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Academic Staff member

Prof. K. A. Sunanda. Kodikara-Arachchi

Professor

B.Sc (Hons.) specialized in Botany,(RUHUNA,SL)
M. Sc (Ecological Marine Management), Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium
Ph.D, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium
Specialization
Stress plant Physiology and Biochemistry

Email - sunandaruh@gmail.com
Office - 0412514400/Ex: 14400

LinnkedIn ResearchGate Google Scholar

  • Advanced Plant Physiology,
  • Stress Plant Physiology,
  • Advanced Plant Ecology,
  • Ecophysiology,
  • Wood science
  • Bio-statistics
  • Soil Science
  • Active citizenship programme
  • Drought stress (Stress plant physiology, stomatal physiology, hydraulic conductivity in plants, stress tolerance improvement; proline-mediated, gene expression under stress conditions)
  • Coastal Ecology (Mangrove restoration, Integrated coastal zone management)
  • Chemotaxonomy of Mangrove lichens
  • Herbicide development using IAS (Ethnobotanical approach)
  • Blue carbon and climate change (Total organic carbon, human impacts, global warming)
  • Wetland Management (lagoon management, restoration, spatial distribution of heavy metals in lagoons, phytoremediation using wetland plants, PAHs in mangrove ecosystems-effect of shrimp farms, heavy metal profiles of upland water tributaries)
  • Ecological Modeling; hydrology and sedimentation
  • Development of Biosensors for heavy metal detection; (DNA/nanotechnology)
  • Kodikara K.A.S., Ranasinghe P., Aziz I., Jaatissa LP., Madarasinghe SK., Dahdouh-Guebas F., Koedam N. (2020) Oxidative stress, leaf photosynthetic capacity and dry matter accumulation of mangrove plant Rhizophora mucronata Lam. under prolonged submergence and soil water stress (in press; Physiology and Molecular Biology in plants)
  • Sanduni K. Madarasinghe, Kanthi K.A.S. Yapa, Behara Satyanarayana, Udayakantha P.M.P., Sunanda Kodikara, Loku Pulikuttige Jayatissa (2020) Inland irrigation project causes disappearance of coastal lagoon; The trajectory of Kalametiya lagoon, Sri Lanka, from 1956 to 2016. (in press)
  • Farid DAHDOUH-GUEBAS, Jean Hug�, Guilherme Abuchahla, James Kairo, Loku Pulukkuttige Jayatissa, Sunanda Kodikara, Nico Koedam, Nibedita Mukherjee, Nehru Prabakaran, Satyanarayana Behara, F. Mafaziya N. Thanne Walawwe Gedera, Mathiventhan Thavanayagam, Katherine Vande Velde, Dominic Wodehouse (2020) Reconciling nature, people and policy in the mangrove social-ecological system through the adaptive cycle heuristic (in press; Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science)
  • Judith A. Okello., Victor M. Alati., Sunanda Kodikara., James Kairo., Farid Dahdouh-Guebas., Nico Koedam (2019). The status of Mtwapa Creek mangroves as perceived by the local communities. Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science. 18(1): 67-81
  • Dissanayake NP., Kodikara KAS., Premachandra S., Jayatissa LP. (2018). Structural and functional responses of xylem in Rhizophora mucronata Lam. seedlings under drought and hypersaline conditions. Journal of Ruhuna Science 9(1): pp. 13-31.
  • Kodikara KAS., Madarasinghe SK., Sripal DDN., Ranasinghe P., Jayatissa LP. (2018). Ethno-botanical approach for controlling some selected invasive alien species (IAS) in southern coastal area of Sri Lanka: Globally worth management strategy. Journal of the Department of Wildlife Conservation 6(2): pp. 53-65.
  • Satyanarayana B., Van der Stocken T., Rans G., Kodikara KAS., Ronsmans G., Jayatissa LP., Mohd-Lokman H., Koedam N., Dahdouh-Guebas F. (2017) Island-wide coastal vulnerability assessment of Sri Lanka reveals that sand dunes, planted trees and natural vegetation may play a role as potential barriers against ocean surges. Journal of Global Ecology and Conservation 12: pp. 144-157.
  • Kodikara KAS, Jayatissa LP, Huxham M, Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Nico Koedam (2017). The effects of salinity on growth and survival of mangrove seedlings changes with age. Journal of Acta Botanica Brasilica 30(4): pp. 521-531.
  • Kodikara KAS, Mukherjee N., Jayatissa LP., Dahdouh-Guebas F., Koedam N (2017). Have mangrove restoration projects worked? An in-depth study in Sri Lanka. Journal of Restoration Ecology 25(5): pp. 705-716.
