• Member of American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
• Life Member of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka (NSSL)
• Council member of NSSL (2012-2014)
• Joint Secretary of NSSL (2015)
• Vice president of NSSL (2016-2017)
• President of NSSL (2018-2019)
• Life member of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) (6956/B)
• Member in Advisory board of Dietetic Association of Sri Lanka from its inception in   2013-to date

• Nutritional composition of foods/ effect of food processing on nutritional composition/satiety/glycemic response
• Perceptions on functional foods choices /consumption
• Natural antioxidants/phytochemicals & bioactivities/Functional foods, herbal beverages Phenolics in foods; composition, health effects, stability, processing effect, bioaccessibility and bioavailability
• Nutritional risk factors in non-communicable diseases;
• Food & Nutrition programs/evaluation
•  Nutrition assessment of vulnerable groups/ preschool children /elderly

•  2020 Ranked among the top 2% scientists of the world for the year 2019 based on a
  standardized citation metrics author database (Stanford University published in the
  journal of PLoS Biology)
• 2014 Developing Country Sponsorship Award, International Union of Food Science and
  Technology (IUFoST)
• 2013 National Science Foundation International Travel Grant, National Science
  Foundation, Sri Lanka
• 2011 Recipient of American Oil’s Chemists Society (AOCS) Honored Student Award
  (Health & Nutrition Division)
• 2011 Recipient of J. Beryl Truscott Graduate Scholarship, Memorial University of
  Newfoundland, Newfoundland, Canada.
• 2011 Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland,
  Newfoundland, Canada.

• 2011   Recipient of American Oil’s Chemists Society (AOCS) Honored Student Award (Health & Nutrition Division)

• 2011   Recipient of J. Beryl Truscott Graduate Scholarship, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland, Canada.
• 2011   Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland, Canada.

• 2011 Semi-finalist and recipient for Withycombe-Charalambous Award for excellence in graduate research, American Chemical Society (Agricultural & Food Chemistry Division)

Publications

1. Chandrasekara A, Herath A, Abeynayake R, de Camargo AC,  Shahidi F (2021) Synergies of herbal teas on improved plasma antioxidant capacity and postprandial hypoglycemic response in healthy adults, Journal of Food Bioactives,13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31665/JFB.2020.13262
2. Sirasa F., , Mitchel L., , Azhar A, Chandrasekara A,  Harris N (2021) A six-week healthy eating intervention with family engagement improves food knowledge and preferences but not dietary diversity among urban preschool children in Sri Lanka. Public Health Nutrition. 1-22 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980021001877
3. Chandrasekara, A., Januka, T., Kumari, D., de Camargo, A. C. and Shahidi, F. (2020) Phenolic antioxidants of bael fruit herbal tea and effects on postprandial glycemia and plasma antioxidant status in healthy adults, Journal of Food Bioactives, 11. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.31665/JFB.2020.11239.
4. Kumari D, Chandrasekara A, Athukorale P,  Shahidi F (2020) Effect of finger millet porridges submitted to different processing conditions on glycemic response and plasma antioxidant capacity of healthy adults. Food production processing and Nutrition, 2:13 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43014-020-00027-9
5. Kumari D, Chandrasekara A, Shahidi F (2019) Bioaccessibility and antioxidant activities of finger millet food phenolics. Journal of Food Bioactives 6: 100-109 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31665/JFB.2019.6187
6. Kumari KDD,  Madhujith WMT, Chandrasekara GAP (2019) Millet phenolics as natural antioxidants in food model systems and human LDL/VLDL cholesterol in vitro Tropical Agricultural Research 30 (3): 13-26  DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v30i3.8316

Books-chapters:

