R R M K P Ranatunga

Results-oriented professional bringing expertise in accounting, supply chain management, and marketing. Successful at overseeing all areas of daily operations and making effective policy decisions to positively impact business direction and bottom line profits. Visionary with background as Head of Department. Experience includes overseeing operations, implementing policies and strategies, and leading teams to success. Strengths lie in strategic planning, leadership, and communication skills. Previous work resulted in improved department efficiencies and successful project completions. Energetic, results-driven Department Manager committed to maintaining highest quality of customer excellence. Develops and implements innovative incentives to drive employee motivation. Adeptly navigates cost-concern and workforce-management issues to maintain streamlined operations. Dedicated Department Manager with undeniable service, employee development, and interpersonal skills. Boasts many years of experience overseeing complex department-management tasks. Strategic leader in management field known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in operational strategy, team leadership, and conflict resolution. Excel in communication, adaptability, and problem-solving to achieve organizational goals. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Results-oriented individual with a passion for continuous learning and innovation. Known for leveraging analytical thinking and creativity to solve problems and deliver high-impact solutions in fast-paced environments.

Member, United Nations Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), 2020 - 2024, Country representative, South Asian Regional Ocean Acidification (SAROA) Hub, National Project Coordinator, Global Marine Debris Baseline Survey, An initiative of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization – CSIRO, Australia, National Project Leader, Expo 2012 YEOSU Korea Foundation, Project on 'Building Capacity to Manage Marine Debris in Sri Lanka', Member, Presidential Expert Committee, Formulate the National Sustainable Development Vision of Sri Lanka - 2030, Member, Quality Assurances and Accreditation Council, Ocean University of Sri Lanka, National Project Leader, Port Biological Baseline Survey, Conducted by Marine Environmental Protection Authority, Member, Marine Environmental Baseline Survey Progress Review Committee, 2016, Member, Technical Evaluation Committee, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Chairman, Technical Evaluation Committee, Marine Environmental Baseline Survey within Cauvery Basin & Gulf of Mannar Basin

• International Coral Reef Society (ICRS)
• Australian Coral Reef Society (ACRS)
• Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (SLAFAR)
• Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Sciences (SLAAS)
• Institute of Biology (IOB)
• President, Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of the Science (SLAAS) section D, 2013
• Vice President, Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of the Science (SLAAS) section D, 2012
• Secretary, SLAAS Section D, 2009 - 2010

• Marine Ecologist, EIA for Proposed 250MW Mannar – Phase II Wind power project, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, 2023
• Marine Ecologist, EIA for proposed 100MW wind power project, Mannar III – Mullikulam, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), 2023
• Marine Ecologist, Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the fabrication of pipelines, China Bay installation in Trincomalee, 2023
• Marine Ecologist, SEA for Aquaculture development in Northern Province, NAQDA through World Bank, 2022
• Marine Ecologist, EIA for the establishment of a Floating Storage and Degasifying Unit for LNG, Newfortress Energy through Roughton International, Kerawalapitiya, 2022
• Marine Ecologist, EIA for 300MW extension to Yugadhanavi TPP, Ceylon Electricity Board, 2021
• Marine Ecologist, EIA for Proposed Capacity Enhancement to the Existing Thambapawani Wind Power Plant, Ceylon Electricity Board, 2021
• Marine Ecologist, EIA for proposed Pharmaceutical Zone, Arabokka, Hambantota, Board of Investment (BOI), 2020/21
• Marine Ecologist, EIA for re-development of Dodanduva fishery harbour, Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation, 2021/22
• Marine Ecologist, EIA for setting up Industrial Zone for Textile Processing, Punnakuda, Eravur, Batticoloa, Board of Investment (BOI), 2020/21
• Marine Ecologist, Development of a master plan – Kuchchaveli Tourism Development Project, Tourism Development Authority Sri Lanka through Canoplus, 2019/20
• Marine Ecologist, IEE for proposed Araliya Hotel, Unawatuna, Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Department, 2020
• Marine Ecologist, IEE for construction of quay at Naval Dockyard – Trincomalee, Ministry of Defence through Centre for Sustainability, USJ, 2018 Aug – Dec
• Marine Ecologist and fisheries expert, ESIA Study for LNG / Gas Infrastructure Development Project in Sri Lanka, Kerawalapitiya, Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, 2018 Aug- Dec
• Marine Ecologist, Marine Environmental Assessment, Development of Anchorage sites in Jaffna, Northern Province Fisheries Development Project, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, 2018 March –May
• Marine Ecologist, Marine Environmental Assessment, Proposed Harbour Developments in Point Pedro and Pesalei, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, 2018 Jan –May
• Marine Ecologist, Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) on Proposed Negombo Estuary Development Project, Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, 2017
• Aquatic Ecologist, Strategic Environmental Assessment Development of River Basin Level Flood and Drought Mitigation Investment Plans (DBIP) MUNDENI ARU RIVER BASIN, Climate Resilience Improvement Project (CRIP), Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, 2017
• Marine Ecologist (National Consultant for ADB), Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Proposed 100 MW Wind Park along the Southern Coast of Mannar Island, 2017
• Marine Ecologist and Fisheries Expert, IEE for Proposed new sea outfall at Kaluwella, Galle, 2017
• Marine Ecologist and Fisheries Expert, EIA for Proposed 100 MW Wind Park along Southern Coast of Mannar Island, 2016
• Marine Biology Expert, TA-8393 SRI: Green Power Development and Energy Efficiency Improvement Investment Program, 2016
• Team Leader and marine ecologist, Ecological survey to assess the impacts of Hambantota Port Development Project – Phase II, 2016
• Team Leader, Port Biological Baseline Survey, Trincomalee Port, 2015
• Team Leader, Port Biological Baseline Survey, Galle Port, 2015
• Team Leader, Port Biological Baseline Survey, Hambantota Port, 2015
• Team Leader, Port Biological Baseline Survey, Colombo Port, 2014
• Team Leader and marine ecologist, Ecological survey to assess the impacts of Hambantota Port Development Project – Phase I, 2014
• Member, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, 2010

