Department of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
Academic Staff member

Dr. H.M. Sanjeewani Wasana

Senior Lecturer Gr.I

BScHons (Chemistry) (Ruhuna, SL), PhD (UOP, SL), M. I. Chem.C., PIFI Fellow,
Email - wasana.s@chem.ruh.ac.lk
Office -
Extention -

LinnkedIn ResearchGate Google Scholar

  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry- CHE 4242
  • Biochemistry - CHE 3132
  • Soil Chemistry - CHE 4252
  • Food Chemistry- CHE 3112
  • Inorganic Chemistry- PS 11202
  • Inorganic Chemistry & Analytical Chemistry – NRM 11202
  • Organic Chemistry II and Biochemistry- PS 21202
  • General Chemistry- FST 11201
  • Chemistry I - PE/SM 11203
  • Literature Search Seminar in Chemistry
  • Clinical Biochemistry -BMS 5012
  • Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation
  • Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu): Preventive Strategies
  • Water Quality and Advanced Treatment Technologies
  • Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA): Preventive Approaches
  • Postharvest Loss Minimization Strategies
  • Value-Added Products through Waste Valorisation
  • Green antioxidants for combating oxidative stress for Cancer therapy
  • 1. Wasana H.M.S, Perera G. D, Gunawardena P. S. D, Fernando P.S, Bandara J. (2017). “WHO water quality standards Vs Synergic effect(s) of fluoride, heavy metals and hardness in drinking water on kidney tissues”. Scientific. Reports. (Nature publishers) 7, 42516; doi: 10.1038/srep42516.
  • 2. Wasana H.M.S, Aluthpatabendi D, Kularatne W, Wijekoon P, Weerasooriya R, Bandara J. (2016). "Drinking water quality and chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu): synergic effects of fluoride, cadmium and hardness of water." Environmental geochemistry and health: 1-12.
  • 3. Wasana H.M.S, Perera G. D, Gunawardena P. S. D, Bandara J. (2015). "The impact of aluminum, fluoride, and aluminum–fluoride complexes in drinking water on chronic kidney disease." Environmental Science and Pollution Research: 1-9.
  • 4. Wasana H.M.S, G.D.R.K.Perera, I.A.M.P. Ileperuma, H.T.K. Abeysundara, L. Jayarathne, Youngsong Wei.(2023) ‘Effects of Drinking Water Fluoride and Hardness on Bovine Serum Biochemical Properties in High CKDu Prevalence Areas in Sri Lanka under One Health Approach’ The 14th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment -2023 Kandy, Sri Lanka. 15th December 2023
  • 5. Wasana H.M.S, G.D.R.K. Perera, K.K. Wijesundara. (2022). “Chronic exposure to fluoride, hardness and heavy metals in drinking water vs WHO water quality standards on liver, heart, lung and brain tissues” 13th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment 2022 (ICSBE),16-18 December, 2022, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • 6. Wasana H.M.S, G.D.R.K Perea, P.D.S. Gunawardena and J. Bandara. (2018). “Quality of drinking water Vs Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) In Sri Lanka are the synergistic effects of F, Cd and hardness play the key role? ”. “Water and Sanitation Training Fellowship for Developing Countries 2018” “Centre of Excellence for Water and Environment (CEWE, CAS-TWAS), Chinese Academy Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China. (2 July, 2018).
  • 7. Wasana H.M.S*., G.D.R.K Perea, P.D.S. Gunawardena and J. Bandara, “Cumulative effects of chronic synergistic exposure to multiple elements on kidney with special emphasis on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka”. Chemistry Conference for Young Scientists (ChemCYS 2016), on 16 to 18 March 2016 in Blankenberge, Belgium.
  • 8. Wasana H.M.S., Dharshani Aluthpatabadi, Dulanjali Kularatne, Pushpa Wijekoon, Rohan Weerasooriya, J. Bandara. “Epidemiological relationships of drinking water quality for the prevalence of chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu)” International Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health: Challenges Ahead, PGIS, Sri Lanka, 01-02 August 2015 Pg. 50-51.