• Chandrasekara A and Shahidi F (2021) Minor millet processing and its impacts on composition. In the Handbook of Millets: Processing, Quality and Nutraceutical Potential edited by C. Anandha Ramakrishnan,  Ashish Rawson,  C. K. Sunil; Springer International Publishing (Under reviewing)
• Chandrasekara A (2019) Phenolic Acids. In Encyclopedia of Food Chemistry (ed by Varelis P, Melton L & Shahidi F) Reference Work, Elsevier ( pp 535-545) (ISBN: 9780128140260) https://www.elsevier.com/books/encyclopedia-of-food-chemistry/varelis/978-0-12-814026-0
• Chandrasekara A (2019) Roots and Tubers as Functional Foods. In Reference series in Phytochemistry. Bioactive molecules in foods. (ed by J-M Merillon & K Ramawat) Springer International Publishing, (ISBN 978-3-319-78029-0) https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319780290
• Shahidi F, Chandrasekara A, Zhong Y (2018) Bioactive phytochemicals in vegetables. In Handbook of vegetables and vegetable processing. Second edition (ed by Siddiq M &  Uebersax MA), John Wiley & Sons Ltd, UK (pp 181-222) (ISBN: 978-1-11909-892-8) https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119098935.ch8
• Shahidi F, Ambigapalan P, Chandrasekara A (2017) Recent advances in phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables. In Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals: Chemistry and Human Health, Second Edition. (ed by Elhadi M. Yahia) John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, UK (pp 1323-1356) (ISBN: 978-1-119-15794-6) https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119158042.ch71
• Shahidi F, Chandrasekara A (2017) Interaction of phenolics and their association with dietary fiber. In Dietary Fibre Functionality in Food & Nutraceuticals: From Plant to Gut. First edition ( ed by F Hosseinian, B. Dave Oomah & Rocio Campos-Vega) John Wiley & Sons Ltd, UK (pp 21-44) (ISBN: 978-1-11913-805-1) https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119138105.ch2
• Chandrasekara A (2019) Phenolic Acids. In Encyclopedia of Food Chemistry (ed by Varelis P, Melton L & Shahidi F) Reference Work, Elsevier ( pp 535-545) (ISBN: 9780128140260) https://www.elsevier.com/books/encyclopedia-of-food-chemistry/varelis/978-0-12-814026-0
• Chandrasekara A (2019) Roots and Tubers as Functional Foods. In Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Bioactive molecules in foods. (ed by J-M Merillon & K Ramawat) Springer International Publishing, (ISBN 978-3-319-78029-0) https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319780290
• Shahidi F, Chandrasekara A, Zhong Y (2018) Bioactive phytochemicals in vegetables. In Handbook of vegetables and vegetable processing. Second edition (ed by Siddiq M &  Uebersax MA), John Wiley & Sons Ltd, UK (pp 181-222) (ISBN: 978-1-11909-892-8) https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119098935.ch8
• Shahidi F, Ambigapalan P, Chandrasekara A (2017) Recent advances in phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables. In Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals: Chemistry and Human Health, Second Edition. (ed by Elhadi M. Yahia) John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, UK (pp 1323-1356) (ISBN: 978-1-119-15794-6) https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119158042.ch71
• Shahidi F, Chandrasekara A (2017) Interaction of phenolics and their association with dietary fiber. In Dietary Fibre Functionality in Food & Nutraceuticals: From Plant to Gut. First edition ( ed by F Hosseinian, B. Dave Oomah & Rocio Campos-Vega) John Wiley & Sons Ltd, UK (pp 21-44) (ISBN: 978-1-11913-805-1) https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119138105.ch
• Shahidi F, Ambigapalan P, Chandrasekara A (2017) Recent advances in phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables. In Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals: Chemistry and Human Health, Second Edition. (ed by Elhadi M. Yahia) John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, UK (pp 1323-1356) (ISBN: 978-1-119-15794-6)
• Shahidi F, Chandrasekara A (2017) Interaction of phenolics and their association with dietary fiber. In Dietary Fibre Functionality in Food & Nutraceuticals: From Plant to Gut. First edition ( ed by F Hosseinian, B. Dave Oomah & Rocio Campos-Vega) John Wiley & Sons Ltd, UK (ISBN: 978-1-11913-805-1)
• Chandrasekara A , Shahidi F, (2015) Use of antioxidants in ready to eat and cook-chill foods. In Handbook of antioxidants for food preservation( ed by F Shahidi), Woodhead Publishing. UK (pp 433-446) ISBN 978-1-78242-089-7
• Shahidi F, Chandrasekara A (2015) Antioxidants in cereals and low moisture foods. In Handbook of antioxidants for food preservation ( ed by F Shahidi), Woodhead Publishing, an imprint of Elsivier. UK (pp 413-432) ISBN 978-1-78242-089-7

