FULL NAME

Kaluthanthiri Liyanage Wasantha Kumara

PERSONAL

Born August 31, 1966

Married, 2 children

NATIONALITY

Sri Lankan

LANGUAGE ABILITY

English excellent

Sinhala mother tongue excellent

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Australian Alumni Excellence Award – 2015, Australian trade commission, Government of Australia.

• Endeavour research award-2011 for post doctoral studies (6 months), University of Melbourne, Australia

• Best presenter – Second National Symposium (Theme: Agriculture & Environment).

• Best presenter - Second National Symposium (Theme: Innovations & Technologies).

• Awarded a scholarship to carry out PhD studies in India under the CARP long-term training program (3 years).

• Gold Medal at the general convocation of University of Ruhuna for best performances in academic studies.

• University colours for Swimming in 1992.

• Member of the “Quiz team” which won the First place at the Inter University Quiz Competition in 1992.

Receiving first place in the open category under Agriculture at the “SahasakNimavum” 2017 – National Exhibition for Inventions and Innovations ( A group activity)

Firsts place for the invention of “Mushroom grow bag filling machine” under the open category at the Ruhuna Invention &Innovation Exhibition - 2017

HIGHER EDUCATION

• 2001-2004 Ph.D (Plant Pathology), University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), G.K.V.K. Campus, Bangalore, India. Thesis was submitted on the “Studies of anthracnose disease of papaya caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporilides (Penz.) Penz. And Sacc. and its' management“.

• 1996-1998 M.Sc. (Plant Protection), Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

• 1986-1993 BSc. (Agriculture), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Current position – Professor, Dept. of Agric. Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka.

• 21stFebruary, 2016 to 21st February, 2019 – Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka.

1st February 2010 to 30th November 2010 - Senior Research Officer, Tea Research Institute, Thalawakelle, Sri Lanka (On sabbatical)

• July 2004 - January 2010 - Senior Lecturer in Plant Pathology, Dept. of Agric. Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka.

• December 1994 – June 2004 - Lecturer in Plant Pathology, Dept. of Agric. Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka..

• July–November, 1994 - Research Officer, Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP), Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• March–July, 1994 - Temporary Assistant Lecturer; Dept. of Agric. Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka

• October 1993 –March 1994 - Temporary Research Assistant, BNF Project, Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS), Kandy, Sri Lanka.

OTHER EXPERIENCES / APPOINMENTS

• 2004 onwards, Visiting Lecturer, M.Sc. in Crop Protection, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna.

• Current position – Professor, Dept. of Agric. Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka.

• 2001-2004 Ph.D (Plant Pathology), University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), G.K.V.K. Campus, Bangalore, India. Thesis was submitted on the “Studies of anthracnose disease of papaya caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporilides (Penz.) Penz. And Sacc. and its' management“.

• 1996-1998 M.Sc. (Plant Protection), Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

• 1986-1993 BSc. (Agriculture), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.

• 1st February 2010 to 30th November 2010 - Senior Research Officer, Tea Research Institute, Thalawakelle, Sri Lanka (On sabbatical).

• 2006 January onward Head, Department of Agricultural Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna.

• July 2004 - January 2010 - Senior Lecturer in Plant Pathology, Dept. of Agric. Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka.

• December 1994 – June 2004 - Lecturer in Plant Pathology, Dept. of Agric. Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka.

• 1994  July to 1994 November, -  Research Officer, Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP), Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• 1994 March to  1994 July,  Temporary Assistant Lecturer, Dept. of Agric. Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna.

• 1993 October to 1994 March, Temporary Research Assistant, BNF Project, Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS), Kandy, Sri Lanka.

• 2006, Reviewer of Manuscripts, Annual symposium of the Department of Agriculture (ASDA), Peradeniya Sri Lanka.

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

• Member, American Phytopathological Society (APS), USA

Member, National Science and Technology Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Member, Board of Management, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2016 to 2019

Member to the National committee on Plant Protection, Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP), Colombo, Sri Lanka since 2013.

• 1996 onward, Life member, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS).

TRAININGS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS ATTENDED

• Learning, action research and outreach - Making higher education boost food security, Short term training workshop, 11 to 30 March, 2018, Wageningen, the Netherlands

• ASCENT workshop: November 22nd to 24th,Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

• 7th ICBR Conference: November 27th to 29th, Swissotel Le Concorde, Bangkok, Thailand

• 6th International conference of Pakistan Phytopathological Society from 19th to 21st November, 2017, at Multan University, Multan, Pakistan

• 4th China-ASEAN Tea Culture Forum, 28-29 July 2017 at ASEAN Research Institute of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China

• International Society for Mushroom Science (ISMS) congress 2016, 29th May to 2 June, 2017, Amsterdam, the Nederlands

• Short term training on Agricultural Research Management, 22nd to 1st December 2014 at NAARM, Hyderabad, India.