  • Dissanayake NP., Kodikara KAS., Vithanage DS., Krishnarajah SA., Rubasinghe MK., Dayananda TG. (2015) Effects of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) Treatment on Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour of Endemic Herb Exacum trinervium L. in Sri Lanka: Conservation strategy. Rohana Journal of University of Ruhuna (ISSN: 2345-9387). Vol. (3), pp. 14-20.
  • Dissanayake NP., Kodikara KAS., Vithanage DS., Krishnarajah SA., Rubasinghe MK., Jayatissa LP., Dayananda TG. (2015) Genetic relationship of Sri Lanakan Exacum trinervium complex based on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA technique. WILDLANKA Vol. 3(3), pp. 133 � 138.
  • Dissanayake NP., Madarasinghe SK., Kodikara KAS., Jayatissa LP.,Perera AJD,Koedam N. and Dahdouh-Guebas F. (2014) Preliminary study on the propagule dependency of Rhizophora seedlings. Journal of the Department of Wildlife Conservation - ISSN 1800-1777. Vol(2), pp. 141-151.
  • Abstract publications
  • Madarasinghe S.K., Yapa K.K.A.S., Kodikara K.A.S., Dissanayake N.P., Sripal D.D.N. and Jayatissa L.P. Rehabilitation of degrading southern coastal lagoons through dredging, re-salinization and sediment trapping; new directions for wetland management. RISTCON, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna.
  • Kodikara KAS., Cooray PLIGM., Kumara MP., Dissanayake NP., Douglas T., Sripal DDN., Jayatissa LP. (2020) Below ground carbon stocks of mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka. In abstracts of the 17th Academic Sessions of University of Ruhuna, edited by Wijerathne Bohingamuwa. P.3. University of Ruhuna, Matara.
  • Kodikara KAS., Cooray PLIGM., Kumara MP., Dissanayake NP., Douglas T., Sripal DDN., Jayatissa LP. (2020) Peelability of improved accessions and commonly used varieties of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl; implication for harvest management. In abstracts of the 17th Academic Sessions of University of Ruhuna, edited by Wijerathne Bohingamuwa. P.4. University of Ruhuna, Matara.
  • Servane Rubiera Rodriguez, Mafaziya F, Julia Jung, Kodikara K.A.S., Jean Hug�, Farid Dahdouh-Guebas (2020) Mangrove Voices: A social-ecological approach to understanding mangrove use by local communities on Sri Lanka�s East Coast. European Conference of Tropical Ecology. Leipzig University, Germany.
  • Gunasekara M.S.N., .Kodikara K.A.S, Niroshana K.H. (2019) Effects of increasing siltation on macrobenthic community in Kalametiya lagoon, Sri Lanka. 5th National Symposium on Marine Environment-P.6 , MEPA, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Dahdouh-Guebas F., Huge J., Kairo J., Kodikara K.A.S.,Satyanarayana B., Vande Velde K., Koedam N. (2019) Reconciling nature, people and policy in the mangal social-ecological system through the adaptive cycle heuristic. Meeting on Mangrove ecology, functioning and Management (MMM5) 1-5 July 2019, Singapore. P. 63
  • Gamage JCM., Madarasinghe SK., Kodikara KAS., Dissanayake NP., Yapa KKAS., Jayatissa LP (2019). A preliminary study on mangrove forest dieback in Kalametiya lagoon, Southern province of Sri Lanka. In abstracts of the 16th Academic sessions of University of Ruhuna, edited by LP Jayatissa. P. 03, University of Ruhuna, Matara.
  • Gunawardana MHMASV., Abeysekara RI., Dissanayaka NP., Kodikara KAS., Jayatissa LP. (2019). Recovery potential and nutrient uptake behavior of Capsicum annum L. exposed to soil moisture stress: indication for water and fertilizer management. Proceedings of 6th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN: 1391-8796. P.42
  • Hansika KAS., Kodikara KAS., Wijeweera AA., Wijesinghe KGG., Senanayake G., Jayatissa LP (2018). Perception of the workers in the Cinnamon industry on seasonal variations of peelability of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) plants. In abstracts of the 15th Academic session of University of Ruhuna, edited by P.R.T. Cumaratunga. p.18. University of Ruhuna, Matara.
  • Madarasinghe SK., Yapa KKAS., Satyanarayana B., Udayakumara P., Kodikara KAS., Jayatissa LP. (2018). Current extent and distribution of mangrove cover in the southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka- A field validated remote sensing study. In abstracts of the 15th Academic session of University of Ruhuna, edited by P.R.T. Cumaratunga. p.16. University of Ruhuna, Matara.
