Dr-Damayanthi

Dr. Damayanthi Dahanayake

Senior Lecturer

Contact

Profile

Dr. Damayanthi Dahanayake is a graduate from Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon. She has obtained a BSc in Natural Science from Open University, MSc in Analytical Chemistry from University of Colombo, MBA from Open University, and a PhD in Material Science from University of Peradeniya.

She has worked in dynamic fields within her career of 20 years before joined NSBM. Tea chemistry exposure for nine years in Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle, and Sri Lanka Tea Board, Colombo has given her the opportunity to be specialized in chromatography and spectroscopy. She has worked in Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology for more than 10 years specializing in electron microscopic techniques and other nano-characterization techniques. Her PhD work was mainly focused on the study of two-dimensional materials using advanced electron microscopy. She has worked as a senior lecturer in SLINTEC Academy for postgraduate students. She has involved in different research areas and some of the highlights published in international journals are given below. She has been recognized with presidential awards for scientific research in 2016 and 2017.

Research Interest

  • Advanced materials
  • Role of plant secondary metabolites for non-communicable diseases

Memberships

  • A life member of “Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science” (SLAAS), Sri Lanka” (2023-present)
  • A life member of Electron microscopy society, India
  • Associate member of Institute of Chemistry,(IChem)(2005)

Awards

  • Presidential awards for scientific research in 2016 and 2017

Journal Publications

  1. Tharaka, D. N., Tissera, N. D., Priyadarshana, G., & Dahanayake, D. “A Comprehensive Review of Hierarchical Porous Carbon Synthesis from Rice Husk”. Rice Science.(2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsci.2025.04.009
  2. Tissera, N. D., Wijesena, R. N., Ludowyke, N., Priyadarshana, G., Dahanayake, D., de Silva, R. M., & de Silva, K. N. “Keratin protein nanofibers from merino wool yarn: a top-down approach for the disintegration of hierarchical wool architecture to extract α-keratin protein nanofibers”. RSC advances, 14(10), 6793-6804 (2024).
  3. Dahanayake, H. Yashomala, C. Sandaruwan, H.P.Ally, S. Gunasekara, V. Karunarathne, G. Amaratunga “Derivatives of Sri Lankan Vein Graphite: Atomic Scale Study of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide” Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia, Volume 13, Number 5, 2023, pp. 41-50(10) (2023)
  4. NM Adassooriya, Dilek Ozgit, SG. Shivareddy, P Hiralal, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Rachel A. Oliver  and Gehan A. J. Amaratunga “Dielectric behaviour of plasma hydrogenated TiO2/cyanoethylated cellulose nanocomposites ” Nanoscale, 15, 1824-1834 (2023)
  5. IW Siriwardane, NPW Rathuwadu, D Dahanayake, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Rohini M de Silva, KM Nalin de Silva “Nano-manganese oxide and reduced graphene oxide-incorporated polyacrylonitrile fiber mats as an electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI) technology” Nanoscale Advances 03(9): 2585-2597 (2021)
  6. SP Ratnayake, C Sandaruwan, MMMGPG Mantilaka, N de Silva, D Dahanayake, UK Wanninayake, WRLN Bandara, S Santhoshkumar, E Murugan, GAJ Amaratunga, KM Nalin de Silva “Industrial and environmental significance of photonic zirconia nanoflakes: Influence of boron doping on structure and band states.” Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 95: 203-214 (2021)
