Rajith Perera

I'm Rajith Akalanka Perera. Currently, I work as Graduate Research Assistant at the CKDu Information and the Research Lab of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. As a researcher, I am primarily involved in developing and improving sustainable processes and materials for water purification. Furthermore, I'm working on research activities regarding Chronic Kidney Disease, aiming to discover the root causes of the prevailing of CKDu in Sri Lanka. In parallel to my research, I support and collaborate with the research efforts of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

What I Do

Research

Develop

Management

Publish

Resume

8 Years of Experience

Education

2021 ‑ 2024
CKDu Information and Research Centre ‑ University of Kelaniya

M.Phil. in Chemistry

Dissertation: Determination of potential toxins related to food safety to elucidate the environment causative factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) prevailing in the North Central Region in Sri Lanka

Supervisor: Prof. (Mrs.) J.A. Liyanage

2017 - 2019
Department of Chemistry - University of Kelaniya

M.Sc. in Industrial and Environmental

Dissertation: Use of chitosan-based filtration technique for the removal of heavy metals and water hardness from water

Supervisor: Prof. (Mrs.) C.S.K. Rajapaksha

2014 - 2017
Department of Chemistry - University of Kelaniya

Bachelor of Science General Degree, (B.Sc.)

Main subjects: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology

Experience

Research

2023 - 2024
Department of Chemistry - University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Department Research Assistant

1 year 08 months

2019 - 2023
CKDu Information and Research Centre ‑ University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Graduate Research Assistant

3 years and 6 months

2017 - 2019
SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Chemical & Microbiology Analyst

2 years 1 month

2016 - 2017
Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) – Colombo, Sri Lanka

Microbiology Trainee

6 months

Teaching

2023 - 2024
Department of Indigenous Medical Resources - Gampaha Wickramarachchi University, Sri Lanka

Visiting Lecturer

06 months

Diploma in Advanced Analytical and Molecular Biology Instrumentation programme

  • Instrumentation and Applications of (ICP-MS) (DAMI 2032)
  • Instrumentation and Applications or Ion Chromatography - IC (DAMI 3031)
  • Publishing Proficiency: Research,
    Software, Writing and Literacy (DAMI 7011)
  • Analytical Techniques (DAMI 2011)
  • Instrumentation and Applications of Spectrophotometry(UV-Vis) (DAMI 2021)
  • Instrumentation and Applications Of
    Chromatography (HPLC and GC)

Disciplines

Materials Chemistry

95%

Biochemistry

70%

Analytical Chemistry

85%

Environmental Chemistry

90%

Food Science

90%

Microbiology

65%

Skills and expertise

Surface Analysis

85%

Chemical Analysis

95%

Gel Electrophoresis

60%

Analytical Chemistry Instrumentation

75%

DNA Extraction / Purification

65%

Food Microbiology and Safety

85%

Nanoparticles

70%

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals

100%

Academic Publications

My Publications

2024

Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Sakunthala, KADD; Premaratne, WAPJ; Liyanage, JA

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in Etroplus suratensis residing in inland rivers and Amblygaster sirm in marine habitats in Sri Lanka: A comparative study Journal Article

In: Journal of Multidisciplinary and Translational Research (JMTR), vol. 9, iss. 1, 2024, ISSN: 3051-5262.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arsenic, Bioaccumulation, chronic kidney disease, ckd, CKDu, Contamination, E. suratensis;, Etroplus suratensis, Heavy metals, Inland Fish

Sakunthala, KADD; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Optimization of Rice Husk-Derived Activated Carbon for Efficient Methylene Blue Adsorption: Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies Proceedings Article

In: pp. 117, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Technology, 2024.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Activated carbon, Methylene blue, Rice Husk, wastewater

Sakunthala, KADD; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Statistical Assessment of Toxic Metal Concentrations and its Correlations in Paddy Soils: Comparing the Impact of Chemical and Organic Agricultural Practices in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: pp. 61, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems - IRSIKS , Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka, 2024.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Fertilizer, Organic Farming, paddy soil, Toxic Metals

Perera, KGGT; Ranasinghe, RAHB; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Premaratne, WAPJ; Liyanage, JA

Comparative Analysis of Physiochemical Properties and In Vitro Antioxidant Potency Among Morphotypes of Centella asiatica Grown in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: pp. 223, University of Sri Jayewardenepura International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2024.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Antioxidant, Centella asiatica, Physiochemical Properties

Perera, WPRT; Ruwanthi, NMN; Perera, PLRA; Vitharama, AVAP; Liyanage, JA; Kumarasinghe, AR

Graphene Oxide Coated Sand Composites as Molecular Sieves to Mitigate Water Contaminants Proceedings Article

In: pp. 88, University of Sri Jayewardenepura International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2024.

Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adsorption, Graphene oxide, MCPA, Sand

Perera, WPRT; Premasinghe, Niroshan; Fernando, W. S. K; Perera, PLRA; Sandaruwan, Chanaka; Kumarasinghe, AR; Liyanage, JA

Graphite Oxide Coated Sand Composites for Efficient Removal of Calcium Ions from Hard Water: Isotherm, Kinetics, and Adsorption Mechanism Journal Article

In: COMPOSITES THEORY AND PRACTICE, vol. 23, iss. 4, pp. 209-219, 2024, ISSN: 2299-128X.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adsorption, Graphene oxide, hardness, Sand

2023

Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Rajapakse, CSK

Fabrication Of Activated Carbon/Chitosan Hybrid Material (ACCHM) For Adsorptive Removal of Pb (II) Journal Article

In: Chemistry & Chemical Technology, vol. 17, iss. 4, pp. 903-915, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Activated carbon, Adsorptive removal, Biomass, Chitosan, Lead, Porous material

Sakunthala, KADD; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Impact of organic farming practices on toxic metal accumulation in topsoil in paddy areas: A comparative study in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: pp. 32, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bioaccumulation, Organic Farming, paddy soil, Sri Lanka, Toxic Metals

Gunathilka, VHNM; Perera, WPRT; Perera, PLRA; Kadigamuwa, CC; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Toxic metal contamination in food chains via paddy plant; A study in CKDu endemic area in North Western Province, Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: pp. 31, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Contamination, Food Chain, Heavy metals, paddy soil, Risk assessment

Perera, WPRT; Perera, PLRA; Liyanage, JA; Kumarasinghe, AR

Advancements in multifunctional core-shell adsorbent comprising graphene oxide/ sand for adsorptive removal of water contaminants Proceedings Article

In: pp. 34, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adsorption, CKDu, Contamination, Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Grains, Graphene oxide, Heavy metals, Methylene blue, Water hardness

Perera, MASN; Perera, WPRT; Perera, PLRA; Kadigamuwa, CC; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Exploring the toxic metal contamination and unveiling the risks in staple grains grown in a CKDu hotspot in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: pp. 33, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Contamination, Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Grains, Heavy metals

Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, UP; Premaratne, WAPJ; Liyanage, JA

Distribution of heavy metals across different tissue types in Etroplus suratensis from Mahakanadarawa reservoir: Investigating dietary implications for CKDu in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS), pp. 54, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bioaccumulation, CKDu, Etroplus suratensis, Heavy metals, Inland Fish

Perera, WPRT; Ruwanthi, NMN; Perera, PLRA; Kannangara, Amila; Premaratne, WAPJ; Liyanage, JA; Kumarasinghe, AR

Development of sand/graphene composite and its application for MCPA pesticide adsorption from water Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS), pp. 113, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adsorption, Graphene oxide, Kinetic, Pesticide, Sand

Perera, MASN; Kadigamuwa, CC; Gunathilka, VHNM; Samaraweera, GA; Perera, WPRT; Perera, PLRA; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Assessment of contaminant levels of hazardous toxic metals and subsequent risk analysis in agricultural soil and selected comestibles within a region afflicted by CKDu in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS), pp. 55, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Heavy metals, Parbolic Rice, Risk assessment

Perera, WPRT; Perera, PLRA; Kumarasinghe, AR; Liyanage, JA

Core-Shell Adsorbent Granules Fabricated from Sand/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Adsorptive Removal of Pb (II) Proceedings Article

In: International Forestry and Environment Symposium, pp. 129, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Sri Lanka, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adsorption, Graphene oxide, Sand, Water treatment

2022

Perera, WPRT; Perera, PLRA; Kumarasingha, AR; Liyanage, JA

Adsorptive removal of Cd (II) from aqueous solutions by sand/graphite oxide nano-composites: characterization, isotherm, and kinetic studies Proceedings Article

In: International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC) , pp. 93, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adsorption, Cadmium, Graphene oxide, Isotherm, Kinetic, Sand

Kumari, MKJK; Premaratne, WAPJ; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA

Investigation of toxic metals contamination status in red raw rice (Bg 350) grown in North Central province in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), pp. 87, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Contamination, Toxic Metals

Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

A comparison of food contamination by heavy metals/metalloids in CKDu prevalent areas and a reference area; A study in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Postgraduate Research Conference, pp. 99, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arsenic, Cadmium, chronic kidney disease, CKDu, Food Safety, Heavy metals, Lead, Nephropathy

Kumari, MKJK; Premaratne, WAPJ; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA

Investigation of Toxic Metals in Parboiled Rice Grown in Anuradhapura District Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (ICIET), pp. 122, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Parbolic Rice, Toxic Metals

P, Lahiru; Perera, WPRT; Perera, PLRA; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Toxic metal contamination of Inland Fish (Etroplus suratensis) in Mahakanadarawa reservoir: A study in a CKDu prevalent area, Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: PGIS Research Congress, 2022 (RESCON), pp. 14, University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Contamination, E. suratensis;, Heavy metals, Inland Fish

Ranasinghe, RAHB; Premaratne, WAPJ; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA

Risk assessment of toxic metal contamination in groundwater and paddy soil; A study in CKDu affected Maradankulama area in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Drinking water, paddy soil, Toxic Metals

Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Health risk analysis of toxic metals via consumption of rice and other food species grown in Mahakanadarawa-Maradankulama areas in Anuradhapura district; A study in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS), pp. 76, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Food Safety, Health Risk, Heavy metals, Nephropathy

Sampath, M; Perera, RT; Perera, PLRA; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ

Evaluation of toxic metal contamination in surface sediments and water in Mahakanadarawa tank; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences, pp. 9, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: ckd, CKDu, Contamination, Heavy metals, Sediment, Surface Water

Kumari, MKJK; Premaratne, WAPJ; Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA

Bioaccumulation of toxic metals in Oryza sativa grown in North Central Province in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment(ISAE), pp. 32, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, Contamination, Parbolic Rice, Toxic Metals

2021

Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA

Risk Assessment of Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals in Rice Grains (Oryza sativa) in a CKDu Endemic Area; A Study in Mihintale Division, Sri Lanka Proceedings Article

In: Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences - RuFARS, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka, 2021.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: CKDu, CODEX, Contamination, Oryza sativa, Toxic Metals

2019

Perera, PLRA; Rajapakse, CSK

Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Lead Adsorption Efficiency of Chitosan Coated Activated Carbon Proceedings Article

In: International Postgraduate Research Conference(IPRC), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Activated carbon, Chitosan, Pb removal, wastewater

Perera, PLRA; Rajapakse, C. S. K.

Preparation, characterization and properties of activated carbon derived from rice husk Proceedings Article

In: The International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS) 2019, pp. 145, 2019.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Activated carbon, Pb removal, Rice Husk, wastewater

Contact

Get in Touch



Contact Me