Refereed Journal Papers:

• Kumari D, Chandrasekara A, Athukorale P, Shahidi F (2020) Effect of finger millet porridges submitted to different processing conditions on glycemic response and plasma antioxidant capacity of healthy adults. Food production processing and Nutrition.  2 (1): 1-11
• Kumari D, Chandrasekara A, Shahidi F (2019) Bioaccessibility and antioxidant activities of finger millet food phenolics.  Journal of Food Bioactives 6: 100-109 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31665/JFB.2019.6187
• Kumari KDD,  Madhujith WMT, Chandrasekara GAP (2019) Millet phenolics as natural antioxidants in food model systems and human LDL/VLDL cholesterol in vitro Tropical Agricultural Research 30 (3): 13-26  DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v30i3.8316
• Herath HMAJ, , Chandrasekara GAP, Ushanthi P, Chandrasekara N, Wijesinghe DGNG (2018) Mineral contents of Sri Lankan rice varieties as affected by fertilization Tropical Agricultural Research 30 (1): 95-102   DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v30i1.8281
• Chandrasekara A, Shahidi F. (2018) Herbal beverages; a review on bioactive compounds and their role in disease prevention. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine  DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.08.006
• Chandrasekara A, Daugelaite J., Shahidi F (2018) Antioxidant and DNA scission inhibitory activities of  Bael (Aegle marmelos) flower extracts. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 8: 428-135. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.08.010
• Chandrasekara A, Shahidi F. (2018) Herbal beverages; a review on bioactive compounds and their role in disease prevention. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (Accepted)
• Chandrasekara,  A, Daugelaite, J., Shahidi, F (2018) Antioxidant and DNA scission inhibitory activities of Bael (Aegle marmelos) flower extracts. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (Accepted)
• Kumari D, Madhujith T, Chandrasekara A (2017) Comparison of phenolic content and antioxidant activities of millet varieties grown in different locations in Sri Lanka. Food Science & Nutrition 5 (3) : 474-485 (DOI: 10.1002.fsn3.415)
• Chandrasekara A, Joshep Kumar T. (2016) Roots and tuber crops as functional foods: A review on phytochemical constituents and their potential health benefits. International Journal of Food Science (http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/3631647)
• Chandrasekara A, Rasek OA, John J, Chandrasekara, N, Shahidi F. (2016) Solvent and extraction conditions control the assayable phenolic content and antioxidant activities of seeds. Journal of American Oil Chemist’s Society 93: 275-283 (DOI:1007/s11746-015-2760-y)

 Conference proceedings (2016-2017):

