RAVINDRA S. WALGAMA ______Curriculum Vitae

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Phone: 403 317 2173 (Office) 5403 – 1st Avenue S, PO Box 3000 403 929 2446 (Mobile) Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1, Canada 403 380 2072 (Home) E mail: [email protected] LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=96363229&trk=tab_pro

CURRENT POSITION Postdoctoral Fellow (National Science and Engineering Research Council - NSERC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (2011 to 2013)

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Ph. D, Entomology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland, Australia (2008) Thesis: “Population Dynamics and Management of Light Brown Apple Moth, Epiphyas postvittana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Shothole Borer, Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh (Coleopetra: Scolytidae): A Modeling Approach “ Advisors: Myron P Zalucki and Robert W Sutherst

B Sc., Zoology, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (1995) Thesis: “Effect of Monocrotopus on the early pregnancy of rats“ Advisor: W. D. Ratnasooriya

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 2011 - 2013 Canadian Government Laboratory Fellow (NSERC), Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre  Evaluation of different trapping systems for sampling abundance of biting flies  Determination of diurnal activity of medically important fly species  Determination of relationship between light trap catches and biting rates on cattle/sheep  Identification of biting flies using taxonomic keys  Sampling of ticks in different geographical regions  Winter survival studies on ticks

2002 – 2007 Postgraduate student, School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland, Australia  Developed population models to forecast dynamics of key pests (case studies: Epiphyas postvittana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the Light Brown Apple Moth in Australia and Xyleborus fornicatus Nietner (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole Borer in Sri Lanka)

 Laboratory studies on temperature dependence of insect pests  Modeling temperature dependent development of insect pests  Surveys on the distribution and abundance of key pests of tea

1998 – 2009 Research Officer/Entomologist, Tea Research Institute, Sri Lanka  Planned and designed field and laboratory experiments on chemical, biological and agronomic control of key pests of tea (with special reference to scolytid beetles)  Sampling and monitoring of economically important pests using pheromone traps  Designed IPM programs for perennial and seasonal pests  Involved in advisory and extension activities for the stakeholders/growers  Conducted seminars, workshops, field days and crop clinics as means of technology transfer (educating growers)  Conducted field experiments for screening insecticides and experiments to establish MRL’s (maximum residue levels) for recommended insecticides  Collecting, summarizing, analyzing and interpretation of experimental data and writing technical reports/summaries and papers for publication  Screened biological control agents with special reference to entomopathogenic fungi for control of key pests of tea

1995 – 1997 Research Assistant, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (Collaboration with Marine Biological Research Station, Millport, UK)  Surveyed water quality parameters in a brackish water environment  Sampled fishery resources with special reference to prawns  Involved in the stock enhancement of prawns in the brackish water environment  Monitored the growth and the recruitment of prawns  Assessed the impact of stock enhancement  Conducted community awareness programs on the management of natural resources for sustainable development  Developed marking system for prawns to use in mark-recapture study This research lead to the recommendations of stock enhancement of prawns in a highly diverse lagoon in Sri Lanka, over a proposed establishment of prawn farms which has been viewed as more environmentally damaging.

1990 – 1994 Graduate student, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka  Tested commonly used insecticides for their effects on early pregnancy of rats  Assessed levels of pollution in aquatic ecosystems  Prepared management plans for wetland ecosystems

RESEARCH INTERESTS Crop pest management, Designing of IPM programs, Modeling temperature dependence of key pests, Effects of climate change on the distribution and range extension of economically important crop pests, Evaluation of trapping methods for economically important pests.

