Academic Building (B3)-Room 218
Department of Biosystems Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mahenwatte, Pitipana North
Homagama 10200
Sri Lanka

Email: lankaundugoda@sjp.ac.lk 

Dr. Lanka Undugoda is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, with expertise in Microbiology and Biotechnology. Holding a Ph.D. in these fields, Dr. Lanka Undugoda has developed a robust academic and research portfolio that addresses critical areas in environmental microbiology, food biotechnology, and fermentation technology. Her research contributions are multifaceted, encompassing the development of functional foods like probiotic food and beverages, particularly enhancing probiotics in both dairy and non-dairy sources. In addition, her work on microbial biofertilizers aims to improve agricultural sustainability by utilizing beneficial microorganisms to boost soil fertility and plant growth.

Her expertise in bioremediation focuses on employing microorganisms for the degradation of pollutants, which has significant applications in environmental sustainability. Dr. Lanka Undugoda also explores the biodiversity of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts in wine fermentation, particularly within the Sri Lankan context, where native yeasts can offer unique fermentation characteristics. Through these efforts, she aims to develop innovative solutions that integrate biotechnology into industrial applications. Her research outputs are impactful, contributing to publications, patents, and collaborations with both academic institutions and industry partners, addressing key challenges in food security, environmental protection, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Research Keywords: Bioremediation, Biotechnology, Air Pollution, Microbial Genetics, PAH Degradation, Food Microbiology, Probiotics, Biopreservation, Wine fermentation, Functional foods

PhD Projects:

• Immobilization of aromatic hydrocarbon degrading phyllosphere bacteria and fungi for bioremediation of polluted air
• Production of a new bioghurt direct vat starter culture for production of bioghurt with low postacidification
• Development of probiotic green coconut water beverage with bio-preservative ability using indigenous microbial consortium

Phil Projects:

• Bioremediation Potential of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Using Fungi in Effluents fromSapugaskanda Oil Refinery in Sri Lanka.
• Analysis of Microplastic Prevalence in the Selected Soil-Grown Vegetables in Sri Lanka: Sustainable Bioremediation Approach of Microplastics in the Agricultural Fieldsanka
• Screening of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Sri Lanka against Obesity in-vitro
• Isolation and characterization of Low-Density polyethylene (LDPE) degrading fungi from urban dumpsites in Sri Lanka towards developing a mycoremediation technology
• Fabrication of winemaking machine with immobilized fermentation and ecofriendly carbonic maceration

Undergraduate Projects:

• Microbiological quality of ice cream production environment.
• Development of instant milk meat.
• Development of mango pieces added mango RTS with high shelf life.
• Suitability of Cassava as an adjunct instead of rice in beer production.
• Gap analysis and digitalization of food safety management prerequisite programs in the brewing industry
• Milk-added drink incorporated with palmyra treacle and molasses.
• Characterization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria inhabiting Sri Lankan buffalo milk.
• Determination of in-vitro antibacterial effectiveness of spice herb extracts against some bacterial infections in the human respiratory tract.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of food safety culture.
• Suitability of Cassava as an adjunct instead of rice in beer production.
• Development of an amino acid liquid fertilizer using brewing spent yeast extract.
• Enhancement of the dissolution rate and solubility of curcumin and piperine-developing ternary cocrystals with succinic acid.
• Physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of Sri Lankan natural strawberry puree added drinking yoghurt.
• Development of pineapple and ginger flavored beer.
• Pilot study on the determination of change in microbiological quality of cooked rice packets over time in Borella area in Colombo district.
• Characterization of physiochemical parameters of green coconut water in selected regions.

Dr. Lanka Undugoda’s research interests encompass several innovative projects in the fields of food biotechnology, environmental microbiology, and sustainable technologies. Her work includes the development of novel probiotic yogurt starter cultures using indigenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to enhance yogurt quality and shelf life. She is also focused on creating functional beverages, such as a probiotic green coconut water beverage utilizing indigenous probiotics, aimed at improving digestive health and extending product shelf life through biopreservation. In the area of winemaking, she is investigating the use of indigenous yeasts for immobilized fermentation and eco-friendly carbonic maceration to enhance regional wine production. Additionally, her research extends into environmental sustainability, including the development of biofilters using phyllosphere microorganisms to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons and the isolation of fungi capable of degrading low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to promote mycoremediation. Dr. Lanka Undugoda is also exploring the anti-obesity potential of traditional Sri Lankan medicinal plants, identifying active compounds with promising therapeutic applications.

