Education : (Degree)

Ph.D. (Peradeniya )-2010
M.phil. (Peradeniya) 1997
B.Sc. (Jaffna) 1986

Membership in a professional organization

Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, London (FRES)
Member of Association for the Advancement of Entomology, India
Charter Biologist of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka. (C.Biol.)
Chartered environmental professional (CEnvP.)
Member of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Sri Lanka
Member of Jaffna Science Association, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

Consultancy and Outreach

Member of the National Steering Committee of the Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Programme UNDP- Phase V since 2013- to date
Member of the Editorial Board – of International Journal of Environment (IJE) since 2013- to date
Member of the National Expert Committee on Mangrove Conservation and Sustainable Use” Under the state Ministry of Mahaweli development and Environment , Sri Lank since 2015.
Member of the sub -committee to prepare the ‘policy on mangrove conservation and sustainable use’ Under the state Ministry of Mahaweli development and Environment , Sri Lanka Since 2015
Member of Scientist forum of SEACOLOGY – SUDDESA for Sri Lanka mangrove conservation programme, from 2016

Involved in Projects for community development:

Organized and contributed as resource person to the Practical Seminar- ( Seminar series -07) on “Teaching Methodology of Nature and Biodiversity.” to the science teachers of Junior secondary class ( grade 6-10) of J/ Jaffna Hindu College on 05.11.2025 from 9.00 am-1.00 pm, at the Department of Zoology University of Jaffna.

Organized and contributed as resource person to the Seminar- ( Seminar series -06) on “Evolution and diversity of organisms.” to the secondary students ( grade 12) of J/ Kokuvil Hindu College on 04.11.2025 from 8.00 am-12.30 pm, at the Department of Zoology University of Jaffna.

Contributed as resource person at the Training workshop on Blue Carbon Ecosystems relevant stakeholders in Jaffna District held on 3rd and 4th October 2025 , Organized by the Biodiversity Secretariat , Ministry of Environment together with the Forest Department. Delivered a lecture on “Blue Carbon Ecosystems related issues in Jaffna District”

Organized and contributed as resource person to the seminar on “Biodiversity and value of Ecosystem” to the junior secondary students ( grade 6-11) of J/Madduvil Kamalasani Vidyalayam on 12.09.2025 from 8.30 am-12.30 pm, at the Department of Zoology University of Jaffna.

Organized and contributed as resource person to the practical oriented seminar on Zoological sections in A/L Biology curriculum for Kokuvil Hindu College Students on 11.08.2025 from 8.30 am-4.30 pm, at Department of Zoology University of Jaffna.

Coordinated and contributed as resource person at the awareness workshop in parallel with world Mangrove Day – 2025, organized by Biodiversity Secretariat, Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Managing Together Project, and coordinated by Jaffna Entomological Society ( JES) , held on 18th July 2025, at Department of Zoology, University of Jaffna.
Contributed as resource person at the Capacity developmental training for theological students” ( “seminary students.”) on “Environmental issues and Legal mitigation methods including Clean Sri Lanka” on 29th of January 2025 , at Jaffna Organized by Caritas HUDEC Jaffna.

Coordinated and Contributed as resource person at the training workshop on Whitefly menace: Identification and Management of coconut whiteflies in Jaffna” for Agriculture Instructors in Jaffna District – Lecture Session [I] on 3rd April 2024 at DATC , Thirunelvely Jaffna , and Laboratory Session [II] – at Department of Zoology, University of Jaffna on 30th of April 2024- Organized by Jaffna Entomological Society in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (Extention) , Thirunelvely, Jaffna.

Contributed as resource person at the Capacity developmental training for CBO’s and administrative officers in Jaffna district on “ Conservation and safeguarding the environment ” on 13th August 2024 , at Jaffna Organized by Caritas HUDEC Jaffna.\

Contributed as resource person at the Capacity developmental training for theological students” ( “seminary students.”) on “Environmental issues and mitigation methods” on 05th of February 2024 , at Jaffna Organized by Caritas HUDEC Jaffna.