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS Walgama, R. S. (2012). Ecology and Integrated Management of Tea Shothole Borer (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Sri Lanka. Journal of Integrated Pest Management 4(3): 2012; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/IPM11031). Walgama, R. S., P. D. Senanayake, A. R. Abeysekera, A. K. Premathunge, R. Perera, B. S. Vitana, B. Sureshkumar and C. De Seram (2008) Chemical control of Shothole Borer, Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) on tea. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension, 11: 65-68. Walgama, R. S., M.T.K Gunesekera, M. M. Jayathilake, J. D. Kottawaarchchi and D. D. Liyanage (2008) Evaluation of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) germplasm for host-plant resistance to Shothole Borer, Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). Sri Lanka Journal of Tea Science 73 (1): 29-38. Walgama, R. S and M. P. Zalucki (2007). Temperature –dependent Development of Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole Borer of Tea in Sri Lanka: Implications for Distribution and Abundance. Insect Science 14: 301-308 Walgama, R. S. and P. D. Senanayake (2007) Status of biological control of insect pests of tea in Sri Lanka. In. Biocontrol agents in Pest and Disease Management in Sustainable Agriculture (eds. P. Ponmurugan and M.A. Deepa), John Wiley & Sons, Singapore. Walgama, R. S. D. D. Liyanage, R.M.D.T. Pallemulla and M. M. Jayathilake (2007). Observations on the occurrence of a nematode, parasitic on tea tortrix, Homona coffearia Nietner (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Journal of Plantation Crops, 35 (2): 125-128. Walgama, R. S. and M. P. Zalucki (2006). Evaluation of Different Models to Describe Egg and Pupal Development of Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole Borer of Tea in Sri Lanka. Insect Science 13(2): 109-118. Walgama, R.S and R.M.D.T. Pallemulla (2005). The Distribution of Shothole Borer Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) Across Tea Growing Areas in Sri Lanka – A Reassessment. Sri Lanka Journal of Tea Science 70 (2): 105-120. Davenport, J., S. U. K. Ekaratne, R. S. Walgama, D. Lee and J.M. Hills (1999). Successful stock enhancement of a lagoon prawn fishery at Rekawa, Sri Lanka using cultured post-larvae of penaeid shrimp. Aquaculture 180: 65-78.

Ekaratne, S.U.K., J. Davenport, D. Lee and R. S. Walgama (1998). Communities protecting Coastal Resources: Rekawa Lagoon, Sri Lanka. 481-191pp. In. Ashish Kothari et al. (eds.) Communities and Conservation, Natural Resource Management in South and Central Asia. (UNESCO) Saga Publications, New Delhi.

SCHOLARSHIPS, HONORS, AWARDS  Granted the status of Professional Biologist (P. Biol.) by the Alberta Society of Professional Biologist (ASPB) (2011)

 Elected Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (F.R.E.S) (2011)

 Postgraduate Research Student Travel Grant in 2004 – from University of Queensland to present a research communication at the International Plant Protection Conference on Entomology (IPPCE 2004) in Beijing, China in 2004.

 Postgraduate study scholarship in 2002 – Government of Sri Lanka to study in University of Queensland, Australia

 Presidential Award in 1999 for the successful research project collaborated with the University of Glasgow and funded by the Overseas Development Administration (ODA), UK on the stock enhancement of fishery resource in Southern Sri Lanka and the subsequent publication.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS (ORAL) INVITED Walgama, R. S. (2012) Shothole borer of Tea: Situation in Sri Lanka. Invasive Ambrosia Beetle Conference – Situation in California. University of California Centre for Invasive Species Research. Riverside, California. August 11-15th.

SUBMITTED Walgama, R. S. and T. J. Lysyk (2012). Diurnal activity of biting flies in Southern Alberta. 56th Livestock Insect Workers Conference (LIWC), Kalispell, Montana. June 2012. Walgama, R. S., C. De Seram and S. Nandakumara (2010). Feasibility of an Area Wide Pest Management (AWPM) Programme for Tea Tortrix Homona Coffearia Nietner (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Tea in Sri Lanka: A reinvention of wheel? 58th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Alberta, Lethbridge, Canada. October 2010. Walgama, R S., S Nandakumara, C De Seram, S Randeniya and R Sannasooriya (2009). A simple and cost effective way out for managing tea tortrix in plantations: A case study. 219th Experimental and Extension Forum, Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka.

Walgama, R. S., M. M. Jayathilake, C. De Seram and J.A.A.M. Jayakody (2008) Managing tea tortrix under present scenario. 217th Experimental and Extension Forum, Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka.

Walgama, R. S., C. De Seram and M. M. Jayathilake (2007) Implications of high rates of Hyperparasitism on Tea Tortrix Homona coffearia Nietner (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in upland tea plantations in Sri Lanka. 26h Annual Session of the Institute of Biology of Sri Lanka, Colombo, September 2007, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Walgama, R. S. and R.M.D.T. Pallemulla (2007) Range extension of the Shothole Borer, Xyleborus fornicatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae): Could climate change be responsible? Annual Session of the Institute of Biology of Sri Lanka, Colombo, September 2007, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Walgama, R. S. (2007) Range Extension of Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole Borer of Tea in Sri Lanka: Emerging Threat to Tea Plantations in the Highlands. 63rd Annual Sessions of the Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Colombo, Sri Lanka. Walgama, R. S., Senanayake, P., De Seram, C. (2006) Exploring Natural Resources for Sustainable Management of Ecosystems: Future Challenges for Control and Management of Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole Borer of Tea in Sri Lanka. International Symposium on Forestry and Environmental Science – 2006, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Nugegoda, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Walgama, R. S. (2006). Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues: What Matters? 213th Experimental and Extension Forum, Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka.

