Emer. Prof. Gamini Senanayake

Emer. Prof. Gamini Senanayake

Professor Emeritus
Department of Agricultural Biology,
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna,
Mapalana, Kamburupitiya,
Sri Lanka (81100).
Profile QR Code
Research Interests
Rice Genetics and Breeding Traditional Rice Varieties Photoperiod and Flowering Time Cinnamon Germplasm Crop Wild Relatives Plant Tissue Culture Botanical Pesticides Grassland Agronomy
Qualifications
  • PhD
  • BSc (Agric)

Biography

Emer. Prof. Gamini Senanayake (G.M.N. Senanayake) is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Agricultural Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna. He served as a Senior Professor in the department for several decades and has made wide-ranging contributions to agricultural science research in Sri Lanka. His major research areas span rice genetics and crop improvement, with particular focus on traditional rice variety diversity, photoperiod sensitivity and flowering time regulation in Sri Lankan traditional rice cultivars. He has also conducted extensive research on cinnamon ( Cinnamomum verum ) germplasm characterization, banana genetics, crop wild relatives, and plant tissue culture. Early in his career he contributed to research on grassland agronomy, pasture grasses, and botanical insecticides. Prof. Senanayake has published widely in national and international journals and has mentored numerous graduate students. He has served as a collaborating researcher with national institutions including the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka, and has contributed to national biodiversity and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Journal Publications

Total: 69
01
W Pushpakumari, TJN Vithanage, LALW Jayasekara, D Senanayake, et al. Coincidence of inductive photoperiod and early vegetative phase leads to early flowering and increased yield in selected Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 53 (1), 2025.
02
W Pushpakumari, L Jayasekara, G Senanayake, D Senanayake, M Shafiq, et al. Seasonal variation in flowering time of Sri Lankan traditional rice. Pakistan Journal of Botany 57 (4), 1497-1504, 2025.
03
R Azad, NVT Jayaprada, SA Ranaweera, R Ranawoka, L Jayasekara, et al. Diversity and morpho-chemo correlations of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) bark oil from Sri Lanka. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 18, 101500, 2024.
04
LGI Chathurika, I Mandic-Mulec, EP Greenberg, G Senanayake, et al. Effect of two bacterial isolates on selected improved rice varieties under in vitro and greenhouse condition. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 27 (1), 2024.
05
MR Prathibhani, R Azad, S Ranaweera, L Jayasekara, R Ranawoka, et al. Variation in plant morphology and leaf essential oil composition of a representative Cinnamomum verum collection from Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 52 (1), 2024.
06
W Pushpakumari, L Jayasekara, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Environmental effect on variations in flowering time and yield related traits in Sri Lankan traditional rice variety 'Masuran'. Journal of Food and Agriculture 17 (2), 2024.
07
KAS Hansika, KAS Kodikara, AA Wijeweera, G Senanayake, LP Jayatissa. Vegetative and reproductive phenology of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl grown in intermediate climatic zone of Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 50 (1), 2022.
08
G Senanayake, P Perera, RN Attanayake. Textile dye decolorization ability of decaying hardwood associated fungi. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium 26, 2022.
09
B Dharmasiri, G Senanayake, P Perera, A Halmillawewa, RN Attanayake. Evaluation of lignin degrading ability and in-silico analysis and molecular docking of laccase of Schizophyllum commune with lignin. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium 26, 2022.
10
W Pushpakumari, L Jayasekera, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Variation of selected agronomic characters of traditional rice variety Masuran in response to different planting dates within a year. 2021.
11
LGI Chathurika, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Effect of selected bacteria isolates on the yield of improved rice variety Bg300 under field condition. University of Jaffna Proceedings, 2021.
12
R Azad, L Jayasekara, RAAK Ranawoka, G Senanayake, KLW Kumara, et al. Development of a core collection for Sri Lankan cinnamon germplasm based on morphological characterization using an eco-geographic survey. Australian Journal of Crop Science 13 (9), 1473-1485, 2019.
13
R Azad, KLW Kumara, G Senanayake, R Ranawoka, D Pushpakumara, et al. Intensity of leaf spot and rough bark diseases in cinnamon accessions collected from major cinnamon growing areas of Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 47 (3), 2019.
14
EUU Rathnathunga, G Senanayake, S Seneweera, S Geekiyanage. Varietal diversity of Sri Lankan traditional rice based on sensitivity to temperature and photoperiod at vegetative stage. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 47 (1), 2019.
15
R Azad, KL Kumara, G Senanayake, R Ranawoka, D Pushpakumara, et al. Flower morphological diversity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl) in Matara District, Sri Lanka. Open Agriculture 3 (1), 2018.
16
PCD Perera, N Dahanayake, S Senanayake, SA Krishnarajah. In vitro plant regeneration from diploid and tetraploid Exacum ritigalensis (Binara). Journal of Agricultural Sciences–Sri Lanka 13 (3), 2018.
17
D Padukkage, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Photoperiod sensitivity of very early maturing Sri Lankan rice for flowering time and plant architecture. Open Agriculture 2 (1), 580-588, 2017.
18
W Pushpakumari, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Photoperiod-driven days to flowering variation affect vegetative growth and yield in Sri Lankan traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) Ma Wee. Pakistan Journal of Botany 49 (3), 945-954, 2017.
19
R Azad, R Ranawoka, G Senanayake, KLW Kumara, D Pushpakumara, et al. Morphological variation of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl) germplasm in Matara District of Sri Lanka. International Journal of Minor Fruits, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 2 (1), 6-14, 2016.
20
EUU Rathnathunga, G Senanayake, N Dissanayake, S Seneweera, et al. Development of a mini core collection from Sri Lankan traditional rice for flowering time variation. Australian Journal of Crop Science 10 (9), 2016.
21
EUU Rathnathunga, S Senanayake, N Dissanayake, S Seneweera, et al. Vegetative growth and yield associated flowering time variation in Sri Lankan rice 'Hondarawala'. Journal of Agricultural Sciences–Sri Lanka 11 (1), 2016.
22
IP Manawadu, N Dahanayake, S Senanayake. Colchicine induced tetraploids of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 19 (1), 2016.
