V.Pahalawattaarachchi

Name : V.Pahalawattaarachchi

Contact : vasalanka@gmail.com

Acadamic Qualifications :

B.Sc (Agric)
M.Phil (Wetland ecology )
Ph.D (Inland Aquaculture)

Research interest

Mangrove and seagrass Ecology, Wetland management. Seaweed culture, Environmental Impact Assessment, Aquatic ornamental plant culture;

Research Experience

On mangrove and sea grass ecology , phytoremediation potential of heavy metals
Seaweed culture and aquatic plant culture

Publications and Presentations

Full papers

Papers presented

Pahalawattaarachchi V., D. D. G. L. Dahanayaka, A. D. Ajith Kumara and R. Weerasingha (2018) Variation in growth rates and Carrageenan properties of Kappaphycus alvarezii at commercial culture sites in Killinochchi District. SLCARP International Agricultural Research Symposium 2018, 13^th-14^th August 2018; Taj samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pp 116.
Pahalawattaarachchi, V, D.D.G.L. Dahanayaka(2018) Abundance distribution and diversity of seagrass species in Gulf of Mannar , Palk Bay and Palk strait of Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the Annual Session, Wild Lanka.
Sugeeshwari D.M.S, V.Pahalavattaarachchi, D.Madurangika, H. Rupika, R.Samaraweera ,2018 Development of in vitro Propagation method for Cryptocoryne wendtii ,. International Agricultural Research Symposium, 2018. Sri Lanka Counsil for Agricultural Research Policy. P 117.
Mallawaarachchi J., R.R.A.R. Shirantha and Pahalawattaarachchi (2018). Recent study on Hippocampus (Syngnathidae) diversity in the western and north-western coasts of Sri Lanka: remarks on extraordinary species diversity. In: The proceeding of the International Scientific Sessions of NARA 2018, Colombo. Abs. 41p.
Amaraweera K.W.R.R. Jayasiri H.B. and Pahalawattaarachchi V. 2018. An attempt on selection of prospective aquaculture sites based on selected biophysical attributes in Rekawa lagoon, Southern Sri Lanka. International Scientific Sessions- 2018, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency Colombo15, Sri Lanka
Dissanayake, T.A.S.P, S.C.Jayamanne, G.H.Galahitigama and V.Pahalawattaarachchi (2018) Optimization of conditions for release of swamers in Ulva lactuca under Sri Lankan conditions. Sri Lanka. SLCARP International Agricultural Research Symposium 2018, 13^th-14^th August 2018; Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pp 115.
Jayanatha,J.S.,K. Suwandahannadi, V.Pahalawattaarachchi and H.M.P.Kithsiri 2018 Plant diversity and structural dynamics of mangroves in Rekawa lagoon, Sri Lanka. SLCARP International Agricultural Research Symposium 2018, 13^th-14^th August 2018; Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pp 111.
Makavita, W.A.K.D. Madurangika, M.S.Sugeeshwari, V.Pahalawattaarachchi (2018) Sterilization procedure for Java Fern (Microsorium pterous). V. International Scientific Session .2018, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, P 22.
Harshani,W.M.S., V. Pahalawattaarachchi,Radampola, S.S. Herath (2018) Effect of fertilization level on the growth performance of micro-propagated Cryptocoryne wendtii (Water Trumpet) SLCARP International Agricultural Research Symposium 2018, 13^th-14^th August Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Pp120.
Mallawaarachchi, M.A.J.C., V.Pahalawattaarachchi, M.P Kithsiri 2017 Efficacy of natural oil enriched artemia on growth and survival of seahorse fry( Hippocaampus kuda) Proceedings of 4th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture held at Colombo.
Gammanpila,M., Dhanayaka,D.DG.L., Pahalawattaarachchi, V. and H.M.P.Kithsiri 2017 Variations in water quality conditions and functional habitats in Negombo lagoon with special reference to Seabass cage culture practices, Proceedings of 4^th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture held at Colombo.
