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

Email: nilushinug@sjp.ac.lk  
Office phone number: 0112758000
Extension: 1659

 

Ruwani Nilushi Nugara completed her basic degree in Agriculture from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna in 2006 with B.Sc. (Agric., Hons) First Class Honors and joined a prestigious company in Sri Lanka, John Keells Holdings as an Assistant Manager assigned to the Tea Department and worked there as an Assistant Manager for almost two years, and in early 2010 she received the MEXT Scholarship for her postgraduate studies in Japan at the University of the Ryukyus.

She has majored in Animal Nutrition during the final year of her B.Sc, and thereafter Human Nutrition and Obesity for Masters at the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan, and PhD. at United Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagoshima University affiliated at the Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. She has been in Japan for almost 7 years and she has received several awards during her stay in Japan for excellence in her research findings.

Currently, she works as a Professor in Biosystems Technology and a Founder academic member of the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Apart from lecturing, she works as a mentor for many motivational programmes, national schools, and is the Co-Chairperson of Innovations Inventions Venture  Creation Council in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She was also in the advisory board of Career Guidance Unit during 2018-2020 period and currently work as the Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Technology Journal (ISSN: 2773- 7098) published by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

She also received a competitive Research Fellowship to Japan as a Visiting Professor for a period of six months during the COVID-19 period and further researched on Sri Lankan Medicinal Plants and published several articles in high- impact factor Journals. With the completion of her Diploma in Counselling, she also spends her time as a professional Counsellor.

Research Keywords: Obesity, Animal Cell Culture, Nutrition, Underutlized plants, HPLC, NMR

2020-2025

Ph.D. Supervision-Ongoing:

Serve as a Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Production of a new bioghurt direct vat starter culture for the production of bioghurt with low post-acidification”, LKR 3.14 Mn, Project duration: 5 years

Serve as a Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Development of probiotic green coconut water beverage with bio-preservative ability using indigenous microbial consortium”, LKR 2.49 Mn, Project duration: 5 years

Served as Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Immobilization of aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading phyllosphere bacteria for bioremediation of polluted air”, LKR 3.0 Mn, Project duration: 5 years

 

2019-2022

MPhil Supervision:

Served as PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Screening of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Sri Lanka against Obesity in-vitro”, LKR 3.2 Mn, Project duration: 2 years

Served as Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Isolation and characterization of Low-Density polyethylene (LDPE) degrading fungi from urban dumpsites in Sri Lanka towards developing a mycoremediation technology”, LKR 3.7 Mn, Project duration: 2 years

Served as Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Fabrication of winemaking machine with immobilized fermentation and ecofriendly carbonic maceration”, LKR 2.95 Mn, Project duration: 2 years

Served as Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Artificial intelligence and visual technology for identification of indigenous medicinal plants of Sri Lanka”, LKR 2.4 Mn, Project duration: 2 years

Served as Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Evaluation of long-term performance of a Permeable Reactive Barrier (PBR) – A case study at Sundarapola dumpsite, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka”, LKR 2.8 Mn, Project duration: 2 years

Served as Co-PI on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Council funded project titled “Polyalthia longifolia Bio Fencing: A sustainable strategy to Human Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka”, LKR 2.9 Mn, Project duration: 2 years

 

2024

Undergraduate – Ongoing:

• Production of a Liquid Fertilizer using Cow Dung Slurry with Plant Beneficial Bacillus magaterium and Their Performance
• Evaluation of Calf Jacket on Calf Weigh Gain in Upcountry, Sri Lanka.
• A Comparative Analysis of Feeding Commercial Broilers with Locally-Sourced Coconut Oil and Imported Mixture of Crude Palm Oil on Broiler Growth Performances, Abdominal Fat Deposition and Carcass Yield.
• Introduction of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) using Locally Available Ingredients to Enhance Growth of Buffalo Calves in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka.
• Optimization Yield and Evaluation of Coconut Shell Charcoal: A Comparative Study of Charcoals of Coconut Shell and Bamboo Wood.
• Comprehensive Study and Design of a Small-scale Feed Mill for Mash Poultry Feed Production.

