Prof. AL Ranawake Professor, Department of Agricultural Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna
	Professor of Agricultural Biology specialized Genetics and Plant Breeding, and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. A distinguished graduate from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka who earned an MSc and PhD from Kobe University, Japan. Prof. Lanka Ranawake has received numerous awards for outstanding academic records, research excellence, and postgraduate student supervision. She has secured many competitive national and international research grants. Her extensive publication record includes key works on rice genotypes' genetic diversity, trait analysis, and tolerance mechanisms. She has conducted research on various topics, including the diversity and indigenous knowledge of under-utilized resources, Cinnamon, Black gram, Chilli, Chinese potato, and Sweet potato. She has contributed significantly to the field through roles in academic journal editorial boards, writing books and book chapters shaping the future of agricultural research and innovation.