1.  Ramanayake, G.D., Udayanga, D., Madusanka, C., Undugoda, L., Nugara, R.N., Nilmini, R. and Manage, P., 2024. Biodegradation potential of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by soil-inhabiting ascomycetous microfungi isolated from urban dumpsites. International Journal of Environmental Studies, pp.1-20. (doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2024.2405453)
2. Pavalakumar, D., Undugoda, L.J.S., Gunathunga, C.J., Manage, P.M., Nugara, R.N., Kannangara, S., Lankasena, B.N.S. and Patabendige, C.N.K., 2024. Evaluating the Probiotic Profile, Antioxidant Properties, and Safety of Indigenous Lactobacillus spp. Inhabiting Fermented Green Tender Coconut Water. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, pp.1-17. (doi.org/10.1007/s12602-024-10352-x)
3. Dharmasiri, N., Kannangara, S., Undugoda, L., Munasinghe, J., Madushika, R., Thambugala, K.M., Gunathunga, C. and Pavalakumar, D., 2024. The mycoremediation potential of phyllosphere fungi in urban ornamental plants in Sri Lanka with mathematical models for PAH degradation. New Zealand Journal of Botany, pp. (doi.org/10.1080/0028825X.2024.2398007)
4. Mallikarachchi, K.E.P., Bandara, K.R.V., Weerasekera, M.M., Nugara, R.N., Undugoda, L.J.S. and Manage, P.M., 2024. Aromatase (CYP19) gene as a biomarker for detection of naphthalene and phenanthrene in Colombo to Mirissa coastal water in Sri Lanka. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 201, p.116187. (doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116187)
5. Pavalakumar, D., Undugoda, L.J.S., Thambugala, K.M., Manage, P.M., Nugara, R.N., Kannangara, S.D. and Rajapaksha, S.M., 2024. An analysis of regional variations in the physicochemical properties of Cocos nucifera L. var. nana across Sri Lanka. Plant Physiology Reports, pp.1-11. (doi.org/10.1007/s40502-024-00792-6)
6. Gunathunga C.J, Undugoda L.J.S, Manage P.M, Nugara N.N.R, Pathmalal M.M, Udayanga D and Sadaruwan C (2023). Determining probiotic properties and fermented milk production potential of Lactobacillus strains inhabiting traditional buffalo curd. Journal of Food Bioscience. (doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2023.103544)
7. Thivijan R.B.N, Undugoda L.J.S, Nugara N.N.R.N, Pathmalal M.M, Thambugala K.M, Kannangara S.D (2023). Quorum sensing capability of wine microbial consortium involved in spontaneous fermentation of regional wine production. Studies in fungi. pp.20-32. (10.48130/SIF-2023-0020)
8. Dharmasiri R.B.N, Undugoda L.J.S, Pathmalal M.M, Nilmini A.H.L, Nugara N.N.R.N., Udayanga D (2023). Phylloremediation Approach to Green Air: Phenanthrene Degrading Potential of Bacillus spp. Inhabit the Phyllosphere of Ornamental Plants. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. Springer. pp. 60-78 (10.1007/s13762- 023-04883-z)
9. Undugoda, L., Thambugala, K., Kannangara, S., Munasinghe, J., Premarathna, N. and Dharmasiri, N., 2023. Phylloremediation of pyrene and anthracene by endophytic fungi inhabiting tea leaves (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) in Sri Lanka. New Zealand Journal of Botany, pp.1-14
10. Dharmasiri R.B.N, Undugoda L.J.S, Nilmini A.H.L, Pathmalal M.M, Nugara N.N.R.N, Udayanga D, Kannangara S (2022). Depolymerization of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons by Penicillium spp. Inhabit the Phyllosphere of Urban Ornamental Plants. The Journal of Environmental Quality Management. pp. 1-9 (https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.21924)
11. Undugoda L J S, Dharmasiri R.B.N, Nugara NNRN and Udayanga D (2022), Polyaromatic hydro carbonic phylloremediation capabilities of phyllosphere fungi inhabit in urbanized areas. Mycoremediation protocols. Springer Publishing (10.1007/978-1-0716-2006-9_6)
12. Ramanayake G D, Udayanga D, Undugoda LJS, Nugara NNRN, Nilmini AHLR, and Pathmalal M Manage (2022), Protocol for Screening Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)– Degrading Soil Fungi Isolated from Urban Waste Dumping Sites, Mycoremediation protocols. Springer publishing (doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-2006-9_11)
13. Undugoda LJS. and Kannangara S., (2022), Nature and activities of microfungi associated with the decomposition of rice straw in Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology. vol.2, pp. 201-217 (10.35495/ajab.2021.03.115)
14. Jayaweera Y, Undugoda LJS, Sandaruwan C, and Priyadarshana G (2023). Nanotechnology trends in food processing and food packaging. Journal of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia. (10.2174/2210681213666230227111805)
15. Rajakaruna R.M.N.P., Undugoda LJS, Kannangara S, and Abeywickrama K. (2022), Suppression and management of Meloidogyne incognita in soil using Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma virens. Malaysian Journal of Microbiology. vol.18, pp.225-236 (doi.org/10.21161/mjm.221397).
16. Ruwani N Nugara, Hirosuke Oku, Seiko Saitoh, Masashi Inafuku, Hironori Iwasaki, Kumara RP, Undugoda LJS, Lankasena BNS, (2021), The dose-dependent pteryxin-mediated molecular mechanisms in suppressing adipogenesis in vitro. Journal of Functional Foods. 82 (doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2021.104508)
17. Kodikara B, Undugoda LJS, Karunaratne H and Kandisa V (2022). Antibacterial and antiviral properties of Coriandrum sativum and Zingeiber officinale against human respiratory tract related bacterial and viral infections: A Review with a focus on the case of SARS-CoV. Journal of Advances in Technology. Vol.2. pp.361-381 (doi.org/10.31357/ait.v2i3.5598)
18. Nadini Thushara, Prashantha Malawiarachchi, Lanka Undugoda, Pahan Godakumbura, (2021), Phytochemical characteristics and antibacterial activity of selected Sri Lankan herbal porridges. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 10. 1359-1364. (10.22271/phyto.2021.v10.i1s.13537)