  • 9. Wasana H.M.S., and J. Bandara. “Chronic, co-exposure effect of environmental toxins in drinking water for the epidemics of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu); toxic synergic effect of heavy metals, F and hardness”. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka, 9-10 October, 2015. Pg.94
  • 10.Wasana H.M.S., Dharshani Aluthpatabadi, Dulanjali Kularatne, Pushpa Wijekoon, Rohan Weerasooriya, J. Bandara “Toxic Synergic Effects of Cadmium, Fluoride and Hardness in Water for CKDu. Conference proceedings; Third International Conference on Community and Water Services, Sri Lanka. 22-24 August 2014.
  • 11.Wasana H.M.S., G.D.R.K Perea, P.D.S. Gunawardena and J. Bandara, “Chronic Kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu)” in Sri Lanka; are Aluminofluoride complexes (AlFx) the likely cause? International Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health: Challenges Ahead, 27-28 June 2014. Pg.18
  • 12. Wasana H.M.S., D. Aluthpatabendi and J. Bandara “Drinking water quality assessment towards “Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu)” in North Central Province of Sri Lanka, International Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health: Challenges Ahead, 22-23 March 2012. Pg.67
  • 13. A.M.S.P Adhikari, H.M.S Wasana, G.D.R.K Perera, Y.S Wei. Comparative Analysis of Public Spring Water Quality in CKDu Endemic Vs Non-Endemic Regions of Sri Lanka. International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment and Next-generation Innovation & Advancement - Kandy, Sri Lanka | 12th - 14th Dec 2025 ICSBE 2025 (abstract was accepted)
  • 14. H.K.I.S Vishwajith, H.M.S Wasana, G.D.R.K Perera, Y.S Wei, Nadeesh M. Adassooriya. Cytotoxicity assessment of montmorillonite-TiO2 nanocomposite-based material for domestic water treatment applications. International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences – 2025 | 10 October 2025 (abstract was accepted)
  • 15. A.G.S.S. Karunarathna, H.M.S. Wasana, G.D.R.K. Perera, Y.S. Wei. Removal of Humic Acid from Contaminated Water Using Nano-Iron Oxide Impregnated Activated Carbon: A Comparative Evaluation. International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences – 2025 | 10 October 2025 (abstract was accepted)
  • 16. A.G.S.S. Karunarathna, H.M.S. Wasana, Y.S. Wei. Optimization of coconut shell-based char for humic acid removal from contaminated water. Peradeniya University International Research Symposium and Exposition 2025, Sri Lanka, Vol. 26, 28-29 Aug. 2025
  • 17. Rajinda Boteju, Libing Zheng, H. M. S. Wasana, Qiyang Wu, Yuansong Wei , Hui Zhong, Yawei Wang, Ajith De Alwis. (2025). Hydroxyapatite Modified Zeolite for Fluoride Removal in Drinking Water: Adsorption Mechanism Investigation and Column Study. Water (MDPI) 17(6), 908. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17060908
  • 18. Dineesha N Balagalla, H.M.S Wasana, Wikum H Jayasinghe, (2025). CABR-2024-0116.R1 "Advancing towards the commercial application of RNAi in insect pest management" CABI Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1079/cabireviews.2025.0024
  • 19. Prasad, S.; Wei, Y.; Chaminda, T.; Ritigala, T.; Yu, L.; Jinadasa, K.B.S.N.; Wasana, H.M.S.; Indika, S.; Yapabandara, I.; Hu, D.; et al. (2024). Spatiotemporal Assessment of Water Pollution for Beira Lake, Sri Lanka. Water (MDPI), 16, 1616. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111616
  • 20. Jayasinghe, C.V.L., Dassanayake, D. M. C. M. K., Madhushani. R.D.T.D., Edirisinghe, J.C., Wasana, H.M.S., and Wijewardane. M. A., (2024). Introducing a ‘Postharvest Loss Index (PHLI)’ for Some Selected Highly-consumed Vegetables in Sri Lanka to Enhance Food Security. Tropical Agricultural Research, 35(3): 118-130. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v34i2.8621
  • 21. H.K.I.S. Vishwajith, H.M.S. Wasana, G.D.R.K. Perera, Y. Wei, N. M. Adassooriya. ‘Nanoadsorbent coated clay pot for domestic water treatment applications’ First International Conference on University-Industry Collaborations for Sustainable Development (ICSD 2024), Colombo, Sri Lanka. 15-17th March 2024.
