Academic Building (B3)- Room 147
Department of Materials and Mechanical Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mahenwatte, Pitipana North
Homagama 10200
Sri Lanka

Email: gayanp@sjp.ac.lk

Dr. W.M. Gayan I. Priyadarshana, a Nanotechnologist and a Polymer Scientist, received his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) special degree in Chemistry (2005) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. He then obtained his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree (Full-time Research)  in Chemical and Process Engineering (2013) at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences (2018) at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, under the supervision of Prof. Gehan Amaratunga and Prof. Veranja Karunaratne. During and after the Ph.D., he worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Scientist at the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) for about ten years (2009-2019). After completing his Ph.D., he joined the Department of Materials and Mechanical Technology in the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura where he works as a senior Lecturer (Grade II). He also conducts lectures as a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo, Faculty of Industrial Technology, University of Vocational Technology, Ratmalana, and Department of Pharmacy, Lincoln University College, Colombo.

RESEARCH KEYWORDS:

Nanotechnology, Polymer Nanocomposites, Smart Polymers, Material Science, Packaging, Nanobiotechnology

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Sports-Badminton, Singing

 

Since 2023	Coordinator, Polymer Processing Technology specialization, Department of Materials and Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Since 2023	Senior Treasurer, Student Union, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Since 2023	Deputy Student Counsellor, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
2023 -2024	Co-chair,  International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies 2024 (ICIET 2024), Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
2022 – 2023	Deputy Proctor, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
2021 – 2024	Editor, Journal of Advances in Technology
Since 2021	Editor, Journal of Research Technology & Engineering

2023 – 2026    

NRC Investigator Driven Research Grant – Colloidal dispersions of cellulose nanostructures from sustainable raw materials and their applications in the packaging industry, LKR 2,900,000.00 (Principal Investigator)

2023 – 2026    

NRC Investigator Driven Research Grant (No.22-053) – Cinnamon essential oil nano capsules incorporated starch-based food packaging with antimicrobial properties, LKR 3,551,766.00 (Co-Investigator)

 2024 – 2026    

NSF Research Grant (RG/2023/AG/01) – Sensor system for rapid evaluation of key soil nutrient parameters, LKR 3,013,500.00 (Co-Investigator)

2022 – 2024   

University Research Grant – Chitin nanofiber-based dermal application for rapid increase of skin rigidity, LKR 2,580,900.00 (Principal Investigator)

2021 – 2023

University Research Grant – Bio-polymer based green edible packaging material enriched with an antioxidant for minimally processed fresh like food, LKR 1,800,000.00 (Principal Investigator)

2021 – 2023

University Research Grant – Development and characterization of natural fiber composites from the invasive aquatic weed Water Hyacinth (Eichhornea crassipe) and its potential applications (Co-Investigator)

2023	Presidential Award for Scientific Publication Certificate of Recognition for patent published in 2019, Process for the preparation of nanoparticles from magnetite ore, Patent no: US 10,192,660 B2.
2022	Research Awards – 2022 In recognition of achieving the highest h-index in the Faculty of Technology for the year 2020, at the Research Awards Ceremony held on 18th March 2022 at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
2022	Research Awards – 2022 In recognition of publishing full paper/s in journal/s indexed in Science Citation Index Expanded/ Social Sciences Citation Index/ Arts and Humanities Citation Index/ Elsevier SCOPUS/ Emerald Insight/ Cabell’s International for the year 2020, at the Research Awards Ceremony held on 18th March 2022 at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
2019	Presidential Award for Scientific Publication Certificate of Recognition for Scientific Research evaluated by peers and published in the year 2017 in the International Scientific journals cited in the Science Citation Index (Publication ACS nano 2017, 11 (2), 1214-1221)
2018	NRC Merit Award for Scientific Publication Received the Merit Award for the scientific research published in the year 2015. (Journal of Nanomaterials 2015, Art No. 317312)
2009	Presidential Award for Scientific Publication Certificate of Recognition for Scientific Research evaluated by peers and published in the year 2009 in the International Scientific journals cited in the Science Citation Index (Colloid Surface A 2009, Vol 335, Iss 1-3, pp 144-147)

My research is deeply rooted in the exploration and application of nanotechnology across a broad spectrum of industries, with a focus on the development of nanomaterials for both industrial and medical applications. I am particularly engaged in the synthesis of nanocomposites that enhance the mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of materials, driving innovation in multifunctional packaging, smart packaging systems, and sustainable product development.

A significant part of my research is dedicated to creating hollow and mesoporous nanostructures for controlled-release systems, such as slow-release fertilizers and pest control applications, advancing agricultural practices through nanotechnology. I also work on the engineering of asbestos-free nano-hybrids for safer, high-performance fiber-cement composites, and the formulation of nano micronutrients to improve plant growth and soil health.

Additionally, my work focuses on the use of nanomaterials in water purification, leveraging their high surface area and reactivity to remove contaminants effectively. I am also engaged in the development of silica-based nanocomposites and the reverse engineering of composite materials, aiming to enhance their properties for broader market-ready applications. My research is geared towards pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology to create sustainable, scalable solutions for global challenges.

Research Articles

Nimasha L Rathnasinghe, Kotuwegoda G Kaushani, Praveena S Rajapakshe, Awanthi De Silva, Randika A Jayasinghe, Renuka N Liyanage, Nadeeka D Tissera, Ruchira N Wijesena, Gayan Priyadarshana, “Current Trends on Unique Features and Role of Nanomaterials in Personal Care Products”, Cosmetics, 11 (5), (2024) 152

RMN Sulochani, RA Jayasinghe, G Priyadarshana, AHLR Nilmini, M Ashokcline, PD Dharmaratne, “Waste-based composites using post-industrial textile waste and packaging waste from the textile manufacturing industry for non-structural applications”, Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment, 8, (2024) 100163

Nadeeka D Tissera, Ruchira N Wijesena, Natali Ludowyke, Gayan Priyadarshana, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Rohini M de Silva, KM Nalin de Silva, “Keratin protein nanofibers from merino wool yarn: a top-down approach for the disintegration of hierarchical wool architecture to extract α-keratin protein nanofibers”, RSC advances 14 (10), (2024) 6793-6804

Kaushi Aloka, R.A. Jayasinghe, Gayan Priyadarshana, A.H.L.R. Nilmini, “Influence of Fibre Loading on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Fibre Reinforced Polyethylene Composites”, Asian Journal of Chemistry 36 (8), (2024) 1772-1780

Nimasha Rathnasinghe, K.G. Kaushani, R.A. Jayasinghe, A.H.L.R. Nilmini, Nadeeka D. Tissera, Ruchira N. Wijesena, and Gayan Priyadarshana, “A Review on Novel Nanofiber-based Dermal Applications: Utilization of Polysaccharides”, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia, (20th October, 2023), Article ID: e201023222435, DOI: 10.2174/0122106812255348231009101232.

M.L.P Thathsarani, A.D.M.Y.S Gunarathna, G. Priyadarshana, “Recent Developments of Nanotechnology Applications in the Food Processing and Packaging Industry”, Journal of Research Technology & Engineering 4, no.4 (2023): 57-64.

Jayaweera, Yohan, Lanka Undugoda, Chanaka Sandaruwan, and Gayan Priyadarshana, “Nanotechnology Trends in Food Processing and Food Packaging.” Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia 13, no. 1 (2023): 26-40.

Weerasinghe, P. Vishakha T., Ruchira N. Wijesena, Nadeeka D. Tissera, Gayan Priyadarshana, Nandula D. Wanasekara, DG Kanchana Dissanayake, and KM Nalin de Silva. “Electroless plating of premetalized polyamide fibers for stretchable conductive devices.” RSC advances 13, no. 27 (2023): 18605-18613.

K.G. Kaushani, N. Katuwawila, R.A. Jayasinghe, A.H.L.R. Nilmini, G. Priyadarshana, “Recent Advances of Edible Packaging as an Alternative in Food Packaging Applications”, Asian Journal of Chemistry 34(10): (2022) 2523-2537.

K.G. Kaushani, N.L. Rathnasinghe, N. Katuwawila, R.A. Jayasinghe, A.H.L.R. Nilmini, G. Priyadarshana, “Trends in Smart Packaging Technologies for Sustainable Monitoring of Food Quality and Safety”, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) |Volume VII, Issue VII, July 2022|ISSN 2454-6194.

Dasuni Pabodha, Latheesha Abeywardana, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Lasantha Herath, Gayan Priyadarshana, “Urea-Hydroxyapatite-Polymer Nanohybrids as Seed Coatings for Enhanced Germination” Current Scientia Vol. 25 No. 01 (2022) 50-64.

Aradhana W. K. Nilmini, Shirani U. M. Priyanka, Renuka Nilmini, Susantha Siriwardene, Gayan Priyadarshana. “The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide based Hand Sanitizing Chemicals on the Physicomechanical Properties of the NBR Gloves” advances in Technology, 2022, 1(3), 546-552.

R.M.N. SulochaniI, R.A. Jayasinghe, A.H.L.R. Nilmini, Gayan Priyadarshana. “Recent Developments in Textile Reinforced Polymer Composites” Asian Journal of Chemistry, 2022, 34 (3), 487-496.

Abeywardana, Latheesha, Madhavi de Silva, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Gayan Priyadarshana, Surani Chathurika, Veranja Karunaratne, and Nilwala Kottegoda. “Zinc-Doped Hydroxyapatite–Urea Nanoseed Coating as an Efficient Macro–Micro Plant Nutrient Delivery Agent.” ACS Agricultural Science & Technology (2021).

Thavaseelan, D. and Priyadarshana, G., “Nanofertilizer use for sustainable agriculture”, J Res Technol Eng, 2021, 2(1), pp.41-59.

Fernando, Niranjala, Jayashree Swaminathan, Francisco Carlos Robles Hernandez, Gayan Priyadarshana, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Wenli Yang, Veranja Karunaratne et al. “Pseudobrookite Based Heterostructures for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.” Materials Reports: Energy (2021): 100020.

Ratnayake, S. P., K. Purasinhala, C. Sandaruwan, Y. Madhavi de Silva, M. M. M. G. P. G. Mantilaka, G. Priyadarshana, G. A. J. Amaratunga, and KM Nalin de Silva. “Combined Zr and Y phosphate coatings reinforced with chemically anchored B2O3 for the oxidation inhibition of carbon fiber.” Materialia 15 (2021): 100984.

Liyanaarachchi, Samali, Chayanika Padumadasa, Gayan Priyadarshana, Fransisco Carlos Robles Hernandez, Ayomi Dilhari, Onur Sahin, Sandali Lakshika et al. “Magnetite-Functionalized Plumbagin for Therapeutic Applications.” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 9, no. 3 (2021): 1361-1372.

Raguraj, S., W. M. S. Wijayathunga, G. P. Gunaratne, R. K. A. Amali, Gayan Priyadarshana, Chanaka Sandaruwan, V. Karunaratne, L. S. K. Hettiarachchi, and Nilwala Kottegoda. “Urea–hydroxyapatite nanohybrid as an efficient nutrient source in Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea).” Journal of Plant Nutrition 43, no. 15 (2020): 2383-2394.

De Silva, M., Siriwardena, D. P., Sandaruwan, C., Priyadarshana, G., Karunaratne, V. and Kottegoda, N., “Urea-Silica Nanohybrids with Potential Applications for Slow and Precise Release of Nitrogen.” Materials Letters, (2020) 127839.

Chandra, M. S., Nandapala, K., Weerasinghe, K., Priyadarshana, G., Liyanarathne, B. W. and Halwatura, R., “An engineering approach towards the traditional beliefs in house construction.” Asian Journal of Civil Engineering (2020) 21, 367-380.

Madujith Sagara Chandra, Kasun Nandapala, Gayan Priyadarshana, and R. U. Halwatura, “Developing a durable thermally insulated roof slab system using bamboo insulation panels.” International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, (2019) 1-12, DOI: 5-019-0308-x.

Samavini, Ranuri, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Madhavi De Silva, Gayan Priyadarshana, Nilwala Kottegoda, and Veranja Karunaratne. “Effect of citric acid surface modification on solubility of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 66, no. 13 (2018): 3330-3337, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05544

Nilwala Kottegoda, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Gayan Priyadarshana, Asitha Siriwardhana, Upendra A. Rathnayake, Danushka Madushanka Berugoda Arachchige, Asurusinghe R. Kumarasinghe, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Veranja Karunaratne, and Gehan A. J. Amaratunga, UreaHydroxyapatite Nanohybrids for Slow Release of Nitrogen, ACS Nano 2017, 11, 1214−1221. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b07781

499. P. Gunaratne, N. Kottegoda, N. Madusanka, I. Munaweera, C. Sandaruwan, W. M. G. I. Priyadarshana, A. Siriwardhana, B. A. D. Madhushanka, U. A. Rathnayake, V. Karunaratne, “Two New Plant Nutrient Nanocomposites Based on Urea Coated Hydroxyapatite: Efficacy and Plant Uptake”, The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2016, 86 (4), 494-499.

Priyadarshana, G., Kottegoda, N., Senaratne, A., de Alwis, A., & Karunaratne, V., “Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles by Top-Down Approach from a High Purity Ore”, Journal of Nanomaterials, 2015 (2015), 8 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/317312.

Premaratne, W., Priyadarshana, W.M.G.I., Gunawardena, S., & De Alwis, A. “Synthesis of Nanosilica from Paddy Husk Ash and Their Surface Functionalization”, J. Sci. Univ. Kelaniya 8 (2013): 33-48

Priyadarshana, W. M. G. I., & Jayaweera, P. (2009). “Photo-control reversible removal of coordinated Fe2+ ions from TiO2 surface adsorbed alizarin complexone: An iron storage device. Colloids and Surfaces A”: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 335(1), 144-147

 

Patents

Gayan Priyadarshana, Veranja Karunaratne,Gehan Amaratunga, Nilwala Kottegoda, Ananda Hettiatachchi, Asitha Siriwardhana, Asbestos Free Nano-Hybrid For Fiber-Cement Composite Applications: PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IB2019/054114, filed May 17, 2019, Publication date 26, 11, 2020.

Amaratunga G, Fernando N, Priyadarshana G, Karunaratne V, Kottegoda N, inventors; Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (Pvt) Ltd, assignee. Method of producing titanium from titanium oxides through magnesium vapour reduction. United States patent US 10,927,433. 2021 Feb 23.

Veranja Karunaratne, Gayan Priyadarshana, Nilwala Kottegoda, Sunanda Gunasekara, Athula Senaratne, Process for Preparation of Nanoparticles from Magnetite Ore, US 10192660B2, 29th Jan 2019.

Nilwala Kottegoda, Gayan Priyadarshana, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Sunanda Gunesekara, A J Gehan Amaratunga, Veranja Karunaratne, Composition and Method for Sustained Release of Agricultural Macronutrients, 1-2015-501297, July 2018.

 

Nilwala Kottegoda, Gayan Priyadarshana, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Sunanda Gunesekara, A J Gehan Amaratunga, Veranja Karunaratne, Composition and Method for Sustained Release of Agricultural Macronutrients, a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/794,741 filed June 5, 2010, US 8 696 784 B2, 15th April 2014. 

 

Nilwala Kottegoda, D A S Siriwardene, W M G I Priyadarshana, Chanaka Sandaruwan, D A D Madusanka, U A Ratnayake, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Sunanda Gunesekara, Ajith De Alwis, Asurusinghe Kumarasinghe, A J Gehan Amaratunga, Veranja Karunaratne, Composition and Method for Sustained Release of Agricultural Macronutrients, a continuation-in-part of U.S. application, US 20140165683 A1, 12th June 2014

Books and Book Chapters

Kotuwegoda Guruge Kaushani, Gayan Priyadarshana, (2023), Use of Nanoformulations and Nano-Enabled Products in Mitigating the Risk Associated with the Current Use of Agrochemicals, Nanoformulations for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Risk Mitigation, CABI Publisher, UK, pp 83-102.

Gayan Priyadarshana, “A Comprehensive Guide to Polymer Nanocomposites, A Textbook for Beginners”, Publisher: S. Godage & Brothers (PVT) LTD, ISBN 978-624-00-2376-4