De Seram, C. and R. S. Walgama (2006). Preliminary Investigation on Local Isolation and the Efficacy of the Fungus, Beauvaria bassiana (BalsAmo) Vuillemin, against Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shot-hole Borer of Tea in Sri Lanka. 26th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Walgama, R. S., C De Seram and M.M. Jayathilake (2006). Incidence of Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole Borer of Tea grown under Organic and Conventional Farming Systems. 26th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Walgama, R. S. and R.M.D.T. Pallemulla (2006). Shothole Borer Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), a Successful Colonizer of Tea: Implications for Control and Management. International Symposium 2006 “Issues and Challenges of the 21st Century”, Sabaragamuwa University, Belihul Oya, Sri Lanka. Walgama, R. S and M. P. Zalucki (2005). A Temperature – driven Phenology Model for Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole borer of Tea in Sri Lanka. 25h Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Walgama, R. S., M. P. Zalucki. (2004). Modeling in Insect Pest Management: A Case Study in a Tree Crop. 15th International Plant Protection Congress, Plant Protection towards the 21st Century. Beijing, China. Vitarana, S. I., R. S. Walgama, A. Abeysekera, R.D.P Dharmalatha & M.M. Jayathilake (2000). Hyperparasitism of Tea Tortrix, Homona coffearia Nietn. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) 20th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS (POSTERS) Walgama, R. S. (2012).The symbiotic relationship in the tea ecosystem: Tea shothole borer, Xyleborus fornicatus (=Euwallacea fornicatus) Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Sri Lanka. 60th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Knoxville, Tennessee. 11th – 14th November 2012.

Walgama, R. S. and T. J. Lysyk (2012). Diurnal activity of biting flies in Southern Alberta. 60th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Knoxville, Tennessee. 11th – 14th November 2012.

Walgama, R.S. (2004). IPM of Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the Shothole Borer of tea in Sri Lanka. XXIIth International Congress of Entomology, Brisbane, Australia. 15th – 21st August 2004.

Walgama, R. S. and M. P. Zalucki (2004). Modelling population dynamics of light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walk.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Australia. XXIIth International Congress of Entomology, Brisbane, Australia. 15th – 21st August 2004.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Reviewer for: Crop Protection

Judged student virtual poster competition at the 60th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA), Knoxville, Tennessee, 2012. Member (Volunteer) of the organizing committee of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologist 2011 Conference “The Role of the Biologists in Industrial Development” in April 13 & 14th 2011, Calgary.

Convened and chaired the symposium “Changing Climate and Impending Challenge of the Future of the Ecosystem” of the 22nd Pacific Science Congress, Asia Pacific Science in the 21st Century: “Meeting the Challenges of Global Change”, 14 – 17th June 2011, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.

Member of evaluation panels/advisory committees for postgraduate students and their theses (Ph. D).

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES  Entomological Society of Canada (2010 – present)  Entomological Society of America (2010 – present)  Entomological Society of Alberta (2010 – present)  Royal Entomological Society, UK (2010 – present)  Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists (2010 present)  Institute of Biology (IOB), Sri Lanka (2000 – present)  Physiological Society of Sri Lanka (1999 – present)  Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) (1998 – present)  Alberta Society of Professional Biologist (ASPB) (2010 – present)

OTHER TRAINING

“Methods of Survey Research and Survey Data Analysis using SPSS” conducted by the Department of Demography, University of Colombo from 17th -23rd September in Colombo, 2007.

“Pesticides Residues in the Environment” conducted by the College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, in Colombo on 6-7th December 2006

“Neem Research and Applications: Current Trends and Future Prospects” conducted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) of Sri Lanka in Colombo on 3rd – 4th August 2006

“Ecological Modelling” conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) at the University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia on 21st to 25th 2002.

“Statistical Techniques” at the National Institute of Business Administration (NIBM) in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 18th to 22nd June 2001.

“Novel Strategies in Pest Management of Stored Grains in Developing Countries” conducted by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and FAO at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) on 13th July 2001.

“National Priorities in Plant Protection” at In-house Training Center, Gannoruwa, Sri Lanka, organized by the Specialists Committee on Plant Protection (SCPP) of the Council of Agricultural Policy (CARP), Sri Lanka on 18th May 2001.

“Intellectual Property Rights” conducted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, November 2000.

“Physics & Mathemetics for National Development” conducted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 2000.