Pahalawattaarchchi,V. and Dahanayaka 2017 Ensuring seagrass ecosystem values are incorporated with coastal area planning in Sri Lanka , Poster presentation at the Seagrass and Dugong Technical Workshop ; 13 March to 14 March 2017 ain Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Dahanayaka D.D.G.L, V. Pahalawattaarachchi (2017) Remote-Sensed mapping of seagrass distribution in Palk Bay, Sri Lanka, using high spatial resolution WorldView-2 satellite data, Asian Conference on Remote Sensing – 2017, October 23-27, 2017, New Delhi, India, 557
Weerasingha R., N. B. P. Punyadewa., V.Pahalawaththarachchi and H. M. P. Kithsiri (2017) Preparation of fishmeal as a possible method to eradicate Pterygo plichthys species (Amazon sail fin catfish and vermiculated sail fin catfish) from Sri Lankan Reservoirs. Proceedings of the national symposium on invasive alien species.
Jayawickrama R.D.G.R, A.S.L.E.Corea Pahalawatthaarachchi (2016) Impact of disease and pond management options in shrimp farms during heavy rains and floods – 72^ndAnnual sessions of Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science (SLAAS)
Pahalawattaarchchi,V. 2016 Role of NARA in seaweed sector development in Sri Lanka. Unlocking the Industrial Potential of Seaweed Resources in Sri +Lanka, 13^th January at SLINTEC, Auditorium
Epasinghe, A.M.A.N. Adikari, H.M.P. Kithsiri, V. Pahalawattarachchi and T.A.D.W.Karunaratne, (2016). Induced breeding of Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) using Ovaprim, Annual Scientific Session of NARA 2016, March 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka; 35 pp.
Shanmugam, V. Pahalawattaarachchi & K. Sivaram 2016 Farming of Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in Sri Lanka- A Status note and Strategy for farm expansion. Proceedings of International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture held at Negombo.
Jayasinghe, P. S.; Pahalawattaarachchi and K.K.D. S. Ranaweera 2016 Seaweed extract as a natural food coloring agent on chemical, microbial and sensory quality of Jelly Desserts Annual Scientific Session of NARA 2016, March 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka;
M.S.Sugeeshwari, V.Pahalawaththarachchi 2016. Optimization of Sterilization of the Explants of Cryptocoryne wendtii and Selection of a suitable Hormone combination for the Initiation of Shoots from the Explants. NARA Scientific Session; Pg 29.
Pahalawattaarachchi, V. and Rifky, A.L.M.2015 Assessment of mangrove forest structure in Puttalam and Dutch Bay. Proc. Of 21st Scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for fisheries and aquatic resources at National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency.
R Weerasingha, Ajith Kumara, P.A.D. and Pahalawattaarachchi, V.2015 Present status of coral community in the Bar Reef marine sanctuary, Sri Lanka, Of Second National Symposium on Marine Environment, at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, 18-19 November 2015.
Corea, A.S.L.E., Kithsiri, H.M.P., Pahalawattaarachchi,V., Tim Dreger, Rupika, G,R,H., Fernando,U., , Liyanage, R.L.D., Faheem M.S.M and Wanninayaka,T.B 2015 Factors governing Oyster(Cassostrea madrasesnsis) breeding and growth at locations selected in Puttalam and Kalpitiya area. Presented at 2^nd International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture 25-26 August, Colombo, Sri Lanka
G.S. Sewwandi V. Pahalawattaarachchi, M. Bambaranda, S.C. Jayamanne 2015 Restoration of Gracilaria edulis by artificial propagation in Puttalam Lagoon; Sri Lanka. A poster presented at Annual scientific session of NARA
Kodithwakku,H., Parakrama M. G. I. S., Pahalawattarachchi V., Heenatigala , P.P.M., Kurukulasuriya M.S.; Jayamanne S.C .2015 Effect of Sargassum wightii incorporated feed on growth and immunity development of Asian sea bass presented at Annual scientific session of NARA.
Mallawaarachchi M.A.J.C, Pahalawattaarachchi V., Kithsiri H.M.P. 2015. Growth and survival of seahorse fry (Hippocampus kuda) using two different live feed. In: 2^nd International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture (ICFA) 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Abstract)
Ariyarathna,M.H.S.; Heenatigala, P.P.M. and Pahalawattaarachchi, V. Diversity of benthic fauna at upper reaches of the Puttalam lagoon (poster presentation) Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement Science,