• Workshop on Emerging postharvest technologies for fresh fruits and vegetables, 23rd to 28th September, 2013, Bali, Indonesia.

• Mycology workshop on Agaricales and Polyporales, 8-11 December 2007, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• 23 August -13 September 2006, Workshop on Virus-free Rejuvenation and Wholesale Propagation of Cash Crops, Zhejiang，China.

• 23 January - 10 February, 2006, International Training Course on Detection of Environmental Pollutants, Testing and Screening of Toxicity; Bangkok, Thailand.

• 19 March 2000 to 30 June 2000, Fifteen weeks training on Integrated Pest Management, International Agricultural Centre (IAC), Wageningen, the Netherlands.

•  8th-18th February 1999, regional training in Biotechnology, organised by UNESCO India and University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

RESOURCE PERSON IN SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS

• Resource person, CCPDHE program, University of Ruhuna- 2009, 2013, 2014

• Resource person Hortivar awareness program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhunation potential and strain improvement of wild edible mushrooms of Sri Lanka (2 M).

• Resource person for the training workshop for Agricultural Research & Development Assistants.

• Resource person for Five workshops on IPM/Pest control.

• Resource person for the seminar on Genetic Engineering.

• Resource person for the workshop on Organic farming.

• Resource person for large number of workshops on mushroom cultivation.

FUNDS RECIEVED

• Transforming university of Ruhuna to International status (TURIS) – 2012 grant: Investigating commercial cultivation potential and strain improvement of wild edible mushrooms of Sri Lanka (2 M).

• Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy- Competitive Research Grant: Development of management strategies for Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease (WCLWD) in Sri Lanka (5 M).

• CIDA Project on Environmental and Livelihood Restoration and Development in Tsunami-affected Coastal Areas of Sri Lanka – Research grant for cultivation of mushrooms (1.1 M).

• Molecular and biochemical characterizations of Sri Lankan Cinnamon and their wild relatives and expression analysis of major biochemical genes under different environmental conditions and plant parts to enhance utilization value of cinnamon in Sri Lanka (NSF grant no. SP/CIN/2016/01; 44.2 Mn SLR – Ongoing; Co Investigator)

• Investigation of aetiology, disease development and management of rough bark disease of cinnamon (CinnamomumzeylanicumBlume) – (NSF InvestorDriven Grant 18 – 012 – Ongoing; Co Investigator)

• Investigation of genetic diversity of Cinnamomumverumgermplasm in Sri Lanka (4.0 M SLR) – Co Investigator

• Investigation of aetiology, disease development, and management of rough bark disease of cinnamon (CinnamomumzeylanicumBlume) NRC Grant 18 -012 – Co Investigator

PUBLIC SERVICE, OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

• Working as a consultant/resource person in popularizing mushroom cultivation in the Southern region since 2005

TEACHING

Undergraduate level

• From January 1994 to date: Taught at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka: I have taught the following courses for undergraduates: Principles of Plant Pathology, Advance Plant Pathology, Physiological Plant Pathology, Plant disease epidemiology, Applied Plant Protection.

Postgraduate level:

• 2005-present: Taught: Plant Pathology, Integrated Pest, Vector and Disease Management, Pesticide Pharmacology, Biotechnology in Crop Protection, Microbial biotechnology.

STUDENT SUPERVISION

• A) Undergraduate students:

  (Six months, Dissertations submitted) I have supervised more than 40 undergraduate students in the area of Plant Pathology from 1999 to date.

• B). Postgraduate students:

As principle supervisor

• Fuad Hossain; PhD (Title: Biodiesel production from freshwater Cyanobacteria and micro algae of Sri Lanka and their morphological and molecular characterization) - On going

• DAN Guruge; MPhill (Title: Cultivation potential of selected wild edible mushrooms of Sri Lanka and their strain improvement for commercial production ) - On going

• WADR Tharanga; MPhill (Title: Identification and selection of CLF Resistant clones to Hevea breeding pool using microsatellite markers) - On going

As a co-supervisor

• . Rumana Azad; PhD (Title: Investigation of genetic diversity of Cinnamomum verum germplasm in Sri Lanka) - On going

• .Yogarajah Kavery; MPhill (Title: Prevalence and pathogenicity of anthracnose fungi (Colletotrichum spp) on papaya in Sri Lanka and evaluation of effective non-hazardous control measures - Completed

Two years: At MSc level

• Ms. A H K Hettiarachchi; MSc in Crop Protection [Title: “Studies on grain discoloration of Paddy (Oryzsa sativa L.)”]

