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Academic Staff member

Dr. W.G. Dilan Chathuranga

Lecturer (Confirmed)

B.Sc. (Special in Biology) (PDN, SL)
Diploma in Psychological Counselling (UOR, SL)
Ph.D. (PDN, SL)

Email - chathurangawgd@zoo.ruh.ac.lk

LinnkedIn ResearchGate Google Scholar

  • Lectures
  • ZOO1102: Core Zoology (4 Lectures)
  • ZOO1112: Invertebrate Diversity I (4 Lectures)
  • ZOO 1212: Chordate Organization and Diversity (8 Lectures)
  • ZOO2142: Biodiversity Conservation and Management (8 Lectures)
  • ZOO 2202: Human Biology and Genetics (10 Lectures)
  • ZOO3172/ZOO4083: Ornithology (ZOO3172: 20 Lectures/ZOO4083: 30 Lectures)
  • ZOO 3122: Applied Entomology (4 Lectures)
  • ZOO3252: Environmental Impact Assessment (8 Lectures)
  • ZOO 4164: Conservation and Management of Environment (8 Lectures)
  • ZOO3182/ZOO4073: Animal Behaviour (ZOO3182: 8 Lectures/ZOO4073: 8 Lectures)
  • Practical In-charge
  • ZOO 1121: General Zoology Practical I
  • ZOO 1221: General Zoology Practical II
  • ZOO 2121: General Zoology Practical III
  • ZOO 2221: General Zoology Practical IV
  • ZOO 2262: Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology
  • ZOO 3133: Wetlands Ecology and Management
  • ZOO 3152: Environmental Impact Assessment
  • ZOO 3162: Immunology
  • ZOO 3172/ZOO 4083: Ornithology
  • ZOO 3182/ZOO 4073: Animal Behaviour
  • ZOO 4061: Laboratory Techniques in Biology I
  • ZOO4221: Laboratory Techniques in Biology II
  • ZOO 4144: Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • ZOO 4164: Conservation and Management of Environment
  • Veterinary & Medical Entomology
  • Ornithology
  • Herpetology
  • Vector-borne & Zoonotic Diseases
  • Vertebrate-Insects Interactions
  • Plant-animal interactions
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Management
  • Books:
  • 1. De Silva, A. Ukuwela, K., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2021) A Photographic Field Guide to the Amphibians of Sri Lanka. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd. Oxford, UK. ISBN: 978-191-36791-1-8
  • Peer reviewed Articles in SCI Journals:
  • 1. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Kodikara Arachchi, M. H., Samarasingha, N. and Wijesundara, C. S. (2017). Significance of cloud forests in Loolkandura Estate, Deltota for conservation of endemic bird species in Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 6 (1): 60-65.
  • 2. Chathuranga, W.G.D. and Ranawana, K.B. (2017). Spider Fauna (Arachnida: Araneae) Of Upper Hanthana Mountain Area, Central Sri Lanka. Indian Journal of Arachnology. 6(1):1-14.
  • 3. Chathuranga, W.G.D. and Ranawana, K.B. (2017). A preliminary investigation of seed dispersal by elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) in Kumaragala Forest Reserve, Matale District, Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Sciences) 46(3):39-46.
  • 4. Wijesundara, C.S., Warakagoda, D., Sirivardana, U., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Hettiarachchi, T., Perera, N., Rajkumar, P., Wanniarachchi, S., Weerakoon, G. (2017). Diversity and Conservation of Waterbirds in the Northern Avifaunal Region of Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Sciences). 46(5):143.
  • 5. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., Fernando, B.R. and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2018). Diversity, distribution, abundance and feeding pattern of tropical Ornithophilic mosquitoes, Journal of Vector Ecology, 43 (1): 158-167.
  • 6. Chathuranga, W.G.D., K. Kariyawasam, de Silva, A. and W.A.P.P. de Silva (2020). Larvae of blowflies: Destructive predators of eggs and embryos of Polypedates cruciger Blyth, 1852 (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae), Journal of Threatened Taxa. 12 (17): 17374-17379.
  • 7. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2020). Predator–prey interactions and the cannibalism of the larvae of Armigeres subalbatus, Journal of Asia-Pasific Entomology, 23. 124-131.
  • 8. Dangolla, A., Wijesundara, D.L.R., Blair, D., Fernando, D.D., Wijesundera, K.K., Chathuranga, W.G.D., de Silva, W.A.P.P., Rajakaruna, R.S. (2020). Canine trypanosomiasis in Sri Lanka: An emerging problem reported from three distinct geographic locations. Parasitology International, 77:102129.
  • 9. De Silva, W.A.P.P., Bernal, X.E., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Herath, B.P., Ekanayake, C., Abeysundara, T.K., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P. (2020). Feeding Patterns revealed host partitioning in a community of frog-biting mosquitoes, Ecological Entomology, https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12874.
  • 10. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Fernando, B.R., Weeraratne, T.C., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2021). Blood parasites of bird communities in Sri Lanka and their mosquito vectors, Parasitology Research: 1-11. 10.1007/s00436-021-07049-3.
  • 11. Anuradha, G.N.P.V., de Silva, W.A.P.P., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P. and Weeraratne, T.C. (2022). Morphological variations in the male genitalia of seven mosquito genera (Diptera: Culicidae), Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science 51(Special Issue) 2022: 509-520.
  • 12. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Weereratne, T.C., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2022). Spatial distribution pattern of ornithophilic mosquitoes along the vertical axis in forest habitats. Ceylon Journal of Science, 51(3), 209-216.
  • 13. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Weereratne, T.C., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., Abeysundara, S.P. and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2023). Breeding site selection and co-existing patterns of tropical mosquitoes. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 1-12.
  • 14. Sudharaka, K.G.A., Rupasinghe, M.A.M., Wickramasinghe, M.P., Thilakarathne, K.G.D.D., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Lakkana, P.H.T., and Bandara, K.V.S.N. (2023). Sesarmid crabs as key contributors to the soil organic carbon sedimentation in tropical mangroves, Wetlands Ecology and Management 31(3):1-17
  • 15. Gamage, L.M.P., Ranasinghe, R.A.N.M., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2024). First Record of Creobroter apicalis Saussure, 1869 (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka: Unveiling a New Geographic Record of Flower Mantis. 5512 (01). ZOOTAXA: 127-135.
  • Peer reviewed Articles in Non-index journals:
  • 1. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2018). Ornithophilic mosquitoes and their role as vectors of avian diseases. Sciscitator, PGIS, Volume 4: 13-14.
  • 2. Chathuranga, W.G.D. and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2018). Knuckles, a Land of Dragons. Protect Nature. Zoologists Association of University of Peradeniya: 14-15.
  • Abstracts
  • 1. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Kodikara Arachchi, M. H., Samarasingha, N. and Wijesundara, C. S. (2015). Avifaunal diversity of Loolkandura Estate in Deltota, Central Sri Lanka and Its significance in bird conservation. Proceedings of 19th Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE): p.301.
  • 2. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Ranawana, K. B., Wijesundara, C. S., and Jayasinghe, D.D. S. (2015). Seed dispersal potential of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Kumaragala Forest Reserve, Matale District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 20th International Forestry and Environment Symposium. Sharing Knowledge towards a greener Future: p.23.
  • 3. Wijesundara, C., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Hettiarachchi, T., Perera, N., Rajkumar, P., Wanniarachchi, S. and Weerakoon, G. (2015). Avifaunal Diversity in Vallai and Thondaman Aru areas in Jaffna: Potential for ecotourism. Proceedings of 19th Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE): p.302.
  • 4. Wijesundara, C., Warakagoda, D., Siriwardena, U., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Hettiarachchi, T., Perera, N., Rajkumar, P., Wanniarachchi, S. and Weerakoon, G. (2015). Biogeography of water birds in the Northern avifaunal region, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of National Science Foundation Symposium. Biogeography and Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka in a changing climate: p.20.
  • 5. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Ranawana, K.B., and Jayarathna, S. (2016). Significance of different habitats in upper Hanthana mountain area, Central Sri Lanka for conservation of Spiders. The Rufford in-country conference-Sri Lanka 2016, Oak Ray Regency, Kandy, Sri Lanka: p.12.
  • 6. Wijesundara, C.S., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Hettiarachchi, T., Perera, N., Rajkumar, P., Wanniarachchi, S., and Weerakoon, G. (2016). Population size of the Greater Flamingo in the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. PGIS Research Congress 2016, Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya: p.80.
  • 7. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Kodikara Arachchi, M.H, Samarasinghe, S.L.N., and Wijesundara, C.S. (2016). Significance of Cloud Forests in Loolkandura Estate, Deltota for Conservation of Endemic Bird Species in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress: p.81.
  • 8. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., Fernando, B.R. and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2017). Haemoparasites of wild birds and the role of ornithophilic mosquitoes in parasite transmission. Proceedings of the 2nd international conference on Tropical Medicine, Plant Genetic Resource centre, Peradeniya: p.43-44.
  • 9. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2017). Tree-hole breeding mosquitoes in selected forest patches in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE)- 2017, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya: p.416-417.
  • 10. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., Fernando, B.R., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2017). Species composition and feeding pattern of ornithophilic mosquitoes in urban and rural areas in Gampola, Central Sri Lanka. Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress-2017, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: p.82.