Contributed as resource person to facilitate the open discussion forum among the administrative officers of selected Divisional secretariat, Jaffna on “Environmental Issues and their Management” , on 20th of September 2023 , at Jaffna, Organized by Caritas -HUDEC Jaffna.

Contributed as resource person at the Capacity developmental training for women on “Environmental regulations ” on 25th of August 2023 , at Jaffna Organized by Caritas HUDEC Jaffna.

Contributed as resource person at the Capacity developmental training for environmental youth group on “Environmental protection and process” on 19th of August 2023 , at Retreat house Pandaththarippu , Jaffna Organized by Caritas HUDEC Jaffna.

Contributed as resource person at the Awareness Programme on Coastal Environment and its importance to conservation, to the Pachilapalai Divisional Secretariat field staff on 02nd of May 2023 , at Palai DS office Organized by Humanitarian Development Organization, Mannar Sri Lanka

Contributed as resource person at Training Programme on Landscape Strategy Findings and Proposal Development on Project Proposal Writing & Project Management from 26th and 27th April 2023, at Mannar , Sri Lanka Organized by “ Save a life” Jaffna , Sri Lanka

Contributed as resource person at the training programme for Developmental officers ( Environment) of Northern Province , on “ The Biodiversity of Sri Lanka, Current conservation Status and Process” at Sarvodya center , Jaffna on 21st of December 2022, organized by Ministry of Environement, Sri Lanka .

Contributed as resource person at the training programme on ‘Environmental Impact Assessment” for Government officials, NGO’s and CBO in Mannar district from 9th -11th May 2022, at mannar, Sri Lanka, organized by Centre for Environmental Justice, Sri Lanka .

Contributed as resource person at the National Youth Dialogue, with a special focus on Climate, Environment and Green Development along with its foundational themes of Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship” conducted in the Mannar to Jaffna coastal area, on 22nd of March 2022.

Contributed as resource person on capacity building workshop under the theme – Green production – to the field officers in Vadamaradchi south-west divisional Seretariat office – organized by DS office on 25th of May 2017 at Karaveddy , Jaffan , Sri Lanka.

Conducted and capacity building workshop on “ Mangrove conservation and management to the administrative officers, in Jaffna District on 24th March-2017 Organized by the Biodiversity Secretariat of the state ministry of Mahaweli development and Environment and Department of Zoology University of Jaffna, University of Jaffna, at District Secretariat Jaffna and contributed as one of the resource person at the workshop.

Contributed as resource person in Training Programme on Environmental Sensitive Subjects Areas For Science Teachers from 7th -9th December 2016, organized by National Ozone unit , Ministry of Environment and Mahaweli Development, in Jaffna. Title of the talk is “ Invasive alien species”

Conducted a workshop on “ Lets learn our pollinators” to identify and conserve native pollinators , to general public on 19th August and 19th September 2016- jointly organized by the Biodiversity secretariat of the state ministry of Mahaweli development and Environment and Department of Zoology University of Jaffna, University of Jaffna, at Chavakachcheri, Jaffna , Sri Lanka.

Conducted a workshop on “ Lets learn our pollinators” to identify and conserve native pollinators , to school students and staff on 12th September 2016- jointly organized by the Biodiversity secretariat of the state ministry of Mahaweli development and Environment and Department of Zoology University of Jaffna, University of Jaffna, at Chavakachcheri, Jaffna , Sri Lanka.

Contributed as resource person in Training Programme on Vector Identification and Incrimination For Medical Entomologist in health sector from 16-18th March 2016, Held at the Department of Zoology, University of Jaffna .

Contributed as resource person in “Workshop for G.C.E A/L Agricultural Science Teachers and In-service subject Advisors- Agricultural Sciences -2013 at Kaladdy TMV, Jaffna, and Organized by Provincial Department of Education, Northern Province and Jaffna Science Association Section B from 26th to 28th September 2013.