• Ms. B H K Pavithra; MSc in Crop Protection (Title: "Studying antifungal activity of some selected carbonic acid salts against Colletotrichum musae causing anthracnose disease of banana")

• M.T.Gunasena; MSc in Crop Protection (Title: "Studies on abundance and distribution of Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) in Udawalawa area and varietal screening for disease resistance".

UNIVERSITY,CAMPUS SERVICE

• Head of the Department of Agric. Biology - 21 January 2006 to 30 March, 2007 and, March 2013 to date Acting Head, Dept. of Agric. Biology - October 21, 2005 - January 20, 2006.

• Cordinator (Training), Distance & Continuing Education Unit, University of Ruhuna – 16th April 2015 to date

• Co-editor – Journal of “Tropical Agriculture Research and Extension”, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna

• Career guidance advisor – Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 2006 to date

• Student Counselor - Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 2005 to 2008

• Coordinator - M.Sc. in Crop Protection, Jointly conducted by Faculties of Science and Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, December 2007- to February 2010

• Member – Sports Advisory Board, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2005 to 2008

• Treasurer, Ruhuna University Agriculture Faculty Teachers Association, (1998/99; 2006~2008)

• Secretary, Alumni Association, Faculty of Agriculture (1996/97)

• President, Alumni Association, Faculty of Agriculture (2008)

• President of the Welfare Society of the Faculty (2008)

• President – Staff club, Faculty of Agriculture (2006~2008)

• Coordinator – International Symposium on Agriculture & Environment (ISAE) - 2013

• Secretary – International Symposium on Agriculture & Environment (ISAE) - 2012

RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT

• Engage in research on estimation and sustainable utilization of solid wastes of household sector through community participation funded by National Science Foundation (NSF), Sri Lanka.

• Evaluation of selected fungicides for management of Sheath Blight disease of rice

• Studies on anthracnose development on pods of brinjal (Collaboration with HoRDI, Gannoruwa)

• Study on bacteria associated with imported seed potato (Collaboration with HoRDI, Gannoruwa)

•  In vitro evaluation of botanicals for their efficacy in managing anthracnose disease of banana caused by Colletotrichum musae

 

CURRENT RESEARCH

 

• Commercialization potential of wild edible mushroom species of Sri Lanka

• Biodiesel production from freshwater Cyanobacteria and micro algae of Sri Lanka and their morphological and molecular characterization

• Identification and selection of CLF Resistant clones to Hevea breeding pool using microsatellite markers

• Molecular and biochemical characterization of Sri Lankan cinnamon and their wild relatives, and expression analysis of major biochemical genes under different environmental conditions and plant parts to enhance utilization value of cinnamon in Sri Lanka

• Investigation of genetic diversity of cinnamon (Cinnamomumverum) germplasm in Sri Lanka

• Investigation of aetiology, disease development, and management of rough bark disease of cinnamon (CinnamomumzeylanicumBlume)

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

1Azad,R., Wasantha Kumara, K. L., Senanayake, G., Ranawaka, R.A.A.K., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G., and Geekiyanage, S. (…….), Intensity of leaf spot and rough bark diseases in cinnamon accessions collected from major cinnamon growing areas of Sri Lanka,Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, manuscript under review.

Hossain, F Md, Ratnayake, R R, Malika, M S, Wijayaratne, W M D G B and Kumara, K L W (2018), Antimicrobial Activities of Some Selected Cyanobacteria from Fresh Water Bodies of Sri Lanka, Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences (SJAMS),(Accepted for publication in Vol6 Issue 8).

Azad, R., Wasantha Kumara, K.L., Senanayake, S., Ranawaka, R.A.A.K., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G., and Geekiyanage, S. (2018), Flower morphological diversity of cinnamon (CinnamomumverumPresl.) in Matara District, Sri Lanka, Open Agriculture, 3:236-244; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2018-0025

Hossain, F Md., Ratnayake, R R, Jayasinghe, M.V.U.M, Kulasooriya S A, and Kumara, K L W. (….),“Effect of nutrients and physical parameters on cyanobacterial growth isolated from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka towards biodiesel production: A laboratory study.”Current Science: manuscript under review.

Namalee, D G A, Sarasi, H M R, Udugama, S and Waasantha Kumara, K L (2017),Cultivation Potential of Lentinusgiganteus (Urupaha): A Wild Edible Mushroom of Sri Lanka, In:Baars&Sonnenberg (Eds), Mushroom Science, 19 (Part 1): 200-203.