• Chandrasekara A,  Schtharani S, Wijesekara  I, Liyanage A, Palangasinghe I, Goonaratne J (2019) Antioxidant activity, glycemic response and acceptance of novel tea-based isotonic sport beverages. Presented at 7^th International Conference on Food Factors (IcoFF 2019)/ 12^th Conference on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Natural Health Products and Dietary Supplements (ISNFF 2019), Kobe, Japan, December 01-05
• Delabandara R, Thilekeratne V, Chandrasekara A (2019) Implementing food-based dietary guidelines; field experience in Maldives. Presented at 7^th International Conference on Food Factors (IcoFF 2019)/ 12^th Conference on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Natural Health Products and Dietary Supplements (ISNFF 2019), Kobe, Japan, December 01-05
• Chandrasekara A, Dissanayake M, Herath A (2019) Alpha-amylase inhibitory activities, bioavailability and glycemic index of horse gram and cereal mixed porridges.  Presented at 13^th Asian Congress of Nutrition (ACN 2019) , Bali, Indonesia August 4-7.
• Chandrasekara A , Ranathunga T ( 2019) Fluid intake pattern and hydration status of national-level athletes Presented at 13^th Asian Congress of Nutrition (ACN 2019) , Bali, Indonesia August 4-7.
• Chandrasekara A , Ranathunga T ( 2019) Nutrition knowledge and attitudes and practices on food habits of national-level athletes. Presented at 13^th Asian Congress of Nutrition (ACN 2019) , Bali, Indonesia August 4-7.
• Chandrasekara A, Shahidi F (2018) Cereal and legume blends in functional foods to promote health. Presented at 17^th World Congress for Food Science and Technology (IUOFoST 2018) Session Functional foods, flavours and ingredients, Mumbai, India, October 23-27.
• Chandrasekara A, Tharmanayagam T, Walallawita U, Kumari D, RanathungaT, Muthuthanthiri S (2018) Energy balance and body composition of national-level athletes in Sri Lanka. Presented at 17^th World Congress for Food Science and Technology (IUOFoST 2018) , Mumbai, India, October  23-27.
• Chandrasekara A, Anjathi A, Chandrasekara N (2018) Nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviour (KAB) of young adults in tertiary educational institutes.  Presented at 17^th World Congress for Food Science and Technology (IUOFoST 2018) , Mumbai, India, October  23-27.
• Chandrasekara A ,Januka Thavanathan , Apeksha Herath, Buddika Dahanayake, Fereidoon Shahidi (2017) Acute plasma antioxidant capacity and glycemic response of herbal teas in healthy individuals. Presented at 10^th Conference on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Natural Health Products and Dietary Supplements, Gunsan, Republic of Korea, October 22-25
• Waidyarathana GRNN, Ekanayake S, Chandrasekara GAP (2017) Newly introduced Makandura Purple sweet potato(Ipomea batata)cultivar: Nutritional facts. Presented at Peradeniya University International Research Sessions, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka November 24
• Herath HMAJ, Kanthasamy T, Sharbeen ARF, Wijesinghe NG, Chandrasekara GAP (2017) Glycemic Index and antioxidant activities of cereal & legume mixed dishes as affected by preparation methods. Presented at Peradeniya University International Research Sessions, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka November 24
• HMAJ Herath, KDD Dissanayake. GAP Chandrasekara (2017) Antioxidant activities of soluble phenolic compounds of Sri Lankan rice varieties.  Presented at the 10^th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kothelawala Defence University, Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 3-4
• HMAJ Herath, ALF Shifna, DHS Dileka, GAP Chandrasekara (2017)  High antioxidant efficacy of legume phenolics extracted at low temperature.  Presented at the 10^th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kothelawala Defence University, Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 3-4
• Herath HMAJ , Wijerathna HDJE, Chandrasekara A (2017) Impact of different cooking methods on the Antioxidant content of selected underutilized tubers in Sri Lanka. Presented at the Ruhuna International Science & Technology Conference ( RISTCON) 2017, Ruhuna University, Matara, Sri Lanka, January 22-23
• Chandrasekara A (2016) Functional foods; Consumer knowledge, attitudes and practices in Sri Lanka. Presented at Korean Nutrition Society International Conference, Jeonji-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea, October 20-21
• Chandrasekara A, Shahidi F (2016) Sri Lankan herbal medicines, Presented at 9^th Conference on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Natural Health Products and Dietary Supplements, Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando, FL, USA, October 9-13.