  • 11. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2017). A preliminary study on ornithophilic mosquitoes (Culicidae: Diptera) of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka-Taiwan Joint Symposium on Advances in Entomological Research, Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya: p.8.
  • 12. De Silva, W.A.P.P., Bernal, X.E., Chathuranga, W.G.D., and Karunaratne, S.H.P.P. (2018). Mosquito/anuran interactions and feeding patterns of frog-biting mosquitoes (Culicidae) in Sri Lanka. 9th International Congress of Dipterology, Windhoek, Namibia: p.63.
  • 13. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2018). Potential of predatory larvae of Armigeres subalbatus (Culicidae: Diptera) for biological control of vector mosquitoes. Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress-2018, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: p.72.
  • 14. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., Fernando, B.R., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2019). Infectious avian malaria and other blood parasites of bird communities in Sri Lanka. ATBC-Asia Pacific Chapter Meeting 2019. September 10-13, 2019: p.114.
  • 15. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Kariyawasam, K., Rajakaruna, R.S., and W.A.P.P. de Silva (2019). Opportunistic cannibalism by tadpoles of common hourglass tree frog, Polypedates cruciger. Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress-2019, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: October 11, 2019: p.106.
  • 16. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Wanigasinghe, I.M., Dhanapala, W.A.M.N.S., De Silva, W.A.P.P., and Gunaratne, A.M.T.A. (2019). Halgolla Forest Reserve as an Agro-biodiveristy Refugium. Symposium on Agrobiodiversity for climate change adaptation, Food and Nutrition. May 23-24, 2019: p. 32.
  • 17. Chathuranga, W.G.D., Karunaratne, S.H.P.P., Fernando, B.R., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2020). Vertical distribution of ornithophilic mosquitoes in forested habitats of central Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress; November 26-28, 2020: p.175.
  • 18. Dangolla, A., Wijesundara, D.L.R., Blair, D., Fernando, D.D., Wijesundera, K.K., Chathuranga, W.G.D., de Silva, W.A.P.P., and Rajakaruna, R.S. (2020). Canine trypanosomiasis in Sri Lanka: An emerging problem reported from three distinct geographic locations. 105th Meeting of the Southeastern Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, Huntsville, Alabama: February 21-23, 2020
  • 19. Anuradha, G.N.P.V., Weeraratne, T.C., Chathuranga, W.G.D., and De Silva, W.A.P.P. (2021). Morphological diversity of external male genitalia of seven mosquito genera in Sri Lanka. Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress-2021, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: p.101.
  • 20. Palliyaguru, S.N., Weeraratne, T.C., Chathuranga, W.G.D. and de Silva, W.A.P.P. (2022). Insecticide resistance in selected Culex mosquito species in Sri Lanka, Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress-2022, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: p.112.
  • 21. Sudharaka, K.G.A., Rupasinghe, M.A.M., Wickramasinghe, M.P., Thilakarathne, K.G.D.D., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Lakkana, P.H.T., and Bandara, K.V.S.N. (2022). The contribution of terrestrial crabs (sesarmidae) on organic carbon sedimentation in mangrove ecosystems. 58th Annual Meeting of the ATBC-2022, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, July 10-14, 2022.
  • 22. Ishara, E.K.V., Gamage, L.M.P., Munasinghe, D.H.N., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2023). A Preliminary Investigation of Non-Breeding Season Behavioral Patterns and Taxonomic Status of Indian Peafowls (Pavo Cristatus) in Wellamadama Premises of the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Third International Conference of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability 2023, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. August 2023, P1.
  • 23. Wijerathna, S., Welikala, U.K., Kavindi, I., Wegiriya, H.C.E., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2023). Butterfly Fauna in the Wellamadama Premises of the University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka. Third International Conference of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability 2023, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. August 2023, P2.
  • 24. Wijesundara, C., Warakagoda, D., Siriwardena, U., Chathuranga, W.G.D., Hettiarachchi, T., Perera, N., Rajkumar, P., Wanniarachchi, S. and Weerakoon, G. (2023). Distribution of the Critically Endangered Spotted-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Third International Conference of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability 2023, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. August 2023, P3.
  • 25. Bandaranayake, B.M.K.K., Dissanayake, H.M.J.N., Amarasekara, S.S., De Silva, W.A.P.P., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2023). Characteristic wing vein pattern of common mosquito genera in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, Sri Lanka: 3rd-4th November 2023
  • 26. Shantha, W.M.D.T.L.S., Pushpika, W.D.D., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2024). Significance of Wellamadama Premises of the University of Ruhuna, Southern Sri Lanka for the conservation of avifauna in Matara District. 11th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference 2024, University of Ruhuna, January 2024. p.110.
  • 27. Bandaranayake, B.M.K.K., Dissanayake, H.M.J.N., Amarasekara, S.S., De Silva, W.A.P.P., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2024). Abundance, diversity, and distribution of potential mosquito vector fauna in the Wellamadama premises of the University of Ruhuna, Southern Sri Lanka. The 28th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, January 2024. p197.
  • 28. Chathuranga, W.G.D., De Silva, M.P.K.S.K., Wijeweera, W.P.S.N. (2024). Evidence for Presence, Home Range Mapping, and Conservation Threats of Fishing Cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Kirala-Kele Sanctuary, Southern Sri Lanka. The 28th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024. University of Sri Jayawardanapura, January 2024. p50.
  • 29. Ishara, S.M.S., Bandara, R.H.M.P., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2024). Impact of Naturally Occurring Water Types and pH on the Emergence and Survival of Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes in Southern Sri Lanka. The 28th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024. University of Sri Jayawardanapura, January 2024. p57.
  • 30. Wijerathna, S., Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2024). Abundance, Diversity, and Distribution of Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera) in Selected Forest Patches and Home Gardens in the Mahagama Area of Kalutara District, Sri Lanka.
  • Booklet
  • 1. De Silva, W.A.P.P. and Chathuranga, W.G.D. (2019). Pictorial guide of amphibian fauna in Sri Lanka. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Pp. 1-34. (ISBN-978-955-589-263-6)
  • Creative Products
  • Author of Novels (Sinhala Medium)
  • 1. Nidan Horunge Awasanaya (ISBN-978-955-54986-0-9)
  • 2. Prarthana (ISBN: 978-955-54986-1-6)
  • Awards
  • 1. Best oral presentation. Symposium on Agro biodiversity for climate change adaptation, food and nutrition (2019). Organized by the Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Project and Biodiversity for Adaptation to Climate Change Project
  • Scholarships/Grants
  • 1. University Research Grant (RU/SF/RP/2022/04): Co-investigator
  • 2. University Research Grant (RU/SF/RP/2022/21): Co-investigator
  • 3. University Research Grant (RU/SF/RP/2022/22): Co-investigator
  • 4. Prof. Peter Ashton Felicitation Grant to attend the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation-Asia Pacific Chapter Conference - 2019, Sri Lanka
  • 5. Travel grant to participate for the Student Conference on Conservation Science-Beijing Forum 2015. Peking University, Beijing, China. November 05-08, 2015
  • 6. Partial travels grant to participate for the Student Conference on Conservation Science-Bangalore 2016 (SCCS_BNG-2016), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. 20/09/2016-23/09/2016.
  • 7. Partial travels grant to participate for the Student Conference on Conservation Science-Bangalore 2017 (SCCS_BNG-2017), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. C11, 21/09/2017-24/09/2017.
  • 8. CSL-CER Grant (1C02595_2023): Principal Investigator
  • Current Positions
  • A student counsellor of the Faculty of Science
  • Member of the Career Guidance Committee - Faculty of Science
  • Member of the IT Committee - Faculty of Science
  • Member of the UBL cell - Faculty of Science
  • Member of the committee for the Science Education Center
  • Faculty Coordinator of the Taekwondo (Men/Women) game offered by the Physical Education Unit
  • An adviser of the Birder's Club, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science
  • Senior Editor of the Innovation Club, Faculty of Science
  • Previous Appointments
  • Representative of the Probationary Lecturers_Faculty Board of the Faculty of Science (2021-2023)
  • Temporary Demonstrator, Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya (15/02/2016-31/11/2016)
  • Temporary Research Assistant in National Research Council (NRC) Grant No 16-059, Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya (01/12/2016-25/03/2019)
  • Temporary Research Assistant, Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya (26/03/2019-01/12/2020)
  • Admin Roles
  • Conference Management Toolkit (CMT) System Operator: Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress (RESCON) 2019 and 2020
  • Editorial Committee member: Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress (RESCON) 2019 and 2020
  • Coordinator of the plant restoration programs conduct by the Botanical society of University of Peradeniya in Knuckles mountain Range (from 2016 to 2020)
  • A co-coordinator of the Summer school program-2020 organized by the Postgraduate Institute of Science
  • Memberships
  • Member of International Organization for Biological Control-Asian and Pacific Region Section (IOBC-APRS)
  • Life member of Alumni Association of University of Peradeniya (AAUP)
  • Life member of University of Peradeniya Science Alumni Association (UPSAA)
  • Member of Zoologists Association of University of Peradeniya (ZAUP)
  • Member of the Jeewa-Environmental Society of University of Peradeniya