  • 22. I.A.M.P.Ileperuma, H.M.S.Wasana, G.D.R.K.Perera H.T.K. Abeysundara, Youngsong Wei “ Comparative Analysis of Serum Biochemical Properties among Cattle in CKDu High Prevalence Areas in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka” Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE), 20-21 September 2023
  • 23. A. M.P.Ileperuma, H.M.S.Wasana, G.D.R.K.Perera, L. Jayarathne, H.T.K. Abeysundara, Youngsong Wei, “ Heavy metals and some selected elemental spotlights in serum of milking cows reared in high CKDu prevalence areas in Sri Lanka”. [(5-6 th Decembesr 2023) 9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka]
  • 24. S. A. S. Indunika, H.M.S.Wasana , M. Thalib, D.A Satharasinghe and G.D.R.K Perera (2022).“Nutritive Contents of Guinea-A and CO3 (Hybrid Napier) Grasses Against Their Heights, Cultivated in Kandy District, Sri Lanka” 74th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, pp 12
  • 25. W.W. Abeygunawardana., P.G.A Pushpakumara., H.M.S Wasana., W.M.T.D Rathnakumara., B. Alexander (2021). “An Evaluation of Semen Quality of Semen Donor Bulls in the Central Artificial Insemination Station (CAIS), Kundasale, Sri Lanka”, Tropical Agricultural Research 32(4): 426-433
  • 26. Kumara Y.S.P.N., Wasana H.M.S., Rathnakumara W.M.T.D., Aruna Amarasinhe, G. A. Gunawardana, Basil Alexander (2022). "Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis among Cattle in the Central Province of Sri Lanka", 33rd Annual Congress of the PGIA, pp 21
  • 27. Kumara Y.S.P.N., Wasana H.M.S., Rathnakumara W.M.T.D., Aruna Amarasinhe, G. A. Gunawardana, Basil Alexander. "Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis among Cattle in the Central Province of Sri Lanka", Tropical Agricultural Research. (Tropical Agricultural Research, 33(2), pp.113–124. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v33i2.8428)
  • 1) Received the Most Outstanding Paperwork Award (out of 180+ papers; Co-Author) at the i-PURSE International Conference, University of Peradeniya, in 2023.
  • 2) Awarded the President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) as a Visiting Scientist (Associate Professor) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences – RCEES, China in 2022.
  • 3) Won the Best of the Best Paper (Oral Presentation) Across All Scientific Sessions and the Most Outstanding Award at the 33rd PGIA Annual Congress (Co-Author) in 2021.
  • 4) Secured the Best Paper Award in Oral Presentation – Technical Session 4 at the 33rd PGIA Annual Congress (Co-Author) in 2021.
  • 5) Received the International Training Fellowship from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), CAS, China in 2018.
  • 6) Honored with the NRC Merit Award from the National Research Council, Sri Lanka in 2017 as the ‘First Author’ (for the top 200 research publications in all disciplines)
  • 7) Awarded an International Travel Grant by the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka in 2016.
  • 8) Received the NRC Merit Award from the National Research Council, Sri Lanka in 2016 as the ‘First Author’ (for the top 200 research publications in all disciplines)
  • 9) Received the NRC Merit Award from the National Research Council, Sri Lanka in 2015 as the ‘First Author’ (for the top 200 research publications in all disciplines)
  • 10) Achieved the Bronze Medal at the All-Island Inter-University Chemistry Quiz Competition Organized by the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) in 2008.
  • 11) Earned a Distinction Award in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz (Senior Division) from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute in 1999.
  • 12) Achieved 4th Place in the All-Island New Inventions Competition Organized by the Ministry of Education & Higher Education – SLAAS in 1994.
  • Senior Lecturer (Gr I) - Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna (August 2025 onwards)
  • Associate Professor as a Visiting Scientist - Presidential International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) Programme, Research Center for Eco- Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China (June 2023 to Present).
