica, 30. 486-492.

Sivakumar, D., Wilson Wijeratnam, R.S., Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Abeyesekera, M. (2002).  Control of postharvest diseases of rambutan using cinnamaldehyde. Crop Protection, 21, 847-852.

Perera, W.A.S.W., Abeytunga, D.T.U. & Wijesundera, R.L.C. (2002). Anti-bacterial activities of Volveriella volvacea. Journal of the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka, 29, 61-68.

Jayasuriya, K.E., Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Deraniyagala, S.A. (2003). Isolation of anti-fungal phenolic compounds from petioles of two Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) genotypes and their effect on Phytophthora meadii. Annals of Applied Biology. 142, 63-69.

Gamagae, S.U., Sivakumar, D., Wilson Wijeratnam. R.S. & Wijesundera, R.L.C. (2003). Use of sodium bicarbonate and Candida oleophila to control anthracnose of papaya during storage. Crop Protection. (In Press).

ABSTRACT PUBLICATIONS

Wijesundera, R.L.C. (1984). Cell wall degrading enzymes of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, their role in the development of bean anthracnose. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the British society of Plant Pathology and the Association of Applied Biology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1984, 1.

Dharmatilleka,A.J. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1986). A study of the cell wall degrading enzymes secreted by isolates of Rigidiporus lignosus, causative agent of the white root disease of rubber. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 42, 128.

de Silva,L.B., Herath,W.H.M.W., Wijesundewra,R.L.C. & Medis,S.A. (1987). Anti-bacterial activity of fungi isolated from seeds of Oryzae sativa. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 43, 121.

Senaratne,L.K., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Liyanage,A.de S. & de Fonseka,R.N. (1987). A comparative study of two isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from rubber. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 43, 122.

Senaratne,L.K., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Liyanage,A.de S. & de Fonseka,R.N. (1987). Some properties of pectolytic enzymes of two isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from rubber. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 43, 124.

Senaratne,L.K., Wijesundera,R.L.C., Liyanage,A.de S. & de Fonseka,R.N. (1988). Cell wall degrading enzymes in the Colletotrichum leaf disease of rubber. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 44, 112.

Mithrasena,Y.J.P.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1989). Factors effecting the growth and sporulation of Sarocladium oryzae. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 45, 26.

Kulatunga,K.M.S.M. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1989). A comparative study of forms of Poria hypolateritia. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 45, 26.

Amarasekera,A.S., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Weeresena,J. (1990). Anti-fungal activity of oxidized cashew nut shell liquid. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 46, 114.

de Silva,L.B., Herath,W.H.M.W., Gunawardena,D.S.S., & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1990). Bisbynin: A new rearranged carbohydrate dimmer from the fungus Stachybotrys bisbyi. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 46, 161.

de Silva,L.B., Gunawardena,D.S.S., Wijeratne,E.M.K., Herath,W.H.M.W., de Silva,E.D. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1992). Antibiotics from microorganisms. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 48, 126.

Perera,T.S.A., Arambawela,L.S.R. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1993). Screening of Anamirta cocculus for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity. Proceedings of the Annual Sessions of the Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka. 10, 5.

Jayasinghe,C.K. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1994). Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum, a potential pathogen of Hevea in Sri Lanka. Factors affecting the production, germination and viability of spores. IRRDB Symposium on Diseases of Hevea, Kochin, India. 7.

Perera,T.A.S., Arambawela,L.S.R. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1994). Chemical and anti-microbial studies of Knepteria galanga L. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 49, 225.

Perera,T.A.S., Arambawela,L.S.R. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1994). Screening of Hibiscus abelmoschus for chemical constituents and anti-microbial studies. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 49, 226.

Wijayaratne,D.T.U., Herath,D. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1997). Anti-microbil activities of piperine and its’ derivatives. Chemistry in Sri Lanka. 14, 17.

Thambugala,R., Arambawela,L.S.R. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1997). Anti-microbial studies on Ruella tuberosa. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 53, 268.