• Assessment of microplastic contamination in aquatic environments and organisms.
• Plastic flow from land to the sea in partnership with the CSIRO, Australia.
• Plastic waste management using biodegradation and circular economy approach.
• Long-term coral reef monitoring to understand the anthropogenic and climate change-related signatures for coral degradation.
• Establishment of a Joint research centre Environmental Change Sciences and Technology Innovation Center (ECSTIC) in collaboration with National Sun Yat-Sen University.
• Establishment of the Center for Marine Science and Technology to support informed decision-making for policymakers.

Isolation, characterization and degradation potential of environmental microorganisms for biodegradable polymers, Dilhara Wijetunga, ongoing, Community structure dynamics and invasive potential of biofouling assemblage in Colombo Port, Kalpani Marasinghe, 2015-2019, Assessment of Post Conflict Development to Forecast Planning in Killinochchi District, using Integrated Strategic Environment Assessment as a Tool, H D B Chandrasekara, Development of Water Quality Index (WQI) for Ground Water in Madawachchiya & Hurulu Wewa regions in North Central Province as a Potential Preventive Measure on Chronic Kidney Disease in Uncertain Etiology (CKDu), Senanayake, S A M A I K, Development of Water Quality Index (WQI) for surface waters in Kelani River for development of a catchment management plan using a GIS model, Wasantha Senadeera

