Research & Publications
Research & Development Committee
SIST research & development committee is the framework through which research activities at SIST. This committee is comprised of senior scientific personnel from Sri Lanka and abroad. They will be the Principle Investigators for the research projects while young scientists are co-principle investigators.
OBJECTIVES
- To Train undergraduate and postgraduate students in research.
- To pursue research in SIST labs in the fields of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Food Technology, Immunology and Tissue Culture To engage in translational research for the benefit of society.
- To attract research opportunities and great thinkers to Sri Lanka.
- To work towards Taking Sri Lanka to the limelight of International Research.
CHARTER BOARD
Prof Chandrani Wijeratne -Chair (Microbiology) , PhD Kyushu University, Japan Dr Pathmasiri Ranasinghe -Co Chair (Biotechnology and Herbal Medicine) ,PhD Bioactivity & Molecular Biology Prof Shervanthi Homer- Vanniasinkam – Chair of Senior Scientific Advisors Jayanthan Kulasingham -Chairman/Founder , FCILT Mr Ranjit Gajendra -Scientific Entrepreneur , PhD Candidate-University of Melbourne Channa Tharanga – (Genetic Diagnostics specialized in Molecular Genetics), MSc Genetic Diagnostics Ashrifa Ali – PhD Candidate in Biomedical Science, University of North Dakota, USA Sajeevee Sarathchandra – M.Phil in Integrated Water Resources Nishenthaharan Balachandran – (Molecular Biology & Biochemistry), Reading MBA Navoda Palpola – (Molecular Biology&Biochemistry),MSc Biochemistry &Molecular Biology Ashen Peiris – (Molecular Biology & Biochemistry), MSc Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Holistic Student Development
At SIST, we focus on individual care, capacity building, and professional growth. Our Spectrum Students’ Society (SSS) offers platforms for project management, community service, and academic assignments, helping students secure scholarships and participate in global conferences.
MEMBERS
Azra Satraj – MSc Biotechnology Imalki Kariyawasam – MSc Molecular Life Sciences Suvini Karunaratne – MSc Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Sanduni Ranasinghe – BSc (Hons) Microbiology Nimesha Senevirathne – BSc (Hons) Microbiolog
Industrial Research Collaborations & Solutions
Development of a standard plant tissue culture laboratory.
Specific Objectives –
- To establish a modern plant tissue culture laboratory (PTCL) under international standards.
- Commercialization of plants (orchids, indoor plants, aquatic plants, bonsai varieties etc.).
- To develop new plant varieties (hybrids).
- Development of Hydroponic Systems and Temporary Immersion Plant Bioreactor Systems.
- To provide the best tissue culture certificate course on basic tissue culture techniques, innovation of new culture methodologies and commercialization of products (on local and export market).
International & National Research Grants
An Edinburgh Napier degree with a spectrum of opportunities
Ashinsa from Sri Lanka was lucky enough to visit us from one of our transnational education partners, the Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology. She shares her Edinburgh Napier experience and her thoughts on Edinburgh as she hopes to return in the near future.
Gaining an Edinburgh Napier degree from the comfort of my own home
I’ve loved biology ever since I was a child and I knew biology was what I wanted to pursue my future career in. Growing up in Sri Lanka, I wanted an undergraduate programme that allowed me to stay in Colombo for the entirety of its duration. Thus, I found Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology (SIST), which is the partner of Edinburgh Napier University in Sri Lanka. The microbiology and biotech programme they offered seemed very interesting and covered a variety of topics.
Course content
The permanent teaching staff at SIST are excellent in their handling and delivery of the module content. Lectures and practicals are conducted methodically and on time. They often go out of their way to help students who are having difficulties comprehending certain sections and are sure to make themselves available whenever needed. Thus far, my favourite modules have been Molecular Genetics and Immunology (level 9). I’m quite eager to start all the level 10 modules as I think they sound extremely interesting.
International Research Communications
A. Selvaranjan, D. D. Mathew, F. F. Jawfar, N. N. Samarathunga, U. M. Edirisinghe, A. V. L. K. Udalamaththa. (2024). Evaluation of antioxidant activity and toxicity effects of Dovyalis hebecarpa aqueous leaf extract. Proceedings of 2nd International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
Eththiligoda, E.W.D.H. and Aththanayake, A. M. K. C. B. (2023). Isolation of Glyphosate-tolerant and Degrading Bacteria from Agricultural Fields for Future Soil Bioremediation Studies. 16th International Research Conference 2023 (KDUIRC 2023), General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka. P.32
Abeykoon, M.B. and Aththanayake, A. M. K. C. B. (2023). Bioassay on the stability of pigments extracted by bacteria isolated from wastewater. 16th International Research Conference 2023 (KDUIRC 2023), General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka. P.19.
