Dr. Lashitha Rathnayake, a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering, obtained his first degree in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, in 2009 with a first class honours. Subsequently, he moved to the Hokkaido University, Japan on a full Monbukagakusho Scholarship awarded by the Japanese Government for a Master and Doctoral Degrees. He earned his MEng and PhD degrees specialized in Environmental Engineering in 2012, and 2015, respectively.

• PhD : Hokkaido University, Japan (2015)
• MEng : Hokkaido University, Japan (2012)
• BScEng: University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2009)
• Dip(Sustainability Science) : Hokkaido University, Japan (2015)

• Development of biological treatment systems for wastewater treatment
• Water quality monitoring
• Development and application of microsensors
• Greenhouse gas emission from wastewater treatment
• Solid waste treatment

• Department of Environmental Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. February, 2014.

• Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. (November 2016 – To date)
• Lecturer, Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. (September 2015 – November 2016)
• Visiting Lecturer, Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technoogy, Uva – Wellassa University, Sri Lanka (February – August 2019)
• Moderator and Second Examiner, Principles of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, South Eastern University, Sri Lanka (year 2018)
• Post-Doctoral Fellow, WaSo Asia Project, Burgen University, Burgen, Norway (June – July 2016)
• Moderator and Second Examiner, Principles of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, South Eastern University, Sri Lanka (2014/2015)
• Research Assistant, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan (April 2014 – August 2015)
• Research Engineer, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya. (January 2010 – March 2010)
• Temporary Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya (August 2009 – August 2010)
• Visiting Instructor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya (December 2008 – April 2009)
• Trainee Engineer, Southern Transport Development Project, CML-MTD construction Pvt Ltd (July 2008 – November 2008)

• Member, the Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL)
• Member of International Water Association (IWA)

Journal Publications (Peer-reviewed):

• Gunawardhana, B. P. N., Gunathilake, C, Dayananda, K. E. D. Y. T, Dissanayake, D. M. S. N., Mantilaka ,P., Kalpage, C., Rathnayake, L., De Silva, R., Rajapakse, R. M. Silva, N., Brown, L., Manchanda, A., Etampawala, T., Pitawala, H.M.T.G.A (2019). AvailableSynthesis of Hematite Nano-Discs from Natural Laterites and Investigating their Adsorption Capability of Removing Ni2+ and Cd2+ Ions from Aqueous Solutions, Reaction Chemistry & Engineering (under review)
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Oshiki, M., Ishii, S., Segawa, T., Satoh, H., and Okabe, S, (2018). Experimental Evidence for in Situ Nitric Oxide Production in Anaerobic Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacterial Granules. Environmental science & technology 52 (10), 5744-5752
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Sugahara, S., Maki, H., Kanaya, G., Seike, Y., Satoh H. (2017). High spatial resolution analysis of the distribution of sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation in hypoxic sediment in a eutrophic estuary. Water Science and Technology 75 (2), 418-426
• Satoh, H., Miyazaki, Y., Taniuchi, S., Oshiki, M., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Takahashi, M., Okabe, S. (2017). Improvement of a Phosphate Ion-selective Microsensor Using Bis (dibromophenylstannyl) methane as a Carrier. Analytical Sciences 33 (7), 825- 830
• Kindaichi, T., Awata, T., Mugimoto, Y., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Kasahara, S. 2016 Effects of organic matter in livestock manure digester liquid on microbial community structure and in situ activity of anammox granules. Chemosphere 159, 300-307
• Ali, M., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Zhang, L., Ishii, S., Kindaichi, T., Satoh, H., Toyoda, S., Yoshida, N. and Okabe, S. 2016 Source identification of nitrous oxide emission pathways from a single-stage nitritation-anammox granular reactor. Water research 102, 147-157
• Ali, M., Oshiki, M., Rathnayake, L., Ishii, S., Satoh, H. and Okabe, S. (2015) Rapid and successful start-up of anammox process by immobilizing the minimal quantity of biomass in PVA-SA gel beads. Water research 79, 147-157
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Oshiki, M., Ishii, S., Segawa, T., Satoh, H., and Okabe, S. (2015) Effects of dissolved oxygen and pH on nitrous oxide production rates in autotrophic partial nitrification granules. Bioresource technology 197, 15-22
• Ishii, S., Song, Y., Rathnayake, L., Tumendelger, A., Satoh, H., Toyoda, S., Yoshida, N. and Okabe, S. (2014) Identification of key N2O production pathways in aerobic partial nitrifying granules. Environmental Microbiology (in press) 10.1111/1462- 2920.12458
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Song, Y., Tumendelger, A., Oshiki, M., Ishii, S., Satoh, H., Toyoda, S., Yoshida, N. and Okabe, S. (2013) Source identification of nitrous oxide on autotrophic partial nitrification in a granular sludge reactor. Water Research 47, 7078–7086
• Song, Y., Ishii, S., Rathnayake, L., Ito, T., Satoh, H. and Okabe, S. (2013) Development and characterization of the partial nitrification aerobic granules in a sequencing batch airlift reactor. Bioresource Technology, 2013, 139, 285-291
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Preemal, M. G. S. C., Harischandra, M. R. T. S. and Dissanayake, U. I. (2011) Behavior of integrated concrete retaining walls with masonry in-fill walls. Annual Research Journal of SLSAJ (2011), Vol. 11, pp. 52 – 58 ISSN 2186 ‐ 3474