Contributed as resource person in “Ecological and Biodiversity field study for the Biology teachers and students of Vavuniya District , Organized by Field Study Centre, Vavuniya and Jaffna Science Association (Section A)during 2nd -3rd of August 2013.

Contributed as resource person in “Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation” Organized by Jaffna Science Association in collaboration with Department of Education, Northern Province and Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science on 16th of June 2012.

Contributed as resource person in “ G.C.E. (A/L) Practical Training for Biology Teachers held from 19th to 20th March 2012, at the University of Jaffna, Organized by National Institute of Education , Maharagama.

Contributed as resource person in “Biology Workshop for A/L teachers” Organized by Jaffna Science Association. 19th – 20th of October 2011.

Contributed as a resource person in 4 days workshop organized by the Educational Publications Department at the Institute of Construction, Training and Development Centre, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka on 8th -11th February, 2011.

Contributed as a resource person in a Two days’ workshop on “Identification of leafhoppers associated with Coconut ecosystem Sri Lanka” held on 17th and 18th of June 2010 at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, which was organized by Sri Lanka Council for Agriculture Research Policy.

Contributed as a resource person in a one day work shop on “Identification of common leafhoppers in Sri Lanka” held on 22nd December 2008 at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, which was sponsored by Sri Lanka Council for Agriculture Research Policy.

Resource person in “Training Course for teachers on selected topics in G.C.E. (A/L) Biology” Organized by Jaffna Science Association. 15-23rd of May 1999.

Organized and displayed exhibits under the theme
“Ensuring Non-toxic food production by integrating biodiversity in the Annual Northern Provincial Agricultural Exhibition- 2019”, held from 17th to 21st of September 2019. A team of the members of the Department of Zoology was fully engaged in demonstration of very good established models in two stalls, which was addressing the
“Theme –I: Food production with no toxins through biodiversity conservation
“Theme II: Parasites and their management in animal husbandry.

POLLINATOR CONSERVATION THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION – enhancing awareness to the general public.2016 on wards

SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC HOME GARDENING WITH THE MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE (drought) IN MARAVANPULO GS J- 298 JAFFANA DISTRICT since 2014

BASELINE ANALYSIS OF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THONDAMANARU LAGOON – 2014-2015

Invited talks

Invited as resource person in the training workshop for Science teachers on “The new reforms on Education from 2026” organized by Zonal Education Office, Jaffna held on 17th October 2025 at Muththuthambi Maha Vidyalayam ,Jaffna . to deliver a lecture on “Natural resources” .

Invited as resource person in the Training workshop for Science teachers on “The new reforms on Education from 2026” organized by Zonal education Office, Valigamum , held on 16th October 2025 at Uduvil Girls College, Jaffna to deliver a lecture on “Natural resources”

Invited as Plenary speaker– at the 3rd International conference on Mangroves for sustainability ( ICMS 2025) organized by Open University of Sri Lanka during 22-24 & 26th July 2025. Delivered a talk on “ Mangrove and coral reef biodiversity and its ecosystem services insight the northern coast of Sri Lanka” .

Delivered a talk on “ Whiteflies menace on coconut. How to manage? “ to Agriculture Instructors of Jaffna District , at DATC, Thirunelvely on 3rd April 2024.
Delivered a popular talk on “”இயற்கையை காக்க தேனீக்களை காப்போம்” ( Protect Bees to Protect the Nature) , at the radio programme of களமும் வளமும் (Kalamum Valamum), on 17th May 2023 , by Sri Lanka Broadcasting cooperation , in collaboration with Northern Province Agriculture Department

Delivered a popular lecture on “ Insect vectors of plant disease agents” at the 28th Annual Scientific sessions of the Jaffna Science Association held on 23rd February 2022.
“Mangrove ecosystem management for climate change mitigation” on 12th November 2021, in a webinar conducted by ‘save a life’, Sri Lanka

Invited as speaker in the panel of ” Child Friendly Environment – at Children’s rights symposium, held at Tilco City Hotel, Jaffna on 23rd December 2019 organized by Centre for Children’s Happiness, Sri Lanka.