Poster sessions

• Chandrasekara A ,Pulenthiraraj U, Herath A, Chandrasekara N (2017) Mineral contents and antioxidant activities of selected newly improved Sri Lankan rice varieties as affected by fertilization. Presented at 10^th Conference on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Natural Health Products and Dietary Supplements, Gunsan, Republic of Korea, October 22-25
• Herath A, Raseen R, Dileka S, Chandrasekara A (2017) Soluble and bound phenolic contents of legumes and their antioxidant activities as affected by different processing conditions. Presented at 10^th Conference on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Natural Health Products and Dietary Supplements, Gunsan, Republic of Korea, October 22-25
• Chandrasekara A^, ,Liyakath Ali, Chandrasekara N(2017) Knowledge, attitudes and practices of functional foods by young adults. Presented at 10^th Conference on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Natural Health Products and Dietary Supplements, Gunsan, Republic zaof Korea, October 22-25 

Research Grants

• Co-investigator of Improving the nutritional status of the elderly in Sri Lanka using a tailored, and scientifically optimized dietary approach: preliminary data and networking in collaboration with Rowette Institute, University of Aberdeen UK funded by global challenges research funds (2019)
• Co-investigator of Carbohydrates restricted diet on insulin resistance, IGF-1 production, and metabolic syndrome risk factors of obese adults funded by Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Research Grant scheme [SRHDC/RP/04/18-04] (2018-2019)
• Principle investigator of Potential bioactivities of phenolic compounds of cereal-legume based diets prepared after submitting to different processing conditions and their role in disease management in humans funded by Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Research Grant scheme [SRHDC/RP/04/15-20] (2015-2017)
• Principle investigator of Plasma antioxidant capacity and glycemic response of herbal teas in healthy and hyperglycemic individuals funded by Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Research Grant scheme [SRHDC/RP/04/18-03] (2018-2020)
• Principle investigator of Potential bioactivities of phenolic compounds of cereal-legume based diets prepared after submitting to different processing conditions and their role in disease management in humans funded by Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Research Grant scheme [SRHDC/RP/04/15-20] (2015-2017)

• Principle investigator of Dietary supplement intake and energy balance of national level athletes in Sri Lanka funded by Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Research Grant scheme [SRHDC/RP/04/15-21] (2015-2017)
• Principle investigator of Background food and nutrition studies on millets in Sri Lanka funded by National Research Council of Sri Lanka [NRC-12-096 ] (2012-2015)
• Principle investigator of Antioxidant and bioactivities of phenolic compounds from underutilized tuber crops in Sri Lanka funded by Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Research Grant scheme [SRHDC/RP/04/13-09] (2013-2014)

Editor/Guest Editor

• Member in the editorial committee of proceedings of the abstracts of undergraduate research symposium (UreS) of Faculty of Livestock Fisheries & Nutrition in 2013, 2014, 2017 )
• Co-editor of proceedings of the abstracts of Wayamba University Research Congress 2016
• Member of the editorial committee of proceedings of the abstracts of Wayamba International Conference (Winc ) 2014, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Reviewer:

• Journal of Agriculture & Food Chemistry (Publisher; ACS)
• Journal of Food Chemistry (Publisher; Elsevier),
• Journal of American Oil Chemist’s Society (Publisher; AOCS)
• Journal of Functional Foods (Publisher; Elsevier)
• Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture (Publisher; Wiley)
• Journal of King Saud University (Science) (Publisher; Elsevier)
• Journal of Food Science & Technology (Publisher; Springer),
• Nutrition Research (Publisher; Elsevier),
• Nutrition & Food Science (Publisher; Elsevier)
• Journal of Cereal Science (Publisher; Elsevier)

Postgraduate teaching/examiner

• Visiting Lecturer-MSc Food and Nutrition Programme, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya (2011-to date) Courses: Current Topics in Nutrition; Nutrigenomics
• Visiting Lecturer-MSc Food and Nutrition Programme, University of Kelaniya (2011 to 2016) Courses; Community Nutrition, Applied Nutrition, Agricultural Nutrition
• Examiner of MSc / Mhil /PhD Food & Nutrition Degree Programmes Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, University of Kelaniya, Wayamvba University of Sri Lanka, University of Pretoria, South Africa ( 2011- to date)
• Supervisor of Postgraduate Research students; Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Faculty of postgraduate studies University of Kelaniya, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardanepura (2011 to date)

Member in committees with national importance

• A member of the steering committee of the revision of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (2019- to date)
• A member of the national advisory committee on elderly and disability health care services task force 2012-2019