Abdul Hamid, F.S., Thillai Sithambaram, T, Fahim, H.A, Rodrigo, T.M.N, Aththanayake, A.M.K.C.B, (2023). Extraction, Isolation and Characterization of Marine Bio Pigments and the Study of their Applicative Feasibility in Skin Care Products. International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (ICIET) 2023, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka.
Perera, T.D.C., Ganeshalingam, Y, Aththanayake, A.M.K.C.B, Kumari, P.D.S.R. (2023), Flaxseed Gel as a Natural Alternative for Commercial Growth Media for Selected Bacterial and Fungal Strains. International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (ICIET) 2023, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka.
Karawgoda KDRA, Ratnayake PMS, Balachandran N, Rodrigo R, Karunaratne SR, Udalamaththa VL. (2022). Distribution of mutations of alpha-thalassaemia in South and Southeast Asia – An update. Jaffna University International Research Conference, Sri Lanka.
S. Gnanasekaram, V. Uthayaratnam, G. Ranganathan, & V. Udalamaththa. (2022). Effects of aqueous seed extracts of Mangifera zeylanica and Persea americana on enhancing in vitro tyrosinase activity. 1st Ruhuna International Undergraduate Research Symposium, Sri Lanka. Pp 37.
V. Uthayaratnam, S. Gnanasekaram, G. Ranganathan, & V. Udalamaththa. (2022). Effects of Mangifera zeylanica, Persea americana, and Passiflora edulis seed extracts on in vitro anti-tyrosinase activity. 1st Ruhuna International Undergraduate Research Symposium, Sri Lanka. Pp 39.
C.I. Amarasekara, S.S. Denagamagei, W.A.H.C.B. Weerakoon, W.A.D.L. Wettasinghe, V. Udalamaththa, & S.R. Karunarathne. (2022). Antibacterial activity of leaf essential oils of Citrus crenatifolia and Citrus reticulata: a comparative study. 1st Ruhuna International Undergraduate Research Symposium, Sri Lanka. Pp 40.
W.A.H.C.B. Weerakoon, W.A.D.L. Wettasinghe, C.I. Amarasekara, S.S. Denagamagei, V. Udalamaththa, & S.R. Karunarathne. (2022). Comparison of the antibacterial activity between essential oils of Citrus crenatifolia and Citrus sinensis against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. 1st Ruhuna International Undergraduate Research Symposium, Sri Lanka. Pp 42.
Local Research Communications
Fonseka. M.K.S.R, Nandasena. K.D, Suriarachchi. C. J, Udalamaththa. A. V. L. K. (2023). Anti-fungal activity of secondary metabolites extracted from endophytic fungal isolates of Plumeria rubra leaves. Proceeding of the 43rd annual sessions of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka. Pp 69.
Fonseka. M.K.S.R, and Udalamaththa. A. V. L. K. (2023). Inhibitory action of endophytic fungi isolated from Plumeria rubra leaves against Fusarium pathogenic fungi potentially causing black spot disease in Epiphyllum oxypetalum leaves. Proceedings of the 79th Annual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science.
J. A. T. D. Peiris, S. P. N. N. Senadeera, K. R. Weerasekara, I. C. Perera. (2023). Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of a polyherbal formulation based on traditional Sri Lanka medicine for diabetic wound healing. Proceeding of the 43rd annual sessions of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka. Pp 73.
Amarasekara, C.I., Weerakoon, W.A.H.C.B., Pieris, A., Udalamaththa, V., Karunarathne, S.R. (2023). Antidiabetic potency of optimized Metformin concentration and Citrus crenatifolia, Citrus reticulata and Citrus sinensis leaf extracts: a comparative study. Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR), Sri Lanka.
Wettasinghe, W.A.D.L., Denagamagei, S.S., Amarasekara, C.I., Weerakoon, W.A.H.C.B., Udalamaththa, V., Karunarathne, S.R. (2023). Optimization of hydrodistillation process of Citrus crenatifolia, Citrus sinensis and Citrus reticulata: a comparative study. Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR), Sri Lanka.