Delivered a talk on “Biodiversity and conservation of Insect fauna in Sri Lanka” as invited presenter on 6th November 2019 at the Department of Entomology , Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat , Assam, India.

Delivered a talk on “Environmental perspective” as invited presenter to Pannel Discussion under the Theme : “Searching for Regional Sustainability” at International Conference Contemporary Management (5th ICCM) conducted by Faculty of Management studies and commerce University of Jaffna, from 29- 30 July 2019.
Invited as Plenary speaker– in the session ‘Insect Taxonomy and Phylogeny’ – at the joint Conference on “Insect Biodiversity Studies – where does India stand in the global map “held at Department of Animal Science in central University of Kerala, India during 29-31 march 2016 . Delivered a talk on “ Hemipteran fauna of Sri Lanka- Current status of taxonomy and diversity- p.14-15
Delivered a talk on “ Conserve pollinators to increase food production” as invited presenter to the World Environmental Day- Celebration on 5th of June 2013 held at the Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna, Organized by Jaffna Science Association , Section A.

Delivered a talk on “Integrated Biodiversity Management in Agro-ecosystem As a way for protection of Environment” as invited presenter to theme seminar at Twentieth annual session of Jaffna Science Association in 2013, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. (published in the proceedings of JSA Vol.21 (2) Page. 62-69.

Delivered a talk on “ Mangrove insects and their ecosystem functions” as invited presenter 4th of July 2014 at the Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna, Organized by Biological Society, Faculty of Science.

Invited as Chief Guest for the Science Day programme at M/Pakiyam Ladies college and Delivered a talk on “ Biodiversity conservation” on 11th October 2012

Mathula, M., Gnaneswaran, R, Sivakalai, K., Thilaksika.V , Luckshika.M.R and Arani, B ( 2024) First report of invasive nesting whitefly Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae: Aleyrodinae): Impact on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Insect Environment

Thadshayini Chandrasegaran and Raji Gnaneswaran (2024) Decomposition and Insect Succession on Guinea Pig Carcass in Jaffna Sri Lanka. Vol.19 (2): 33-39, DOI: 10.4038/vingnanam.v19i2.4246

Wijewantha, G. W. A. L. K. and R. Gnaneswaran (2023) Lepidopteran fauna of Mandaitivu Mangrove Ecosystem, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Vingnanam Journal of Science, Vol.18 (1), P7-12 DOI: 10.4038/vingnanam.v18i1.4226

Gnaneswaran, R., (2021) Taxonomic studies on Idiocerini Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Eurymelinae: Idiocerini) of Sri Lanka. Vingnanam Journal of Science, 16(1), pp.1–7. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/vingnanam.v16i1.4181

Gnaneswaran, R (2019) New host for Goniagnathus ( Tropicognathus) punctifer (Walker) . a leafy vegetable Alternanthara sessilis (L.) R. Br. Ex DC. From Jaffna with the distribution of the genus (Cicadellidae: Deltacephalinae) In Sri Lanka . International Journal of Entomology Research. Vol. 4(2) Pp 71-73

Vathulan Sujanitha, Sivapalan Sivansuthan, W Venkatesh Luckshman, Rajendramani Gnaneswaran, Thangarajaha Jeyakanth, UPALA Gunarathna (2017) The clinical manifestations, outcome and identification of jellyfish stings in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Tropical Doctor DOI: 10.1177/0049475516684341

Punsara, J.H.M and R.Gnaneswaran ( 2025) Insect succession during rat carcass decomposition : A comparative study of open and closed environments. Proceedings of 4th research symposium for biological science students. University of Jaffna. Abstract P.12

Shopna, M and R.Gnaneswaran (2025) Natural Occurrence of Megatrioza hirsuta ( Hemiptera: Triozidae) and its parasitoid Psyllaephagus Phylloplectae ( Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from Arjun tree Terminalia arjuna Leaf Galls in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 4th research symposium for biological science students. University of Jaffna. Abstract P.15

Mathula, M and R. Gnaneswaran ( 2025) Ecological association between Calotis amata ( Fabricius, 1775)( Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and Miswak tree- Salvadora persica L. ( Salvadoraceae) in the arid coastal ecosystems of Northern Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 4th research symposium for biological science students. University of Jaffna. Abstract P.17

Rajendramani Gnaneswaran (2024) A Century of unveiling Sri Lanka’s Hidden fauna: A comprehensive survey of leafhopper Biodiversity ( 1903-2023) at XXVII International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2024 Kyoto) 25-30th August, Kyoto, Japan.

Aranraj, T., Yatawara,M., and R. Gnanewaran ( 2024) Comparison of physicochemical parameters in two ponds located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health: Challenges Ahead . PGIS, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 23&24 August 2024

Wijewantha, G.W.A.L.K. and R.Gnaneswaran (2024). Diversity of above-ground terrestrial insects associated with mangrove ecosystem in Mandaitivu, Northern Province, Sri Lanka .International Conference on Mangroves for Sustainability (ICMS) 22nd- 23rd July 2024.

Mathula Manoharan and Rajendramani Gnaneswaran ( 2024) Diversity, distribution and habitat relationships of family Lycaenidae in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Vingnanam Research Conference, 2024 P.

Luxshana Lohanathan, Luckshman Wanniyasingam .V. and Rajendramani Gnaneswaran ( 2024) Aquatic insect diversity and water quality of a temporary pond in Iirupalai , Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Vingnanam Research Conference, 2024 P.

Aranraj,T. and Gnaneswaran,R. (2024). Guild diversity of insects associated with paddy fields under two different cultural practices in Thenmaradchi division, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 10th May 2024. p20. ISSN: 1800-4830.

Luxshana, L Gnaneswaran, R. and Luckshman C.K.W.V (2023) Aquatic insect composition in temporary pond ecosystem , Irupalai Jaffna Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 3rd research symposium for biological science students. Abstract P.16

Hamsajini, S. and Gnaneswaran, R. (2023) Dung beetles in selected Grama Niladhari divisions of Thenmaradchy, Jaffna Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 3rd research symposium for biological science students. Abstract P. 20

Wijewantha, G. W.A. L. K. and R. Gnaneswaran ( 2022) Lepidopteran fauna of Mandaithevu Mangrove Ecosystem, Proceedings of the Jaffna university international research conference-2022 held on 22nd July 2022, abstract P. 38

Chandrasegaran. T and R. Gnaneswaran (2022) Decomposition and insect succession on Guinea nia (Cavia porcellus) carcass, Proceedings of the Jaffna university international research conference-2022 held on 22nd July 2022, abstract P. 40

Aranraj,T. and R. Gnaneswaran ( 2020) Diversity of insects associated with paddy fields under Traditional cultural practices in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Jaffna Science Association abstracts, abstract-14

Gnaneswaran, R (2018) Building Community Resilience through Empowering Dry Zone Women for Drought Adaptation and Biodiversity Conservation: an experience from Northern Sri Lanka. At 03rd International Conference on Food resources and Security- on 18th May 2018 in Colombo Sri Lanka. Abstract P-

Tiruni NA., T.Eswaramohan and R.Gnaneswaran (2017) Gastropods Diversity (Gastropoda ; Mollusca ), in Thondaimanaru Lagoon Northern Province, Sri Lanka, presented at VCIRS 2017 -Vavunya Campus International Research Symposium- on 9th August 2017.