Dharmasiri,T.L., Wijesundera, R.L.C. & Jayaratne,A.H.R. (1998). Isolate comparison of Phytophthora meadii. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 54, 192.

Weeresena,O.V.D.S.J., Chandrasekeran,N.V., Wijesundera,R.L.C. & Karunanayake,E.H. (1998). Development of a DNA probe to detect Rhizoctonia solani. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 54, 192.

Abeytunga,D.T.U., Peiris,T.E.M., Jayasinghe,V. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1998). Activity of some aromatic acids against Rhizoctonia solani. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 54, 323.

Kumaratunga,K.G.A., Arambawela,L.S.R. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (1998). Anti-microbial activity of Alpinia calcarata. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 54, 308-309.

Kumaratunga,K.G.A., Ekenayake,S., Arambawela,L.S.R. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (2000). Anti-microbial studies on piper betle grown in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 56, 188.

Atukoralage,P.S., Herath,H.M.T.B., Deraniyagala,S.A. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (2000). Anti-fungal constituents of Gordonia dassanayakei. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 56, 255.

BOOKS

Wijesundera, R.L.C. (1989). Plant Pathology I – Theory of Plant Pathology. The Open University of Sri Lanka. Open University Press, pp 118.

Wijesundera, R.L.C. (1991). Plant Pathology II – Plant Pathology in Practice. The Open University of Sri Lanka. Open University Press, pp 82.

Revised and reprinted in 1997 with Senaratne,L.N.K., PP 105.

CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

1. Wijesundera, R.L.C. (1991). Carbohydrates. In “Biochemistry – Part I”; Open University of Sri Lanka. Open University Press, pp 13-22.

2. Wijesundera, R.L.C. (1991). Vitamins. In “Biochemistry – Part I”; Open University of Sri Lanka. Open University Press, pp 51-59

MONOGRAPHS

Deraniyagala,S.A. & Wijesundera,R.L.C. (2002). Ficus benghalensis. Published by the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka, pp 50.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES  

NATIONAL LEVEL

UNDP consultant to the Open University of Sri Lanka to develop courses of study for students reading for the B.Sc. degree, 1985.

Chief Examiner – Botany, G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, 1985 onwards

Member, Setting Panel – Botany and Biology, G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, 1995 onwards

Member, Executive Committee, World University Service, Sri Lanka National Committee, 1990-1993 and from 1995-1998.

Senior Treasurer, World University Service, Sri Lanka National Committee, 1992-1995.

Secretary, Section D (Life Sciences) of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), 1988.

Committee Member, Section D, SLAAS, 1987-1990.

Member, Sub-Committee on Post Harvest Technology, Presidential Task Force on Science and Technology, 1997/1998.

Member, Apex Committee – Revision of Glossaries, Official Languages Commission, Sri Lanka. 1999-2001

Coordinator, Specialist Committee, Biological Sciences – Revision of Glossaries, Official Languages Commission, Sri Lanka. 1999-2001

Council Member, Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, 2000/2001

Member, Research Committee, Botany and Microbiology, National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka, 2002/03

UNIVERSITY LEVEL

Student Counsellor, University of Colombo, 1989-1998. On many occasions has acted for the Senior Student Counsellor.

Vice-President, World University Service, University of Colombo branch 1987-1989.

President, World University Service, University of Colombo branch, 1990-1995.

Senior Treasurer, Science Society, University of Colombo, 1987-1990.

Treasurer, Science Teachers Association, University of Colombo, 1988-1989.

Member, Executive Committee, March for Conservation, University of Colombo, 1997-2001.

Member, Senate, University of Colombo, 1996 onwards.

Elected Member, Biological Science Board of Study, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2001 to-date

Elected Member, Faculty Board, Faculty of Science, Open University of Sri Lanka, 2001 – 2002.

Member, Board of Management, Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, 2002 to-date.

Member, Board of Management, Institute of Computer Technology, University of Colombo 2002.

Member, Board of Management, University of Colombo School of Computing, 2002 to-date.

Member, Academic Syndicate, Institute of Workers’ Education, University of Colombo 2002 to-date.

Office of the Dean

Faculty of Science

UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO