To be the Centre for excellence in planning, implementation and management of research on all aspects of the maladies of the rubber plantations, improvement of beneficial soil microbiology and other microbiological applications in the most economical and environmentally sustainable manner.
Main research projects include screening of clones for disease resistance, screening of pesticides, development of integrated pest management systems, studying the biology and epidemiology of pests and surveillance of potential pathogens & disease out breaks, biological control of Hevea pests, improvement of beneficial soil microflora and related microbiological studies. And also the studies on the biology & molecular biological research on plant pathogens. The department undertakes training programmes on the identification and management of all the rubber diseases.
Responsible in planning, implementation and monitoring of research projects on rubber pest & maladies of national interest and beneficial soil microbiological aspects. Obtained the BSc Degree (Biological Science) in 1996 and later in the year 2000, obtained the MPhill degree in Plant Pathology from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Has completed the PhD from the same University on the Corynespora leaf fall disease of rubber. Have published over 60 scientific publications & was honored by the GRC Post Graduate Award 2013 by the SLASS, Award for Excellence in Scientific Research 2011 by the YSF NASTEC, Ministry of Technology & Research and seven President's Research Awards for the effective contribution made to the reputation of the country. A member of several national level committees: National Plant Protection Commette - CARP, Pesticide Technical & Advisory Committee (PeTAC) and the Pesticide sub-commette. Has received research grants from the National Research Council (NRC), National Science Foundation (NSF) & International Foundation for Science (IFS), Stockholm, Sweden.
Obtained a B.Sc. degree in Agriculture (Special) with a First Class (Honours) from University of Ruhuna (2005) and a M.Sc. degree in Molecular and Applied Microbiology from University of Peradeniya (2008). Has completed the PhD from the University of Colombo on the brown root disease of rubber. Joined RRISL in the year 2011. Joined RRISL in the year 2011 and currently reading for the Ph.D. from the University of Colombo. Has almost twelve years working experience in the field of Plant Pathology & Microbiology and currently, responsible in initiating, designing and carrying out of research projects on the pest and disease aspects of the rubber plantations.
H. V. A. Shehani Koshila obtained her B.Sc. (Honours) degree from the University of Ruhuna in 2017 and her MPhil degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Kelaniya in 2022. She received the Postgraduate Research Merit Award in 2023 from the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLASS) in recognition of her contributions to postgraduate research in Agricultural Science. She is currently involved in research on the maladies affecting rubber plantations and microbiological aspects for the improvement of rubber cultivation in the country.
Testing charges have been revised with effect from 01.07.2022, as mentioned in the following table.
Name of the Test
|
Testing Fee (Rs.) |
|
1 |
Identification of a diseased sample – up to genus level of the causative agent |
5100 |
2 |
Soil microbiological Test |
5100 |
3 |
Product microbiological Test |
5100 |
4 |
Quarantine test |
5100 |
5 |
Microbiological testing for Compost |
5100 |
6 |
Bioefficacy test (pesticide / biopesticide) |
50,000 |
7 |
Purchasing microbiological cultures |
5100 |