Jayasinghe, G G, Wasantha Kumara K L, Wijayawardana M W G C, Wijesinghe K G G, Samaraweera D N and Priyangika, K M M.(2017), Rough bark disease on cinnamon (Cinnamomumzeylanicum): Disease symptoms development and the causal agent with special reference to its morphology, histopathology and nutritional status of affected plants, Proceedings of the symposium on minor export crops (Ed: B. Marambe) 16 – 17, March 2017, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pp 63-72.

Hossain, F., Ratnayake, R. R., Kulasooriya, S. A., & Kumara, K. L. W. (2017). Culturable cyanobacteria from some selected water bodies located in the major climatic zones of Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 46 (1), 47–54

Hossain, F Md, Ratnayake, R. R. Meerajini, K. , Kumara, K.L.W.(2016),Antioxidant Properties of Some Selected Cyanobacteria Isolated from Fresh Water Bodies of Sri Lanka, Food Science & Nutrition,4 (5): 753-758.DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.340.

Hossain, F Md,Ratnayake, R. R., and Kumara, K L W.(2016), “Isolation, purification and culturing of cyanobacteria and micro-algae towards biodiesel production: current status.” American Journal of Biomass and Bioenergy 5(3): 111-129. DOI:10.7726/ajbb.2016.1009.

Azad, R., Ranawaka, R.A.A.K., Senanayake, S., Wasantha Kumara, K.L., Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G., Wijesinghe, K.G.G. and Geekiyanage, S. (2016), Morphological variation of cinnamon (CinnamomumverumPersl.) germplasm in Matara District of Sri Lanka, International Journal of Minor Fruits, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 2(1): 6-14.

Hossain, F Md,Ratnayake, R. R., Jayasinghe, M V U M, Kulasooriya, S A and Kumara, K L W (2015), “Renewable energy: An attempt towards biodiesel production from cyanobacteria and micro-algae isolated from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka.” Sri Lanka Energy Empowered Nation: Research Findings; Ministry of power & energy and University of Sri Jayewardenepura. vol. 1: 180-185.

Sinniah, G D, Brahakmanage, R S, Tharanga, W A D R and Kumara, K L W (2016), Leaf morphological and structural characters associated with resistance/susceptibility of tea cultivars to blister blight disease, Sri Lanka Journal of Tea Science, 80:(Part 1&2): 40-54.

Sinniah, G.D., Wassntha Kumara, K. L.,Karunajeewa and D. G. N. P. and Ranatunga, M. A. B (2015), Development of an assessment key and techniques for field screening of tea (Camellia sinensisL.) cultivars for resistance to blister blight. Crop Protection, 79: 143-149, DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2015.10.17

Abeysinghe, D.C., Mewan, K.M., Kumari, W.M.S.S and Kumara, K.L.W. (2015), Morphological and Molecular Differences of ExobasidiumvexansMassee Causing Blister Blight Disease of Tea, Journal of the Korean Tea Society, (Special Issue 2015.04) : 72-76.

Ratnayake, R.R., Jayasinghe, M.V.U. M., A Kulasooriya, S. and Kumara, K L W (2015), Effect of Nutrients and Physical Parameters on Cyanobacterial Growth Isolated from Fresh Water Bodies of Sri Lanka towards Biodiesel Production: A laboratory study, Aquatic Botany, (Under review).

Ratnayake, RR., Wasantha Kumara, K L. , Amunugama, E.M.D.W.S.W., Mohanan, K and Punyasiri, N. (2014), Biodegradative ability of cellulolytic microbial isolates on sugarcane crop residues towards bio-fuel production, Journal of National Science Foundation, (Under review).

Wasantha Kumara K. L. and Edirimanna I. C. S. (2009), Improvement of strains of two oyster mushroom cultivars using duel culture technique, World Applied Sciences Journal, 7(5):654-660.

Wasantha Kumara K. L., Vanni Akella, and Rawal R. D. (2009), Use of RAPD-PCR and Phage display techniques to study variation in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from Papaya (Carica papaya L.), Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension, 13(4):99-105.

Kumara K.L.W. and Rawal R.D. (2009), Screening of papaya cultivars against anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc., Journal of Science - Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 6 (1):27-33.

Wasantha Kumara, K. L. and Rawal R. D. (2008), Influence of carbon, nitrogen, temperature and pH on the growth and sporulation of some Indian isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose disease of papaya (Carrica papaya L.), Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension, 11:7-12.

Rajapakse, R. H. S. and Wasantha Kumara K. L. (2007), A Review of Identification and Management of Pests and Diseases of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension, 10: 1-10.

Tharanga, W.A.D.R., Sinniah G.D. and Kumara, K.L.W. (2014), Germination of Exobasidium vexans on Resistant and Susceptible Tea Cultivars, Proc. Int. Symp. on Agric. and Envt. (ISAE)-2013: 6th May 2014, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, pp. 129-134 pp.

