Registered Laboratories

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials

Scientific investigations are carried out under 4 sub projects.

1.Development of Sri Lankan graphite for rechargeable battery applications

2.Advanced transition metal semiconductors for energy conversion applications

3.Deriving nano-materials and composites from Sri Lankan graphite. 

4.Developing materials for efficient water purification using local minerals

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Material Processing and Device Fabrication

This project is involved in basic study and experimentation in Material Processing and Device Fabrication with an emphasis on graphite, graphite-based devices, carbon supercapacitors and investigations related to solar cells and other electronic devices based on new materials primarily generated from local minerals. Work related to graphite including the exfoliation of graphite, its derivation into graphene plates and preparation of graphene thin films and their use in electronic devices is also conducted through this project. Furthermore, the project conducts research in the area of extremely thin absorber solar cells and the development of hole conducting materials used in these solar cell devices.The project is also involved with the conversion of waste materials, such as coconut shells, to highly porous and electronically conducting activated charcoal for versatile applications in electronic devices such as supercapacitors and counter electrodes of solar cells, in order to develop fast charge stations for the latest technology electrical motor vehicles. Use of expanded graphite derived from Sri Lankan vein graphite is also tested in relation to water and air purification and cleaning of oil spills in water.

Our group collaborates with the University of Uva Wellassa in a project to fabricate highly efficient and low cost dye sensitised solar cells. The research group is developing perovskites in collaboration with the University of Jaffna. We also collaborate with the University of Peradeniya in a project to exfoliate and purify Sri Lankan graphite and to improve all types of dye sensitized solar cells.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Energy and Advanced Material Chemistry

The main objective of this project is to carry out research on renewable energy. Research is mainly focused on the chemistry and physics of new materials for the conversion of solar energy into chemical and electrical energies. Extending and adapting current photovoltaic technology, mainly dye-sensitized, Qdot and polymer solar cells to generate electricity directly from solar radiation; Constructing artificial chemical devices mimicking photosynthesis to collect, direct, and apply solar radiation, for example to split water, convert atmospheric carbon dioxide and thus produce various forms of environmentally clean fuels are some of our research objectives.

Chemical, Electrochemical and Photochemical methods for the purification of air and water are the main research topics of the project. Additionally, the project is also involved in the investigation of low cost water and air purification methods for abatement of industrial pollutants by using sunlight. Under the research topics of conversion of solar energy into either electrical or chemical energy mentioned above, the fundamental requirements are; sunlight must be absorbed efficiently by light harvesting materials; photoexcited electrons and holes must be separated in space to prevent recombination; photoexcited charge must be able to energetically and kinetically perform a chemical transformation. Hence, we investigate all these factors in our research. Additionally, this group is also involved in CKDu research.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Condensed Matter Physics and Solid State Chemistry

The main focus of this research group has been on (a) developing nitrogen doped TiO2 based novel multilayer electrodes for improved photovoltaic performance in dye sensitized solar cells. (b) developing PbS:Hg quantum dot sensitized, high efficiency solar cell structures with triple layer TiO2 photoanode, (c) improving the efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells using nano structurally modified tri-layer TiO2 photoanode, (d) developing (PVdF-HFP) co-polymer nanofibre based gel electrolytes for dye sensitized solar cells, (e) developing of Mg++ ion conducting polymer electrolytes for rechargeable magnesium batteries and (f) fabrication of low cost, polymer nanofibre based water filters for arsenic removal from drinking water.