  • Madarasinghe SK., Yapa KKAS., Satyanarayana B., Udayakumara PMP., Kodikara KAS., Jayatissa LP. (2018). Land use/cover changes in the city of Hamabantota, Sri Lanka, over the past two decades- a field validated GIS study. Proceedings of 5th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN: 1391-8796. p. 86.
  • Gunathilaka DUV., Amarasinghe YWP., Gunathilake HMSAT., Madarasinghe SK., Kodikara KAS (2018). Tidal positioning of young mangrove plants and associated stress factors; major determinants of level of success of mangrove restoration. Proceeding of the 3rd undergraduate research symposium, 2018, p.15, Ruhuna Science research circle, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
  • Gunarathna SD., Nayanani DGP., Kodikara KAS, EPS Chandana (2018). A review on soil geochemistry and flora of serpentine sites in Sri Lanka. Conference: Proceedings of the Annual Session of WILDLANKA International Symposium 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Gunarathne KRGM., Kodikara KAS., Niroshana KHH., Madarasinghe SK., Jayatissa LP (2018). Diversity and Ecosystem health of inland mangrove forest in Garanduwa lagoon, Southern province, Sri Lanka. In abstracts of the 15th Academic session of University of Ruhuna, edited by P.R.T. Cumaratunga. p.47. University of Ruhuna, Matara.
  • Dissanayake NP., Hathurusinghe UI., Kodikara KAS., Ranasinghe P., Jayatissa LP. (2018). Cell membrane integrity and proline content of Rhizophora mucronata Lam. seedlings under hypersaline and drought conditions. Proceedings of 5th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN: 1391-8796. p. 7.
  • Kodikara KAS., Madarasinghe SK., Prasangika KD., Jayatissa LP. (2017). Sensitive indicators of R. mucronata Lam. to abiotic stress conditions; early-detection of stressors in mangrove restoration fields. Proceedings of 4th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN 1391-8796. Vol (4); pp. 05.
  • Amarasinghe Y.W.P. Liyanage C.H., Gunathilake H.M.S.A.T., Jayasingha J.A.I.K., Jayasingha M.V., Priyankara W.K.L., ., Madarasinghe S.K., Kodikara K.A.S. (2017). Changes of lagoon geomorphology; spatio-temporal changes of Dondra lagoon, Matara, Southern Province over past eleven years (2006-2017). Proceeding of the 2nd undergraduate research symposium, 2017, p.13, Ruhuna Science research circle, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
  • Dissanayake NP., Premachandra GSD., Kodikara KAS., Jayatissa LP. (2017). Hydraulic architecture and hydraulic conductivity of Rhizophora mucronata Lam. in response to water stress. Proceedings of 4th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN 1391-8796. Vol (4); pp. 06.
  • Madarasinghe SK., Yapa KKAS., Kodikara KAS., Satyanarayana B., Udayakantha PMP., Jayatissa LP. (2017). Spatiotemporal changes in mangrove cover of three lagoons in Southern Sri Lanka during the last two decades; A field validated GIS study. Proceedings of 4th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN 1391-8796. Vol (4); pp. 13.
  • Priyadarshani EAC, Dissanayake NP, Kodikara S. (2016) Finding of Ideal Conditions to have a Mass Production of Azolla pinnata. MERcon University of Moratuwa, Colombo.
  • Madarasinghe SK., Kodikara KAS., Dissanayake NP., Satyanarayana B., Jayatissa LP. (2016) Land-use changes over past two decades in Rekawa lagoon region, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 3rd Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN 1391-8796. Vol (3); pp. 10.
  • Thara Madhurangi H.M.T., Dissanayake N.P., Kodikara K.A.S., Perera A.J.D., Jayatissa L.P. (2016) Morphological and Anatomical responses of Rhizophora mucronata Lam. to water stress under green house condition. Proceedings of 3rd Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON). ISSN 1391-8796. Vol (3); pp. 10.
  • Kodikara KAS., Jayatissa LP., Prasangika KD., Dahdouh-Guebas F., Koedam N. (2015)Survey on the success and failures of mangrove restoration in Sri Lanka and future. Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON), Vol (2), pp.81
  • Madarasinghe SK ., Kodikara KAS., Dissanayake NP. Jayatissa LP. (2015) Acacia auriculiformis (Fabaceae), a threat to mangrove forest in Rekawa lagoon Sri Lanka: A case study. Proceeding of the 35th Annual Sessions: ISSN 2012-8924, Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka. pp. 28
  • Ga�tane RONSMANS, Sunanda KODIKARA, Loku Pulukkuttige JAYATISSA, Nico KOEDAM, Farid DAHDOUHGUEBAS, Guillaume RANS, Behara SATYANARAYANA. (2014) Sand dunes go up against ocean surges: restoration of sand dunes on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Young marine scientists� day, Brugge, Belgium, March 2014.