 

2019-2023

Undergraduate – Completed:

• Development and semi-characterization of an edible tea as a potential type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Therapy
• Identification of Gall Midge (Orseolia oryzae) resistance rice varieties/lines using Phenotypic and molecular techniques
• Cyclea peltata: as an alternative gelling agent for agar under in-vitro cultures
• Assessment of potential nitrogen capturing ability of biochar as a soil conditioner: A sustainable technology to rehabilitate degraded coconut growing soils of Sri Lanka
• Evaluation of different nitrogen levels on growth and yield of elite rice breeding lines
• Development of slow-release fertilizer to reduce urea application in paddy cultivation
• KMnO₄ based solution to reduce postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables
• Development of a value-added healthy snack to reduce the pumpkin postharvest loss in Sri Lanka
• Comparative assessment of use of Albert’s solution and fish waste as main nutrient source for tomato grown in hydroponics
• Assessment of biodegradability properties of the compostable pouch
• Effect of low-cost nutrient film technique (NFT) using wasted tyre tubes on growth and yield performance of tomato
• Effect of organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in greenhouse environment
• Evaluation of yield performances of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using different organic fertilizers under rooftop cultivation
• Introduction of an efficient organic fertilizer to gherkin (Cucumis sativus) and evaluation of their yield performances
• Evaluation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in fruit farming systems in the dry zone, Sri Lanka
• Effects of Super Absorbent Polymers and irrigation interval on the growth and yield performance of chilli grown in coconut-growing sandy soils
• A comparative study of feeding Di-Calcium Phosphate mixed finisher ration vs Conventional broiler finisher ration on growth performance of broiler birds
• Sustainable Utilization of Weeds in Coconut lands as a feedstock in Biochar production with highest conversion efficiency
• Effect of phytogenic feed additives on the reproductive performance of male broiler breeders
• Effect of age of broiler breeders and duration of egg storage on hatchability, fertility and chick rejects
• A study to determine usage of waste whey in making CO₃-silage in Sri Lanka
• Development of Cost-effective Boar semen Extender using egg yolk to improve semen quality
• Determination of the effect of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) and citric acid to increase production parameters in layer birds
• A comparative analysis of milk production and cost involved with the newly introduced cattle feed vs. conventional commercial cattle feed
• Analysis of growth rate in Red Madras Cross-bred Sheep by Feeding a Total Mixed Ration as a Night Feed

My research centers on the molecular mechanisms of anti-obesity and lipid metabolism, explored through human and rodent cell lines (in vitro) as well as various mouse models (in vivo). I am deeply committed to investigating naturally occurring compounds in Sri Lankan herbs, with a focus on identifying bioactive compounds and elucidating their mechanisms of action. During my doctoral studies, I conducted an anti-obesity investigation on Chomeiso (Peucedanum japonicum T.), a traditional Okinawan herb. This research led to the novel identification of pteryxin as the active compound responsible for the herb’s anti-obesity effects. My findings demonstrated that pteryxin enhances energy expenditure and reduces triacylglyceride storage in adipocytes, revealing its therapeutic potential. For target identification, I utilized Next Generation Sequencing data processing and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to identify biomarkers and pathways involved in anti-obesity responses.

At present, my research has expanded to encompass environmental applications, including groundwater pollution remediation. I am developing a permeable reactive barrier aimed at intercepting and treating contaminants in groundwater, advancing sustainable solutions for environmental health. Additionally, I am focused on elucidating effective microorganisms capable of degrading environmental pollutants, which can serve as bio-remediation agents. This multidisciplinary approach reflects my commitment to leveraging molecular insights and microbial applications to address pressing challenges in both human health and environmental sustainability.

 

1. Moving Beyond Deterrence: Socio-economic Factors Driving Bio-Fence Adoption among Dry Zone Farmers to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict. Perera, A.A.L.C., Abhayapala, K.M.R.D., Dharmarathne, N., Nugara R.N., Kumarasinghe, U. Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka: A Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System 1^st Edition, Section 3: Issues and Challenges (15), ISBN 9781032849904, 2025
2. Misidentifications in ayurvedic medicinal plants: Convolutional neural network (CNN) to overcome identification confusions. Lankasena, N., Nugara, R.N., Wisumperuma, D., Seneviratne, B., Chandranimal, D., Perera, K. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 183, 109349 (2024)
3. Influence of indigenous non-Saccharomyces yeast strains on the physicochemical and sensory properties of wine fermentation: A promising approach to enhancing wine quality. Thivijan, S., Pavalakumar, D., Gunathunga,C.J., L.J.S., Manage, P.M., Nugara, R.N., Bandara, P.C., Thambugala, K.M., Al-Asmari, F., Promputtha, I. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, section Fungal Pathogenesis, accepted on 12^th Nov 2024
4. An analysis of regional variations in the physicochemical properties of Cocos nucifera var. nana across Sri Lanka. Pavalakumar, D., Undugoda, L. J. S., Thambugala, K. M., Manage, P. M., Nugara, R. N., Kannangara, S. D., and Rajapaksha, S. M. Plant Physiology Reports, 29, 461-471 (2024)
5. Aromatase (CYP19) gene as a biomarker for detection of naphthalene and phenanthrene in Colombo to Mirissa coastal water in Sri Lanka. Mallikarachchi, K. E. P., Bandara, K. R. V., Weerasekera, M. M., Nugara, R. N., Undugoda, L. J. S., and Manage, P. M. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 201, 116187 (2024)
6. Determining probiotic properties and fermented milk production potential of Lactobacillus strains inhabiting traditional buffalo curd. Gunathunga, C. J., Undugoda, L. J. S., Manage, P. M., Nugara, R. N., Nilmini, A. H. L. R., Udayanga, D., & Sandaruwan, C. Food Bioscience, 57, 103544 (2024)
7. Biodegradation potential of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by soil-inhabiting ascomycetous microfungi isolated from urban dumpsites. Ramanayake, G.D., Udayanga, D., Madusanka, C., Undugoda, ., Nugara, R.N., Nilmini, R., and Manage, P. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 81(4), 1-20 (2024)
8. Comparative assessment of intensive tomato production in innovative non-circulating aquaponics vs. conventional hydroponics. Madusanka, C., Jayasanka, D. J., Nugara, R. N. and Hewawasam. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 25(3), 42-55 (2023)
9. Phylloremediation Approach to Green Air: Phenanthrene Degrading Potential of Bacillus spp. Inhabit the Phyllosphere of Ornamental Plants. Dharmasiri, R. B. N., Undugoda, L. J. S., Nilmini, A. H. L., Pathmalal, M. M., Nugara, N. N. R. N., and Udayanga, D. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 20, 13359–13372 (2023)
10. Permeable Reactive Barriers as an In Situ Groundwater Remediation Technique for Open Solid Waste Dumpsites: a Review and Prospect, Jayasundara, C., Kumarasinghe, U., Karunarathna, A. K., Manage, P.M., Nugara, R.N., and Abhayapala, K. M. R. D. Water Air Soil Pollution, 234, 50 (2023)
11. Quorum sensing capability of wine microbial consortium involved in spontaneous fermentation of regional wine production. Thivijan, S., Undugoda, L.J.S., Nugara, R.N., Manage, P.M., Thambulugala, K.M., and Kannangara, S.D. Studies in Fungi, 8(1), 20 (2023)
12. Depolymerization of polyaromatic hydrocarbons by Penicillium inhabit the phyllosphere of urban ornamental plants. Dharmasiri, R. B. N., Undugoda, L. J. S., Nilmini, A. H. L., Pathmalal, M. M., Nugara, N. N. R. N., Udayanga, D., and Kannangara, S. Environmental Quality Management 32(4), 31-39 (2022)
13. The dose-dependent pteryxin-mediated molecular mechanisms in suppressing adipogenesis in vitro, Nugara, N.N.R.N.*, Hirosuke, O., Saitoh, S., Inafuku, M., Iwasaki, H., Kumara, R.P., Undugoda, L.J.S. and Lankasena, B.N.S. Journal of Functional Foods, 82, 104508 (2021)
14. Effects of Extraction Solvents on Phytochemical Screening, Cytotoxicity and Anti-Obesity Activities of Selected Sri Lankan Medicinal Plants. Silva, W.R., Nugara, N.N.R.N*., Manage, P., Undugoda, L., Udayanga, D., Liyanage, R.N. and Galhena, P. Pharmacognosy Research, 13, 246-256 (2021)
15. Syringin: A Phenylpropanoid Glycoside Compound in Cirsium brevicaule GRAY Root Modulates Adipogenesis. Hossin, A.Y., Inafuku, M., Takara, K., Nugara, N.N.R.N., and Oku, H. Molecules, 26, 1531-1543 (2021)
16. Phylloremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbonic Pollutants Using Phyllosphere Bacteria. Undugoda, L.J.S., Nilmini, A.H.L., and Nugara, N.N.R.N. Journal of Environmental and Analytical Toxicology, 8(6), 1-4 (2018)
17. In vivo and in vitro anti-obesity activities of dihydropyranocoumarins derivatives from Peucedanum japonicum Taira, N*., Nugara, N.N.R.N*., Takara, K., Ogi, T., Ichiba, T., Iwasaki, H., Okabe, T., Oku, H., and Inafuku, M. Journal of Functional Foods, 29, 19-28 (2017)
18. Peucedanum japonicum Thunb and its Antiobesity Effects: Evidence and Related Mechanisms (Invited Review). Nugara, N.N.R.N., Inafuku, M., and Oku, H. Journal of Lipid Nutrition, 25(2), 177-196 (2016)
19. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol: an abundant galactosyllipid of Cirsium brevicaule A. GRAY leaves inhibit the expression of gene encoding fatty acid synthase. Inafuku, M., Takara, K., Taira, N., Nugara, N.N.R.N., Kamiyama, Y., and Oku, H. Phytomedicine, 23, 509-516 (2016)
20. Partially purified Peucedanum japonicum Thunb extracts exert antiobesity effects in vitro. Nugara, N.N.R.N., Inafuku, M., Iwasaki, H., and Oku, H. Nutrition, 30, 575-583 (2014)
21. Pteryxin: a coumarin isolated from Peucedanum japonicum Thunb leaves exert anti-obesity activity through modulation of adipogenic gene network. Nugara, N.N.R.N., Inafuku, M., Takara, K., Iwasaki, H., and Oku, H. Nutrition, 30, 1177-1184 (2014)
22. Cirsium brevicaule GRAY leaf inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells and C57BL/6 mice. Inafuku, M., Nugara, N.N.R.N., Kamiyama, Y., Futenma, I., Inafuku, A., and Oku, H. Lipids in Health and Disease, 12, 124 (2013)

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. YSF Thematic Publication, National Science and Technology Commission, Young Scientists Forum (YSF), Sri Lanka.
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 for Expanding Export Market of Sri Lanka. Multisectoral Approaches to Accelerate Economic Transformation in the Face of Crisis in Sri Lanka, p.86. YSF Thematic Publication, National Science and Technology Commission, Young Scientists Forum (YSF), Sri Lanka.

 

Books

• Mould the Magnificent You: A guide to Personality Development, Ruwani N. Nugara, ISBN: 978-624-5638-34-5, Sooriya Publishers Sri Lanka, 2022
• Tropical Fruits and Vegetables to Mitigate Obesity, Ruwani N. Nugara, ISBN: 978-624-5638-42-0, Sooriya Publishers Sri Lanka, 2022

Newspaper Articles

• Removing cancer-causing pollutants in the environment: eco-friendly solutions from microbes living among us. Undugoda, L.J.S., Dharmasiri, R.B.N., Udayanga, D. and Nugara, N.N.R.N. Sunday Observer, 19^th February 2023.