  7. Latheesha Abeywardana, Madhavi de Silva, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Gayan Priyadarshana, Surani Chathurika, Veranja Karunaratne, Nilwala Kottegoda “Zinc-Doped Hydroxyapatite–Urea Nanoseed Coating as an Efficient Macro–Micro Plant Nutrient Delivery Agent.” ACS Agricultural Science & Technology (2021)
  8. P. Ratnayake, M.M.M.G.P.G. Mantilaka, C. Sandaruwan, D. Dahanayake, Y. Pivini Gunasekara, S. Jeyasakthy, N.M. Gurusinghe, U.K. Wanninayake, K.M. Nalin de Silva “Low-temperature thermocatalytic particulate carbon decomposition via urea solutioncombustion derived CeO2 nanostructures.” Journal of Rare Earths (2020)
  9. Maheshika Perera, Lahiru A Wijenayaka, Kumudu Siriwardana, Damayanthi Dahanayake, KM Nalin de Silva “Gold nanoparticle decorated titania for sustainable environmental remediation: green synthesis, enhanced surface adsorption and synergistic photocatalysis.” RSC Advances 10(49): 29594-29602(2020)
  10. Ratnayake, S., M. Mantilaka, C. Sandaruwan, Dahanayake, E. Murugan, S. Kumar, G. Amaratunga and K. N. de Silva “Carbon quantum dots-decorated nano-zirconia: A highly efficient photocatalyst.” Applied Catalysis A: General 570: 23-30. (2019)
  11. Kanatiwela-de Silva, C., Damayanthi, M., de Silva, N., Wijesekera, R., Dickinson, M., Weerakoon, D., & Udagama, P. “Immunological detection of the Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease associated phytoplasma: Development and validation of a polyclonal antibody based indirect ELISA.” PloS one, 14(4), e0214983. (2019)
  12. Dahanayake, D., S. Gunasekara, V. Jayaweera, C. Sandaruwan, V. Karunarathne and G. A. Amaratunga “Atomic scale study for the structural transformation of single layered MoS2.” CrystEngComm 20(41): 6482-6489 (2018).
  13. Wijesena, R. N., N. D. Tissera, C. Abeyratne, O. M. Bangamuwa, N. Ludowyke, Dahanayake, S. Gunasekara, N. de Silva, R. M. de Silva and K. N. de Silva. “In-situ formation of supramolecular aggregates between chitin nanofibers and silver nanoparticles.” Carbohydrate polymers 173: 295-304 (2017).
  14. Bandara, W. L. N., R. M. de Silva, K. N. de Silva, Dahanayake, S. Gunasekara and K. Thanabalasingam. “Is nano ZrO 2 a better photocatalyst than nano TiO 2 for degradation of plastics?” RSC Advances 7(73): 46155-46163. (2017).
  15. Nilwala Kottegoda, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Gayan Priyadarshana, Asitha Siriwardhana, Upendra A. Rathnayake, Danushka Madushanka Berugoda Arachchige, Asurusinghe R. Kumarasinghe, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Veranja Karunaratne, Gehan A. J. Amaratunga, “Urea-Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrids for Slow Release of Nitrogen”, ACS Nano Jan 2017
  16. Nuwanthi P Katuwawila, A.D.L.C. Perera, Damayanthi Dahanayake, D. Nedra Karunarathne,Gehan A. Amarathunga. “Alginate nanoparticles protect ferrous from oxidation: Potential iron delivery system”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Article · Sep 2016
  17. Kanatiwela-de Silva, C.; Damayanthi, M.; Silva, R. de; Dickinson, M.; Silva, N. de; Udagama, P. Molecular and scanning electron microscopic proof of phytoplasma associated with areca palm yellow leaf disease in Sri Lanka Plant Disease 99(11) pp. 1642 May 2015 DOI no. 10.1094/PDIS-01-15-0072-PDN (2015).
  18. D.M. Damayathi, N.C.Wickramasinghe, K.Wickramaratna “A meteorite in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka: Evidence of putative biological structures and the relevance to panspermia” Journal of Cosmology Vol 23, No.17,pp 11197-11205. (2014).
  19. Rathnayake, R. M. D. S., & Dahanayake, D. (2024). Impact of herbal treatments for Vitiligo disease. University of Colombo Review, 5(1).

