Prof. R.M Mahinda (Manjula Ranagalage)



Professor

manjularanagalage@ssh.rjt.ac.lk

94 71 7953995


Biography

Prof Manjula Ranagalage is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka. He joined the Department of Social Sciences in 2008 as a permanent lecturer. Before joining the department, he was an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Geography, University of Colombo. Currently, He is working as a Head of the Department of Environmental Management.

Prof. Ranagalage obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree with a Geography specialization and a First Class at the University of Colombo in 2006. Furthermore, he earned two master’s degrees in Geo-informatics and Geography at the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, the University of Peradeniya in 2010, and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2013, respectively. He completed a PhD in Geo-Environmental Sciences at the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences of the University of Tsukuba, Japan, in 2019.

Prof. Ranagalage has published more than 60 journal articles in SCI, SSCI, ESCI journals, and other peer-reviewed journals, more than 50 conference publications, and many books. His research disciplines include GIS & Remote Sensing, Geoscience, Geospatial Analysis, Urban Geography, Land change science, Urban Studies, Urban Sustainability, Urban Heat Island, Spatial Analysis, urban green volume and build-up volume, and disaster management. It is also noteworthy that the geographical area he has chosen for conducting research covers Sri Lanka and Japan, India, China, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, and some countries in the African continent and the Middle East of the Asian continent.

To advocate for further scholarship and disseminate research-based new knowledge, he has provided more than 30 Master of Science (MSc) students with academic advice and guidance for completing their theses. His recent most scholarly engagement involves working as a reviewer for more than 50 international peer-reviewed indexed journals.

Prof. Ranagalage has been a Guest Editor in Remote Sensing, sustainability, and Development Economics journals since 2020. He is currently an Editorial Board Member of Geomatics, Natural Hazards, and Risk and Discover Applied Sciences.

Considering his research works, he has been awarded several awards, such as Most Outstanding Young Researcher of Sri Lanka in Humanities/Aesthetics/Social Science in 2018 and the Research Excellency Award (Tsukuba University President Award) in 2019. In addition to that, he has won nearly 23 national-level awards in Sri Lanka.

After his Ph.D., he was selected as a JSPS Postdoc Fellowship Fellow at the Japanese Society for Promoting Sciences (JSPS), University of Tsukuba, Japan, in 2019. He worked as an international postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Tsukuba from September 2019 to December 2020. At present, he is working as a Council Member of the National Research Council (NRC) of Sri Lanka, a Research Fellow – Body of Research Fellows of the National Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (NCAS), Sri Lanka, a Member of Research Arm, National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka.


Educational qualifications

  • 2020         Postdoctoral Fellowship, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
  • 2019         PhD in Science in Geo-Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan. Thesis Title:   Spatial Evaluation of Potential Tsunami Vertical Evacuation: A Case Study of the Western Coastal Belt in Sri Lanka
  • 2013         MA in Geography,Faculty of Graduate Study, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
  • 2010         MSc in Geo-Informatics,Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
  • 2006        BA Honors in Geography (First class Hons), University of Colombo.

Research Interests

  • GIS
  • Remote Sensing
  • Urban Geography
  • Environmental Changes
  • GIScience
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Geospatial Analysis
  • Urban Geography
  • Land change science
  • Urban Studies
  • Urban Sustainability
  • Urban Heat Island

Research Publications

Publications in index refereed journals:

2024

  1. Ratnayake, S. S., Reid, M. A., Larder, N., Hunter, D., Ranagalage, M., Dharmasena, P. B., … & Kariyawasam, C. S. Knowing the Lay of the Land: Changes to Land Use and Cover and Landscape Pattern in Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 12, 1353459. (Index: SCIE)

2023

  • Edirisinghe, M., Alahacoon, N., Ranagalage, M., andMurayama, Y. (2023). Long-term Rainfall Variability and Trends for Climate Risk Management in the Summer Monsoon Region of Southeast Asia. Advances in Meteorology, 2023, 1 (Index: SCIE)
  • Zhang, X., Fan, H., Zhou, C., Sun, L., Xu, C., Lv, T., and  Ranagalage, M. (2023). Spatiotemporal changes of ecological quality and its influencing factors in the Dongjiangyuan region, China. Environmental Science, and Pollution Research, 30, 26 (Index: SCIE)
  • Zhang, X., Dong, X., Xu, C., Wang, R., Lv, T.,and  Ranagalage, M. (2023). Landscape ecological risk assessment in Dongjiangyuan region, China from 1985 to 2020 using geospatial techniques. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, 14, 1, 2173662. (Index: SCIE)
  • Adikari, A.M.P., Haiyun, L., Dissanayake, D., Ranagalage, M. (2023). Human capital and carbon emissions: The way forward reducing environmental degradation. Sustainability, 15, 4, 2926. (Index: SCIE)
  • Kalapuge, V., Maduranga, U.G.D., Alahacoon, N., Edirisinghe, M., Abeygunawardana, R., and Ranagalage, M. (2023). Overview of Lightning Trend and Recent Lightning Variability over Sri Lanka. ISPRS Geo-Infrormation, 12, 2 , 67. (Index: SCIE)
  • Zhang, X., Dong, X., Liu, F., Wu, Z., Lv, T.; Wu, Z. and  Ranagalage, M. (2023). Spatiotemporal dynamics of ecological security in a typical conservation region of southern China based on catastrophe theory and GIS. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195, 1, 90   (Index: SCIE)

2022

  • Maduranga UGD, Edirisinghe M, Alahacoon N, Ranagalage M. Spatiotemporal Variability of Lightning Activity over the Railway Network in Sri Lanka with Special Attention to the Proposed Suburban Railway Electrification Network. Infrastructures. 2022; 7(7):92. (Index: ESCI)
  • Vitanage, M., Bandara, PC., Novo, LAB., Kumar, A., Ambade, B., Navvendrakumar, G.,  Ranagalage, M., Maganaarachchi, DN. (2022). Deposition of trace metals associated with atmospheric particulate matter: Environmental fate and health risk assessment. Chemosphere, 303, 135051. (Index: SCIE)
  • Sarif, M.o;  Ranagalage, M., Gupta, R.D., and Murayama, Y. (2022). Monitoring Urbanization Induced Urban Cool Island Formation in a South Asian Mega-City: A Case Study of Bengaluru, India (1989–2019). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 10, 901156. (Index: SCIE)
  • Dhanapala, L., Gunarathna, M. H. J. P., Kumari, M. K. N., Ranagalage, M., Sakai, K., & Meegastenna, T. J. (2022). Towards Coupling of 1D and 2D Models for Flood Simulation—A Case Study of Nilwala River Basin, Sri Lanka. Hydrology, 9(2), 17. (Index: ESCI)
  • Alahacoon, N., Edirisinghe, M., Simwanda, M., Perera, E. N. C., Nyirenda, V. R., & Ranagalage, M. Rainfall Variability and Trends over the African Continent Using TAMSAT Data (1983–2020): Towards Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation. Remote Sensing, 2022, 14(1), 96. (Index: SCIE)

