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Academic Staff member

Dr. W. M. C. Dammika Wijekoon

Lecturer (Confirmed)

Ph. D. (Kelaniya, SL)
Overseas Ph. D. training (University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal)
M.Phil (Ruhuna, SL)
Certificate Course in Laboratory Animal Science (Colombo, SL)
B. Sc. Honours (Special in Zoology) (Ruhuna, SL)

Email - chandanadammika1984@gmail.com

LinnkedIn ResearchGate Google Scholar

  • Lectures
  • B. Sc (General Degree) Level-I, III & Special Degree Students
  • o ZOO1212- Chordate Organization and Diversity (Class- Reptilia)
  • o ZOO4192- Animal Rearing (Terrestrial)
  • o ZOO3112-Basic Entomology
  • o ZOO3232- Principles of Pest Management
  • Practical courses
  • B. Sc (General Degree) Level-I, II & III
  • o ZOO1121- General Zoology Practical – I
  • o ZOO1221- General Zoology Practical – II
  • o ZOO2242- Conservation and Management of Biological Resources
  • o ZOO3112- Basic Entomology
  • o ZOO3122- Applied Entomology
  • o ZOO3232- Principles of Pest Management
  • o ZOO3192- Biological Psychology – I
  • o ZOO3202- Biological Psychology – II
  • o ZOO3292- Human Health
  • o ZOO3223- Fisheries & Aquaculture
  • B. Sc (Special Degree- Zoology) Level-I & II
  • o ZOO4013- Entomology
  • o ZOO4192- Animal Rearing (Terrestrial)
  • o ZOO4203- Aquaculture
  • o ZOO4121-Practical course in invertebrate biology
  • o ZOO4213- Principles of Pest Management
  • o ZOO4203- Fisheries Biology & Aquaculture
  • o Entomology (Pure & applied);
  • Firefly taxonomy and ecology
  • Insect eco-physiology
  • Insect pests & their management
  • o Animal & Human Physiology
  • Peer-reviewed index/ non-index journals
  • 1. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D. & Wegiriya, H.C.E. (2021) Systematics and biology of male, female and larvae of Diaphanes lutescens (Walker) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) in Sri Lanka. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics, 7 (4), 423–436.
  • 2. D. S. Dissanayake, W. M. C. D. Wijekoon and H. C. Wegiriya (2021). The Effect of Breeding Habitat Characteristics on the Larval Abundance of Aedes Vector Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) inThree Localities, Galle District, Sri Lanka. Psyche: A Journal of Entomology vol. 2021, Article ID 9911571, 9 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9911571https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9911571
  • 3. Wijekoon W. M. C. D., Wegiriya H.C.E. & Bogahawatte C. N. L., (2021) Distribution, Diversity and Relative Abundance of Fireflies (Coleoptera; Lampyridae) in Three Habitat Types in Sri Lanka, Rajarata University journal, 6 (1), 10-20.
  • 4. Wagachchi W. P., Wijekoon W. M. C. D. & Kommalage M. (2019). Drug costs of patient admitted to a government hospital; share of public and private expenditure, Galle Medical Journal, 24(1) p.(5-9).DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/gmj.v24i1.8001
  • 5. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya H. C. E. and Bogahawatte C. N. L., (2016). Systematic revision of the repository collection of Canthoroidea in the Department of National Museums, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Coleoptera: Cantharidae, Lampyridae, Lycidae, Rhagophthalmidae). Ceylon Journal of Science 45(1); 67-74. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v45i1.7365
  • 6. Lesley Ballantyne, Xinhua Fu, Christine Lambkin, Ming-Luen Jeng, Lynn Faust, W. M. C. D. Wijekoon, Daiqin Li and Tengfui Zhu, (2013). Studies on South-east Asian fireflies: Abscondita, a new genus with details of life history, flashing patterns and behaviour of Abs. chinensis (Kiesenwetter) and Abs. terminalis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae), Zootaxa, 3721 (1); 1-48.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3721.1.1. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C25F8F57-3875-4E0D-8F34-9DC9C9F876D1
  • 7. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya H.C.E. and Bogahawatte C.N.L., (2012). Regional Diversity of Fireflies of the Subfamily Luciolinae (Coleoptera:Lampyridae) in Sri Lanka, Lampyrid, 2: 138-141.
  • Proceeding papers
  • 1. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatta, C.N.L. and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2013). An overview of fireflies (Coleoptera; Lampyridae) in Sri Lanka; Diversity and current status. Paper proceedings of International Conference on Biodiversity, (Online) pp.88-102.
  • Conference Abstracts
  • 1. Wijekoon W.M.C.D., Ganehiarachchi G.A.S.M, Wegiriya H. C. E. & Vidanage S. P. (2021) Infestation and emergence of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) on two varieties of Mangifera indica from selected locations in wet zone and dry zone of Sri Lanka, International conference of Applied and Pure Sciences, University of Kelaniya, p.18.
  • 2. K.A.C. Wickramaratne, S. Gunawardena, D. C. Wijewickrama, A. Karunanayake and W. M. C. D. Wijekoon, (2021). Health Status and Safety Practices of Workers of Asbestos Sheet Manufacturing Factories in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of 14th International Research Conference, General Sir John Kothalawala Defence University, p. 45.