19. Undugoda L J S and Nilmini AHL (2019), Effect of Lactic Acid Microbial Ratio of Yoghurt Starter Culture in Yoghurt Fermentation and Reduction of Post Acidification. Journal of food and industrial microbiology
20. Dharmasiri R.B.N, Undugoda L.J.S, Pathmalal M.M, Nilmini A.H.L, Nugara N.N.R.N., Udayanga D (2023). Phylloremediation Approach to Green Air: Phenanthrene Degrading Potential of Bacillus spp. Inhabit the Phyllosphere of Ornamental Plants. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. Springer. pp. 60-78 (10.1007/s13762- 023-04883-z)
21. Dharmasiri R.B.N, Undugoda L.J.S, Nilmini A.H.L, Pathmalal M.M, Nugara N.N.R.N, Udayanga D, Kannangara S (2022). Depolymerization of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons by Penicillium spp. Inhabit the Phyllosphere of Urban Ornamental Plants. The Journal of Environmental Quality Management. pp. 1-9 (https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.21924)
22. Undugoda L J S, Dharmasiri R.B.N, Nugara NNRN and Udayanga D (2022), Polyaromatic hydro carbonic phylloremediation capabilities of phyllosphere fungi inhabit in urbanized areas. Mycoremediation protocols. Springer Publishing (10.1007/978-1-0716-2006-9_6)
23. Ramanayake G D, Udayanga D, Undugoda LJS, Nugara NNRN, Nilmini AHLR, and Pathmalal M Manage (2022), Protocol for Screening Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)– Degrading Soil Fungi Isolated from Urban Waste Dumping Sites, Mycoremediation protocols. Springer publishing (doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-2006-9_11)
24. Undugoda LJS. and Kannangara S., (2022), Nature and activities of microfungi associated with the decomposition of rice straw in Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology. vol.2, pp. 201-217 (10.35495/ajab.2021.03.115)
25. Jayaweera Y, Undugoda LJS, Sandaruwan C, and Priyadarshana G (2023). Nanotechnology trends in food processing and food packaging. Journal of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia. (10.2174/2210681213666230227111805)
26. Rajakaruna R.M.N.P., Undugoda LJS, Kannangara S, and Abeywickrama K. (2022), Suppression and management of Meloidogyne incognita in soil using Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma virens. Malaysian Journal of Microbiology. vol.18, pp.225-236 (doi.org/10.21161/mjm.221397)
27. Ruwani N Nugara, Hirosuke Oku, Seiko Saitoh, Masashi Inafuku, Hironori Iwasaki, Kumara RP, Undugoda LJS, Lankasena BNS, (2021), The dose-dependent pteryxin-mediated molecular mechanisms in suppressing adipogenesis in vitro. Journal of Functional Foods. 82 (doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2021.104508)
28. Kodikara B, Undugoda LJS, Karunaratne H and Kandisa V (2022). Antibacterial and antiviral properties of Coriandrum sativum and Zingeiber officinale against human respiratory tract related bacterial and viral infections: A Review with a focus on the case of SARS-CoV. Journal of Advances in Technology. Vol.2. pp.361-381 (doi.org/10.31357/ait.v2i3.5598)
29. Nadini Thushara, Prashantha Malawiarachchi, Lanka Undugoda, Pahan Godakumbura, (2021), Phytochemical characteristics and antibacterial activity of selected Sri Lankan herbal porridges. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 10. 1359-1364. (10.22271/phyto.2021.v10.i1s.13537)
30. Undugoda L J S and Nilmini AHL (2019), Effect of Lactic Acid Microbial Ratio of Yoghurt Starter Culture in Yoghurt Fermentation and Reduction of Post Acidification. Journal of food and industrial microbiology
31. Undugoda L J S, Kannangara S and Sirisena D.M (2018), Plasmid encoded toluene and xylene degradation by phyllosphere bacteria. The journal of Environmental science and analytical toxicology (10.4172/2161-0525.1000559)
32. Undugoda L J S, Nilmini AHL and Nugara NNRN (2018), Phylloremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbonic Pollutants Using Phylloshere Bacteria. The journal of Environmental science and analytical toxicology (10.4172/2161-0525.1000591)
33. Undugoda L J S, Kannangara S and Sirisena D M (2016), Aromatic hydrocarbon degrading fungi inhabiting the phyllosphere of ornamental plants on roadsides of urban areas in Sri Lanka. The international journal of biodegradation and bioremediation. 7: 328. (10.4172/2155-6199.1000328)
34. Undugoda L J S and Kannangara S (2016), Naphthalene and phenanthrene degradation by phyllosphere bacteria from the ornamental plants in urbanized and polluted areas of Sri Lanka. The journal of agricultural and environmental science. vol.2. pp. 1404-1409
35. Kannangara S, Undugoda L J S, Ambadeniya P, and Sirisena D M (2016), Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Degradation of Moss Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Macromitrium sp. in Sri Lanka. The journal of Agricultural Science and Technology A. vol.6, pp.178-189. (10.17265/2161-6256/2016.03.004)
36. Undugoda L J S, Kannangara S and Sirisena D M (2016), Genetic basis of naphthalene and phenanthrene degradation by phyllosphere bacterial strains Alcaligenes faecalis and Alcaligenes sp. 11SO. The international journal of biodegradation and bioremediation. 7: 333. (10.4172/2155-6199.1000333)
37. Undugoda L J S and Kannangara S, Rajapaksha N and Abeywickrama K (2016), Depolymerizing activities of aromatic hydrocarbon degrading phyllosphere fungi in Sri Lanka. The international journal of biodegradation and bioremediation. Vol.7. pp.78-89. (10.4172/2155-6199.1000372)
38. Thivijan S, Undugoda L.J.S, Nugara N.N.R, Bandara P.C, Pathmalal M.M and Rajapaksha S.M. (2023). Characterization of native non-Saccharomyces inhabiting Sri Lankan grape microbiomes: A comprehensive study of the capability of conventional non- Saccharomyces in wine fermentation. Journal of Food Bioscience. (Submitted).