2021

  • Karunarathna, S., Dayananda, S. K., Gabadage, D., Botejue, M., Madawala, M., Peabotuwage, I., Madurapperuma, D.D., Ranagalage, M., Udayakumara, A. & Surasinghe, T. D. (2021). Distribution, Habitat Associations and Conservation Status of the Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger. Ardeola, 69(1), 75-95. (Index: SCIE)
  • Pathmanandakumar, V., Thasarathan, N., & Ranagalage, M. An Approach to Delineate Potential Groundwater Zones in Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka, Using GIS Techniques. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 2021, 10(11), 730. (Index: SCIE)
  • Hettiarachchi, S., Damayanthi, B. W. R., Heenkenda, S., Dissanayake, D. M. S. L. B., Ranagalage, M., & Ananda, L. Student Satisfaction with Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study at State Universities in Sri Lanka. Sustainability, 2021, 13(21), 11749. (Index: SCIE)
  • Nyirenda, V., Sakala, S., Simwanda, M.,Phiri, D., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, M. Effects of environmental factors on the behaviour and nest group sizes of Smith’s bush squirrels, Paraxerus cepapi, in Zambezian bioregion. Mammalian Biology,101(5),555-566, 2021. (Index: SCIE)
  • Phiri, D., Salekin, S., Nyirenda, V., Simwanda, M., Ranagalage, M., & Murayama, Y.  Spread of COVID-19 in Zambia: An assessment of environmentaland socioeconomic factors using a classification tree approach. Scientific African, 12.2021. (Index: ESCI)
  • Ranagalage, M., Morimoto, T., Simwanda, M., & Murayama, Y. Spatial Analysis of Urbanization Patterns in Four Rapidly Growing South Asian Cities Using Sentinel-2 Data. Remote Sens, 13 (8), 1531. (Index: SCIE)
  • Zhang, X., Estoque, R. C., Murayama, Y., & Ranagalage, M. Capturing urban heat island formation in a subtropical city of China based on Landsat images: implications for sustainable urban development. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2021, 193(3), 1-13. (Index: SCIE)
  • Alahacoon, N., Edirisinghe, M., & Ranagalage, M. Satellite-Based Meteorological and Agricultural Drought Monitoring for Agricultural Sustainability in Sri Lanka. Sustainability, 2021, 13(6), 3427. (Index: SCIE)
  • Murayama, Y., Simwanda, M., & Ranagalage, M.. Spatiotemporal Analysis of Urbanization Using GIS and Remote Sensing in Developing Countries. Sustainability, 2021, 13 (7), 3681. (Index: SCIE)
  • Simwanda, M., Murayama, Y., Phiri, D., Nyirenda, V. R., & Ranagalage, M. Simulating Scenarios of Future Intra-Urban Land-Use Expansion Based on the Neural Network–Markov Model: A Case Study of Lusaka, Zambia. Remote Sensing, 2021, 13(5), 942. (Index: SCIE)

2020

  • Nyirenda, V. R., Namukonde, N., Simwanda, M., Phiri, D., Murayama, Y., Ranagalage, M., & Milimo, K. Rodent Assemblages in the Mosaic of Habitat Types in the Zambezian BioregionDiversity, 2020, 12(10), 365. (Index: SCIE)
  • Li, Y. Y., Liu, Y., Ranagalage, M., Zhang, H., & Zhou, R. Examining Land Use/Land Cover Change and the Summertime Surface Urban Heat Island Effect in Fast-Growing Greater Hefei, China: Implications for Sustainable Land DevelopmentISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 2020, 9(10), 568. (Index: SCIE)
  • Ranagalage, M., Gunarathna, M.H.J.P., Surasinghe, T.D., Dissanayake, D., Simwanda, M., Murayama, Y., Morimoto, T., Dhiri, D., Nyirenda, V., Premakantha, K.T., & Sathurusinghe, A. Multi-decadal Forest-cover Dynamics in the Tropical Realm: Past Trends and Policy Insights for Forest Conservation in Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Forest. 2020, 11(8), 836. (Index: SCIE)
  • Ranagalage, M., Ratnayake, S.S., Dissanayake, D., Lumar, L., Wickremasinghe, H., Vidanagama, J., Cho, H., Udagedara, S., Jha, K.K., & Simwanda, M., Phiri, D., Perera, E.N.C., Muthunayake, P. Spatiotemporal Variation of Urban Heat Islands for Implementing Nature-Based Solutions in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 2020. 9(7). (Index: SCIE)
  • Phiri, D., Simwanda, M., Salekin, S., Nyirenda, V., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, M. Sentinael-2 data for land cover/use mapping: a review. Remote Senseing. 2020. 12 (14), 1-36. (Index: SCIE)
  • Phiri, D., Simwanda, M., Nyirenda, V., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, M. Decision Tree Algorithms for Developing Rulesets for Object-Based Land Cover Classification. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 2020, 9,329. (Index: SCIE)
  • Simwanda, M., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, MModeling the drivers of urban land-use changes in Lusaka, Zambia using multi-criteria evaluation: An analytic network process approach. Landuse Policy, 92, 2020. (Index: SCIE)
  • Dissanayake, D., Morimoto, T., Murayama, Y., Ranagalage, M. & Perera, ENC. Analysis of Life Quality in a Tropical Mountain City Using a Multi-Criteria Geospatial Technique: A Case Study of Kandy City, Sri Lanka, Sustainability.  2020, 12, 2918. (Index: SCIE)
  • Perera, D., Jayawardana, D.T., Ranagalage, M., Dissanayake, D. & Wijenayaka, HMDS. Introduce a framework for landslide risk assessment using geospatial analysis: a case study from Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment. 2020. 6(3),1-15. (Index: ESCI)
  • Gunarathna, M.H.J.P., Sakai, K., Kumari, M.K.N. & Ranagalage M. Functional Analysis of pedotransfer functions developed for Sri Lankan soils: Applicability for process-based crop models.  Agronomy. 2020. 14,2. (Index: SCIE)