In addition, this group continues to play a key role in the multi-university, “Solar Edu-Training” R&D and training programmes administered through the Science, Technology and Research Ministry for building a workforce of about 2000 youths ranging from A-Level students to MPhil/PhD researchers, competent in solar energy technologies.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Rhizobium

This research  investigates the role of developed microbial biofilms in agriculture, plantations and the environment. With the development of microbial biofilms [fungal-bacterial biofilms (FBBs) in particular] in vitro in 2002, several basic research studies were conducted to evaluate their potential as microbial ameliorators in the soil and also in the environment. The studies yielded very promising results. Consequently, biofilm-based biofertilizers called Biofilm biofertilizers (BFBFs) were developed for agriculture and plantation crops (especially non-legumes, e.g. tea, rice, vegetables etc.), tested extensively under field conditions, and were commercialized in 2014. So far, BFBFs have been used on over 30,000 acres in the country with a chemical fertilizers (NPK) cut downbyup to 50%, while increasing crop yields between 10-40%. It is also used inorganic agriculture. Researchon BFBFs have also been started in India, Indonesia, Brazil and Iraq.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Primate Biology

The Primate Biology project at the NIFS conducts observational studies on monkeys (primates) in their natural forest habitats. Our main objectives are:

 (1) contribute new knowledge to the understanding of the evolution of social behavior in primates (and by extension in humans);

 (2) provide a scientific basis for the effective management and conservation of primates and other organisms; and 

(3) disseminate new knowledge through scientific publications as well through professionally produced documentary films to not only educate and entertain but also as a method of gaining public support for conservation efforts among local and international communities.

Our scientific work has been buttressed by studies in population genetics, paternity exclusion, epidemiology and physiology as they relate to the behavior, ecology and vital statistics of wild monkeys. In practice, at our study site in Polonnaruwa, we have identified several thousand individual monkeys. New studies focus on the genetic basis for species and subspecies characterization among the gray and purple faced langur populations in Sri Lanka.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Plant Taxonomy and Conservation

The Plant Taxonomy and Conservation project at the NIFS is involved in

(1) taxonomic and biogeographic studies of flora of Sri Lanka

(2) preparation of the National Red List for flora 

(3) sustainable use of plant resources 

(4) identifying factors that affect the conservation of flora of Sri Lanka including the prevalence of invasive alien species and

(5) restoration of ecology.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Plant Stress Biology and Molecular Genetics

Plant Stress Biology and Molecular Genetics is a project under the guidance of the Director of NIFS, Professor Saman Seneweera. The aim of this research group is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of climate stress tolerance in plants in making informed decisions to improve the stress tolerance levels of plants.

Our research focusses on two main areas:(1) improving photosynthesis and yield gap in rice; (2) zinc and iron biofortification of rice and the minimization of toxic element accumulation. 

One of our research projects aims to improve rice yield gap by manipulating photosynthesis. To be fully confident of avoiding massive starvation in the future, a 50% increase in rice yields is required by 2050. Our objective is to increase rice yield, possibly by fine tuning the plant’s biology to fit in with the environment. Among the key traits, lower photosynthesis rates are recognized as a major bottleneck for yield improvement and genetic manipulation of photosynthesis is the most plausible method to increase yield potential. In our research group, we focus on four strategies to increase the CO2 concentration around Rubisco; (1) improving CO2 diffusion into the chloroplast and its site of fixation; (2) introducing C4 like characteristics into C3 Plants (3) introduction of cyanobacteria rubisco (4) transfer of C4 genes from the panicle to the shoot through CRISPR CAS9.

Zinc and Iron biofortification of rice is another area of research. In our large germplasm screening studies, using inherent heterogeneity among 295 accessions of Sri Lankan rice, we identified five lines with high concentrations of [Zn] and [Fe], contemporaneous with low concentrations of [As], [Cd] and [Pb]. For the lines identified, yield relationships with grain [Zn] and/or [Fe]; and/or low concentrations of [As], [Cd] and [Pb], were not significant, indicating that Zn and Fe biofortification targets could be achieved without compromising yield. These results indicate that sufficient genetic diversification exists to select rice lines among regional landraces that can both increase essential micronutrients while limiting exposure to known heavy metals.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Nutritional Biochemistry

The Nutritional Biochemistry project at the NIFS conducts research in the following four main areas:

Functional and nutritional properties of food: Under this research theme, studies are conducted to assess antioxidant properties, enzyme inhibition, radical induced DNA damage and the identification and prevention of active compounds that pose health risks.