1. Undugoda, L.J.S., Dharmasiri, R.B.N., Udayanga, D. and Nugara, N.N.R.N. 2022. Screening of Phyllosphere Fungi Inhabiting in Urbanized Areas for Phylloremediation Capabilities of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Pollutants. Mycoremediation Protocols (pp. 55-70). Springer Protocols Handbooks, Humana, New York, NY.
2. Ramanayake, G.D., Udayanga, D., Undugoda, L.J.S., Nugara, N.N.R.N., Nilmini, A.H.L.R., Manage P.M. 2022. Protocol for Screening Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)–Degrading Soil Fungi Isolated from Urban Waste Dumping Sites. Mycoremediation Protocols, (pp. 123-135). Springer Protocols Handbooks, Humana, New York, NY.

3. Dharmasiri, B.N., Undugoda, L.J.S., Pathmalal, M.M. and Nugara, N.N.R.N., 2023. Effect Air Pollution on Economic Crisis: Green Approach from Bioremediation. Multisectoral Approach to Accelerate Economic Transformation in the Face of Crisis in Sri Lanka, p.193.

4. Pavalakumar, , Undugoda, L.J.S., Manage, P.M. and Nugara, N.N.R.N., 2023. Trends Development of Non-dairy Probiotic Beverages from Tender Coconut Water: An Avenue f Expanding Export Market of Sri Lanka. Multisectoral Approaches to Accelerate Econom Transformation in the Face of Crisis in Sri Lanka, p.86