2019

  • Perera, D., Jayawardana, D.T., Jayasinghe, P. & Ranagalage, M. Landslide vulnerability assessment based on entropy method: A case study from Kegalle District-Sri Lanka. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment. 2019. 1-15. (Index: ESCI)
  • Priyankara, P., Ranagalage, M., Dissanayake, D., Morimoto, T. & Murayama, Y. Spatial pattern of surface urban heat island in rapid growing Seoul metropolitan city for sustainable urban planning using Landsat data (1996-2017). Climate. 2019. 7(9), 110. (Index: ESCI)
  • Ranagalage, M., Wang, R., Gunarathna, M. H. J. P., Dissanayake, D., Murayama, Y., & Simwanda, M. Spatial forecasting of the landscape in rapidly urbanizing hill stations of South Asia: a case study of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka (19962037). Remote Sensing. 2019. 11. (Index: SCIE)
  • Dissanayake, D., Morimoto, T. & Ranagalage, M. Accessing the soil erosion rate based on RUSLE model for sustainable land use management: a case study of the Kotmale watershed, Sri Lanka. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment. 2019. 4(4). (Index: ESCI)
  • Zhang, X.,  Estoque, R. C., Xie, H., Murayama, Y.& Ranagalage M. Bibliometric analysis of highly cited articles on ecosystem services. Plos One. 2019. 14,2. (Index: SCIE)
  • Ranagalage, M., Murayama, Y., Dissanayake, D., & Simwanda, M. The impacts of landscape changes on annual mean land surface temperature in the tropical mountain city of Sri Lanka: a case study of Nuwara Eliya (1996–2017). Sustainability. 2019. 11(19), 5517. (Index: SCIE)
  • Simwanda, M., Ranagalage, M., Estoque, R.C. & Murayama, Y. Spatial analysis of surface urban heat islands in four rapidly growing African cities. Remote Sensing. 2019.11, 1–20. (Index: SCIE)
  • Dissanayake, D.; Morimoto, T.; Ranagalage, M.; & Murayama, Y. Land-use/land-cover change and its impact on surface urban heat island: a case study of Kandy City, Sri Lanka. Climate. 2019.7(8), 99. (Index: ESCI)
  • Dissanayake, D., Morimoto, T., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, M. Impact of landscape structure on the variation of land surface temperature in Sub-Saharan Region: a case study of Addis Ababa using Landsat data (1986–2016). Sustainability. 2019. 11,2257. (Index: SCIE)

2018

  • Dissanayake DMSLB., Morimoto, T., Murayama, Y., Ranagalage, M. & Hepi H. Handayani. Impact of urban surface characteristics and socio-economic variables on the spatial variation of land surface temperature in Lagos City, Nigeria. Sustainability. 2018. 11, 25. (Index: SCIE)
  • Rousta, R., Sarif, M.O., Gupta, R.D., Olafsson, H., Ranagalage, M., Murayama, Y., Zhang, H. & Mushore, T.D. Spatio-temporal analysis of land use/land cover change and its effects on urban heat island using multi spatial Landsat datasets: A case study on the Metropolitan City, Tehran (1988-2018). Sustainability. 2018.10, 4433.  (Index: SCIE)
  • Handayani, H. H., Murayama, Y., Ranagalage, M., Liu, F., & Dissanayake, D. Geospatial analysis of horizontal and vertical urban expansion using multi-spatial resolution data: A case study of Surabaya, Indonesia. Remote Sensing, 2018. 10(10), 1599.  (Index: SCIE)
  • Ranagalage, M., Dissanayake, D., Murayama, Y., Zhang, X., Estoque, R. C., Perera, E., & Morimoto, T. Quantifying surface urban heat island formation in the World Heritage Tropical Mountain City of Sri Lanka. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 2018. 7(9), 341. (Index: SCIE)
  • Kumari, M.K.N., Sakai, K., Kimura, S., Nakamura, S., Yuge, K., Gunarathna, M.H.J.P.,Ranagalage M., Duminda, D.M.S. Interpolation methods for groundwater quality assessment in a tank cascade landscape: a study of Ulagalla cascade, Sri Lanka. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research. 2018. 16 (5), 5359-5380. (Index: SCIE)
  • Ranagalage, M., Estoque, R. C., Handayani, H. H., Zhang, X., Morimoto, T., Tadono, T., & Murayama, Y. Relation between urban volume and land surface temperature: A comparative study of planned and traditional cities in Japan. Sustainability. 2018. 10(7), 2366. (Index: SCIE)
  • Ranagalage, M., Estoque, R. C., Zhang, X., & Murayama, Y. Spatial changes of urban heat island formation in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka: Implications for sustainability planning. Sustainability. 2018. 10(5),1367. (Index: SCIE)
  • Gunaalan, K., Ranagalage, M., Gunarathna, M. H. J. P., Kumari, M. K. N., Vithanage, M., Srivaratharasan, T., Saravanan, S., Warnasuriya, T. W. S. Application of geospatial techniques for groundwater quality and availability assessment: A case study in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 2018. 7(1),20. (Index: SCIE)

2017

  • Ranagalage, M., Estoque, R. C. & Murayama, Y. An urban heat island study of the Colombo Metropolitan Area, Sri Lanka, based on Landsat Data (1997–2017). ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 2017. 6(7), 189. (Index: SCIE)

Non Index Peer Review Articles

  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P., Ranagalage, M. & Dharmasiri, L.M., (2023).Bibliometric Analysis of Drought Risk and Resilience publications using Scopus Database, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies-IJMS, Volume 10, Issue II, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura. (Accepted to publish).
  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P., Ranagalage, M. & Dharmasiri, L.M.,(2023). Analyzing trend of Disaster and Hazard Management publications: A bibliometric analysis based on Scopus database, KALAM International Research Journal, Faculty of Arts and Culture, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Volume 16( Accepted paper).
  • Perera, E., Jayawardana, D. T. & Ranagalage, M. Post Disaster Recovery Process of Landslides in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Aranayake Landslides- Sri Lanka. Review of Environment and Earth Sciences. 2019. 6(1), 14–23.  (Index: SCIE)
  • Estoque, R. C., Murayama, Y., Ranagalage, M., Hou, H., & Subasinghe, S. Validating ALOS PRISM DSM-derived surface feature height: Implications for urban volume estimation. Tsukuba Geoenvironmental Sciences.2017. 13, 13–22.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Murayama, Y. Measurement of urban built-up volume using remote sensing data and geospatial techniques. Tsukuba Geoenvironmental Sciences.2018. 14, 19-29.
  • Perera, E. N. C., Jayawardana, D. T., Ranagalage, M., & Jayasinghe, P. Spatial multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) model for landslide hazard zonation in tropical hilly environment: A case study from Kegalle. Geoinformatics & Geostatistics: An Overview. 2018. 7, 2.
  • Samarawickrama U.I., Ranagalage, M. & Piyaratne M.K.D.K. Development of a thermal risk map case study: Kelaniya City of Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Geoinformatics. 2016. Volume I, Issue III, 2016.
  • Manawadu, L., Wickramasinghe, Y.M., Ranwala, S., Mahees, M.T.M.,Ranagalage, M.   & Perera, E.N.C.  Surface Temperature Variations in the Kesbewa Urban Council Area, Sri Lanka. Urban Agriculture Magazine, March 2014, pages 54 – 55, Netherland, www.ruaf.org
  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P. &Ranagalage, M. Developing A GIS Model to Identify Soil Erosion Prone Areas in Uma Oya watershed of Sri Lanka (An application of Geographic Information Systems. Samodhana, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2014
  • Ranagalage, M. & Dissanayake, DMSLB. Application of Geographical Information Systems for River Basin Management (Case study of Kalaoya River Basin). Department Journal of Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2013.
  • Ranagalage, M. Developing a GIS based decision support system for Sri Lankan agriculture sector.Samodhana, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2011
  • De Silva WI, Boyagoda Kumudika &Ranagalage, M.Ageing population and social security in Sri Lanka.Economic Review, page 02-06, Peoples Bank, Colombo, 2008
  • Manawadu L., Fernando, N., &Ranagalage, M.  Choropleth maps, Selection of appropriate classification method. Sri Lankan Journal of Geo-Informatics, Volume 03, 2006, page 42 – 58

BOOKS

  • Murayama, Y., Simwanda, M; & Ranagalage, M., 2021. Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Urbanization Using GIS and Remote Sensing in Developing Countries, MDPI, (ISBN- 978-3-0365-2541-9).
  • Ranagalage, M., 2019, Geographic Information Systems, Sandesha Publication, Padukka ISBN: 978-955-0229-87-1
  • Ranagalage, M., & Dissanayake, DMSLB., 2019, Introduction to Geographic Information System (Published in Sinhala), Sandesha Publication, Padukka ISBN: 978-955-0229-85-7
  • Ranagalage, M., 2019, Use of GIS for Landslide Hazard Managements (Published in
  • Sinhala), Sandesha Publication, Padukka ISBN: 978-955-0229-86-4)
  • Wilson W.N., Manawadu L., & Ranagalage, M. 2008. Landslides as a natural disaster, Wijeesuriya Granthra Kendraya, Colombo, (ISBN- 978 – 955 – 652 – 390 – 4).

BOOK CHAPTERS:

  • Herath N.S.K., Marashighe M.M.S.A., Gunawardana L.M.A.P., Ranagalage, M., Dissanayake D. 2017. “Environmental profile of Kokambe region in middle Yan oya river basin”, Department of Archaeology & Heritage Management, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
  • Wilson W.N., & Ranagalage, M.2011. Landslides process and management in hill country of Sri Lanka, Prof. Sirimal Ranawella Felicitation Volume, Department of History, University of Ruhuna
  • Ranagalage, M., 2010.Natural disasters in Sri Lanka, Professor Jayanthi De Silva felicitation volume, Department of Geography, University of Colombo.

CONFERENCES FULL PAPERS:

  • Dilanjani, H.U.K., Sameera, A.K.R., Ranagalage, M.,2017. Forest Management of national park in Sri Lanka – A case study in Minneriya National Park, Wildlanka, Vol 5
  • Wijemannage, A.L.K.,Ranagalage, M. Perera, E.N.C.,2016.Comparison on Spatial Interpolation Methods for Rainfall Data Over Sri Lanka,37th Asian Conference on Remote sensing, Colombo, Sri Lanka

PEER-REVIEWED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS :

  • Gunawardhana, L. M. A. P., Dharmasiri, L. M., & Ranagalage, M. (2024, February). Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Drought Vulnerability in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. In Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium (Vol. 28).
  • Egodawatta, W. C. P., Wijewickrama, M. P. T., Wathsala, R. H. G. R., Ranagalage, M., Abeysinghe, N. S., & Amarasekara, M. G. T. S. (2023). Ecological Consequences of Reallocating Lands for Anthropogenic Activities from a Long-Abandoned Tank Cascade, International Conference on Eco Health Nexus: (ICEN)-2023.
  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P., Dharmasiri, L.M., & Ranagalage, M. (2023).Analysing Drought Occurrence and Severity based on the Standard Precipitation Index in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka from 1980 to 2021, Proceedings of the International Conference on Developmentalism vas Wellbeing of South Asian Societies (pp.18).Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, and University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P., Ranagalage, M. & Dharmasiri, L.M., (2023). Identifying the spatial distribution of drought risk zonations in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC) 2023, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P., Dharmasiri, L.M. &  Ranagalage, M. (2023) Assessing drought risk management behavior among minor irrigation and rain-fed farmers in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, International Conference on Eco-Health Nexus: Bridging Cascade Ecology and Human Well Being (ICEN 2023), Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P., Dharmasiri, L.M. &  Ranagalage, M. (2023) Drought Vulnerability Assessment of Farming Communities in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka: A Community Capital Framework Analysis, 6th World Congress on Disaster Management, Graphic Era University, Dehradun, India.
  • Gunawardhana, L.M.A.P., Ranagalage, M. & Dharmasiri, L.M., (2023). Analysis of the spatial distribution of composite drought hazard in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Second National Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (NRSSSH 2023), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
  • Ranagalage, M., Murayama, Y. & Morimoto, T. Urban Expansion and Its Impact on the Urban Flood Disaster: A Case Study of Colombo Metropolitan Area, Sri Lanka. JPGU meeting, Makuhari Messe, Japan. 2019.
  • Ranagalage, M., Murayama, Y. & Morimoto, T. Spatial Evaluation of Potential Tsunami Vertical Evacuation: A Case Study of the Western Coastal Belt in Sri Lanka. Geographical Society of Japan Spring Conference, Tokyo, Japan. 2020.
  • Perera, E.N.C., Jayawardana, D.T., Jayasinghe, P. & Ranagalage, M. A Framework for Assessing the Spatial Distribution of Vulnerability of Communities to Landslides: A Case Study from Kegalle District – Sri Lanka. Seventh Conference on Sri Lanka – Japan Collaborative Research. University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. 2019.
  • Dilanjani, H.U.K., Sameera, A.K.R. & Ranagalage, M. Assess the Environmental Impacts of Spreading Invasive Species in Natural Tank Eco-System: A Case Study from Habarana Village Tank. Seventh Conference on Sri Lanka – Japan Collaborative Research, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. 2019.
  • Dissanayake, DMSLB., Morimoto, T., Murayama, Y. Yamashita, A. Kamusoko, C. & Ranagalage, M.  Characterizing Spatio-temporal Land Use/Cover Changes and Land Surface Temperature Variations: A Case Study of Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. Seventh Conference on Sri Lanka – Japan Collaborative Research, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. 2019.
  • Nawarathne, C., Koswattage, K.R., Ranagalage, M. & Subasinghe, S. The Effects of Urban Functions on Land Surface Temperature: A Remote Sensing Approach in Kandy City, Sri Lanka. Seventh Conference on Sri Lanka – Japan Collaborative Research, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. 2019.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Murayama, Y. Spatial Analysis of Urbanization in Major Asian and African Cities.  International cartographic conference (ICC 2019), Tokyo, Japan. 2019
  • Dissanayake, DMSLB., Morimoto, T., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, M. The Impact of landscape composition for urban heat island intensity in Addis Ababa City using Landsat data (1986–2016). International cartographic conference (ICC 2019), Tokyo, Japan. 2019.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Murayama, Y. Spatial Evaluation of Potential Tsunami Vertical Evacuation: A Case Study of the Western Coastal Belt in Sri Lanka. JPGU meeting, Makuhari Messe, Japan. 2019.
  • Priyankara, P., Ranagalage, M., Dissanayake, DMSLB., Morimoto, T. & Murayama, Y. A LST Study of the Seoul Metropolitan City, South Korea, Based on Landsat Data (1996 –2017). JPGU meeting, Makuhari Messe, Japan. 2019.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Murayama, Y., Monitoring Spatiotemporal Patterns of Land Surface Temperature in the Tropical Mountain City of Sri Lanka using Landsat Data (1996 -2017). International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS2018), China. 2018.
  • Ranagalage, M., Estoque, R.C., Handayania, H.H., Zhang. X. & Murayama, Y. The Relationship between Urban Volume and Land Surface Temperature Using ALOS PRISM and Landsat Images: A Case Study of Tsukuba and Tsuchiura, Japan. JPGU meeting, Makuhari Messe, Japan. 2018.
  • Simwanda, M., Ranagalage, M., Estoque, R.C., & Murayama, Y. A Comparative Study of Land Surface Temperature in African Cities Based on Landsat Data. JPGU meeting, Makuhari Messe, Japan. 2018.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Murayama, Y. Measuring Urban Built-up Volume by Using Satellite Image Data and Geospatial Techniques. International Conference on Spatial Analysis and Modeling, Japan. 2018.
  • Ranagalage, M. Tsunami Vulnerability Assessment in the Moratuwa Urban Council Area in Sri Lanka. JPGU meeting, Makuhari Messe, Japan. 2017.
  • Ranagalage, M. Landslide Hazards Assessment in Nuwara Eliya District in Sri Lanka. General Meeting of the Association of Japanese Geographers, University of Tsukuba, Japan. 2017.
  • Ranagalage, M. Tsunami Vulnerability Assessment in the Western Coastal Belt in Sri Lanka. AGU Fall Meeting, USA. 2017.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Dissanayake D.M.S.L.B. GIS-based Decision Support Systems for Sri Lanka Agriculture Sector. JPGU Meeting, Makuhari Messe, Japan. 2016.
  • Indika K.W., Ranagalage, M., Harischandra A, Wijerathne E.M.S. & Hettiarachchi. S. A Validation of Observed Meteotsunami in the West Coast of Sri Lanka With European Center of Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Modelled Data. 22nd International Forestry and Environmental Symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 2017.
  • Indika K.W., Ranagalage, M., Hettiarachchi, S., Wijerathne, E.M.S. & Arulananthan K. Meteothunamis in the West Coast of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Twenty Third Scientific Sessions, Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka. 2017.
  • Gunaalan, K., Ranagalage, M., Vithanage, M., Srivarathasasan, T. & Saravanam S. An Assessing Aquifer Vulnerability Adjacent to Vadamarachchi Lagoon: Jaffna Peninsula Using Drastic Index. International Conference on Climate Change, Sri Lanka.  2017.
  • Samarawickrama U.I., Ranagalage, M. & Piyaratne M.K.D.K. Study the Relationship Between NDVI and NDBI on the Status Changes in Urban Heat Island: Remote Sensing Based Analysis on Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Geospatial World Forum, India. 2017.
  • Indika K.W., Wijerathne E.M.S., Fernando G.W.A.R., Ranagalage, M. & Hettiarachchi S.S.L. Sea Level Variability in the West Coast of Sri Lanka. 10th International Research Conference, General Sir Jone Kotelawala Defense University, Sri Lanka. 2017.
  • Dilanjani H.U.K., Sameera A.K.R. & Ranagalage, M. Forest Management of National Park in Sri Lanka – A Case Study in Minneriya National Park. WILDLANKA international Symposium, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 2017.
  • Dilanjani, H.U.K. & Ranagalage, M. Spatial & Temporal Changes of Forest Cover in Minneriya National Park Using GIS & Remote Sensing. 21st International Forestry and Environmental Symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 2016.
  • Hettiarachchi S.S.L., Karunaratne & Ranagalage, M. The Importance of Disaster Risk Reduction in Building Disaster Resilient Coastal Cities, International Symposium on IT for Sustainable Cities. Faculty of Information Technology, University of Moratuwa, 2016.
  • Cooray, N. & Ranagalage, M. Finding a Suitable Location for a High-Frequency Antenna Tower. National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19th January 2016, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo. 2016.
  • Sameera, A.K.R. & Ranagalage, M. Preparation of Landslide Hazards Zonation Map in Upcountry Railway line Using GIS and Remote Sensing. National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19th January 2016, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo. 2016.
  • Koddippili, P. & Ranagalage, M. Evaluation of Effectiveness of the Tsunami Early Warning Systems in Sri Lanka. National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19th January 2016, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo. 2016.
  • Kumarasiri, D. & Ranagalage, M. Study on the Spatial Distribution of the Incidence of Cancer in Sri Lanka Using GIS and Remote Sensing. National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19th January 2016, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo. 2016.
  • Kumari, G.A.Y.N., & Ranagalage, M. Evaluation of Flash Flood Occurrence and its Variations due to Construction of Southern Expressway: (Kahatuduwa to Gelanigama). National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19th January 2016, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo. 2016.
  • Gunaalan, K., Ranagalage, M., Vithanage, M., Srivarathasasan, T., & Saravanam, S. An Assessing Aquifer Vulnerability Adjacent to Vadamarachchi Lagoon: Jaffna Peninsula using Drastic Index. National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19th January 2016, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo. 2016.
  • Soyza M.B., Ranagalage, M. & Manawadu L. Model for River Bank Conservation & Proper Land Use Planning. 18th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 2014.
  • Manawadu, L. & Ranagalage, M. “Urban heat islands and Vegetation cover as a controlling factor,” 18th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 2014.
  • Thabrew D.N.R., Wijewardane H.O. & Ranagalage, M. Identification of annual variation in Spatial Distribution of Ambient No2 in the Colombo Municipal (CMC) area. 3rd Annual research Symposium, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. 2013.
  • Perera K.T., Gunarathne M.H.T.A. & Ranagalage, M. Evaluation of Surface Water Resources in Malwathu Oya Cascade 1. Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. 2011.
  • Ranagalage, M. Developing a GIS-based Decision Support System for Sri Lankan Agriculture Sector. 4th National Geography Conference, Department of Geography, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 2011.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Wijesekara, S. A Geo-statistical Approach of the Understanding of Air Pollution Dynamics of the City of Colombo. Fourth National Symposium on Air Resource Management in Sri Lanka, Organized by Air Resource Management Center (AirMAC) of Ministry of Environmental & Natural Resources, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Clean Air Sri Lanka and Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI – Asia) center. 2010.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Manawadu, L. Climate Change and Rainfall Variability in Sri Lanka. 12th International Conference on Sri Lanka Studies, Open University of Sri Lanka. 2010.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Manawadu, L. Flood Hazard Mapping and Damage Assessment in Lower Basin of Kelani River. 3rd National Geography Conference, Department of Geography, University of Ruhuna. 2010.
  • Ranagalage, M., Mutuwatta, L. & Manawadu, L. Estimation of Spatial Flow Pattern of Surface Water Using a GIS-based Model; A Case Study of Dambulu Oya Sub-catchment of Kalaoya Basin. 2nd National Geography Conference, Department of Geography, University of Peradeniya. 2009.
  • De Silva W.I., Jayasekara T. & Ranagalage, M. Changing Pattern of Real Estate Ownership Among Low-income Families in the City of Colombo, An Assessment of Intentions and Implications of Real Estate Transactions. Twelfth International Forestry and Environmental Symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 2007.
  • Ranagalage, M., Murayama, Y., Dissanayake, D., Simwanda, M.,2019.Landscape Changes and its Impact on Land Surface Temperature: A Case Study of Nuwara Eliya City in Sri Lanka. Seventh Conference on Sri Lanka – Japan Collaborative Research – 2019, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
  • Dissanayake, D.M.S.L.B., & Ranagalage, M., 2013.Web-Based Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) System for Field of Archeology and Heritage Management.1st Annual Research Symposium, Department of Archeology and Heritage Management, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
  • Sameera A.K.R., Dilanjani H.U.K.,Ranagalage, M. 2017. Preparation of landslide hazard zonation map in upcountry railway line using GIS & remote sensing, 10th International Research Conference, General Sir Jone Kotelawala Defense University, Sri Lanka.
  • Dilanjani, H.U.K.,&Ranagalage, M., 2016.Preservation of Minneriya tank by applying ancient technologies and wisdom.2nd Archaeological Research Symposium, Department of Archeology and Heritage Management, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
  • Manawadu, L., & Ranagalage, M., 2012. An Assessment of appropriates of High-Resolution Satellite data in Estimating Biomass availability in Sri Lanka.5th National Geography Conference, Department of Geography, University of Sri Kelaniya.
  • Ranagalage, M., Mutuwatta, L., Manawadu L. & Piyadasa U.K. 2007.Modeling streamflow in small catchments, a case study of Dambulu Oya sub-catchment of Kalaoya River basin. First Annual Symposium on Social Sciences & Languages, Sabaragamauwa University of Sri Lanka.