  • 3. T. M. K. K. Thennakoon, W. M. C. D. Wijekoon, H. C. E. Wegiriya, (2021). Invasive Alien Plants And The Associated Insect Assemblages In Some Selected Habitats In Matara District, Sri Lanka, 18th Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, p. 104.
  • 4. Appuhamy H. D. C. P. M., Madushan P. G. L., Wijekoon W. M. C. D., Nalika A. P. K., Kalutharage N. K. (2021). Extraction, characterization of essential oil in leaf extract of Toddalia asiatica, Proceedings of 8th Ruhuna International Science & Technology Conference, University of Ruhuna, p. 101.
  • 5. K.A.C. Wickramaratne, D. C. Wijewickrama, A. Karunanayake, W. M. C. D. Wijekoon, S. Gunawardena, (2019). Lung functions of workers of asbestos related industry in Sri Lanka: a case-control study, Proceedings of Annual Scientific Sessions of Physiological Society of Sri Lanka, p. 27.
  • 6. Amaranath Karunanayake, M.A Weerasuriya and Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., (2019). ''Colour cognition score''; a novel technique to assess colour cognition in children, Ruhuna journal of medicine, p. 33.
  • 7. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Samarawickrama M. B. and Kommalage M. (2018). Chronic effects of formaldehyde exposure on lung functions of medical students of University of Ruhuna, Galle Medical Journal, 23(1) p.25.
  • 8. Amaranath Karunanayake, Mandrika Anuji weerasooriya, Rasika, J. K. M. K. and Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., (2016). The prevalence of colour vision deficiency among 10-16 year-old school children in Galle District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Annual Scientific Sessions of Physiological Society of Sri Lanka, p. 33.
  • 9. Karunanayake A., Egodage U.K., Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Uluwitiya S.M.M. and Trimavithana M.G. (2013). Prevalence of the colour blindness and its impact on their education among undergraduates of University of Ruhuna, Galle Medical Journal, 18(2) p.53.
  • 10. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya, H.C.E. and Bogahawatta, C.N.L., (2013). Comparative study on species diversity and distribution of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) in selected habitats of Badulla District (Uva Province) and Rathnapura District (Sabaragamuwa Province), Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 4th International Congress on Insect Science (ICIS), Bangalore, India, p.94.
  • 11. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatta, C.N.L. and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2013). First record of the firefly genus Curtos (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera; Lampyridae; Luciolinae) in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 69th Annual Sessions of SLAAS, p.77.
  • 12. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatta, C.N.L. and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2013). Distribution and habitats of the firefly, Luciola cingulata (Olivier) (Coleoptera; Lampyridae; Luciolinae) in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 69th Annual Sessions of SLAAS, p.76.
  • 13. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatta, C.N.L. and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2012). Status of firefly population in Rathnapura District (Sabaragamuwa Province), Sri Lanka. Proceeding of 4th International Symposium of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, p.77.
  • 14. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatte C.N.L., and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2012). Preliminary study on Lampyrids in Kiralakelle nature reserve, Matara District, Southern, Sri Lanka; An ecotourism perspective, Proceedings of 17th International forestry and environment symposium, 17(8) p.108.
  • 15. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya, H.C.E. and Bogahawatta, C.N.L., (2012). The survey on species diversity, distribution and abundance of Lampyrids(Coleoptera; Lampyridae) in selected habitats of Badulla District (Uva Province), Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 68th Annual Sessions of SLAAS, p.36.
  • 16. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatte C.N.L., and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2010). Study on seasonal abundance and species diversity of butterflies among selected four trails in Kiralakelle wetland in Matara District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 3rd Asian Lepidoptera Conservation Symposium and Training Programme 2010, Coimbatore, India.
  • 17. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya, H.C.E. and Bogahawatte C.N.L., (2010). User friendly tool in taxonomic studies of invertebrates: a case study on firefly photography in Wellamadama premises, University of Ruhuna. Proceedings of the 7th Science Symposium of University of Ruhuna, p.68.
  • 18. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya, H.C.E. and Bogahawatte C.N.L., (2009).Study on the active time period, spatial distribution and nectar plants of recorded butterfly species in Kiralakelle Wetland in Matara District. Proceedings of the 6th Science Symposium of University of Ruhuna, p.03.
  • 19. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatte C.N.L and Senevirathna J.D.M., (2009). A field survey on ant species in four selected locations in Wellamadama premises of the University of Ruhuna. Proceedings of the 6th Science Symposium of University of Ruhuna, p.02.