Hirimuthugoda,N.Y., N.G.L.S.Hansajith; Pahalawattaarachchi 2014 Bioamass estimation of economically important seaweeds along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. Eleventh Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, 19th March 2014.
H.M.P. Kithsiri, V.Pahalawattaarachchi, M.C.J.Mallawaarachchi, M.S.Epasinghe; R.R.A.R.Shirantha 2014 Recent survey on ornamental fish diversity and threats to Southern Bar Reef of Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka. A paper presented at the CARP international Agricultural research symposium, Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, 11-12 August 2014.
Jayasinghe P.S., Pahalawattarachchi V., Ranaweera, K.K.D.N. 2013 “Effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer on germination and growth of Vegetable seeds; Eighteenth annual scientific session of Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Resources in V. 24^th May 2013.
Welikanna, K.R.R.; Athauda, A.R.S.B. and Pahalawattaarachchi 2013 The effect of various concentrations of copper sulphate on controlling the nuisance algae growth using two aquatic plant species. Proc. Of 25^th Students Research Session, Department of Animal Science, University of Peradeniya.
Jayasinghe P.S., Pahalawattaarachchi, K.K.D. S. Ranaweera on 2013. “Chemical properties of edible Gracilaria species” and mineral composition of edible seaweed species” International symposium on seaweed 2013 April, Indonesia,
Jayasinghe P.S., Pahalawattaarachchi, K.K.D. S. Ranaweera on 2013. “The Major Pigment Content and Solvent Effectiveness of Edible Seaweed Species available in Sri Lanka”, International symposium on Agriculture and Environment on 28th November.
Jayasinghe P.S, Pahalawattaarachchi, K.K.D. S. Ranaweera.2013 “An Assessment of the antioxidant and Antimicrobial activity of selected seaweed available in Sri Lanka". A poster presented at Annual scientific session of NARA
Jayasinghe P.S., Pahalawattaarachchi, K.K.D. S. Ranaweera.2013 “An Assessment of the antioxidant and Antimicrobial activity of selected seaweed available in Sri Lanka". A poster presented at Annual scientific session of NARA
Yalinee, M, Jayamanna S.C., Pahalawattaarachchi,V. 2012 Optimization of available agar processing methodologies of Gracilaria verucosa in Kinniya.Porc/ Research symposium of Uva Wellassa University Nov. 22-23.
Ganesalingam Z., Jayamanne, S.C. and Pahalawattaarachchi, V. 2012 A comparative study on Culture of Kappaphycus alvarezii using cage culture and monocline culture in Kiranchi Bay, Killinochchi Porc/ Research symposium of Uva Wellassa University Nov. 22-23.
Jayasinghe P.S., Ranaweera K.K.D.N. and Pahalawattaarachchi 2012 Extraction of characterization of alginate from brown seaweed from South West coast of Sri Lanka. 18^th Annual Scientific Session: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (SLAFAR), Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka P.
Pahalawattaarachchi, V and Pushpakumara, J. 2012 Analysis of stomach contents of dugongs (Dugong dugong) from the coast of Mannar, Sri Lanka. In proceedings of NARA scientific sessions 2012. 32.
Jayasinhge, P.S., Pahalawattaarachchi, V. and K.K.D.S. Ranaweera 2012 Chemical composition of some edible seaweed species available in Sri Lanka. In proceedings of NARA scientific sessions 2012. 46.
Thilakarathne, W.M.N., Pahalawattaarachchi, V. and Jayamanne S.C. 2012 Development of liquid fertilizer from Brown Seaweed-Sargassum sp Porc/ Research symposium of Uva Wellassa University Nov. 22-23.
Amarasinghe M.D. and Pahalawattaarachchi, V. 2010 Mangrove ecosystem processes, functions and ecological services: Sri Lankan scenario Abstract presented at the National Conference on Identification of knowledge gaps for sustainable management of Mangrove ecosysytems in Sri Lanka at Matara Sri Lanka.
Perera K.A.R.S.; Amarasinghe M.D. and Pahalawattaarachchi,V. 2010 Effects of vegetation structure on potential gross primary productivity of mangroves in Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka Abstract presented at the 11^th Annual Research Symposium at University of Kelaniya .