Appointments

Visiting Appointments

  • Visiting lecturer, Master of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2021.
  • Visiting lecturer, Department of Plant Sciences, Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, 2021.
  • Visiting lecturer, Faculty of Applied Science, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2011.
  • Visiting lecturer, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna, 2012-2022.
  • Visiting lecturer, MSc in Geo-Informatics, Institute of Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo, 2012-2016.
  • Visiting lecturer, MSc in Disaster Analysis, Management and Mitigation, Institute of Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo, 2012-2016.
  • Visiting lecturer, MSc in GIS/RS, Department of Geography, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2013.
  • Visiting lecturer, Executive Diploma in Disaster Analysis, Management and Mitigation, Institute of Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo, 2013.

Memberships and Awards

  • JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for International Scholars, Japanese Society for Promoting Sciences (JSPS), University of Tsukuba, Japan, 2019 – 2020
  • JSPS Junior Postdoctoral Fellowship for International Scholars, Japanese Society for Promoting Sciences (JSPS), University of Tsukuba, Japan, 2019
  • Research Excellency awards (Tsukuba University President Award),Graduation Ceremony / Degree Conferring Ceremony for Academic Year 2019
  • CVCD Excellence Award 2018, Most Outstanding Young Researcher of Sri Lanka field of Humanities/Aesthetics/Social science conducted by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors, Sri Lanka, 2018.
  • NRC Merit Awards 2020 for Scientific Publication (Title: Modeling the Drivers of Urban Land Use Changes in Lusaka, Zambia Using Multi-Criteria Evaluation: An Analytic Network Process Approach), National Research Council, Sri Lanka, 2024
  • NRC Merit Awards 2020 for Scientific Publication (Title: Spatial forecasting of the landscape in rapidly urbanizing hill stations of South Asia: A case study of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka (1996–2037), National Research Council, Sri Lanka, 2024
  • NRC Merit Awards 2019 for Scientific Publication (Title: Spatial analysis of Surface Urban Heat Islands in Four Rapidly Growing African Cities), National Research Council, Sri Lanka, 2024
  • NRC Merit Awards 2018 for Scientific Publication (Title: Geospatial Analysis of Horizontal and Vertical Urban Expansion using Multi-Spatial Resolution Data: A Case Study of Surabaya, Indonesia”), National Research Council, Sri Lanka, 2021
  • Top 20 Researchers of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for 2023, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2024
  • Top 20 Researchers of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for 2022, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2023
  • RUSL Research Excellence Gold Award for Lifetime Research Excellence.Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2022
  • Research Award for Researcher Hirsch Index (h-index) 4* Researcher, Based on the Transparent Research Performance Scheme of the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka    in the Field of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2023
  • RUSL Excellence Award for Researcher with the highest h-index in RUSL (First Place).Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2023
  • RUSL Excellence Award for Researcher with the highest number of citations in RUSL (First Place).Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2023
  • RUSL Excellence Award for Researcher with the highest number of indexed journal articles in RUSL (First Place).Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2022
  • RUSL Excellence Award for Researcher with the highest h-index in RUSL (First Place).Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2022
  • RUSL Excellence Award for Researcher with the highest number of citations in RUSL (First Place).Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2022
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Researcher with the highest indexed journal articles in the FSSH (First Place).Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2022
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Researcher with the highest h-index in the FSSH (First Place). Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2022
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Researcher with the highest number of citations in the FSSH (First Place). Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2022
  • RUSL Excellence Awards for Researchers having the highest h-index, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony. Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • RUSL Excellence Awards for Researchers having the highest Citations. Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Most Outstanding Senior Researcher of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Researchers (1st) have the highest citations of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Researchers (1st) having the highest h-index of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Award for researchers (1st) have published the most indexed journal articles of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Top 20 Researchers of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for 2021, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021