Refereed Conference Papers and Abstracts:

• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Gamakaranage, E.I.K., Walisundara, W.M.D.C., and Herath, G.B.B. (2019) Field scale combined stabilization pond system and constructed wetland for leachate treatment controlling loading conditions. 7th International Symposium on Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development (ACEPS- 2019), Galle, Sri Lanka. pp 99-104, ISSN 2279-1329
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Sumathipla, H.M.C.M., Fernando, M.H.Y.K., and Dissanayaka. P. B. R. (2019). Improvement of Waste Aggregate for Road Construction by coating with polythene. Peradeniya University International Research Session (iPURSE 2019), pp 18, ISSN 1391- 4111
• Dias, S.N.R.D., Karunasena, R.P.D.D., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D. (2017) Simultanious removal of Nitrogen, carbon and Phosphorous from wastewater using a simple bioreactor. 5th International Symposium on Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Galle, Sri Lanka. pp 74. ISSN 2279-1329
• Dias, S.N.R.D., Karunasena, R.P.D.D., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D. (2017) Simultanious removal of Nitrogen, carbon and Phosphorous from wastewater using a simple bioreactor. 8th international conference on sustainable Built Environment 2017, Kandy, Sri Lanka. pp 166. ISSN ISSN 978-955-589-239-1
• Abeysiriwardana, A.A.I.S., Ranasinghe, R.A.J.C., Jinadasa, K.B.S.N., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D. and Doung, R. (2016). The 7th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment, At Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Rathnayake, L., Satoh, H. (2016). Biological pathways of nitric oxide production in anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacterial granules. Proceedings of the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (20), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pp 77, ISBN 978-955-589-225-4
• Thusara, S.M.D., Nawarathne, K.G.C.M., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D. (2016) Survey on domestic biogas production plants in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Civil Engineering Project Symposium. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pp 33-35. ISSN 2270-2570
• Evansalin, P., Piradeep., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D. (2016) Development of high-rate UASB reactor at ambient temperature to treat wastewater. Proceedings of Civil Engineering Project Symposium. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pp 36-38. ISSN 2270-2570
• Dias, S.N.R.D., Karunasena, R.P.D.D., Rathnayake, R.M.L.D. (2016) Simultanious removal of Nitrogen, carbon and Phosphorous from wastewater using a simple bioreactor. Proceedings of Civil Engineering Project Symposium. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pp 30-32. ISSN 2270-2570
• Rathnayake, L., Oshiki, M., Ishii, S., Satoh, H., and Okabe, S. (2014) In situ analysis of nitric oxide production in anammox granules. Water and Environment Technology Conference 2014. Tokyo, Japan
• Rathnayake, L., Song, Y., Tumendelger, A., Oshiki, M., Ishii, S., Satoh, H., Toyoda, S., Yoshida, N. and Okabe, S. (2013) Source identification of nitrous oxide in an autotrophic partial nitrification reactor. The 3rd International Conference on Nitrification (ICoN3). Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan
• Rathnayake, L. (2013) Effects of DO and pH on N2O production and its pathways in PN granules. 2nd International Doctoral Symposium with Partner Universities. Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. pp 4
• Ishii, S., Song, Y., Rathnayake, L., Tumendelger, A., S., Satoh, H., Toyoda, S., Yoshida, N. and Okabe, S. (2013) Identification of key N2O production pathways in aerobic partial nitrifying granules. The 3rd International Conference on Nitrification (ICoN3). Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Satoh, H., Takahashi, M., and Okabe, S. (2013)Microsensor measurements of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide production rates in partial nitrification and anammox granules IWA 2nd Water Research Conference, Singapore
• Rathnayake, L., Hisashi, H., Tahasashi, M., and Okabe. S. (2012) Microsensor measurements of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide production rates in partial nitrification and Anammox granules. Water and Environment Technology Conference. Tokyo, Japan. pp 35. (This paper and the presentation won “Best Presentation Award” at the conference)
• Rathnayake, L., Hisashi, H., Tahasashi, M., and Okabe. S. (2012) Microsensor measurements of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide production rates in partial nitrification and Anammox granules IWA Nutrient Removal and Recovery September 2012: Trends in NRR, Harbin, China. pp 360-361
• Rathnayake, L., Hisashi, H., Tahasashi, M., and Okabe. S. (2011) Microsensor measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) production rates in Partial nitrification (PN)-ANAMMOX process. Proceedings of the 20th Korea- Japan Symposium on Water Environment 2011, Daegu, Korea. pp 113-117
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Satoh, H., Montani, S., Maki, H., Takahashi, M. and Okabe, S. (2011) Microsensor Measurements of Seasonal Variations in Microbial Activities in Lake and Marine Sediments. Proceedings of the 4th IWA-ASPIRE conference 2011, Tokyo, Japan. (This paper and the presentation won “Best Student Award” at the conference)
• Rathnayake, R.M.L.D., Oshiki, M., Ishii, S., Satoh, H., Takahashi, M., Okabe S. (2014) Nitrous oxide and nitric oxide emission from partial nitrification and anammox process. Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

• Presidential Award - 2018: Scientific Publication
• Best Presentation Award - 2012: WET conference, Tokyo
• Best Student Award - 2011: 4th IWA ASPIRE conference, Tokyo
• Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship for PhD research (2012-2015)
• Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship for M.Sc research in Japan (2010-2011)

University Administration and Development (Selected)

• Laboratory in-charge (Jun. 2018 – to date)
• Part-time Senior Academic Sub-Warden (Jun. 2018 – to date)
• Part-time Temporary Senior Student counselor (Jan. 2018 – May 2018)
• Member of organizing Committee – IPURSE 2016
• Member of organizing Committee – DICC meeting 2018 & 2019
• Overall Coordinator – Civil Engineering Field Camp (Year 2017)

Contentious professional Development (selected)

• Induction Program for Academic Staff held at the University of Peradeniya from January to April 2019
• Workshop on Developing Research Supervision from 1st – 2nd November 2018 organized by NORAD WaSo-Asia Project of University of Peradeniya
• The train the out trainer program for academic staff members of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradenitya held on 1st and 2nd of June 2017 at KITI, Kotmale
• Two-day short course on Water Safety Plan on 7th and 8th December 2015 organized by Engineering Design Centre, at University of Peradeniya

National Contribution though Resource person and consultancies (Selected)

• Resource Person for workshops related to Bachelor of Education Degree (Honours) in Engineering Technology Education of the National Institute of Education (NIE) in year 2018/2019 and 2019/2020
• Professional Engineering Services on Preparation of Tender document Improving rice buffer stocks-Installation of Indoor environment control system -warehouse block 1, 7, 8, 10, 13 – Stage I and II. Client: Food Commissioner’s Department
• of forced air ventilation System for Food stores at island wide- Client: Food Commissioner’s Department
• Design of measuring devise "V" notch at Labugama Reservoir – Client : Access Engineering PLC
• Evaluator for Surveying Camp of Department of Civil Engineering, 2017 at Uva Management and Development Centre, Passara, Badulla
• Feasibility Study on Conserving Kurunegala Lake for Sustainable Water Supply- NEWRICOMM, NTU- Singapore
• Evaluation of Efficiency of Wastewater treatment facility at National Hospital Colombo. Client: Ceywater Consultant (pvt) Ltd
• Evaluation of Water Quality Monitoring Project on ASL Project Area MASL-Resident Project Manager -B Zone, Welikanda, Clent: Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority

Research Grants

• Research Grant No: URG/2018/24/E - Peradeniya - To carry out research on Development of guidelines for establishing environmentally sound Construction Demolition Waste (CDW) management systems for Sri Lanka
• Research Grant No: URG/2016/78/E - Peradeniya - To carry out research on land fill leachate treatment using multi stage UASB -SBR and subsurface flow wetland system