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Prof. R.M Mahinda (Manjula Ranagalage)



Professor

manjularanagalage@ssh.rjt.ac.lk

94 71 7953995

Biography

Prof Manjula Ranagalage is working as a Professor, 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 saved as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Geography, University of Colombo.

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 2013, respectively. He has completed a Ph.D. in Geo-Environmental Sciences in the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences of the University of Tsukuba, Japan, in 2019.

Prof. Ranagalage has published more than 50 journal articles in SCI, SSCI, ESCI journals, and other peer-reviewed journals, more than 50 conference publications, and many books. His research disciplines are included 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, 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 and promote 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 is holding a Guest Editorship in special issues such as “ Machine Learning of Remote Sensing Data for Urban Growth Analysis and Modeling,” and “ Urban Developments and Its Impacts on Disasters in Developing Countries” in Remote Sensing journal, and “Geospatial Analysis and Modeling of Urban Greening for Sustainability in Developing Countries,” “Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Adaptation for Sustainability in Developing Countries,” and “Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Urbanization Using GIS and Remote Sensing in Developing Countries” in Sustainability journal. In addition to that, He is working as an Editorial Board Member in Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk since 2021.

By considering his research works, he has been awarded several awards such as; Most Outstanding Young Researcher of Sri Lanka in the field of Humanities/Aesthetics/Social science conducted by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors, Sri Lanka in 2018, Research Excellency awards (Tsukuba University President Award), Graduation Ceremony / Degree Conferring Ceremony for Academic Year 2019, and NRC Merit Award for Scientific Publicationin 2018.

After the Ph.D., he was selected as JSPS Postdoc Fellowship Fellow, 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.

Educational qualifications

  • PhD. in Science in Geo-Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan, 2019.
  • MA in Geography, Faculty of Graduate Study, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2013.
  • MSc in Geo-Informatics, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 2010.
  • BA Special in Geography (First class Hons), University of Colombo, 2006.

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 Islan

Research Publications

Publications in index refereed journals:

2022

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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,
  • 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.
  • 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, 2021,.
  • 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.
  • Alahacoon, N., Edirisinghe, M., & Ranagalage, M. Satellite-Based Meteorological and Agricultural Drought Monitoring for Agricultural Sustainability in Sri Lanka. Sustainability, 2021, 13(6), 3427.
  • Murayama, Y., Simwanda, M., & Ranagalage, M.. Spatiotemporal Analysis of Urbanization Using GIS and Remote Sensing in Developing Countries. Sustainability, 2021, 13 (7), 3681.
  • 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.

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 Bioregion. Diversity, 2020, 12(10), 365.
  • 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 Development. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 2020, 9(10), 568.
  • 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. 2020, 11(8), 836.
  • 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).
  • Phiri, D., Simwanda, M., Salekin, S., Nyirenda, V., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, M. Sentinael-2 data for land cover/use mapping: a review. Remote Senseing. 12 (14), 1-36
  • 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.
  • Simwanda, M., Murayama, Y. & Ranagalage, M. Modeling the drivers of urban land-use changes in Lusaka, Zambia using multi-criteria evaluation: An analytic network process approach. Landuse Policy, 92, 2020.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.

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
  • 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). 2019. 7(9), 110
  • 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 (1996–2037). Remote Sensing. 2019. 11.
  • 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. 4(4).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.7(8), 99.
  • 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). 2019. 11,2257.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ranagalage, M. & Murayama, Y. Measurement of urban built-up volume using remote sensing data and geospatial techniques. Tsukuba Geoenvironmental Sciences.2018. 14, 19-29.

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.
  • 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.

2016 and Before

  • 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, page 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
  • Ranagalage, M., & Dissanayake, DMSLB., 2019, Introduction to Geographic Information System (Published in Sinhala), Sandesha Publication
  • Ranagalage, M., 2019, Use of GIS for Landslide Hazard Managements (Published in Sinhala), Sandesha Publication
  • Wilson W.N., Manawadu L., & Ranagalage, M. 2008.Landslides as a natural disaster,Wijeesuriya Granthra Kendraya, Colombo.

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

PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Manawadu, L., Ranagalage, M. & Wijesekara, S. Climate Change in Sri Lanka. Academic Session 2008, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. 2008.
  • 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., 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., 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. 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., 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., 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

  • NRC Merit Awards for Scientific Publication, in 2018
  • JSPS Postdoc 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 in the field of Humanities/Aesthetics/Social science conducted by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors, Sri Lanka.
  • RUSL Excellence Awards for Researchers having the highest H-index, 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 Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Researchers (1st) have the highest citations of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Researchers (1st) having the highest H-index of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021
  • Vice-Chancellors Awards for Award for researchers (1st) have published the highest number of indexed journal articles of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University Awards Ceremony, 2021

Work Experiences

Current Position

  • Professor, Department of Environmental Management, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale.
  • Member of the University Research Awards Committee, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, from 2021 to 2024.
  • Chairman, Faculty Research and Publication Committee, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, from 2022 to 2024.
  • Coordinator of the National Research Symposium 2022, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2022.

Professional Experiences:    

  • 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:

  • Worked as a Land Use Planner / GIS Specialist in the project’s title on “INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE) FOR PROPOSED INTEGRATED DAIRY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT WEHERATHANNA OF MAHAWELI SYSTEM L, conducted the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, for the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, 2021
  • Local Consultant of ICLEI for Sri Lanka Webinar, Organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia, 7th July 17, 2021.
  • Worked as a GIS consultant in the title of the project on “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 title of the project on “Climate Technology Centre Network (CTCN) Technical Assistance for the Development of a Climate Smart City Kurunegala, Sri Lanka”, conducted by 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 Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, 2013.
  • Worked as a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist in 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.

As a resource person in Seminars/ Workshops/ Staff Development

Editorial and Review EXPERIENCES

  • 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
  • Reviewers Board Member, Current Research in Environmental Sustainability, since 2022.
  • Reviewers Board Member, ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, since 2022.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Frontiers In Sustainable Cities, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Forest Journal, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Natural Resources Forum Journal, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, GEOGRAFIA Journal, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Cleaner Production Journal, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Advances in Space Research, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Applied Computing & Geosciences, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Regional Studies in Marine Science, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Urban Climate, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Remote Sensing, since 2019.
  • Reviewers Board Member, ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information Journal, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Energies, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Geosciences, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Sensor, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Earth System Science, since 2020.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of SN Applied Sciences, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Geomatics, Natural Hazards, since 2021.
  • Reviewers Board Member, Journal of Urban, Planning and Transport Research, 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, Journal of 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, 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, 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.
  • Editor, Annual International Research Symposium, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2014.