Work Experiences

Current Position

  • 2024 – Present        Appointing as a Research Fellow – Body of Research Fellows of the National Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (NCAS), Sri Lanka
  • 2022 – Present        Head, Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
  • 2023 – Present        Council Member, National Research Council (NRC) of Sri Lanka
  • 2023 – Present        Member, Research Arm, National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka
  • 2022 – Present        Chairman, University Research Award Committee, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
  • 2019 – Present        Chairman, Research and Publication Committee, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
  • 2021 – Present        Member of Steering Committee (PSC) of the UNEP-GEF “Managing Agricultural landscapes in socio-ecologically sensitive areas to promote food security, wellbeing, and ecosystem health in Sri Lanka – (Healthy Landscape Project)”, Ministry of Environment, 2021-2023.

Professional Experiences:    

  • Resource Person to a webinar on ‘Journal Indexing, Impact, and Publishing in Indexed Journals: Understanding the Importance and Process’, Organized by the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Pararal to International Conference of University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, 2024
  • Resource Person for webinar on ‘Journal Indexing, Impact, and Publishing in Indexed Journals’, Organized by Research and Publication Committee, Faculty of Management Studies, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2024
  • Resource Person for Staff Development Center, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, from 2023.
  • The Panel Member of Performing GIEs for Measuring Impacts of Agricultural Development in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities, GeoField Convening: Leveraging Earth Observation for Impact Evaluations of Climate-Sensitive Agriculture, FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy,  September 12-14, 2023.
  • Resource Person of Monthly Academic Circle of SSD on “How to Select an Index Journal for Academic Publications”,Organised by the Open University of Sri Lanka, 24th July 2023
  • Resource Person for Staff Development Center, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, from 2022.
  • Resource Person of the KAS Strong Cities Conference on “Sustainability and Resilience of Cities in the Climate Crisis and during the COVID-Pandemic”, Organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Berlin, Germany, 30th November 2021.
  • Resource Person of the KA Spaces Regional Forum on Sustainable Cities and Resilient Communities “Urban Climate Resilience”, Organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia, 16th, 17th, and 18th November 2021.
  • Resource Person of the KA Spaces Sri Lanka Webinar “Urban Climate Resilience”, Organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia, 7th July 17, 2021.
  • The Panel Member of Economics of Climate Change in South Asia: Panel discussion, organized by the U.S. Embassy New Delhi, 17th June 2021.
  • Resource Person of the Online Workshops “Geospatial Technics and Its Application”, Organized by Faculty of Science, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 19th May 2021.
  • Member of the University Research Awards Committee, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, from 2021 to 2024.
  • Member of Steering Committee (PSC) of the UNEP-GEF “Managing Agricultural landscapes in socio-ecologically sensitive areas to promote food security, well-being and ecosystem health in Sri Lanka – (Healthy Landscape Project)”, Ministry of Environment, 2021-2023.
  • International Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan, 2019-2020.
  • A Resource Person of Online Workshop on Geo-Informatics Application to Capture Rapid Urbanization Patterns in Developing Countries, Department of Civil Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Thailand on 07th August 2020.
  • Member of Advisory Committee, Master of Science in Disaster Analysis, Management and Mitigation MSc (DAMM), Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo, 2012-2016.
  • Member of Advisory Committee, Master of Science in Geo-Informatics, Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo, 2012-2016. Professional
  • A Resource Person of Workshop on Geoinformatics application for Tsunami evacuation in Sri Lanka, for postgraduate student of MSc in Disaster Analysis, Management and mitigation, Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, on 26th October 2019.
  • A Resource Person of Two Workshop TOR/Other/07 Workshops on Integration of Practical Component into Module and TOR/Other/08 Workshop on Systematizing and Integrating the Practical into Module Under the QIG actively Two, organized by Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka on 07th and 8th December 2015.
  • A Resource Person of Short Training Course on Application of Remote Sensing (RS) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Agricultural Research, organized by Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, under the QIG on 16th, 17th 18th, 19th, 23rd, 24th March 2015.
  • A Resource Person of Awareness Workshop on Application of Remote Sensing (RS) & Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Agricultural Research, organized by Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, on 08th January 2014.
  • A Resource Person of Workshop on Application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as an Advanced Mapping Techniques in Watershed Management, organized by Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, on 07th December 2013.
  • A Resource Person of GIS short tanning programme for Ceylon Electricity Board, conducted by Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, on 15th, 16th, 17th, 29th, and 30th of May 2013.
  • A Resource Person of Awareness Workshop on Application of Remote Sensing (RS) & Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Agrarian Development, Department of Agrarian Development on 12th – 14th August 2013.
  • A Resource Person of GIS short Training Programme for Moragahakanda Project, organized by Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, on 18th, 19th, and 20th September 2014.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES AS Consultant:

  • Working as a Senior Consultant in GIS and Remote Sensing, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations.
  • Worked as a Consultant in the project titled “Develop cascade ecology database and web-based knowledge portal and resources, including the HLP website” Under the UNEP-GEF project on Healthy Landscapes: Managing Agricultural Landscapes in Socio-Ecologically Sensitive Areas to Promote Food Security, Wellbeing and Ecosystem Health Project in Sri Lanka, conducted the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, 2023.
  • Worked as a Land Use Planner / GIS Specialist in the project titled “Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for proposed integrated dairy development project at Weherathanna of Mahaweli System L”, conducted by the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, 2021
  • Worked as a GIS consultant in the project titled “Geospatial Approaches to Develop Landslide Risk Index (LRI) for Sri Lanka, A case study from Sabaragamauwa Province, conducted SANASA Campus, under the AHEAD grant, 2021
  • Worked as a GIS consultant in the project title “Climate Technology Centre Network (CTCN) Technical Assistance for the Development of a Climate Smart City Kurunegala, Sri Lanka”, conducted by the Climate Change Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment, Kurunegala Municipal Council, 2019.
  • Worked as a GIS Specialist in Monitoring impacts of urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry on climate change mitigation and adaptation and related development benefits (RUAF), which was conducted by the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, 2013.
  • Worked as a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist in the Feasibility Study of Medawachchiya – Trincomalee Rail Road, which was conducted by the Institute of Human Resource Advancement University of Colombo, 2012.
  • Worked as a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist in Preparation of GIS database for the minor Irrigation systems in Western Province, which was conducted by the Institute of Human Resource Advancement University of Colombo, 2012-2013.
  • Served as a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist in Preparation of Land Use and Land Cover Map of Elkaduwa Estate, which was conducted by GeoTech, Colombo, 2012.
  • Served as a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist in Development of Methodology and Estimate biomass availability in Sri Lanka, which was conducted by EnerFab Pvt Ltd, Colombo, 2011-2012.
  • Served as a resource person in the Preparation of a Web-Based GIS system for the North Central Province, which was conducted by the Institute of Human Resource Advancement University of Colombo, 2008.
  • Serving as a GIS specialist in Archaeological projects, which are conducted by the Department of History & Archaeology, University of Ruhuna, since 2009.
  • Served as a Remote Sensing Research Assistant in the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) for 2005 September to 2006 April.
  • Worked as a GIS Research Assistant in the International Center for Geo-Informatics Applications and Training (ICGAT) at University of Moratuwa, 2006.
  • Served as a consultant in the Poverty and Environment Mapping Project, which was conducted by the Public Interest Law Foundation, 2006.
  • Served as a consultant in FAO/USAID funded Diseases Monitoring & Surveillance System (DMSS) for Livestock sector Project conducted by the Ministry of Livestock, 2007.
  • Served as a GIS specialist in land-use changes in Kalametiya & Lunama lagoon, which was conducted by the Green Movement of Sri Lanka, 2007.
  • Served as a GIS database developer in Cellular Consulting Private Limited, 2007.