23
IP Manawadu, D Nilanthi, S Senanayake. Callus formation and organogenesis of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill variety Thilina). Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 17 (2), 2016.
24
PCD Perera, N Dahanayake, S Senanayake, SA Krishnarajah. In vitro induction of tetraploids from Exacum ritigalensis (Gentianaceae). Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 19 (3-4), 2016.
25
D Padukkage, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Photoperiod sensitivity of short aged Sri Lankan rice. Proceedings, 2016.
26
EUU Rathnathunga, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Genetic diversity analysis of Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties 'Pachchaperumal' and 'Suduru samba'. 2016.
27
R Azad, G Senanayake, KLW Kumara, R Ranawoka, D Pushpakumara, et al. Morphological variation within progeny and deviations from mother plant reveal the allele richness in Cinnamomum verum germplasm: a case study from Deiyandara, Matara. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 18 (4), 2015.
28
W Rodrigo, N Dahanayake, S Senanayake. Germination potential of toddy palm (Caryota urens), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seeds under in vivo conditions. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 15 (4), 2015.
29
APA Kumara, N Dahanayake, BD Phathinayake, S Senanayake. Characteristics associated with outcrossing in a short duration improved rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety AT307. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 16 (2), 2015.
30
D Ratnasekera, UIP Perera, Z He, SGJN Senanayake, GAW Wijesekara, et al. High level of variation among Sri Lankan weedy rice populations, as estimated by morphological characterization. Weed Biology and Management 14 (1), 68-75, 2014.
31
AL Ranawake, UGS Amarasinghe, S Senanayake. Submergence tolerance of some modern rice cultivars at seedling and vegetative stages. Journal of Crop and Weed 10 (2), 240-247, 2014.
32
UIP Perera, D Ratnasekera, S Senanayake, DS de Z Abeysiriwardena. Genetic parameters and correlations of yield attributing characteristics of weedy rice in Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 42 (4), 2014.
33
I Manawadu, N Dahanayake, SGN Senanayake. Effects of different natural organic additives on in vitro shoot regeneration of Raphanus sativus L. var. Beeralu. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology A 4 (3A), 2014.
34
UGS Amarasinghe, AL Ranawake, S Senanayake. Fertilizer response of some Sri Lankan traditional rice cultivars during vegetative growth phase. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications 4 (7), 2014.
35
AL Ranawake, UGS Amarasinghe, S Senanayake. Diversity analysis of some traditional rice genotypes in Sri Lanka. British Biotechnology Journal 4 (9), 1037, 2014.
36
AL Ranawake, UGS Amarasinghe, S Senanayake. Fertilizer response of traditional rice cultivars at four different levels as analyzed by multi-criteria decision making model. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 3 (11), 1428-1437, 2014.
37
D Karunathilaka, N Dahanayake, AP Benthota, S Senanayake. Evaluation of grain density, yield and agronomic characters in some selected rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes. Journal of the University of Ruhuna 1 (2), 2014.
38
IP Manawadu, N Dahanayake, SGN Senanayake. Efficient in vitro micropropagation system for radish (Raphanus sativus L.) var. Beeralu Rabu. 2014.
39
AL Ranawake, UGS Amarasinghe, S Senanayake. Ranking traditional rice cultivars based on yield and some morphological traits using path analysis, multi-criteria decision making model and compromise programming. 2014.
40
SAP Madurangi, D Ratnasekera, S Senanayake, WLG Samarasinghe, et al. Antixenosis and antibiosis effects of Oryza nivara accessions harbouring bph2 gene on brown planthopper [Nilaparvata lugens (Stal)]. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 41 (2), 2013.
41
UIP Perera, AP Bentota, D Ratnasekara, S Senanayake. Heterosis in F1 generations of two Indica rice crosses for growth and yield characteristics. Journal of Agricultural Sciences–Sri Lanka 8 (3), 2013.
42
AL Ranawake, UGS Amarasinghe, S Senanayake. Determination of some agronomic characters in different age groups of traditional rice cultivars in Sri Lanka under fertilized and non-fertilized conditions. Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development 5 (5), 79, 2013.
43
AL Ranawake, UTD Rodrigo, S Senanayake. Revealing effect of selected agrochemicals on salinity stress tolerance of rice cultivars at seedling stage. Journal of Crop and Weed 9 (2), 57-60, 2013.
44
G Senanayake. The importance of improving intuition for research in young academics. Journal of the University of Ruhuna 1 (1), 2013.
45
K Rupasingha, D Ratnasekera, APT Subhashi, G Senanayake. Morphological variability, germination ability and survival rate of weedy rice seeds in Ampara and Matara Districts in Sri Lanka. South Eastern University of Sri Lanka Proceedings, 2013.
46
K Rupasingha, D Ratnasekera, G Senanayake. Variability of some morpho-physiological characteristics of weedy rice in Ampara district of Sri Lanka. 2013.