Pahalawattaarachchi, V., Jayamanne S.C, Amarasinghe, M.D. 2005 Changes in seagrass ecosystems in Negombo lagoon with special reference to past development activities presented at The International Workshop on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources held at NARA auditorium
Pahalawattaarachchi, V, and Bjork, M 2004 How does macro algea affect the two major seagrass species Halophila and Halodule productivity in Negombo lagoon, Sri Lanka? Presented at Intl. Conf. on Biogeochemistry of Estuaries - Mangroves and the Coastal Zone ENVIS center in Biogeochemistry newsletter vol 9, no4, school of environmental sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Pahalawattaarachchi,V. and Siriwardena, P.P.G.S.N. 2003 Effets of wastewater discharge of shrimp farms on seagrass beds in Negombo lalgoon. A paper presented at International Conference on Conservation of Wetlandsat Trans Asia Hotel, Colombo.
Pahalawattaarachchi,V. and Siriwardena, P.P.G.S.N. 2003 Gracilaria edulis farming as a household aquaculture option for coastal communities. A paper presented at First Scientific Session on Inland Aquatic Resources and Aquaculture at NARA. Colombo15, Sri Lanka.
Pahalawattaarachchi,V. and Siriwardena P.P.G.S.N 2003 Effect of waste water discharge of shrimp farms on seagrass growth and algae proliferation in Negombo lagoon. Presented at NARA auditorium
Wanigasinghe, Pahalawattaarachchi, V. Kudavidanage, E.P. 2003 Structural properties of mangroves of Mawella lagoon with respect to management options. Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Session of Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 30^th June 2003, NARA auditorium, Colombo.
Amarasimghe, M.D., Thenuwara R., Fernando, S.S., Pahalawattaarachchi, V., 2003 Species richness and biomass distribution of marine angiosperms in Negombo lagoon. Proc. Sri Lanka Ass. For the Adv. Of Sci. 59.
Abegunawardene, C.D. and Pahalawattaarachchi, V. 2001 Prospects for seaweeed processing in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Exporter, A Publication of National Chamber of Exporter of Sri Lanka, Vol 37 March –May 2002.
Jinendradasa,S.S., Sumanadasa W.A.Amarasinghe M.D and Pahalawattaarachchi V. 1998 Management of mangrove areas in an urban situation: A case study from Negombo estuary. A paper presented at the fourth Annual Scientific Sessions of SLAFAR.
Pahalawattaarchchi, V. and Amarasinghe, M.D. 1996 "Mangrove Research by NARA". A paper presented on the international workshop on "Mangroves" held at "The Mangrove Conservation and Demonstration Centre of Small Fishers Federation at Pambala-Kakapalliya.
Amarasinghe, M.D. and Pahalawattarachchi, V.1996 Mangals, Salt Marshes and Seagrass beds on the North-Western Coast of Sri Lanka. A paper presented at the Regional Workshop on “Research for the Management of Coastal Resources in the Tropics”, Sri Lanka, 9 ^th -10^th October 1996.
Pahalawattaarachchi, V. (1996) “Present status of sea weed (Gracilaria) industry in Sri Lanka, A status paper presented at the final workshop on the “Taxonomy Ecology and Processing of commercially important Red sea weeds held in Bangkok, 24-27 January 1995of “in Bangkok, Thailand.
Pahalawattaarchchi, V., Vidanapathirana, S. and Amarasinghe M.D. 1996 Fungal Communities Associated with decomposing Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter in the mangals of Negombo lagoon. A paper presented at the Regional Workshop on “Research for the Management of Coastal Resources in the Tropics”, Sri Lanka, 9 th-10^th October 1996.
Pahalawattaarachchi, V. (1993) Distribution of different soil types in the South West Coast of Sri Lanka with special reference to shrimp culture development. Proc. Sri Lanka Ass. For the Adv. of Sci. 187.
Pahalawattaarachchi,V. 1992 Country report presented at the Asian Pacific Regional Research Center for Integrated fish farming in Wuxi, China on ‘The present status of fresh water aquaculture development of Sri Lanka’.