“Scientific Writing” conducted jointly by the National Science Foundation (NSF) & Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS), Sri Lanka, 15th to 17th September 2000.

“Research Methods (Pure & Applied)” conducted by the National Library & Document Center in Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 2000.

“Sampling Techniques, Survey Design & Analysis” conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) of University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka on 22nd to 26th May 2000.

“Insect Toxicology” conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS) in collaboration with the Horticultural Research & Development Institute (HORDI) of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in April 2000.

“Plantation Management” at Hulandawa Estate, Akuressa, Sri Lanka from 01st October to 31st December 1999.

“Coconut Flower & Nut Mite Aceria guerreronis (K)” conducted by the Specialists Committee on Plant Protection, appointed by the Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP), held at Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka on 10th May 1999.

Fresh water indigenous fishes of Sri Lanka, conducted by the Biodiversity Skills Enhancement Project (BSEP) and March for Conservation (MFC) of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1997.

“Taxonomy and Identification of Marine Crustacea and Isopoda” conducted by the Biodiversity Skills Enhancement Project (BSEP) and March for Conservation (MFC) of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1997.

“Molluscan Taxonomy and identification” conducted by the Biodiversity Skills Enhancement Project (BSEP) and March for Conservation (MFC) of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1996.

“Taxonomy and identification of Marine Benthic Invertebrates” conducted by the Biodiversity Skills Enhancement Project (BSEP) and March for Conservation (MFC) of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1996.

"Wild Life & Environmental Conservation" study programme held at the National Zoological Gardens Dehiwala, Sri Lanka and has been qualified to receive the certificate for study on "MAMMALS" obtaining a Distinction Pass. (1994).

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 2011 – 2013 Postdoctoral Fellow, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge 2008 – 2010 Lecturer (visiting), American College of Higher Education (ACHE), Sri Lanka 2008 – 2010 Biology Instructor (visiting), Kusinara International School, Sri Lanka 1998 – 2009 Research Officer/Entomologist, Tea Research Institute, Sri Lanka 1995 – 1997 Research Assistant, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka 1994 – 1995 Teaching Assistant/Demonstrator, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

EXTENSION AND OUTREACH  Seminar for the Assistant Managers and Field officers of the Elpitiya Plantations Ltd. Sri Lanka on the “Managing tea tortrix problem in plantations in the up country region” on the 21st August 2007.

 Seminar for the Superintendents, Assistant Managers of the State Plantation Corporation (SPC), Sri Lanka on “Management of shot-hole borer of tea lands” on the 5th February 2008.

 Presentation on “Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues: What Matters?” at the Regional Scientific Committee (RSC), Kandy District, Sri Lanka on the 14th July 2006.

 Presentation on “Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues” at the 213th Experimental and Extension (E & E) Forum at TRI, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka on the 28th July 2006.

 Seminar for the Managers of the Madulsima Plantations Ltd. Sri Lanka on the “Identification and control of the key pests of tea” on the 28th March 2007.

 Presentation on “Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues: What Matters?” at the Regional Scientific Committee (RSC) – V & VI, Ratnapura, Kegalle and Kalutara Districts, Sri Lanka on the 26th June 2006.

 Presentation on “Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues: What Matters?” at the Technical and Extension Session for Matara District, Sri Lanka on the 29th June 2006.

 Presentation on “Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues: What Matters?” at the Regional Scientific Committee (RSC) - VII, Galle/Matara Districts, Sri Lanka on the 30th June 2006.

 Presentation on “Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues: What Matters?” at the Regional Scientific Committee (RSC), Dickoya District, Sri Lanka on the 6th July 2006.

 Lecture on “Tea Pest Management” to Field Officers of the Agalawatta Plantations Company at TRI, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka on the 19h July 2006.

 Presentation on “Pest Control vs. Pesticide Residues: What Matters?” at the Regional Scientific Committee (RSC), Badulla District, Sri Lanka on the 19th June 2006.

 Seminar for the Managers and Assistant Superintendents of the Pussellawa Plantation Company, on “Management of Shot-hole borer in Tea Lands” at Helboda Estate, Pussellawa, Sri Lanka on the 23rd May 2006.

 Lecture for the planter trainees at the National Institute of Plantation Management (NIPM) on “Insect Pests of Tea in Sri Lanka and its Management” at TRI, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka on the 8th June 2006.

 Lecture for the Assistant Superintends of the Agalawatta Plantation Company on “Integrated Approach to Tea Pest Management” at Athurugiriya, Sri Lanka on the 14th February 2006.