Bioavailability of food: Bioavailability is the degree to which nutrients from food are made available for absorption and utilization in the body. It is a critical issue due to the many nutritional concerns in our society today. In this area of research, bioavailability of nutrients and antioxidant compounds in legumes including the effect of boiling and simulated digestion on prebiotic activity of legumes is studied

Food Safety: Heavy metals are trace elements that cause negative impacts on human health, even at very low concentrations. Our research is focussed on detecting heavy metal residues and trace elements in milk powder and poultry meat available in the market and seaweeds collected from coastal areas.  

Interaction of glucose oxidase with other sugars - Glucose oxidase (GOx) shows significant interaction with other sugars. Therefore, the primary objective of this work is to study the interaction of GOx with other sugars which could pose significant clinical implications.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Molecular Microbiology and Human Diseases

Advances in Molecular Biology have opened new approaches to studying the diversity of microorganisms in the environment; air, water and soil, and the human body. We concentrate mainly on diseases, both infectious and non-communicable(NCD) diseases that affect humans globally as well as locally. The current emphasis is on pulmonary diseases, particularly drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB. We also pay attention to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CKD with unknown aetiology (CKDu). In CKDu research, we investigate the presence or absence of cyanotoxins, electrolytes and fluoride in ground waters in CKDu endemic areas and the uptake mechanism of these risk factors in plants. Concentrating on the environmental microorganisms, we study the cyanobacterial diversity and the thermophilic microorganisms in hot springs of Sri Lanka, which are understudied areas. Another area of interest is air pollution, where we study indoor and outdoor microorganisms. 

We employ advanced laboratory techniques, including real-time PCR, metagenomics, whole-genome sequencing, microarray, RNA sequencing, HPLC, LC-MS, XRD, ICP-MS, and bioinformatic tools. Our project takes part in many multidisciplinary research ventures of national importance, serving the best with the existing laboratory facilities.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Microbiology and Soil Ecosystems

The research mainly focuses on determining the soil C sequestration potential, its dynamics and the method of improvement in different major vegetation types of Sri Lanka such as natural and plantation forests, wetlands, agricultural plantations, farm lands, home gardens and small holder cultivations etc. The potentiality of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and intertidal saltmarshes in C sequestration is also under investigation. The project also aims to develop GIS based maps for soil Carbon storage capacity of different ecosystems. The microbiology project focuses on studying the microbial enzymes in different value added products and processes. Studies have been initiated to investigate the genetic diversity of cyanobacteria in different water bodies of Sri Lanka with their taxonomical identification, nutrient profiling and toxin analysis. The project also focuses on the establishment and maintenance of cyanobacteria culture collection.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Microbial Biotechnology

The microbial biotechnology research program (MBRP) investigates the applications of developed microbial biofilms (DMB) in agriculture, ecosystems and environment, and medicine.

The MBRP has developed biofilm-based biofertilizers i.e. Biofilm biofertilizers (BFBF), especially for non-legumes, e.g. tea, rice, vegetables, etc., which were tested extensively under field conditions, and commercialized in 2014. With the development of the concept of BFBF in 2002, research studies were started to evaluate the potential of the BFBF formulations as a microbial ameliorator in agroecosystems and the environment. Current studies are centered on the agricultural, health, and environmental benefits of using DMB.

The MBRP also conducts research to develop biofilm medicines/nutraceuticals (BFN) as next-generation medicine, and several industrially important applications using DMB.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Food Chemistry

The Food chemistry project at NIFS focuses on exploring the application of food chemistry to add value to under-utilized plant resources to address food security. Food security is a problem of national importance for Sri Lanka in the context of climate change. In this backdrop, adding value to the under-utilized resources is a good strategy as Sri Lanka is a tropical country with a rich biodiversity of plant resources. Furthermore, in the agricultural sector, there are several byproducts, which are either wasted or under-utilized due to lack of research on their commercial value.  However, through systematic studies, we can add value to formulate novel food products or ingredients. These novel products can address the food and nutritional needs of the society and also serve as functional foods to mitigate the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes. We investigate the nutritional composition, bioactivity, keeping quality and functional properties of raw materials from these under-utilized plant resources. Generally, the nutritional composition, bioactivity and functional properties of raw food items can change due to the application of different food processing methods such freezing, thawing, drying, frying, etc. Research on such changes is of considerable importance for human nutrition, food safety and wellness. As a part of the project, we also focus on the application of food chemistry to ensure the quality and authenticity of food products to safeguard consumers from fraudulent practices. 

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity

Basic research in biodiversity covers every aspect of ecosystem function. Research in our laboratory focuses on understanding how ecosystems are modified by the loss of biodiversity. Our primary research focus is on the largely uncharted field of invertebrate biodiversity. Currently, studies in our lab currently focus on plants and animals in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems worldwide, with special attention paid to the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot. We use spiders and other arachnids as models to address these issues in our research, using an integrative approach to answer questions of interest. The unifying theme concerns the formulation of evolutionary conclusions using morphology, genes and behavioral studies. We use taxonomy, molecular biology, phylogenetics, and field ecology to build a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary processes involved in the formation of biodiversity. Our findings are then shared through papers published in peer reviewed journals.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Water Quality Research Program

The NIFS' Environmental Science Research Program (NIFS - ESRP) focuses on addressing the fundamental scientific aspects of pressing environmental problems in Sri Lanka with global interest. This research program is in consonance with the National Environmental Action Plan for Sri Lanka that seeks insight into environmental processes at a molecular level. Our research program is focused on water, soil and atmospheric environmental systems.

The overall aim of the Water quality research project is to design a model water treatment facility based on sound scientific principle using electrochemistry and nanotechnology. 

The Materials development and Pollution remediation project focuses on the remediation of pollutant materials from water, soil and air.  We monitor and understand the basic and fundamental mechanisms of pollutants in nature and use high resolution air pollution models to understand the effect of pollutants on human health.

In the The Air pollution and risk assessment project uses air pollution modeling to estimate population/individual level exposures which are important in health risk  assessment. We also evaluate the performance of air pollution control methods.

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National Institute of Fundamental Studies

Plant and Environmental Sciences

The major areas of focus of our project at the NIFS are:

 (i) Environmental Remediation of pollutants using plants and plant biomass. This area of research focusses on the removal of pollutants and contaminants from water and soil. We are particularly interested in bioremediation, phytoremediation and biosorption. We conduct research to remove textile dyes, heavy metals, phosphates and nitrates from water bodies.

 (ii) Restoration of degraded dry forests. Our main objective is to micro-propagate tree species for reforestation of dry forests.

(iii) Flora growing on serpentine soil. Our studies in this area provide an insight on how these plants adapt to harsh soil environments and their possible utilization for bioremediation of heavy metals.  

(iv) Impact of climate and socioeconomic factors on the spread of dengue virus. Dengue outbreaks are a common occurrence in the past two decades in Sri Lanka. Our research is aimed at identifying knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) in dengue free and dengue affected communities, the role of climate and vector threshold indices to provide tools for vector control to the relevant authorities to manage disease outbreaks.  

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National Building Research Institute (NBRI)

Environmental Laboratory

The Environmental Studies and Services Division (ESSD) was established in 1986 as a Technical Division at the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) to cater rapid development process with necessary technical and scientific inputs in sustainable development and environmental management. Over the years the division has expanded its capacities in a wide range of fields and has become a pioneer technical agency under the Ministry of Defence to provide both consultancy and testing services in diverse fields of environment.

Environmental Studies and Services Division and its’ laboratory have strengthened its expertise to become one of the leading professional entities in environmental quality monitoring and resource management, catering to needs in the country by serving in a wide range of environmental disciplines. The division has gained recognition from the Central Environmental Authority for environmental testing, and to serve as environmental consultants for conducting EIA, IEES, pollution control systems, and other environmental works. The laboratory is under the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (SLAB) for chemical tests based on the ISO/ICE 17025:2005 requirements.

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University of Colombo

Parasitology Laboratory

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University of Colombo

Parasitology Laboratory

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Rubber research institute of Sri Lanka

Molecular Biology