Weerakoon, W.A.H.C.B., Amarasekara, C.I., Pieris, A., Udalamaththa, V., Karunarathne, S.R.(2023). Investigation of antioxidant potency of the aqueous leaf crude extracts of Citrus crenatifolia and Citrus reticulata. Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR), Sri Lanka.
Eththiligoda, E.W.D.H. and Aththanayake, A. M. K. C. B. (2023). A comparative study on the Glyphosate-tolerance and Degradation abilities of soil-isolated Corynebacterium sp. and Bacillus sp. Young Scientists’ Conference Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR 2023). Young Scientists’ Association, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka.
Abeykoon, M.B. and Aththanayake, A. M. K. C. B. (2023). Effect of pH and NaCl concentration on pigmentproduction of Streptococcus species isolated from different wastewater sources. Young Scientists’ Conference Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR 2023). Young Scientists’ Association, National Institute of Fundamental Studies,Sri Lanka.
L.H.H Gamage, L.H.H, and Aththanayake, A.M.K.C.B. (2023). Comparison of the growth rates of some selected bacterial species on tris minimal and nutrient broth media. Young Scientists’ Conference Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR 2023). Young Scientists’ Association, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka.
Thillai Sithambaram, T, Abdul Hamid, F.S., Rodrigo, T.M.N, Fahim, H.A, Aththanayake, A.M.K.C.B, (2023). Investigating the Ultraviolet protective and antimicrobial properties of Marine Bacterial Pigments. 12 th Annual Science Research, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
Fonseka, D.R.P, Jayakody, T.C, Sri Krishnan, P., Wickramasinghe, N.D, Aththanayake, A.M.K.C.B, Wanigasekara, D.N, Udara, U. (2023). Exploration of versatile properties of phytochemicals in Artocarpus heterophyllus incorporated with mikania micrantha; a facile route to approach antimicrobial performances. 12 th Annual Science Research, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
RESEARCH
Title of Internship
Antimicrobial Activity of Different Nanostructured Coatings on Glass Surface
Supervisors
Dr. Abhilasha Misra
Study Setting
Department of Biotechnology of the Graphic Era deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Title of Internship
Inter-relationship between Diabetes Mellitus and Vitamin D Deficiency in patients with Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in a South Indian Tertiary Healthcare Facility
Supervisors
Dr. Sonal Sekhar
Study Setting
Department of Pharmacy Practice Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka
Title of Internship
Study of the vegetation and soil analysis under soil forest ecosystem in Doon valley, Uttarkand, India.
Supervisors
Dr. Archana Bachheti
Study Setting
Department of Biotechnology of the Graphic Era deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Title of Internship
Pre-Formulation and Formulation studies on anti-hypertensive drugs
Supervisors
Dr. Anup Naha, associate professor of Manipal University
Study Setting
Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science, Manipal University, Manipal, India.(The program was arranged by AIESEC of Colombo North, Sri Lanka with AIESEC at Manipal University )
Title of the internship
Effect of Natural Compounds on Inhibiting Bacterial Biofilms
Supervisors
Prof. T. S. Murali, Ms. Anjali Warrier (Research Scholar)
Study Setting
Department of Life Science, Manipal Academy of HIgher Education, Karnataka, India.
Title of Internship
Produce and purify the exopolysaccharides from three bacterial strains by adopting a submerged fermentation process
Supervisors
Subbalaxmi S (Assistant Professor – Senior Scale)
Study Setting
Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Karnataka, India.
Title
Antimicrobial Activity of Basidiomycetes Grown in Sri Lanka
Supervisors
Prof. Chandrani Wijeyaratne (Department of Botany, University of Sri yawardanepura)
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Preliminary Screening on forest leaf litter leachate as a novel source of small molecules for drug leads
Supervisors
Dr. Pathmasiri Ranasinghe, Senior Deputy Director, Herbal Technology Section, Modern Research and Development Centre, Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe.
StudySetting
Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe
Title
Study on the in-vitro glycation process of isolated Human Hemoglobin as an alternative to BSA for novel bio-assay development.
Supervisors
Dr. Pathmasiri Ranasinghe, Senior Deputy Director, Herbal Technology Section, Modern Research and Development Centre, Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe.
Study Setting
Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe
Title
Comparison of Three Genomic DNA Extraction Methods To Obtain High Quality DNA From Coconut And Rubber Leaf
Supervisors
Mrs. Imalki Karyawasam
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology
Title
Biotransformation of ‘Ma Dan’ (Syzygium cumini) by semi solid-state fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Supervisor
Dr. Pathmasiri Ranasinghe, Senior Deputy Director, Herbal Technology Section, Modern Research and Development Centre, Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe.