  • 20. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Bogahawatte C.N.L., and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2009). Studies on seasonal abundance and species diversity of butterfly fauna in Kiralakelle Wetland in Matara District. Proceedings of the 65th Annual Sessions of SLAAS, p.84.
  • 21. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya, H.C.E. and Bogahawatte C.N.L., (2009). Studies on the most active time period and spatial distribution of butterfly species in Kiralakelle Wetland in Matara District. Proceedings of the 65th Annual Sessions of SLAAS, p.215.
  • 22. Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya, H.C.E. and Bogahawatte C.N.L., (2009).The status of butterfly species in Kiralakelle Wetland; Matara District. Proceedings of the 6th Science Symposium of University of Ruhuna, p.25.
  • Booklets:
  • o Bogahawatte C.N.L and Wijekoon, W. M. C. D (2009) Insect Pest of Vegetables in Southern Province in Sri Lanka. Pp. 1-40.
  • o Wegiriya, H.C.E., Bogahawatte C.N.L, M.G.V.Wickramasinghe and Wijekoon, W. M. C. D (2009) Practical Guide of Arthropod Pest of Stored Products. Pp. 1-34.
  • Practical Manual:
  • o Wijekoon, W. M. C. D and Bogahawatte C.N.L (2010) Fact Sheets For identification of Ant Species in Wellamadama Premises of the University of Ruhuna. Pp. 1-39.
  • Informative Poster:
  • . o Wijekoon, W. M. C. D, Bogahawatte C.N.L and Wegiriya, H.C.E., (2010) Butterflies of Kiralakelle, p.1.
  • Published articles in Scientific Magazines
  • o Wijekoon, W. M. C. D. (02nd October 2011). "Kirala kele" A Potential Site for Butterfly Based Tourism, Sunday Observer- Magazine, pp. 8-9.
  • o Wijekoon, W. M. C. D., Wegiriya, H.C.E. and Bogahawatte, (30th October 2011). "Lightning Bugs"- A Fascinating Study, Sunday Observer- Spectrum, P. 37.
  • o Wijekoon, W. M. C. D. (27th November 2011). "The tiny arboreal nest weaver", Sunday Observer- Spectrum, P. 38
  • o Wijekoon, W. M. C. D. (17th June 2012). " Fireflies under threat", Sunday Observer- Magazine,Pp. 12-13
  • o Wijekoon, W. M. C. D. (03rd October 2012). "Ecological significances, environmental threats and conservation efforts of fireflies", Vidusara (Sinhala medium), Pp. 14-15.
  • AWARDS
  • Best Poster Presentation;
  • 72nd Annual Academic Sessions of Galle Medical Association, September 2013 on �Prevalance of the colour blindness and its impacts on their education among undergraduates of University of Ruhuna�
  • Sponsorship
  • Obtained full sponsorship from �Forest Research Institute of Malaysia� to attend to the �Training Course on Identification and Taxonomy of South East Asian Fireflies�, 2010.
  • Administration positions
  • o Student counselor- Faculty of Science
  • o Student Mentor- Faculty of Science
  • o Editorial Assistant (Biological Science)- Ruhuna Journal of Science
  • o Committee member of the Science Faculty Day committee -2021
  • o Committee member of Establishment of student exchange programme - Malaysia & Ireland- 2021
  • o Member of the self-evaluation report writing team of the faculty of Science
  • o Adviser of the Birder`s club, Department of Zoology, University of Ruhuna. -2020, 2021
  • o Adviser of the Zoological Society, University of Ruhuna-2020, 2021
  • Society memberships
  • o Life of Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SLALAS)- since 2013
  • o Member of the Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science (SLAAS) 2009- 2012
  • o Executive committee member of Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SLALAS)- 2013
  • National & International level contributions
  • o Member of the expert panel in preparation of 6th National Report on Biodiversity, Biodiversity Secretariat, Sri Lanka-2019 (under the firefly beetles expert group).
  • o Member of the data collection team for the SLAAS report” Biotechnology Research & applications Landscape of Sri Lanka: the past, present & future- 2019
  • o Member of the Firefly IUCN specialist group
  • Career experiences
  • Current position-
  • o Lecturer (Probationary)- Department of Zoology, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2019.03.25 to present)
  • Previous positions-
  • o Scientific Assistant (Grade I)- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2011.10.07 to 2019.03.24)
  • o Research Assistant- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2011.01.10 to 2011.10. 06)
  • o Assistant Lecturer- Department of Zoology, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2010.01.19 to 2010.11.25)
  • o Demonstrator-Department of Zoology, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2009.01.19 to 2010.01.18)
  • Training experiences
  • o The " International Certificate Training Course on Laboratory Animal Science", 28th November – 9th December 2011, at Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, in collaboration with Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
  • o The "Training Course on Identification and Taxonomy of South East Asian Fireflies", 27 – 31 July 2010, Forest Research Institute, Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia.
  • o The "Training Programme on Identification, Field and Preservation Techniques and Conservation of Asian Micro and Macro Lepidoptera", 25 – 29 October 2010, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.