• Ranking Sri Lanka among the World’s Top Mismanaged Waste Polluters: Does Model Data Change the Story?, Ranatunga, R. R. M. K. P., Dilhara Wijetunge, W. V. P. H. Ranaweera, Chin-Chang Hung, Shang-Yin Vanson Liu, Qamar Schuyler, T. J. Lawson, and Britta Denise Hardesty, Sustainability, 15, 3, 2687, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032687
• Occurrence of microplastics in some commercially important seafood varieties from Negombo, Sri Lanka, Kandeyaya, K. B. K. D. K., Ranatunga, S., & Ranatunga, R. R. M. K. P., Regional Studies in Marine Science, 62, 102958, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.102958
• Carbon capture by macroalgae Sarcodia suae using aquaculture wastewater and solar energy for cooling in subtropical regions, Weerakkody, W. S., Ling, K. H., Hsieh, H.-H., Abedneko, V. G., Shyu, J.-F., Lee, T.-M., . . . Hung, C.-C., Science of The Total Environment, 855, 158850, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158850
• Genetic stock structure of the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, Li, Y. J., Tsai, P., P. Ranatunga, M. K., Samidon, M., & Vanson Liu, S. Y., PLOS ONE, 18, 10, e0292743, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292743
• Human Population Density is a Poor Predictor of Debris in the Environment, Schuyler, Q., Wilcox, C., Lawson, T. J., Ranatunga, R. R. M. K. P., Hu, C.-S., Global Plastics Project Partners, & Hardesty, B. D., Frontiers in Environmental Science, 9, 133, 2021, 10.3389/fenvs.2021.583454
• Species composition and conservation status of shark from fishery landings and fish markets in Sri Lanka revealed by DNA barcoding, Peiris, M. A. K., Kumara, T. P., Ranatunga, R. R. M. K. P., & Liu, S.-Y. V., Fisheries Research, 242, 106045, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2021.106045
• Occurrence of microplastics in commercial marine dried fish in Asian countries, Piyawardhana, N., Weerathunga, V., Chen, H.-S., Guo, L., Huang, P.-J., Ranatunga, R. R. M. K. P., & Hung, C.-C., Journal of Hazardous Materials, 423, 127093, 2022, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127093
• Eutrophication and Hypoxia in Tropical Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka, Hsieh, H.-H., Chuang, M.-H., Shih, Y.-Y., Weerakkody, W. S., Huang, W.-J., Hung, C.-C., François L. L. Muller, Ranatunga, RRMKP, Wijethunga, D. S., Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 1216, 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.678832
• Microplastics in beach sand and potential contamination of planktivorous fish Sardinella gibbosa inhabiting in coastal waters of Negombo, Sri Lanka, R.R.M.K.P. Ranatunga, D. S. Wijetunga., K. P. R. Karunarathna, Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences, 26, 1, 37–54, 2021, http://doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v26i1.7587
• Molecular identification of the genus Molicola larvae from swordfish (Xiphias gladius) captured in Sri Lanka by ribosomal subunit gene sequencing, De Silva, D., Perera, J., Fernando, H., Ranatunga, R., De Silva, B., Journal of Aquaculture and Fish Health, 10, 66, 2021, doi:10.20473/jafh.v10i1.20905
• Macrofouling assemblages in coastal waters adjacent to the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, M.P. Hendawitharana, R.R.M.K.P. Ranatunga, Regional Studies in Marine Science, 39, 101424, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2020.101424
• Composition and abundance of marine debris stranded in beaches of Sri Lanka: Results from the first island-wide survey, Yong Chang Jang, R R M K P Ranatunga
• Jin Yong Mok, Kyung Shin Kim, Su Yeon Hong, Young Rae Choi, A J M Gunasekara, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 128, 126-131, 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.018
• Settlement of non-native Watersipora subtorquata (d’Orbigny, 1852) in artificial collectors deployed in Colombo Port, Sri Lanka, Marasinghe, M., Ranatunga, R., & Anil, A., BioInvasions Records, 7, 1, 7–14, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3391/bir.2018.7.1.02
• Development of gonads and evidence of protogyny in Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) from the coastal waters off Negombo, Sri Lanka, Ranatunga, RRMKP
• Rathnayaka, S., Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci, 24, 2, 89–100, 2019, http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v24i2.7570
• Determination of shelf-life of Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) with regard to microbial count, histamine level and flesh colour change, Hansamali, L H D., Ranatunga R R M K P
• Buddhinie, P K C., Perera A., Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences, Accepted for volume 25(1), 2019, http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v25i1.7571
• Cytotoxicity evaluation and volatile component analysis of tropical marine sponge Clathria sp., Weerasinghe, RL, Ranatunga RRMKP., Chinthaka, SDM., Marasinghe, MMKI, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 7, 1, 2018
• First record of plerocercoid larvae belong to the order Trypanorhyncha (Diesing 1863) isolated from swordfish (Xiphias gladius, Linnaeus 1758) captured off Sri Lanka, DP de Silva, Fernando, RRMKP Ranatunga, BGDNK de Silva, Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences, 22, 1, 2017
• Dinoflagellate Cyst Assemblage And Sediment Characteristics of Colombo Port, Sri Lanka, Dulanjali Wijethilake and R R M K P Ranatunga, International Conference on Biological, Civil and Environmental Engineering (IIBCE), 03/18-19/2015

Title: Professor in Aquatic Resources Mgt

PADI Open Water Dive certificate

Dynamic and results-driven Senior Aquatic Ecologist with over 15 years of experience in aquatic ecosystems. Proven expertise in conducting research, and implementing innovative strategies to assess and manage aquatic environments. Adept at leading multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing sustainable solutions to complex ecological challenges. Skilled in project management, regulatory compliance, and communicating technical information effectively to diverse audiences. Committed to conservation efforts and dedicated to preserving aquatic biodiversity for future generations. Two decades of experience in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Aquatic Resources Management, marine and coastal ecology, and environmental impact assessment. Conducting research in marine and coastal Aquatic Ecology. Key research includes Impacts of mismanaged plastic waste, biodegradable plastics, large-scale marine debris surveys, microplastics in aquatic environments, and marine organisms, river flux of plastics, ship-based marine environmental issues, including biofouling and ballastwater, marine invasive species, etc. Other key involvements include the Development of management strategies for the corporate sector including, marine debris, marine invasiveness through ballast water and biofouling, marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and combining research findings for informed decision-making and understanding the climate change signatures in marine and coastal aquatic environments. Involved in Environmental Assessments in key aquatic-related national development projects and biodiversity surveys using underwater visual census and scientific diving, and also serving as Technical Adviser for the cooperate sector in marine environmental-related projects.