Head

Dr. (Ms.) M J Goonaratne
E-mail jaanaki@iti.lk

Senior Research Officers

Mrs. D I Rajapaksa
Dr. (Mrs.) I G N Hewajulige
Mrs. H M T Herath

Name

Dr Jaanaki Gooneratne ( Head, Food Technology Section)

Qualifications

Ph.D ( University of Sri Jayewardenapura), M.Sc. (Food and Nutrition) ( University of Bombay), B.Sc.( University of Allahabad)

Areas of Expertise

Over 30 years experience in the field of nutritional sciences.

Projects Completed

Technology transfer of “Positha” infant food( World Bank Funded) , iron enriched “Yasai” soup mix, “SL Sport” isotonic drink for sportsmen and sports women.

Nutritional surveys on iron deficiency in among urban, rural, estate and fishing sector ( JICA Funded)

Effect of coconut consumption on the cholesterol levels of adults residing in high coconut growing areas.

Research activities include assessment of glycemic index of foods and meals, product testing of bran rich food formulations on hypercholesreimic subjects ( NSF funded) , extraction and characterization of cell wall polysaccharides and pectin in food materials and waste.

On going Research Projects

Studies on extraction of galactomannan from coconut kernel and its cholesterol lowering effects in chicken, guinea pigs and rats.

Bamboo production, processing and marketing ( Funds from CFC, China) with joint collaboration with China and Bangladesh.

Name

Damitha Rajapaksa

Qualifications

B. Sc. (Chem. Sp.) M. Sc.

Areas of Expertise

Cereal Technology with special reference to rice based products & bakery technology.

Projects Completed

Composite flour project (funded by ITI)

Chemistry & Technology of Rice based products (funded by NSF)

Value addition to Rice (funded by UNIDO)

Rice bran as a human food ingredients (funded by NRC)

On going Research Projects

Value addition to minor cereal crops (funded by CARP)

Improvement of health promoting functional properties of Rice (funded by ITI)

Value addition kithul sap based products (funded by Rural Industries Ministry)

Setting up of three kithul villages (funded by Ministry of Science and Technology)

Name

Ilmi G. N. Hewajulige

Qualifications

Ph.D. ( University of Colombo), M.Phil ( Post Harvest Biology)
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
B.Sc (Agriculture) Hons.- University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Areas of Expertise

Post Harvest Biology and Technology of fruits and Vegetables

Projects Completed

Extending the storage life while maintaining post harvest quality of pineapple and banana with special reference to modified and controlled atmosphere storage.

The testing of specific pre and post harvest treatments for reducing the incidence of chilling injury in pineapples, Development of low cost storage systems for extending storage life of selected fruits- Lime, Mango, Papaya and Tomatoes , Development of low cost continues drier and dehydrated fruit products, Testing of new technology for sustainable sea shipment of fresh Pineapple
Effect of Chitosan (N,O- Carboxymethyl Chitosan) coating and salts of carbonic acids on the control of anthracnose and retention of overall quality of papaya during storage and

On going Research Projects

Effect of irradiated chitosan on shelf life extension of papaya
Minimizing postharvest losses by upgrading pack house facilities and handling procedures for fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables

Name

Theja Herath

Qualifications

B.Sc (Chem. Sp.), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
M.Phil (Food Chem.), University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Areas of Expertise

Food analysis and Nutrition.

Projects Completed

Iron fortification trails of wheat flour and selection of good fortificants.

Utilization of Cucurbita Spp. for Food Industry (NSF funded).

On going Research Projects

Improvement of health promoting functional properties of rice with special reference to the improving bio-availability in rice (ITI funded).