Study Setting
Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe
Title
Screening for gene polymorphism rs77990309 in leptin (LEP) gene in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Sri Lanka.
Supervisor
Prof. W.S.S. Wijesundera (Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo)
Study Setting
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Title
Antimicrobial activity of Trachyspermum roxburghianum.
Supervisor
Prof. Chandrani Wijeyaratne (Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayawardanepura)
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Characterization of Phytoplankton communities in mangrove ecosystems associated with basin estuaries in the western coast of Sri Lanka
Supervisor
Mrs. Azra Sartaj & Prof. Pathmalal Manage (University of Sri Jayawardanepura)
Study Setting
Faculty of Science and Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayawardenapura
Title
The isolation, characterization and analysis of the bacterial diversity in selected Sri Lankan Mangrove Ecosystems.
Supervisor
Ms Fathina Fara
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Association of leptin receptor (LEPR) gene polymorphisms and serum leptin levels in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Sri Lanka
Supervisor
Prof. W.S.S. Wijesundera (Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo)
Study Setting
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Title
Isolation and characterization of fungal species in selected mangrove environments in Sri Lanka.
Supervisor
Ms. Fathina Fara
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Preliminary study on isolation and culturing of bacteria and fungi from leaf litter samples in Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (Sri Pada)./p>
Supervisor
Mrs. Azra Sartaj & Dr. Pathmasiri Ranasinghe (Senior Deputy Director, Herbal Technology Section, Modern Research and Development Centre, Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe)
Study Setting
Industrial Technology Institute, Malambe
Title
Cytogenetic abnormalities In the Male Partners of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss and subfertility.
Supervisors
Dr Kalum Wetthasinghe & Ms. Imalki Kariyawasam
Study Setting
Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Title
Analysis of antimicrobial activity of Ethanol extracts of Trachyspermum roxburghianum (Asamodagam) leaves and seeds
Supervisors
Prof. Chandrani Wijeyaratne (Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayawardanepura)
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Isolation, identification and characterization of thermophilic bacteria isolated from Nelum-wewa hot well spring, Polonaruwa
Supervisors
Dr. Minoli Perera
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Comparison of the effectiveness of different bacterial DNA isolation kits and the phenol-chloroform method
Supervisors
Dr. Minoli Perera
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in the Wild Bird Faeces
Supervisor
Mrs. Sajeevee Sarathchandra
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Estimation of Terpenoid contents of different parts of Gyrinops walla (walla patta) tree from different locations of Sri Lanka.
Supervisor
Dr. Pathmasiri Ranasinghe
Senior Deputy Director, Herbal Technology Section, Modern Research & Development Centre, Industrial Technology Institute – Malabe.
Study Setting
Industrial Technology Institute, Malambe
Title
Identification and characterization of antibiotic resistant uidA and sul1 gene of Escherichia coli in Muthurajawela estuary in Sri Lanka
Supervisor
Mrs. Sajeevee Sarathchandra
Study Setting
Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology, Colombo
Title
Cytogenetic abnormalities in the female partners who face recurrent pregnancy loss and subfertility
Supervisor
Dr. Kalum Wetthasinghe & Mrs. Imalki Kariyawasam
Study Setting
Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Title
Establishment of callus cultures for Gyrinops walla (Walla Patta) using leaf materials as explants.
Supervisor
Dr. Pathmasiri Ranasinghe, Senior Deputy Director, Herbal Technology Section, Modern Research and Development Centre, Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe.
Study Setting
Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe
Investigation on the Role of scaffolding protein AKAP12 - Internship IN USA
Adshayan Ganeshamoorthy, Amani Rasmi, Andrene Joseph, Omanthi Jayasekara, Randhila Withanarachchi, and Vindhya Senanayake from Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology was selected for a ten week short term scholar exchange programme at the University of North Dakota under the guidance of Dr. Bryon Grove and Miss. Ashrifa Ali, an Alumni from SIST currently following her PhD at the University of North Dakota. They will be involved in a project to investigate the role of scaffolding protein (AKAP12) in blood vessel development. The work will involve culturing vascular endothelial cells, performing assays to study endothelial cell migration and blood vessel sprouting, performing immunofluorescent labeling assays to examine the structure using fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and performing DNA and protein assays using PCR and western blotting.