Conference (Full Paper) Publications

  1. S. D. Perera, A. C. Liyanage, I. Palangasinghe and D. Dahanayake “Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Tea Cream and Tea Concentrate” In 2nd International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings, 2026. pg148-152
  2. A. T. T. Wijesooriya, A. S. Samarakkody and D. Dahanayake “Prevalence of Occupational Asthma Among Cleaners and Food, Pharmaceutical, and Textile Manufacturing Workers: A Mini-Review” In 2nd International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings, 2026. pg193-199
  3. A. C. Nimesha, S. P. Paramananthan and D. Dahanayake “From Algorithms to Organs: Reimagining Artificial Organs in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” In 2nd International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings, 2026. pg 235-241
  4. G. T. Samarakoon and D. Dahanayaka “Nature’s Answer to Diabetes: Evaluating the Antidiabetic Potential of Costus speciosus through Phytochemical Profiling” In 2nd International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings, 2026. pg 271-275
  5. M. D. L. Sarathchandra and D. Dahanayake “Evaluating the Effectiveness and Long-Term Safety of Commonly Used Anti–Diabetic Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus”, In 2nd International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings, 2026.pg 328-337
  6. N. Tharaka, N. D. Tissera, G. Priyadarshana, and D. Dahanayake “Recent Advancements in Biochar-based Adsorbents for Rhodamine B Dye Removal” In 2nd International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings, 2026.pg 338-343
  7. W. Y. Sanjana and D. Dahanayake “Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials as Emerging Strategies for Cancer Therapy” In 2nd International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings, 2026. pg 349-355
  8. Perera, L. S. D., Rathnayaka, D., Dahanayake, D., & Lanka, S. The Impact of the Consumption of Tea on Iron Absorption. In 1st International Conference on Transformative Applied Research Proceedings (pp. 34-47).
  9. Wandana, J. D., & Dahanayake, D. (2024). A Review of the Therapeutic Potential of Gymnema Sylvestre in Diabetes Management. Transformative Applied Research in Computing, Engineering, Science and Technology, 309-315. CRC Press.
  10. Ekanayaka, E. M. T. P., & Dahanayake, D. (2025). Exploring the Relationship Between Heat Stress, Dehydration, and Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology. In Transformative Applied Research in Computing, Engineering, Science and Technology (pp. 316-321). CRC Press.
  11. Jayasinghe, I. G. E. P., & Dahanayake, D. (2025). Exploring the Benefits of Natural Plant Compounds in Hair Oils—A Mini Review. Transformative Applied Research in Computing, Engineering, Science and Technology, 322. CRC Press.
  12. Chamika, H. G. W. Y., Rathnayaka, R. M. D. S., Perera, L. S. D., & Dahanayake, D. A Mini Review on Dengue: Advances in Management, Vector Control, and Vaccination Strategies.
  13. Perera, L. S. D., & Dahanayake, D. (2024). Benchmarking Tea Quality—A Comparative Evaluation of Key Chemical Properties in Tea. In Transformative Applied Research in Computing, Engineering, Science and Technology (pp. 281-286). CRC Press.
  14. Ally, H.P., Sodimanage, C., Lakshani, N. and Dahanayake, D.,2022. Glutathione Encapsulated Liposomes for Efficient Delivery in Pharmaceutical and Cosmeceutical Products. Annual International Conference on Business Innovation (ICOBI), NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka, pp 508-516.
  15. W. Siriwardane, N. P. W. Rathuwadu, D. Dahanayake, W. R. M. de Silve, K. M. N. de Silva. 2019. Nano-manganese oxide and reduced graphene oxide doped polyacrylonitrile fiber mats as potential electrodes for capacitive deionization (CDI) technology. Annual Research Symposium University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp 235.
  16. Perera, L. A. Wijenayaka, D. Dahanayake, K. M. N. de Silva. 2017. Efficient TiO2 @ Au nanocomposite green catalyst for environmentally-friendly photoremediation. 4th International conference on nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka, pp 39
  17. A. Wijenayaka, G. Samarasooriya, M. Perera, D. Dahanayake, K. M. N. de Silva. 2017. Green synthesis of Au @ Ag core-shell bimetallic nanoparticles. 4th International conference on nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka, pp 43.
  18. Dahanayake, S. Gunasekara, V. Jayaweera, V. Karunaratne, G.A.J. Amaratunga. 2017. Structural analysis of reduced graphene oxide with transmission electron microscopy. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, pp 155
  19. Dahanayake, S. Gunasekara, V. Karunaratne, G.A.J. Amaratunga. 2017. Preparation and study of 2D MoS2 using transmission electron microscopy. 4th International conference on nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka, pp 56
  20. Dahanayake, S. Gunasekara, V. Jayaweera, V. Karunaratne, G.A.J. Amaratunga. 2017. Study of reduced graphene oxide by transmission electron microscopy.  International conference on Electron microscopy and Allied Techniques and 38th Annual Meeting of EMSI Chennai, India. pp 290
  21. Dahanayake, S. Gunasekara, N. Kottegoda, V. Karunaratne. 2016. Advanced electron microscopy study on nanohydroxyl apatite-urea system. 9th International research conference on nanoscience and Nanotechnology, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Rathmalana, Sri Lanka. pp 197
  22. Lahiru A. Wijenayaka, Induni W. Siriwardena, Anoja Senthilnathan, Damayanthi Dahanayake, K. M. N. de Silva. 2016. Precursor mediated one-pot synthesis of the nanosilver rainbow: Implications for morphological evolution and the ensuing properties.3rd International conference on nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka. pp 83.
  23. R. L. N. Bandara, D. Dahanayake, W R. M. de Silva, K. M. N. de Silva. 2016. Photocatalytic activity of pristine and boron doped ZrO2 nanoparticles.3rd International conference on nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka. pp 65.
  24. Dahanayake, S. Gunasekara, V. Karunaratne, G.A.J. Amaratunga. 2016. Advanced electron microscopic study on few layered black phosphorus.3rd International conference on nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka. pp 23.
  25. P. Rathnayake, M. M. M. P. G. Mantilaka, D. DahanayakeG. A. J. Amaratunga. 2016: “Carbon quantum dots adsorbed zirconia nanoparticles as efficient photocatalyst ” 3rd International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka. Pp 85.
  26. Nuwanthi P Katuwawila, A.D.L.C. Perera, Damayanthi Dahanayake, D. Nedra Karunarathne,Gehan A. Amarathunga.R 2016: “Preparation, characterization and in vitro release study of iron loaded alginate nanoparticles” 9thInternational Research Conference, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
  27. D.M. Damayanthi, Nalin Silva, Milton Wainwright, Jamie Wallis, Keerthi Wickramaratne and Chandra Wickramasinghe Conference proceedings, 2015: “POLONNARUWA AND ANURADHAPURA METEORITES AND THE RED RAIN OF SRI LANKA” Astrobiology Research Conference, International Research Centre University of Peradeniya 21-23 August, 2015
  28. Dahanayake, S. Katugampala, S. Gunasekera, K. Wickrmarathne, D. De Silva, K. N. De Silva, V. Karaunaratne , and G. A. J. Amaratunga 2013: Conference proceedings, “Red Rain in Sri Lanka” presented at Astrobiology conference in USA.
  29. D.M.Damayanthi, A.M.T.Amarakoon, K.R.R. Mahanama Annual research symposium, University of Colombo, proceedings, 2012 : “Assessment of heavy metals in black tea produced in different agro-ecological regions of Sri Lanka”.