Non indexed publications / Selected Reports

Pahalawattaarachchi, V.2008 Accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in selected mangrove species. PhD thesis, central institute of fisheries education (Deemed University), Versova, Mumbai.
Pahalawattaarchchi, V. 1995 Litter production, decomposition in the mangrove ecosystems in the Negombo lagoon. MPhil thesis, Submitted to University of Kelaniya.
Pahalawattaarachchi, V. (1991) Physico-chemical characteristics of soils around the lagoons and estuaries from Panadura to Hambantota along the North West coast of Sri Lanka (Chap.5 & 6 in the report of Survey to identify suitable areas in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka for prawn culture Phase II, sponsored by EDB & NDB).
Wetland site report- Tabbowa Reservoir. 1992- Member of the survey team. Wetland conservation project- Sri Lanka. Central Environmental Authority/ Euroconsult (The Netherlands) Report No.75.
Wetland site report – Chilaw lagoon, 1994. Member of the survey team. Wetland Conservation project – Sri Lanka Central Environmental Authority/ Euroconsult (The Netherlands) Report No.73.
Wetland Site Report- Anaiwilundawa tanks, 1994. Member of the survey team Wetland Conservation project – Sri Lanka Central Environmental Authority/ Euroconsult (The Netherlands) Report No.79.
Report on mechanized gem mining of Kalu ganga; Investigation on habitats and fauna. Participation in the field survey and the preparation of the report.
Report on the investigation of natural conditions for feasibility study on the development of new port Colombo. Consultancy offered by the Japan Port Consultants Ltd (JPC), Section: Vegetation survey of nearshore area.
Report on distribution of filamentous algae in the Negombo lagoon submitted to Central Environmental Authority (IRMP project). (Actual participation-on the part of algae and seagrasses)
Reports on Impacts of the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway on ecology and fishery in the Negombo lagoon submitted to Road Development Authority and CEA (actual participation-on the part of mangroves and seagrasses)
Report on Pilot project on Seaweed culture submitted to Export Development Board.
Report on mangrove zoning around Negombo lagoon submitted to Urban Development Authority (UDA).
Interim report on impact of tsunami waves on coastal habitats, mangroves and seagrasses.
Assessment on mangrove and seagrasses at Mannar area for Sethusamudra canal project.
Chapter submitted on Mangrove and seagrass habitats of the IEE report on three dimensional Seismic surveys for oil exploration in Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lanka.
Interim report on seaweed culture project carried out under the Uthuru Wasanthaya programme
Report on ecological assessment on mangrove, seagrasses as EIA for Indian oil exploration project at Gulf of Mannar
Report on development plan for Rekawa station
Site suitability report for the proposed aquaculture practices in the Northern Province under Uthuruvasanthaya programme
Three Dimensional Seismic Surveys for Oil Exploration in Block SL-2007-01-001 in Gulf of Mannar