Prishanthini, M., Vinobaba, M. and Gnaneswaran, R. (2015) Association of the ants and the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) population and its influence on the spread of mealy bugs in the home-gardens. Proceedings of the 10th ANeT International Conference, 23 – 26 October 2015.

Gnaneswaran, R. Eswaramohan, T and Sivakumar, P (2015) Degradation of Mangrove forest in Thondamanaru Lagoon Ecosystem , Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Ileperuma , OA, Priyantha, N, Yatigammana, SK, Wijesundara , C. and Madawala HMSP (editors) (2015): Symposium Proceedings, Fourth International Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health: Chanllenges Ahead, 01 & 02 August, PGIS, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. P-26.

Gnaneswaran, R. (2013). A Review of the genus Harmalia Fennah 1969 (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) recorded from Sri Lanka with the description of Harmalia heitensis otho Fennah 1975. Eds. Khanna et.al; Animal Diversity and their Conservation, Biotech Books. Pp. 287-296; ISBN: 978-81-7622-287-7

Viraktamath CA and R. Gnaneswaran (2013) Review of the grass feeding leafhopper genus Gurawa Distant (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from the Indian Subcontinent with description of two new species. Entomon 38(4): 193-212. Submitted 03-06-2014 ; accepted 21-11-2014)

Gnaneswaran, R. (2012) Provisional Check list of the leafhoppers in Sri Lanka In : The National Red List 2012 of Sri Lanka: Conservation Status of the Fauna and Flora. Weerakoon, D.K. & S. Wijesundara Eds., Ministry of Environment, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pp. 431-437; ISBN: 978-955-0033-55-3

Gnaneswaran, R., K.S. Hemachandra, H.N.P. Wijayagunasekara and D. Ahangama (2010) A key for identification of Deltocephaline genera (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) Associated with vegetable ecosystem in Sri Lanka.”Short communication: Trop. Agri. Res. 21:4, 421-426.

Viraktamath, C.A. and Gnaneswaran, R. (2009) Three new species of Goniagnathus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Indian subcontinent with description of a new subgenus Zootaxa, 2224: 51-59.

Shanmugasundaram. J and Gnaneswaran. R . (2009) Effect of age of Plutella xylostella (lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) larvae on parasitoid development and its suitability for parasitization by cotesia plutellae (hymenoptera : braconidae ) Journal of Science and Management vol. I (1): 72-77.

Gnaneswaran, R., Hemachandra, K.S., Viraktamath, C.A. Ahangama, D, Wijayagunasekara,H.N.P and Wahundeniya, I. (2007) Idioscopus nagpurensis (Pruthi) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae): A new member of mango leafhopper complex in Sri Lanka. Trop. Agri. Res. Vol. 19: 78-90.

Gnaneswaran, R and Wijayagunasekara, H.N.P. (1999) Survey and Identification of insect pests of oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) culture in Central Province of Sri Lanka. Trop. Agric. Res. And Extension. Vol 2(1):21-25.

Gnaneswaran, R and Wijayagunasekara, H.N.P. (1996) Biology of Cyllodes bifacies (Walker) (Coleoptera :Cucujoidea: Nitidulidae) a pest of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in Sri Lanka. Trop. Agri. Res. Vol. 8: 377-390.

I’m specialized in Entomology. My research focus is on insect ecology and taxonomy. I’m currently doing projects on diversity of Hemipteran bugs and parasitoids; biodiversity conservation through home gardens and mangrove ecosystem conservation in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.I confirmed the presence of 90 species of leafhoppers and 01 species of plant hopper associated with different ecosystems in Sri Lanka with the records of host plants.Among them 16 are new to Sri Lanka and two are new to science. One new subgenus was described and a 03 new species were declared with the collaboration of the University of Agricultural Sciences , Bangalore India. c. Another two new leafhopper species were declared with the collaboration with the collaboration of the University of Agricultural Sciences , Bangalore India (Viractamath & Gnaneswaran, 2014)