  • Achieved the professional designation of Chartered Chemist (MRACI CChem) from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) on 01 July 2023.
  • Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC), United Kingdom
  • Member of the American Chemical Society
  • Member of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (M.I.Chem.C.)
  • Postgraduate Supervisor, Mentor and Student Counsellor for the Sri Lankan students at the RCEES, CAS (June 2023 to Present)
  • Postgraduate Supervisor and Mentor for PGIA and PGIS students at UOP (2021 to present)
  • Senior Lecturer - Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya-(UOP) (January 2022 to June 2023)
  • Coordinator - Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) -PGIA (January 2022 to June 2023) and worked leading to ‘A grade’ in the Institutional Review (IR) [By overseeing the 10 criteria related activities, guiding the academic staff of the PGIA and document preparations for TORs & SOPs of the institute, arrange meetings, etc].
  • Secretary - Postgraduate Degree Regularization Committee (representing PGIA) - UOP (2022-2023)
  • Senate Representative from the PGIA - Management Committee (UOP) (January 2022 to 2023 June)
  • Resource Person;
  • 1) ‘How to find Fellowships and Travel Grants? Experience sharing and Exploring the Avenues for Overseas Training for Students’ conducted by the Career Guidance Unit- UOP (on 30th September 2022)
  • 2) Conducted a seminar as the resource person to the research Scientists and students at Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China on 22nd of January 2024 on; “Importance of drinking water quality for the preventive measures of ‘Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain etiology (CKDu)’ under ‘One Health’ approach”
  • 3) Conducted a seminar at the Perking University First Hospital, Beijing, China (for Research Scientists and Medical Doctors) on 02nd of December 2023 on ‘Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology’ (CKDu) in Sri Lanka under ‘One Health’ Approach.
  • PGIA Representative - University Data Bank Committee- (UOP) (February 2022 to June 2023)
  • Senior Research Scientist- (IAEA project)- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, (UOP) (September 2018 to December 2021)
  • Research Assistant – National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana, Kandy (July 2016 –August 2009).
  • Lecturer (probationary) in Chemistry - Department of Physical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Applied sciences, University of Sabaragamuwa (January-August 2009)
  • Assistant Lecturer and Demonstrator in Chemistry December 2007 to December 2008
  • Other Activities and Grants
  • 1) Beijing Natural Science Foundation - International Scientist Grant (IS24058) Project: Preparation and application of cost-effective functionalized coconut char and nanoclay based nanosorbent for removing DOM of groundwater as a pretreatment for membrane technology in CKDu-endemic areas of Sri Lanka
  • Role: Principal Investigator / Visiting Scientist- (Associate Professor) / Postgraduate Supervisor Grant Amount: RMB 200,000 Duration: July 2024 – July 2026
  • 2) Multidisciplinary Research Grant – University Research Council (UOP) (Grant No: 390)
  • Project: Nanoadsorbent blended clay pot for domestic water treatment applications; remediation of algal toxins and E. coli contamination
  • Role: Co-grantee / Postgraduate Supervisor / Co-investigator
  • Grant Amount: LKR 2,500,000.00 Duration: March 2023 – September 2025
  • 3) National Research Council (NRC-20-115) – Investigator Driven Competitive Research Grant
  • Project: Effects of environmental fluoride, hardness, and heavy metal (Cd, Pb, As) exposures on cow milk and kidney function in CKDu endemic areas of Sri Lanka
  • Role: Co-grantee / Postgraduate Supervisor / Co-investigator
  • Grant Amount: LKR 4,382,500.00 Duration: Dec 2021 – Dec 2025
  • 4) IAEA Research Project- SLR/05/046
  • Project: Improving livelihood through dairy cattle production; Women farmer empowerment
  • Role: Senior Research Scientist / Collaborator.
  • Duration: 4 years (2016-2022) Amount: Euro 338,000.00
  • 5) National Science Foundation, International Travel Grant- (RGB/GEN/06/2016/01/18)
  • PhD work- Oral presentation for an International Conference in Belgium. (LKR 200,000.00)
  • 6) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) -Research Grant
  • Competitive International Research grant for final year (Chemistry Special) undergraduate research Project (2007).