Namalee, D.G.A., Manawadu, I.P. and Kumara, K.L.W. (2012), Performance of Schyzophyllum commune (Fries), a wild edible mushroom on saw dust based compost media, Proc. Int. Symp. on Agric. and Envt. (ISAE)-2012: 15th March 2013, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, pp. 22-25 pp.

Manawadu, I.P., Mohotti, K., Senanayake, P. and Kumara, K L W (2012), Wood rot associated fungal species in low country live wood termite (Glyptotermes dilantatus) infestation in susceptible (TRI 4042)and tolerant (TRI 3055) tea cultivars, Proc. Int. Symp. on Agric. and Envt. (ISAE)-2012: 15th March 2013, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 32-37 pp.

Sinnaiah, G.D., Alagiyawadu, U. D. and Wassntha Kumara, K. L. (2012), An assessment key for tea blister blight: Development and validation, Proc. of the fourth symposium on plantation crop research, pp. 135-144, (Eds.) L. S. K. Hettiarachchi, and I . S. B. Abeysinghe. September 20-21, Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Peris, T.U.S., Samitha, S., Kumara, K.L.W., Deshapriya, K.K. and Karunajeewa, D.G.N. (2012), Forecasting risk of occurence of blister blight disease of tea using weather parameters, Proc. of the fourth symposium on plantation crop research, pp. 171-183, (Eds.) L. S. K. Hettiarachchi, and I . S. B. Abeysinghe. September 20-21, Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Kumari, W.M.S.S., Kumara, K.L.W., Jayasundara, J.K.K., Mevan, K.M., Premathilaka, K.B.A.G and Abeysinghe, D.C. (2010), Morphological, cultural & molecular differences of Exobasidium vexans Messee causing blister blight disease of tea, Proc. Of 10th Agric. Res. Symp., Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 12th – 13th August 2010, 198-202.

Kumara K.L.W., Ranamukage, D., Sapumohotti W. P. and de Silva P. H. A. U. (2007), Investigation of Weeds as Symptomless Careers of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense of Banana, Proc. 21st Asian Pacific Weed Science Society Conference, pp 493-497, (Eds.) B. Marambe, U. R. Sangakkara, W. A. J. M. de Costa, and A. S. K. Abeysekara, 2-6 October 2007, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Kumara, K.L.W. and Rawal, R.D. (2004), Cross infectivity and survivability of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from papaya, Proc. Second Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, 16th December, 2004, 27-32 pp.

INVITED SPEECHES

Kumara, K L W (2018), Climate change and plant diseases: Current scenario, challenges, and research gaps, 10th May 2018 at National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan.

Kumara, K L W (2018), Sri Lankan edible mushrooms, their cultivation, research progress, and future scope, 9th May 2018 at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU),Tainan,Taiwan.

Kumara, K L W (2017),Climate change impacts on plant pathogens and plant diseases: Recent findings and uncertainty of predictions, 6th International Conference of Pakistan Phytopathological Society (ICPPS) – 2017, BahauddinZakariya University, Multan, Pakistan.

Kumara, K,L,W (2014), Climate change and plant diseases : Research gaps and future prospects, Invited Presentation, Technical session 3B (Plant Protection), 16th Annual Symposium of the Department of Agriculture (ASDA), 25th & 26th September, 2014, Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Gannoruwa, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES, MEETINGS OF PROFESSINAL ASSOCIATIONS

Published in Abstract Form

Karunarathna KBMDK, Jayasekara SK,Kumara KLW, and Ratnayake RR (2018), Exploration of cellulolytic fungi as seed treatment agents against causal organisms of damping off disease in tomato, Proc. of the Wayamba International Conference 2018 – (WinC 2018), 24 & 25, August, 2018, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya.

Karunarathna, S., Jayasekara, S., Wasantha Kumaraand Ratnayake, RR (2018), Evaluation of cellulolytic fungi from Sri Lanka for biostone washing of denim in comparison with commercial celluloses, Proc. of the Wayamba International Conference 2018 – (WinC 2018), 24 & 25th August, 2018, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya.

Sandamali, S A A W , Jayasinghe, G G, Maithreepala, R A and Wasantha Kumara, K L (2017), Studying disease development of rough bark disease of cinnamon (CinnamomumzeylanicumBlume), Proc. of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE) - 2017, 19th January, 2017, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 8p.