Book Chapters

  1. Tharaka, D. N., Tissera, N. D., Dahanayake, D., Dimuthumali, D., & Priyadarshana, G. (2026). Plant-Based Biopolymers in the Pharmaceutical Sector. In Biopolymers from Plant Origin for Environmental Sustainability (pp. 121-143). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
  2. Dahanayake, D., 2021. Uplifting “Ceylon Tea” with Chemistry. The Tri-Annual Publication of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Vol. 38 No. 1. pp 10-13

Patents(US patents)

  1. “Composition and method for sustained release of agricultural macronutrients”, filed on 2012-12-07 and granted on 2014-04-15, Kottegoda Nilwala, Priyadarshana Gayan, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Gunasekara Sunanda, Amaratunga Gehan, Karunaratne Veranja.
  2. “COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE OF AGRICULTURAL MACRONUTRIENTS” filed on filed on 2014-02-20 and granted on 2014-06-19, Nilwala Kottegoda, D.A.S. Siriwardhana, W.M.G.I. Priyadarshana, Chanaka Sandaruwan, D.A.D. Madushanka, U.A. Rathnayake, Sunanda Gunasekara, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Ajith DeAlwis, Asurusinghe Kumarasinghe, Veranja Karunaratne, Gehan Amaratunga (Ref 20140165683)

Ongoing Research

  1. Advanced materials for water purification, food preservation, lubricant property enhancement
  2. Role of plant secondary metabolites in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
  3. Role of plant secondary metabolites in the Management of Vitiligo disease