Visiting Appointment

  • 2021 – 2022              Visiting Lecturer, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna
  • 2011 – 2015              Visiting Lecturer, Faculty of Applied Science, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
  • 2022 – 2022              Visiting Lecturer, Department of Plant Science, University of Colombo
  • 2012 – 2016              Visiting Lecturer, MSc in Geo-Informatics, Institute of Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo.
  • 2012 – 2016              Visiting Lecturer, MSc in Disaster Analysis, Management and Mitigation, Institute of Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo
  • 2013 – 2016              Visiting Lecturer, Executive Diploma in Disaster Analysis, Management and Mitigation, Institute of Human Resources Advancement Institute, University of Colombo. 2013 – 2013       Visiting Lecturer, MSc in GIS/RS, Department of Geography, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

As a resource person in Seminars/ Workshops/ Staff Development

Editorial and Review EXPERIENCES

  • Associate Editor, Discover Applied Sciences, Springer Nature https://link.springer.com/journal/42452/editors
  • Guest Editor in Special Issue “Land Use Change Assessment Using Remote Sensing Technology” Remote Sensing Journal (MDPI), since 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing/special_issues/07961359KS
  • Guest Editor in Special Issue “Integrating Earth Observation into Impact Studies on Agriculture and Climate Change” Journal of Development Economics, since 2023. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-development-economics/about/call-for-papers
  • Editor in Chief, “Rajarata University Journal”, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, since 2022.
  • Symposium Chair, 1st National Symposium of Social Sciences and Humanities, Conducted by Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2022.
  • Symposium Chair, 2nd Undergraduate symposium, Conducted by Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2022.
  • Editorial Board Member 1st National Symposium of Social Sciences and Humanities, Conducted by Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2022.
  • Editorial Board Member of 2nd Undergraduate symposium, Conducted by the Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2022.
  • Editorial Board Member in Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk Journal, since 2021.  https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=editorialBoard&journalCode=tgnh20
  • Editor in Chief, “Samodhana Journal”, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, since 2022.
  • Editor of Handbook of Geospatial Science and Analysis in Geomatics, Springer, since 2021.
  • Guest Editor in Special Issue “Geospatial Analysis and Modeling of Urban Greening for Sustainability in Developing Countries” Sustainability Journal, since 2020.  https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/Geospatial_Analysis_Urban_Greening
  • Guest Editor in Special Issue “Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Adaptation for Sustainability in Developing Countries” Sustainability Journal, since 2020. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/DC
  • Guest Editor in Special Issue “Urban Developments and Its Impacts on Disasters in Developing Counties,” Remote Sensing Journal, since 2020. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing/special_issues/urban_disasters
  • Guest Editor in Special Issue “Machine Learning of Remote Sensing Data for Urban Growth Analysis and Modeling,” Remote Sensing Journal (Top 10% journal based on cite score, 2017), since 2018.
  • https://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing/special_issues/Urban_Growth_Modeling
  • Guest Editor in Special Issue “Spatio-temporal Analysis of Urbanization Using GIS and Remote Sensing in Developing Countries,” Sustainability Journal, since 2019. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/Spatio_temporal_Analysis_Urbanization
  • Editor, Annual International Research Symposium, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2014.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Development Economic Journal, since 2024.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Remote Sensing Journal, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information Journal, since 2020.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, since 2023.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Regional Sustainability, since 2023.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Environmental Challenges, since 2023.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Advances in Space Research, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Building and Environment, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Cleaner Production, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Urban Management, since 2020.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Quaternary Science Advances, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Regional Studies in Marine Science, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Energies, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Forests, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Geosciences, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Earth Systems and Environment, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Earth System Science, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, SN Applied Sciences, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Natural Resources Forum, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Urban Affairs, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Urban, Planning and Transport Research, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Cogent Environmental Science, since 2022.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, GEOGRAFIA, since 2021.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, International Journal of Real Estate Studies (INTREST), since 2021
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Vidodaya Journal of HSS, since 2021.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Applied Computing & Geosciences, since 2021.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Forest and Society, since 2021.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Review, since 2021.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Sensors, Hindawi, Since 2020.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Complexity, Hindawi, Since 2020.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Advances in Meteorology, Hindawi, Since 2020.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Land Journal, MDPI, Since 2019.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Climate Journal, MDPI, Since 2019.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, Elsevier, Since 2019.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Environmental Management, Elsevier, Since 2019.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Royal Society Open Science, Royal Society, Since 2020.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Desalination and Water Treatment, Desalination Publications, Since 2019.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Science of Total Environment, Elsevier, Since 2019.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Remote Sensing of Environment, Elsevier, Since 2019.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Elsevier, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Insect Science, Wiley Online Library, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Society and Environment, Elsevier, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Sustainability Journal, MDPI, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Remote Sensing Journal, MDPI, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, Springer, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Groundwater for Sustainable Development, Elsevier, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, MDPI, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, International Regional Science Review, SAGE Publishing Company, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Sustainable Cities and Society, Elsevier, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Journal of Geoinformatics & Geostatistics: An Overview, International Publisher of Science, Technology and Medicine, Since 2018.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, Asian Journal of Geoinformatics, ACRS, Since 2016.
  • Member of Reviewers Panel, National Conference on Geospatial Sciences & Disaster Management, 19th January 2016, Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo.