Dr.L.K.G.Wickremesinghe Senior Lecturer I B.Sc. (Colombo) Ph.D. (Simon Fraser). Research and Teaching Interests My research experience ranges from Synthetic Organic to Bioorganic Chemistry. Synthesis of chiral pheromones (Lineatin, Multistrain and Multistriatol, the pheromones of T. lineatum, S. multistriatus respectively) from deoxysugers, synthesis of deoxysugers (2,3-dideoxy, 3-deoxy and 2-deoxy glucose derivatives) via novel hydrazine reactions and synthesis of conjugated dienic pheromones via organomettalic reagents were my accomplishments at Simon Fraser University, Canada Insect active phytochemicals has been the main area of research at Kelaniya. We have developed a neem Azadirachta indica) based phytopesticide, probably the best and the safest available in "organic farming". The effect of Azadirachitin on Whiteflies, Root knot nematodes, Termites, Mosquito larvae were demonstrated in collaboration with the biologists. Antioxidant and pesticidal effects of curcumin from turmeric is a new project under investigation. As a research fellow at the Glasgow University, I have successfully estabilished the absolute configuration of Tamariscol, a sesquiterpenoid, from Liverworts.

Antioxidant and pesticidal effects of curcumin from turmeric is a new project under investigation.