VIDYANI S. KULATUNGA

Dedicated and passionate researcher with a strong academic foundation in Zoology, specializing in parasitology, vector biology, and disease ecology. Focused on host–vector–parasite interactions in cutaneous leishmaniasis, with strong skills in fieldwork, lab techniques, and scientific communication.

• Member - American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)
• Member - Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka (IOBSL)
• Member - Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL)
• Member - Zoonet Society of Department of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka

• Kulatunga, V. S., Knee, W., Perera, I. C., & Dayawansa, P. N., Nest-dwelling Mites of Selected Common Bird Species in Sri Lanka, Asian Journal of Research in Zoology, 6, 3, 26-35, 2023, https://doi.org/10.9734/ajriz/2023/v6i3113
• Kulatunga, V., Fernando, S., Jayawardena, U., & Jayasinghe, C., Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases among the Bachelor of Science New Entrants at the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2020, Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases, 13, 1, 21-31, 2023, https://doi.org/10.9734/ajrid/2023/v13i1257
• Kulatunga, V.S., Fernando, L.P., Jayawardena, U.A., Jayasinghe, C.D, Awareness on common zoonotic diseases among the new BSc degree registrants of The Open University of Sri-Lanka in 2020, 2021, In proceedings of the Open University Research Sessions 2021, Sri Lanka, Extended abstract
• Kadawatha A.D, Fernando, S.U.M., Weththasinghe B.T., Kulatunga V.S., Edirisinghe E. A. D. N. D, A survey on organic home gardens in Sri Lanka: Investigation the familiarity and attitudes towards organic home gardening as an alternative for achieving sustainability, 2021, In proceedings of International Conference of Multidisciplinary Approaches in Science 2021, Paper
• Kulatunga, V.S., Perera, I.C., & Dayawansa, P.N., Diversity of nest-dwelling ectoparasites of selected captive breeding birds in National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka, 2020, In proceedings of the 40th annual sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, Abstract
• Kulatunga, V.S., Perera,I.C., & Dayawansa,P.N., Diversity and infestation level of nest-dwelling ectoparasite in five types of bird nests in Sri Lanka, 2021, In Proceedings of the 25th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Sri Lanka 2020, Abstract
• Fernando, S.U.M., Kulatunga, V.S., & Wijesinghe, M.R., Association between abundance of buffaloes and selected chemical parameters of water holes utilized by them in the Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka, 2020, In proceedings of the 9th YSF (Young scientists forum) Symposium, Sri Lanka, Extended Abstract

• Microscopy and Slide Preparation
• Parasitology Techniques
• Molecular Biology Techniques
• Immunodiagnostic Methods
• Rearing and Maintenance of Laboratory Colonies
• Xenodiagnoses and host preference experiments
• Field Collection of Insects
• Identification and Taxonomy
• Dissection of Insect Vectors
• Dissections and Taxidermy
• Ecotoxicological Testing
• Museum Specimen Handling
• Trained in bird ringing, mist netting, blood collection and vocalization recordings
• Trained in animal capturing methods

• President, Sisuwisara Media Unit, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, 2011/2012
• Secretary, Oriental Music Society (Sagayuru Mediya), Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, 2010/2011
• Assistant Secretary, Rotaract Club of Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, 2017/2018
• Assistant Secretary, FOS Media and FOS Blog of Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, 2017/2018
• Announcer | Blogger | Reporter | Assistant, UOC Rhythm, FOS Media and FOS Blog of Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, 2016 - 2020
• Chief Organiser, Euphony, The Choir of Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, 2018/2019
• Team member, Tennis (Faculty level) in Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, 2016 - 2019
• Member, School Brass band, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, 2008 - 2012

• Dr. Sanath Senanayake, Senior Lecturer in Parasitology, Consultant Parasitologist, Dep. Of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka, +94 112 695 300 Ext:182, sanath@parasit.cmb.ac.lk
• Prof. Inoka C. Perera, Professor in Zoology, Dep. Of Zoology and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka, +9411-215 8385, icperera@sci.cmb.ac.lk
• Prof. Gaya Ranawaka, Senior Professor in Zoology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, 011-2881446, grana@ou.ac.lk
• Prof. Nadira Karunaweera, Senior Professor and Chair, Dep. Of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka, +94777473190, nadira@parasit.cmb.ac.lk

• Vector Incrimination of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka, 03/01/24 - Present
• Study of domestic and peri-domestic reservoir hosts in an endemic focus for cutaneous leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania donovani, 06/01/24 - Present
• Mite Infestations on Dogs in the Western Province, Sri Lanka; Prevalence and Risk factors, 01/01/23 - 02/28/25
• Eco-immunological investigation of mite-induced responses in Red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) in semi-urban environment in Western Province, 01/01/21 - 03/31/23
• Nest dwelling mites of selected common bird species in Sri Lanka, 01/01/19

• Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
• Vector-host Interaction
• Animal Parasitology
• Vector Biology and Entomology
• Parasite Immunology
• Molecular Sciences
• Genetic Manipulation
• Genetics