Dilhani, MI, Perera, PCD,Dharmawardhana, DTPS and Wasantha Kumara, KL (2016),Improving the Accuracy of Disease Severity Assessment of Raters Using DiseasePro® Software: The case of Blister Blight in Tea, Proc. of the13th Academic Sessions and 12th Vice Chancellor’s Awards, University of Ruhuna, 2nd March 2016, Faculty of Agriculture, Mapalana, Sri Lanka

FuadHossain, Md, R.R. Ratnayake, R. Nadarajah, K.L.W. Kumara (2016), “Wastewater treatment potential of cyanobacteria isolated from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka.” 16th conference of the science council of Asia, ‘Science for the People: Mobilizing Modern Technologies for Sustainable Development in Asia’, 137p.

FuadHossain, Md,R.R. Ratnayake, KNS Jayalath,K.L. Wasantha Kumara (2016), "Comparative study on different fatty acid extraction methods for fresh water Cyanobacteria." Annual conference for Sri Lankan society for microbiologists, 33p.

FuadHossain, Md, R.R. Ratnayake, M.S. Malika, K.L.W.Kumara (2016), “Sun protection factor of selected cyanobacteria isolated from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka.” Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 103p.

FuadHossain, Md,, R.R. Ratnayake, M.S. Malika,S. Jayalath, K.L.W.Kumara “Energy crisis: solution from blue green algae" Exhibition on Toxin Free Nation- 2016, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka: (6-8 March, 2016).

FuadHossain, Md, R.R. Ratnayake, M.S. Malika,W.M.D.G.B. Wijayaratne, K.L.W.Kumara (2016), “Anti-pathogenic activity of selected cyanobacteria isolated from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka”. Wayamba international conference WinC- 2016, ‘Managing Systems from Source to Sink: Current Theories and Applications. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka 195p.

FuadHossain, Md,, R.R. Ratnayake, E.G.C.K. Priyadarshika, S.A. Kulasooriya and K.L.W. Kumara (2015),“Comparison of the occurrence of cyanobacteria among water bodies in different climatic zones of Sri Lanka.” Annual conference for Sri Lankan society for microbiologists, 12p

FuadHossain, Md,, R.R. Ratnayake, K.L.W. Kumara, S.A. Kulasooriya, M.V.U.M. Jayasinghe (2015), “Growth optimization of cyanobacteria and micro-algae from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka towards biodiesel production.” NIFS annual research sessions-2014, 62p.

Namalee D G A, Sarasi H M R, Udugama, S and Waasantha Kumara, K L (2016), Cultivation Potential of Lentinusgiganteus (Urupaha): A Wild Edible Mushroom of Sri Lanka, Proc Int. Soc. Mushroom Sci (ISMS) congress 2016, Amsterdam, the Nederlands

Abeywickrama, GDPD, Ranatunga, NP, Wasantha Kumara, KL and Sandani, HBP (2016), Cross infection potential of Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose disease in Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum species, Proc. of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE) - 2016, 13th January, 2016, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 8p.

MD FuadHossain, R. R. Ratnayake, E.G.C.K. Priyadarshika, S.A. Kulasooriya and K.L.W Kumara (2015). “Comparison of the occurrence of cyanobacteria among water bodies in different climatic zones of Sri Lanka.” Annual conference for Sri Lankan society for microbiologist (SSM). (2015).

FuadHossain MD, Ratnayake, R R, Jayasinghe, M.V.U.M, Kulasooriya, S.A. and Kumara, K.L.W. (2015), Renewable Energy: An Attempt towards Bio-diesel Production from Cyanobacteria and Micro-Algae Isolated from Fresh Water Bodies of Sri Lanka, Proceedings of theInternational Symposium on Energy Challenges in the Knowledge Economy: June 26-27, 2015, Colombo, Sri Laka, (In print).

MdFuadHossain, Renuka R. Ratnayake, K.L.W Kumara, S.A. Kulasooriya, M.V.U. Jayasinghe (2015), “Growth optimization of cyanobacteria and micro-algae from fresh water bodies of Sri Lanka towards biodiesel production.” NIFS annual research sessions-2015: 62.

Kumara, K.L.W. (2009), Studies on substrate and optimum conditions for the spawn production of four Pleurotus species, Proc. of the 65th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS).

Kumara, K.L.W. (2009), Coupling pre-harvest fungicidal sprays with postharvest chemical dip for the management of anthracnose disease of papaya, Proc. of the 65th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS).

Pushpakumari, H. W. L., Dushani, S. N., Wasantha Kumara, K. L. and Abeywickrama, L. M. (2009), Problems and prospects of mushroom cultivation in Akuressa and Kamburupitiya DS Divisions, Proc. of the Second National Symposium 2008, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 10th September 2009, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 67 p.

Pavithra, B. H .K. W. and Wasantha Kumara, K. L. (2009), Studying antifungal activity of some carbonic acid salts against Colletotrichum musae, Proc. of the Second National Symposium 2008, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 10th September 2009, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 26 p.

Biyanvila, H. U. M. R. W., Mohotti, K., Wasantha Kumara, K. L. and Nugaliyadda, L. (2009), Statistical validation of cultivar screening parameters against Tea nematodes: A preliminary comparision, Proc. of the Second National Symposium 2008, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 10th September 2009, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 94p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L., Ransimala, R. G. D. and Dissanayake, N. N. (2008), Identification of cost effective medium for Oyster mushroom cultivation in Sri Lanka, Proc. of the 64th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), 1st to 6th December, 2008, Colombo, 255p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (2008), Hot water double dip method as an effective postharvest treatment for the control of Anthracnose disease of papaya, Proc. of the 64th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), 1st to 6th December, 2008, Colombo, 245p.

Kandanamulla, K.A.T.K.G. Rajapakse, R.G.A.S. Wasantha Kumara, K. L. (2008), Effect of surface factors and varietal susceptibility for the development of anthracnose in Solanum melongina L. (Brinjal), Proc. of the 64th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), 1st to 6th December, 2008, Colombo, 256p.

Kumara, K.L.W. and Kusumalatha, L. G. (2008), Survey on pests and diseases of rice and their management in Matara district, Proc. of the National Symposium 2008, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 23rd and 24th October, 2008, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 37 p.

Kumara, K.L.W., Ransimala, D. G. P. and Dissanayake, N. N. (2008), Use of agricultural byproducts for the cultivation of Oyster mushrooms at seed production and fruit production stages, Proc. of the National Symposium 2008, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 23rd and 24th October, 2008, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 74 p.

Wasantha Kumara, K. L., Kusumalatha, L. G. and Pathirana, R. (2008), Screening of aromatic and non aromatic rice varieties for resistance to blast and bacterial leaf blight diseases, Proc. of the National Symposium 2008, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 23rd and 24th October, 2008, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, 36 p.

Wasantha Kumara, K. L. (2008), Mushroom cultivation: A profitable enterprise for Tsunami affected people in Madiha East, Abstracts of proceedings of the first conference of the CIDA restore project, 28th April 2008, Tangarine Beach Hotel, Kaluthara, Sri Lanka, 13p.

Perera, H. S. C. and Kumara, K. L. W. (2008), Impact analysis of mushroom culture and other enterprises in Madiha, Matara, Abstracts of proceedings of the first conference of the CIDA restore project, 28th April 2008, Tangarine Beach Hotel, Kaluthara, Sri Lanka, 11p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L., Shashikala, W.M.M., Gunawardane, I. and Nugaliyadde, L. (2007), Evaluation of four fungicides for the control of Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) disease of rice under in vitro and field conditions, Abstracts of Proc. of the Asian Mycology Congress (AMC 2007) and Xth International Marine and Freshwater Mycology Symposium (IMFMS), 80p (Eds.) S. Kamaruzaman, Z A M Ahmad, S Vikineswary and J Y Tin, 02 – 06 December 2007, Parkroyal, Penang, Malaysia, 80p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (2007), Effect of substrates on the growth and sporulation of C. gloeosporioides isolated from papaya (Carrica papaya L.), (Proc. of the 63rd annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), 03rd to 8th December, 2007, Colombo, 168-169 pp.

Kandanamulla, K A T K G, Rajapakse, R G A S and Wasantha Kumara K L (2007), Effect of chemical factors on development of anthracnose in brinjal (Solonum melongina L), Proceedings of the 9th annual student research sessions, Faculty of Agricultuer, University of Ruhuna, 5-11 pp.

Wasantha Kumara K.L. and Rawal R.D (2006), Nutritional and Physiological studies of different isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose disease of papaya (Carica papaya L.) in India, 10th Anniversary International Symposium, 4th-8th July 2006, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 42p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (2006), Determination of susceptible age/stage of seedlings, leaves and fruits of papaya to anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc., Proc. of the 62nd annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science ( SLAAS), 09th to 13th December, 2006, Colombo, 24p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (2006), Differentiation of isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using RAPD, Proc. of the 62nd annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science ( SLAAS), 09th to 13th December, 2006, Colombo, 176p.

Somarathna, A N N, Ariyarathna, I and Wasantha Kumara, K L. (2005), Identification of a new virus disease of snake gourd by host range studies and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Proceedings of the sixth annual research session of agricultural graduates, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 44-46 pp.

Rawal, R.D. and Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (2002), Studies on fruit and petiole infection of papaya by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc., Symposium on Plant Disease Scenario in Southern India, December 19-21, 2002, Bangalore, 52-53pp.