  • Madarasinghe SK., Kodikara KAS., Dissanayake NP.,Perera AJD., Jayatissa LP., Dahdouh-Guebas F., Koedam N. (2014) Which species will perform better in mangrove restoration fields in Sri Lanka; Rhizophora mucronata OR Rhizophora apiculata? Proceedings of the Wayamba University International Conference WinC 2014 -ISBN 978-955-4709-18-8. pp. 78
  • Priyadarshani C., Kodikara KAS., Dissanayake NP., Jayatissa LP. (2014) Investigation of optimum conditions for growth and nitrogen fixation of Azolla pinnata under green-house conditions. Proceedings of the Wayamba University International Conference, Sri Lanka-ISBN 978-955-4709-18-8. pp. 273
  • Kodikara KAS., Robert EMR., Jayatissa LP., Dahdouh-Guebas F., Beeckman H., Schmitz N., Koedam N. (2012) Successive cambia in the mangrove Avicennia: a study on the three-dimensional structure of the cambia and the functioning of the internal phloem tissue. Meeting on Mangrove ecology, functioning and Management (MMM3) 2-6 July 2012, Galle, Sri Lanka. pp. 94
  • Ransara GBM., Kodikara KAS., Jayatissa LP., Hettiarachi S.,Vinobaba P., Koedam N.,Dahdouh-Guebas F. (2012)Evaluating the local use of mangroves as a source firewood in Sri Lanka. Meeting on Mangrove ecology, functioning and Management (MMM3) 2-6 July 2012, Galle, Sri Lanka. pp.149
  • Kodikara KAS., Robert EMR., Jayatissa LP., Dahdouh-Guebas F., Beeckman H., Schmitz N., Koedam N. (2011) Successive cambia in the mangrove Avicennia: a study on the three-dimensional structure of the cambia and the functioning of the internal phloem tissue.Young Marine Scientists� Day Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ), 25 February; Brugge, Belgique. VLIZ Special Publication. Vol(48), pp. 42
  • Kodikaka KAS, Jayatissa LP, (2010) A comparison of growth performances of mangrove seedlings in three contrasting salinities. National Conference on Identification of Knowledge Gaps for Sustainable Management of Mangroves in Sri Lanka. 04 - 06 June, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka. Compilation of Abstract, p 12.
  • Books/ Book chapter
  • Kodikara K.A.S. (2018) Stress physiology and the mortality of young mangrove plants with Particular Emphasis on Stomatal Conductance, Water Transport And Free Radical Accumulation. VUB press, Crazy Copy Center Productions; ISBN : 9789492312914; NUR CODE : 922, 941; VUB Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels; 100 copies
  • Jayatissa LP, Kodikara KAS, Dissanayake NP, SatyanarayanaB (2015). Post-Tsunami Assessment of Coastal Vegetation, with the View to Protect Coastal Areas from Ocean Surges in Sri Lanka� pp. 47-64. In Tsunamis and Earthquakes in Coastal Environments. Santiago-Fandi�o, V., Tanaka, H., Spiske, M. (Eds.) ISBN 978-3-319-28528-3 Springer
  • Kodikara KAS., Hettiarachchi S., Jayatissa LP. (2012). Mangroves and Salt Marshes" in Trainer�s Manual for Community-Based Coastal Resource Management (Editor Prof. L.P. Jayatissa) ISBN 978-955-0119-00-4, pp. 42-47. In compilation "Green dyke" project Ruhuna University Sri Lanka-Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium.
  • The most outstanding young researcher in 17th Academic sessions and 16th Vice chancellor awards ceremony, 2020.
  • The Most outstanding international convener in 17th Academic sessions and 16th Vice chancellor awards ceremony, 2020.
  • The best reviewer; golden award; Elsevier journal Coastal zone management
  • Invention and Innovation exhibition (University of Ruhuna);
  • a) First place (Biology category): In-built microscope camera
  • b) Third place (Biology category): soil hydrometer
  • Grants
  • The principle investigator; FSPI Project SEDRIC@SRI LANKA grant on Blue carbon & fellowship in University of Western Australia (60 million)
  • Grant of Rs. 759000.00, offered by University Grant Commission (UGC), Sri Lanka (UGC/DRIC/PG/2014AUG/RUH/02)
  • Grant of Rs. 92000.00, offered by Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (RU/SF/RP/2015/02)
  • Grant of Rs. 80000.00, offered by Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (RU/SF/RP/2019/02)
  • Scholarship for Master degree (2010-2012) and Ph.D degree (2013-2014), VUB, Brussels, Belgium University Development Cooperation of Belgium, under �VLIR Own initiative�, Green dyke project (VLIR ref: ZEIN2008PR347)
  • 1. Chairperson of RISTCON 2021- International conference, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna
  • 2. Local Coordinator: TROPIMUNDO Erasmus Mundas Master programme
  • 3. Coordinator; ITRCC (Industrial training and research center), FSC 3bP2, FOS, UOR
  • 4. Senior Treasurer, Botanical Society, FOS (since 2019)
  • 5. Academic Warden, Wellamadama premises (since 2019)
  • 6. Coordinator; Mangrove Museum (mangrove wood section), SFFL, Pambala, Chilaw, Sri Lanka
  • 7. Member of expert committee, National Mangrove conservation, Mahaweli Development Authority, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment
  • 8. Member of selection and steering committee of Tropimundo Erasmus Mundas master programme, Belgium, France and Italy
  • 9. Senior coordinator, RUSREC undergraduate Research Symposium, UOR (since 2018- up to date)
  • 10. Center co-controller- Hambantota District; A/L examination Bio-system Technology
  • 11. Principle supervisor- National Science Foundation (NSF); School project; Southern province
  • 12. Representative of Sri Lanka for Belgium: digital platform, NSF, Sri Lanka
  • 13. Initiator of an International Industrial Training Programme (Malaysia)
  • 14. Founder: �QUIZ MASTER; WIN 50000�, Quiz competition, FOS, UOR
  • 15. Student counselor, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna. Matara, Sri Lanka (2012 & 2013)
  • 16. Senior Editor, Botanical Society, FOS, UOR (2012 & 2013)
  • Invited seminar/papers in index journals/speech in recognized international professional body
  • Invited seminar on lagoon restoration and biodiversity conservation: Oceans and Lakes, international Master programme, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium
  • Invited paper on �Ecosystem Restoration: A Key Strategy to Face Anthropic Impact and Climate Change� in IJERPH Special Issue; International Journal of Environmental Research and Public health (SCI-expanded index journal)
  • Magazine article (interview) in �The Sri Lankan Scientist� magazine; Making money through mangroves; pp 26-28, vol 5(1); ISSN 2420-706
  • Invited Radio-channel interview on �mangroves and restoration�; Spain
  • Well-reputed article interview, Antropocene, Daily Science, USA, on �Good intentions alone won�t grow new mangroves� by the journalist Brandon Keim
  • strengthening �Active citizenship� programme, Heriot Watt University, Malaysia
  • Contribution as resource person
  • Served as a resource person at �Yowun Senanka (Youth club)� institute, Akmeemana, Galle: speech on �Environmental Sanitation�
  • Served as a resource person at Sewanagala Central college: speech on �Youth and Future�
  • Served as a resource person at Malthinda College, Matara; speech on �Gene technology�
  • Served as a resource person at St. Thomas College, Matara; speech on � Waster management� Organized by Lion�s club, Matara
  • Post-graduate thesis supervision
  • Ph.D (International)
  • Fathima Mafaziya, Conservation of Sri Lankan mangroves; predicament, prospect and presage. Universit� Libre de Bruxelles � ULB, 1050-B, Brussels, Belgium (Dr. KAS Kodikara- co-supervisor)
  • M.Sc. students (International Programmes)
  • 1) Teimoory Hossein; Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Water Area and Surface Sediments of the Kalametiya Lagoon in Sri Lanka and Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Typha angustifolia; Eco-sustainable Phytoremediation for wetland management (Principal supervisor/ Graduated in 2019)
  • 2) Sacha Lewandowski; Heavy metals pollution profiles in upland tributaries of Sri Lanka; insight into sources and health risk (Principal supervisor) (TROPIMUNDO M.Sc student /2nd year)
  • 3) NGENDAHIMANA Ephrem: Ethno-botany of mangroves (co-supervisor) (TROPIMUNDO M.Sc student /1st year)
  • 4) Sameul Ofari: Effect of Shrimp farm releasing PAHs on mangrove juveniles (co-supervisor) (TROPIMUNDO M.Sc student/1st year)
  • M.Phil Students (Local programmes)
  • 1. Peelability changes over time in Cinnamon plants. Student: KAS Hansika, UOR, Sri Lanka. Co-supervisor: Dr. KAS Kodikara (2nd year)
  • 2. Production of low-cost instruments, photosynthesis measuring meter and hydraulic conductivity meter. Student: P.D. Pathirana, Co-supervisor: Dr. KAS Kodikara (1st year)