Life member- Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science 

Plant Cell and Tissue Culture

Plant Secondary Metabolites

Bio-nanoparticles and their applications in biotechnoloy

• Induranga, A., Galpaya, C., Vithanage, V., Indupama, A., Maduwantha, K., Gunawardana, N., Wijesekara, D., Amarasinghe, P., Nilmalgoda, H., Gunasena, K., Perera, H., Hosan, S., & Koswattage, K. (2025). Nanofluids for Heat Transfer: Advances in Thermo-Physical Properties, Theoretical Insights, and Engineering Applications. Energies, 18(8), 1935.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Galpaya, G.D.C.P., Abeygunawardena, C.J., Induranga, D.K.A., Priyadarshana, H.V.V., Millavithanachchi, S.S., Bandara, P.K.G.S.S., and Koswattage, K.R. (2025). Advancements in Bio-Nanotechnology: Green Synthesis and Emerging Applications of Bio-Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials, 15(7), 528.
• Galpaya, C., Induranga, A., Vithanage, V., Gunasena, K., Ishara, I, Vardharaja, K., Sandun, I., Samarakoon, U., Wijesekara, H. and Koswattage, K. (2025). Experimental Study on Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Diffusivity, and Viscosity of MgO:Graphite Nanocomposite – Engine Oil Nanofluid. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 6.
• Hansini, A.M.P., Pramod, J.A.K., Silva, N.D., Glpaya, G.D.C.P., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Abejeewa, P.A.I.S., Keerthika, V. and Koswattage, K.R. (2025). Novel Palm Shell-Derived Activated Charcoal for Efficient Reactive Dye Removal: A Sustainable Approach to Textile Wastewater Treatment. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 15.
• Priyanjani, H.A.S.A., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Lawrence, P.K., and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2025). Assessment of Growth, Flowering, and Plumbagin content in Plumbago indica L.: Tissue Culture vs. Conventional Propagation. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 24.
• Madhushika, W.A.L.T., Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Gunasena, M.T. (2025). Identification of Tolerance Levels of Groundnut Genotypes to Aspergillus flavus. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 31.
• Millavithanachchi, S.S., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Koswattage, K.R., Kaluthanthri. D.V.S., Bandara, P.K.G.S.S., Galpaya, G.D.C.P., Jambugaswaththa, K.M., Kirthika, V. and Hansini. A.M.P. (2025). Feasibility Study on the Green Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles Using Tithonia diversifolia (Wild Sunflower) Leaf Extract. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 32.
• Ranathunga, R.A.S.M., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Thushari, A.N.W.S. and Chanchala, K.M.G. (2025). Evaluating the Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana in Controlling Deltocephalus menoni (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), the Vector of Sugarcane White Leaf Disease. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 33.
• Sandamali, W.H.P., Bandara, P.K.G.S.S., Millavithanachchi, S.S., Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Dharmasena, W.G.B.P. (2025). Activity analysis of extracellular α-amylase enzyme produced by Anoxybacillus caldiproteolyticus, a thermophilic bacterium isolated from Nelumwewa hot water spring. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 34.
• Sandaruwan, H.E., Maralanda, S.M.T.A., Millavithanachchi, S.S. and Gunasena, M.D.K.M. (2025). Assessment of the Feasibility of Producing Fiber-Enriched Pasta from Sugarcane Bagasse. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 36.
• Lawrence, P.K., Senarath, W.T.P.S.K., Hapugoda, M.D., Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Priyanjani, H.A.S.A. (2025). Assessment of the Larvicidal Potential of Catunaregam spinosa Seed Extract Against Aedes aegypti Mosquito Larvae. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 66.
• Gunasekara, G.R.A, Manoraj, A., Nawarathne. T.K., Jayarathne, R.K., Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Millavithanachchi, S.S. (2025). Comparative Microbiological, Physiochemical and Phytochemical Analysis of Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine “Nawarathna Kalka” on Different Market Samples; Towards Standardization. Proceedings of International Conference on Emerging Technologies, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka. 67.
• Tharanga, I.N., Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Rohanadheera, H. (2025). Utilization of Banana Pseudostem Extract as a Cost-Effective Supplement to MS Medium for In Vitro Propagation of Sour Banana (Musa acuminata). Proceedings of 2^nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 10.
• Dharmasiri, A.M.D.L., Bandara, M.M.L.I.W. and Gunasena, M.D.K.M. (2025). Optimized in Vitro Propagation Protocol for Cryptocoryne undulata: A Strategy for Conservation and Mass Cultivation. Proceedings of 2^nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 11.
• Dissanayaka, D.M.H.K., Gamage, G.G.S.U., Millavithanachchi, S.S., Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Bandara, P.K.G.S.S. (2025). Comparative Nutritional Assessment of Five Newly Improved Tomato Lines and Selected Two Tomato Varieties Released by the Department of Agriculture. Proceedings of 2^nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 12.
• Gunasekara, G.R.A, Nawarathne, T.K., Jayarathne, R.K. and Gunasena, M.D.K.M. (2025). Evaluation of Microbial, Physicochemical, and Phytochemical Properties of an Ayurvedic Polyherbal Drug; Nawarathna Kalka, with the Storage Time. Proceedings of 2^nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 15.
• Azra, A.J.F, Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Pieris, B.A.A.O., Jambugaswaththa, K.M. and Millavithanachchi, S.S. (2025). Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity Assessment of Coleus amboinicus Leaf Extract: Potential for Pharmaceutical Applications. Proceedings of 2^nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 44.
• Wijayagunawardana, U.A.S.D.S., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Pieris, B.A.A.O. and Jambugaswaththa, K.M. (2025). Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity Assessment of Osbeckia Octandra (L.): A Potential Source for Pharmaceutical Applications. Proceedings of 2^nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 53.
• Sopana, S., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Pieris, B.A.A.O. and Jambugaswaththa, K.M. (2025). Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Solanum trilobatum Leaf Extract: Potential for Pharmaceutical Applications. Proceedings of 2^nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 54.
• Millavithanachchi, S.S., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Koswattage, K.R., Kaluthanthri, D.V.S. and Bandara, P.K.G.S.S. (2024). Morphological Delimitation of Salacia Species in Sri Lanka as a Basis for Developing Species-Specific Chloroplast Mini Barcodes. Proceedings of 14th Annual Research Session, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
• Peiris B.A.A.O., Gunasena M.D.K.M. and Priyanjani H.A.S.A. (2024). GC-MS Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Salacia chinensis Leaf and Bark Extracts. Proceedings of International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies. Colombo, Sri Lanka. 76.
• Gunasena M.D.K.M., Nugegoda W.R.W.M.R.N.W.M.P., Priyanjani H.A.S.A., Lawrence P.K., Senarath W.T.P.S.K., and Dayasena Y.A.P.K. (2024). Establishment of Stevia rebaudiana Cell Cultures and Phytochemical Profiling via GC-MS and HPLC. Proceedings of International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies. Colombo, Sri Lanka. 89.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Alahakoon, A.M.P.D., Polwaththa, K.P.G.D.M., Galpaya, G.D.C.P., Priyanjani, H.A.S.A., Koswattage, K.R., and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2024). Transforming Plant Tissue Culture with Nanoparticles: A Review of Current Applications. Plant Nano Biology, 10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plana.2024.100102
• Millavithanachchi S.S., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Koswattage K.R., Bandara P.K.G.S.S. and Kaluthanthri D.V.S. (2024).  Optimization of CTAB DNA extraction protocols for downstream applications of Salacia sp. Proceedings of Ruhuna International Conference on Innovation and Technology, Matara, Sri Lanka.
• Priyanjani H.A.S.A., Peiris B.A.A.O., Lawrence P.K., Gunasena M.D.K.M. and Senarath W.T.P.S.K. (2024). Rapid in-vitro propagation of Plumbago indica L.: A sustainable approach for conservation and commercial production. Proceedings of Ruhuna International Conference on Innovation and Technology, Matara, Sri Lanka.
• Lawrence P.K., Senarath W.T.P.S.K., Gunasena M.D.K.M. and Priyanjani H.A.S.A. (2024). Assessment of piscicidal activity of Catunaregam spinosa seeds using adult Danio rerio. Proceedings of 4th International Conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Basnayaka B.M.H.D., Senarath W.T.P.S.K. and Gunasena M.D.K.M. (2024). Comparative study on morphology, physiology and phytochemical profiling of tissue cultured and naturally grown Coscinium fenestratatum. Proceedings of 4th International Conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Chandrasena P.H., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Senarath W.T.P.S.K. and Millavithanachchi S.S. (2024). Feasibility study of in vitro protocols for commercial cultivation: comparison of morphological, physiological, and anatomical properties of in vitro and seed-raised Dendrocalamus asper. Proceedings of 11^th International Conference on Agriculture, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Gamage D.G.P.D., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Perera A.M.M.S., Thushari A.N.W.S. and Perera J.K.U.D. (2024). Evaluation of Mutation Variability and Disease Resistance in Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) Populations Developed Through Callus Culture. Proceedings of 5th International Conference of Agricultural Sciences, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Perera J.K.U.D., Mandanayake M.A.R.A., Gunasena M.D.K.M. and Gamage D.G.P.D. (2024). Assessment of Thrips Resistance and Growth Performance in Selected Chili (Capsicum annuum) Varieties under Yala Season Cultivation. Proceedings of 5th International Conference of Agricultural Sciences, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Chandrasena P.H., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Millavithanachchi S.S. and Senarath W.T.P.S.K. (2024). Comparison of the Growth of In vitro Propagated and Seed Raised Plants of Dendrocalamus asper (Giant Bamboo) and Determination of Suitable Geographical Area for Commercial Plantations. Proceedings of 5th International Conference of Agricultural Sciences, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Peiris B.A.A.O., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Millavithanachchi S.S., Arunkobinath A., and Dayasena Y.A.P.K. (2024). Phytochemical and Bioactivity Analysis of Leaf and Bark Extracts of Salacia reticulata (Kothala Himbutu). Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Arunkobinath A., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Ganapathiraj L., Pathirana L.S., Peiris B.A.A.O., and Dayasena Y.A.P.K. (2024). Bioactivity Analysis of Different Tea Grades Produced in Martin Bauer Hayleys. Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Adhikari A.N.R., Udawela U.A.K., Gunasena M.D.K.M., and Dayasena Y.A.P.K. (2024). Marker-Assisted Foreground Selection for Drought Tolerance in Advanced Rice Breeding Lines (Bg 300/AR 93). Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Wijesinghe A.K.V.S., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Aththanayaka W.A.S.B., and Chamodika N.H.R.G. (2024). Development of Drinking Yoghurt Using Milk Solid Loses in the Production Process of Milco Company. Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Chamodika N.H.R.G., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Senaratne M.M.D.J., and Wijesinghe A.K.V.S. (2024). In Vitro and Ex Vitro Propagation of Microsorum sp. (Blue Oil Fern), Platycerium sp. (Staghorn Fern) and Sphaeropteris crinita (Tree Fern) Through Spore Germination. (2024). Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Chathurya P.J., Perera A.M.M.S., Gunasena M.D.K.M., and Dayasena Y.A.P.K. (2024). Identification of True-Hybrids of the Saccharum officinarum and Erianthus arundinaceus Progenies by Molecular Markers. Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Nayanahari K.D.M., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Fernando T.H.P.S. and Udayakanthi J.M.M.I. (2024). Evaluation of Survivability of the Causative Agents of the Circular Leaf Spot Disease in Leaf Litter of Rubber Plantations in the Kalutara District. Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Udayakanthi J.M.M.I., Gunasena M.D.K.M., Silva M.K.R., and Nayanahari K.D.M. (2024). Detection of Causative Agents of the Circular Leaf Spot Disease in the Soil Collected from Infected Rubber Plantations in Kalutara District. Proceedings of Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology & Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
• Gunasena M.D.K.M., Chandrasena P.H. and Senarath W.T.P.S.K. (2024) In vitro mass propagation of Dendrocalamus asper (Giant bamboo) through direct organogenesis. Advances in Bamboo Science. Vol 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bamboo.2024.100090
  Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. and Abeygunawardena, C.J. (2023) Phytochemical Analysis of Naturally Grown Plants, Tissue Cultured Plants and Calli of Stevia rebaudiana Using HPLC and GC-MS. Proceedings of 9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Dayasena YAPK, Alahakoon AMPD, Polwaththa KPGDM, Wijesekara ERJMDDP, Amarasinghe AMPC, and Gunasena M.D.K.M. (2023). Baculoviruses as an Effective and Safe Biopesticide for Controlling Agricultural Pests in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Conference on Technological Research and Innovation.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Senarath, R.M.U.S., and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2023) A review on Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni, a Natural Sweetener. Current Overview on Pharmaceutical Science. Vol. 3, 103-131. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cops/v3/4215B
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2021) Acclimatization of micropropagated Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) plantlets and comparison of their growth and stevioside content with conventionally propagated plantlets. Proceedings of 8th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 73.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2021) Comparison of steviol glycoside contents in conventionally propagated platnts, tissue cultured plants and callus of Stevia rebaudiana using HPLC. Proceedings of the Young Scientists' Conference on Multidisciplinary Research, Sri Lanka. 56.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Senarath, R.M.U.S. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2021) A Review on Chemical Composition, Biosynthesis of Steviol Glycosides, Application, Cultivation, and Phytochemical Screening of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International. 33(29B): 85-104.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2019) In vitro plant regeneration of Stevia rebaudiana through indirect organogenesis. Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 125.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2019) In vitro plant regeneration of Stevia rebaudiana through indirect organogenesis. International Journal of Botany Studies. 4(4): 199-203.
• Gunasena, K.M. and Senarath, S. (2019) Direct organogenesis of Stevia rebaudiana in vitro using nodal explants. AGROFOR International Journal. 4(1): 147-153.
• Manjitha, K.G.L., Gunasena, M.D.K.M., Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. and Samanmalee, L.G.I. (2018) In vitro plant regeneration through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis of Punica granatum Linn. (Lythracece). International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research. 9(11): 390- 395.
• Gunasena, K.M. and Senarath, S. (2018) Direct organogenesis of Stevia rebaudiana in vitro using nodal explants. Proceedings of 9th International Agriculture Symposium, Jahorina, Bosnia. 363.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2018) Obtaining bioactive compounds of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni.) Callus using leaf discs as explants. Proceedings of International Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change, Ozamis, Philippines. 33.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2017). Comparison of phytochemicals present in locally available Sri Lankan and imported (Indian) fruits of Punica granatum (Lythracece). Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. 3(1): 459-463.
• Gunasena, M.D.K.M. and Senarath, W.T.P.S.K. (2016). Comparison of phytochemicals present in locally available and imported fruits of Punica granatum and establishing seed culture of imported variety. Proceedings of 3rd Global conference on Entomology, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 59.

Chair- International Conference on Emerging Technologies (ICET 2025)

Chair- 2nd Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology (URSTech 2025)

Co-chair- Undergraduate Research Symposium of Technology and Applied Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium (URSTech & APSURS 2024)

BST12052 Principles of Microbiology

BST21051 Introduction to Biotechnology

BST22092 Directed study and Seminar

BST31073 Plant cell and Tissue Engineering

BST31092 Production of Plant Secondary Metabolites

BST32032 Industrial Uses of Plant Fiber

BST32062 Molecular Plant Breeding

BST32071 Molecular Biology Practicum