Mohotti, K.M., Prathapasinghe, A.R., Rasangi, N.G.N., Jayasinghe, S., Jayawickrama, P.K. and Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (2002), Importance of improving biological activity of soils in southern province of Sri Lanka, Proc. Eighth Annu. Forestry and Environt. Symposium, 12th -13th December, 2002, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, 52p.

Kumara, K.L.W., Pathirana, R. and Kusumalatha, L.G. (2001), Reaction of selected rice varieties to rice blast, sheath blight and bacterial leaf blight diseases in Matara district; Proc. of the 57th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), 26 November – 01 December, 2001, Colombo, 56p.

Sapumohotti, W.P. and Kumara, K.L.W. (2001), Seed-borne fungi in Mungbean (Vigna radiata) in Sri Lanka; Proc. of the 57th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), 26 November – 01 December, 2001, Colombo, 88 p.

P.H.A.U. de Silva, Kumara, K.L.W. and Sapumohotti, W.P. (2001). Survey of weed flora of banana fields in the Hambantota district; Proc. of the 57th annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science ( SLAAS), 26 November – 01 December, 2001, Colombo, 89p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (1999). Study of leaf galls, leaf spots and scab-like condition of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) in Matara District. Proceedings of 55th annual session of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Colombo, Sri Lanka. 29 Nov. - 03 December 1999, 65p.

Wasantha Kumara, K.L. (1999), Effect of some agronomic practices on the incidence of leaf spot disease (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) in cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) in southern region of Sri Lanka. SLAAS-University of Ruhuna Seminar on “Pest control in the next millennium”, 1999, SLAAS, Colombo (Abstract).

Balachandra, L.J.A., Wasantha Kumara, K.L., van Holm, L.H.J. and Thamara Kumari, I.A.D.C. (1994). Nitrogen release and recycling potential of Sesbania rostrata as a Green Manure mixed with Organic materials in a Rice-based cropping system. Annual Review, Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS), Kandy, Sri Lanka, 75p.

OTHERS / NOT PRESENTED IN ABSTRACT FORMS

Presented in conferences

Kumara, K L W, Seneweera, S. and Ford, R. (2011). Impact of elevated CO2 on Ascochyta blight disease of field pea, FACE Science meeting, 3rd November 2011, Department of Primary Industries, Horsham, Australia.

Kumara, K L W (2018), 150 years of Tea culture in Sri Lanka: Current status and future prospects, 5th China-ASEAN Tea Culture Forum, 26th and 27th July 2018, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China

UNPUBLISHED PAPERS, MANUSCRIPTS

Wasantha Kumara K. L., Vanni Akella, and Rawal R. D. (2008), Production of monoclonal antibodies for identification of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using phage display technique, Proceedings of the workshop on "Technologies developed by Faculties of Agriculture", (Invited speech), CARP, Colombo.

Wasantha Kumara K. L., Agricultural practices affecting pesticide fate, Paper presented at the workshop held on "Towards better understanding of pesticide risks to human and ecosystem, 22nd May 2006, (Invited speech), Plant genetic research centre, Gannoruwa, Peradeniya.

Wasantha Kumara K. L. (2008), Role of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna in promoting and research on mushroom cultivation in the southern region, Sector workshop on mushroom research and development program, 25th July2008, (Invited speech), Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP), Colombo, Sri Lanka.

BOOKS WRITTEN

Mushroom cultivation: Problems and solutions (In Sinhala) – K L Wasantha Kumara

Oyster mushroom cultivation: Step by step (In Sinhala) – K L Wasantha Kumara

REVIEWING MANUSCRIPTS

Reviewer - 6th International Conference of Pakistan Phytopathological Society (ICPPS) – 2017, BahauddinZakariya University, Multan, Pakistan.

Reviewer of the Abstracts of Section B, SLAAS

Reviewer - Tropical Agriculture Research and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna

Reviewer –Annual Symposium of Department of Agriculture (ASDA), Sri Lanka

Reviewer –Journal of Science Eastern University of Sri Lanka

Reviewer -16th Annual sessions of Jaffna Science Association

Reviewer –The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa Universiy of Sri Lanka

Reviewer -Science symposium 2009

Reviewer - RISCON 2013; Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna

Reviewer – Young Scientists Symposium 2013, Young Scientists Forum (YSF), National Science & Technology Commission (NASTEC), Sri Lanka

Reviewer – Conference of Agricultural Sciences – 2014, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Reviewer – Annual conference of Export Agriculture, Sri Lanka

Reviewer - Annual International conference on minor crops (ASMEC), Department of Export Agriculture, Sri Lanka

Reviewer – CARP International Research Symposium

Reviewer – PGIA Annual Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Reviewer - 3rd International Conference of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (AgInsight 2016)

Reviewer – International symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE) from 2008~2016

Reviewer – Journal of Dry Zone Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka