Lakshitha Deshan Rupasinghe

Dedicated zoology researcher passionate about animal biology, behavior, and conservation. Strong foundation in scientific inquiry and fieldwork, with a curious and solutions-oriented mindset. Eager to contribute to academic research, expand expertise in ecological systems, wildlife management, and biodiversity. Goal is to bring scientific value to zoology through collaborative research, data-driven insights, and commitment to preserving natural habitats.

• Ecology
• Evolutionary biology and genetic
• Conservation biology
• Species distribution modelling

Masters Research– Contribution of fishery harbours and sea outfalls for microplastic contamination in the coastal belt of Galle district, Southern Sri Lanka.

Supervised by- Dr. Ayomi Witharana, Dr. Kalpani Marasinghe

Identify possible differences in microplastic concentration between coastal sediments of fishery harbors, selected sea outfalls and coastal sediments of selected beaches of Galle district. Investigation of microplastic concentration in coastal sediments of fishery harbors, selected sea outfalls and nearby beaches of Galle district. Model the special distribution map for microplastic concentration in Galle district. Identify main polymer types of microplastic in coastal areas of the Galle district.

Undergraduate Research- Habitat preferences and distribution modelling of the endangered frog pseudophilautus zorro

Supervised by- Dr. Kanishka Ukuwala, Dr. Rajnish Vandercone

Assess the habitat preferences (vegetation type, leaf litter thickness, percentage of canopy cover) of Pseudophilatus zorro. Model the fundamental ecological niche of Pseudophilatus zorro to unravel potential areas of occupancy. Estimate the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of Pseudophilatus zorro with new locality data. Estimate the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of Pseudophilatus zorro with predicted data from niche modeling.

• Ukuwela, K.D.B., A. de Silva, H.K.S. de Zoysa, M.M. C.J. Jayatilake, U.A.L.D.Rupasinghe, D.R. Vidanapathirana, L.J.M. Wickramasinghe (2020) Origins of lizard diversity in the continental island of Sri Lanka: Insights from scincid lizards. Abstracts of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology, Otago, New Zealand.
• Rupasinghe, U.A.L.D., Ukuwela, K.D.B. and Vandercone, R.P.G., 2017, November. Habitat Preferences and Distribution Modelling of the Endangered Frog Pseudophilautus zorro. In Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium (Vol. 22).
• Panduwawala, P.P., Priyadarshani, R.C., Rupasinghe, U.A.L.D., 2017 Observations on a successful nesting of a pair of Malabar pied hornbills (Anthracoceros coronatus) at Mihintale, Sri Lanka. In Proceedings of 7th International Hornbill Conference.
• Ukuwela, K.D.B., Bandara, I.N., De Zoysa, H.K., Deshan Rupasinghe, U.A.L. and Vandercone, R.P., 2020. New localities, distribution and habitat modeling of the critically endangered Sri Lankan frog Nannophrys marmorata. Russian Journal of Herpetology, 27(1).

• Training at National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA) Gained practical knowledge in aquaculture practices, fish breeding, hatchery management, and water quality monitoring. Participated in field-based activities related to sustainable aquaculture development and fisheries resource management.
• Training of field ornithological techniques by Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka Trained in bird identification, mist-netting, bird banding, behavioral observation, and data recording techniques. Gained hands-on experience in field surveys, habitat assessment, and avian conservation practices.

· 2013-2017 Member of University hockey team

· 2004 Captain of School Hockey Team –U 15

· 2013,2014 Facilitator - Advanced Level Workshop at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

· 2013-2017 Member of Association of Young Biologist - Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

· 2016 Treasurer - Association of Young Biologist - Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

· 2013-2017 Member of Society of Chemistry - Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

· 2014-2017 Member of Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL)

Dr. Kanishka Ukuwela

Lecturer in Zoology

Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Applied Sciences

Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Mobile: +94776767379

E-mail: kanishkauku@gmail.com

Dr. Sriyani Wickramasinghe

Dean

Faculty of Applied Sciences

Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Mobile: 0718508500

E-mail: sriwick@gmail.com