47
H Kumara, N Ahlgren, EP Greenberg, G Senanayake, S Geekiyanage. Biodiversity and sustainable energy development. 2013.
48
UGS Amarasinghe, AL Ranawake, S Senanayake. Effect of fertilizer on agronomic characters and yield in forty traditional rice cultivars in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 9th Ruhuna Science Symposium, 2013.
49
UGS Amarasinghe, AL Ranawake, S Senanayake. Fertilizer response of traditional rice cultivars with different maturity durations. 2013.
50
IP Manawadu, N Dahanayake, S Senanayake. Effect of explants and hormone levels on callus induction in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) variety Thilina. 2013.
51
IP Manawadu, N Dahanayake, S Senanayake. Low cost gelling agents for in vitro seed germination of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) var. Beeralu Rabu. 2013.
52
IP Manawadu, N Dahanayake, S Senanayake. Effects of explants and hormone levels on regeneration of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) variety Beeralu Rabu. 2013.
53
UGS Amarasinghe, AL Ranawake, S Senanayake. Fertilizer response of some Sri Lankan traditional rice cultivars. Proceedings of the Jaffna University International Research Conference, 2012.
54
SAP Madurangi, WLG Samarasinghe, S Senanayake, PV Hemachandra, et al. Resistance of Oryza nivara and Oryza eichingeri derived lines to brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal). Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 39 (2), 2011.
55
D Kumarathilake, S Senanayake, GAW Wijesekara, DSA Wijesundera, et al. Extinction risk assessments at the species level: national red list status of endemic wild cinnamon species in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research 21 (3), 2011.
56
HWL Pushpakumari, WLG Samarasinghe, S Senanayake. DNA typing of dessert banana cultivar 'Kolikuttu' ('Silk') accessions by microsatellite markers. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 12 (2), 2011.
57
SAP Madurangi, D Ratnasekera, SS Senanayake, PV Hemachandra. Evaluation of brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) resistance in Oryza nivara wild rice accessions found in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium 15, 2010.
58
UIP Perera, S Senanayake, W Ratnasekera. Morphological diversity of weedy rice accessions collected in Ampara district. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium 15, 2010.
59
LP Jayatissa, NP Dissanayake, WAT Weerakkody, G Senanayake, et al. A study of salt secretion by mangroves of Rekawa Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Ruhuna Journal of Science, 2006.
60
JA Sirisena, S Senanayake. Estimation of variability parameters within 'Mysore' banana clones and their implication for crop improvement. Scientia Horticulturae 84 (1-2), 49-66, 2000.
61
S Senanayake. The effect of light intensity on the chemical compositions and in vitro dry matter digestibility of palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha). Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 27 (1), 1999.
62
R Rajapakse, S Senanayake, D Ratnasekera. Effect of five botanicals on oviposition, adult emergence and mortality of Callosobruchus maculatus Fabr. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) infesting cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. Journal of Entomological Research 22 (2), 117-122, 1998.
63
RHS Rajapakse, S Senanayake. Effectiveness of seven vegetable oils against Callosobruchus chinensis L. in pigeon pea Cajanus cajan L. Entomological Society of India Bulletin 17 (3-4), 154-158, 1997.
64
JA Sirisena, S Senanayake. Change in growth and yield characteristics of Musa cv Mysore ('Embul' banana) with increasing age of the crop. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 25 (3), 1997.
65
S Senanayake. Studies on the role of cattle in reducing chemical weed control in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis L.). 1996.
66
S Senanayake. The effects of different light levels on the nutritive quality of four natural tropical grasses. Tropical Grasslands 29, 111, 1995.
67
DSZ Abeysiriwardena, RP Edmond, S Senanayake. Screening of rice cultivars for tolerance to preharvest sprouting. 1995.
68
S Senanayake. Heritability of quality characters and their correlations in palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha Stapf). Tropical Agriculture 71, 1994.
69
S Senanayake, V Wijeratne. Effect of rice genotype-environment interactions on quality characters. 1990.

Books / Book Chapters

Total: 3
01
Liyanage, A. S. U., & Senanayake, G. (2010). The atlas of selected crop wild relatives in Sri Lanka (pp. 11–73). Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.
02
Tissera, M., Samarakoon, D., & Senanayake, G. (2017). Linking tourism, energy and agriculture through sustainable consumption and production in Sri Lanka. In Sustainable Asia: Supporting the Transition to Sustainable Consumption and Production.
03
Senanayake, G., Wijesekara, A., & Hunter, D. G. (2010). Village small tank system: An integrated landscape for adaptation to a changing climate. In Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes. UNU-IAS.