Dr. Prajani Heenatigala

Name : Prajani Heenatigala 

Contact : prajani@nara.ac.lk
Prajani15@hotmail.com

Education :

  • PhD in Genetics, Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB), University of Chinese Academy of Science (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Wuhan, P. R. China.
  • MSc in Food and Nutrition, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
  • BSc in Biological Science, University of Delhi, India.

Research interest

  • Aquatic animal health management
  • Bacterial and viral diseases in aquaculture
  • Vaccine development

Current researching area: Aquatic animal health management.

International professional training:

  • "Reducing and managing the risks of Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) of cultured shrimp” , Panama city, Panama, 2015 June - One week
  • “Ornamental fish culture and packaging “Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), Singapore - 2013. Five days.
  • “Study tour on the shrimp farming in Thailand”,Organized by “Seva Lanka Foundation at Phuket – Thailand16th- 22ndJuly 2011.
  • Training Programme on “Advanced fresh water aquaculture”-Aquaculture Research Institute (IARI), Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by TCTP – JAICA, September 2005 – 07 weeks.
  • “Fish bacteriology techniques”Inland Aquatic Animal Health Research Institute (AAHRI), Bangkok, Thailand – 2004. Two months course.

Trainings, Seminars, and conferences attended (Local):

  • Postgraduate Certificate course in “Practical Molecular Biology”.Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya.
  • “Biotechnology certificate course”, Molecular diagnostic and school of gene technology, Colombo.
  • Training on “statistics/SPSS”organized by Agribusiness Centre, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Workshop on “Animal Biotechnology”Faculty of Veterinary, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Organized by CARP – FAO Project.
  • Training program on “scientific report writing”, organized by British Council, Teaching Centre, Sri Lanka.
  • Workshop on “Numbers in science”: The right way to handle quantitative data. Organized by YSF and SLAAS - IESL, Colombo 07.
  • “Scientific writing for young scientists in field of Agriculture”. Organized by National Science Foundation.
  • “GMOs / GMFs and bio safety “for scientists. Organized by National Science Foundation.

 Publications:

Full Research Papers

  • Heenatigala, P. P. M., Sun, Z., Yang, J. Zhao, X and Hou, H. (2020). Expression of LamB Vaccine Antigen in Wolffia globosa(Duck Weed) Against Fish Vibriosis. Frontiers in Immunology. 11:1857. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01857 

  • P. P. M. Heenatigala, Jingjing Yang, Anthony Bishopp, Zuoliang Sun, Gaojie Li, Sunjeet Kumar, Shiqi Hu, Zhigang Wu, Wei Lin, Lunguang Yao, Pengfei Duan and Hongwei Hou (2018). Development of efficient protocols for stable and transient gene transformation for Wolffia globosa using Agrobacterium. Frontiers in Chemistry, 6: 227. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00227.
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fchem.2018.00227/full
  •  Jingjing Yang, Gaojie Li, Anthony Bishopp, P. P. M. Heenatigala, Shiqi Hu, Yan Chen, Zhigang Wu, Sunjeet Kumar, Pengfei Duan, Lunguang Yao and Hongwei Hou1 (2018). A Comparison of growth on mercuric chloride for three Lemnaceae species reveals differences in growth dynamics that affect their suitability for use in either monitoring or remediating ecosystems contaminated with mercury. Frontiers in Chemistry, 6: 112. doi:10.3389/fchem.2018.00112.
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fchem.2018.00112/full
  • Jingjing Yanga, Gaojie Lia, Shiqi Hua, Antony Bishopp, P.M. Heenatigala, Sunjeet Kumara, Pengfei Duan, Lunguang Yao, Hongwei Houa, (2018). A protocol for efficient callus induction and stable transformation of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden using Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Aquatic Botany, 151, 80 – 86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot. 2018.08.004
  • Kodithuwakku,,  Parakrama, M. G. I. S., Heenatigala, P., Pahalawattaarachchi, V. (2017).  A comparative laboratory trial on the effect of Sargassum wightii incorporated formulated feed on growth performance and immunity development of Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch 1790): can it be an alternative to commercial feed? Sri Lanka journal of Aquatic Sciences, Volume 22, p. 99-107
    https://sljas.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/sljas.v22i2.7539/
  • Heenatigala, P.P.M. and Fernando, M.U.L. (2016).  Occurrence of bacteria species responsible for vibriosis in shrimp pond culture systems in Sri Lanka and assessment of the suitable control measures. Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences, Volume 21, 01-17.
    https://sljas.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/sljas.v21i1.7481/
  • Heenatigala, P. P. M. (2013). Species diversity and antibiotic sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria isolated from hatchery bred shrimp larvae in Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, 2012, Volume 42, p 15 – 26.
    http://www.nara.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Volume-42-Paper-2.pdf
  • Heenatigala, P. P. M. (2012). Constrains affecting for the development of ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka: Present status and limitations. Journal of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, 2012, Volume 41, p 109 – 118.
    http://aquaticcommons.org/19286/1/NARA41_087.pdf
  • Weerasekara, K.A.W.S., Azmy S.A.M., Hettige, N.D., Wickramarathne, C., Amarathunga A.A.D., Heenatigala, P.P.M. and Rajapakshe, W. (2012). Assessment of Causes for Frequent Occurrences of Fish Kill Incidents in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Water Quality , Proceedings of the International Symposium on Urban Lake Monitoring  and Management, Cap – Net Lanka, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of  Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, p.145-151.
  • Heenatigala, P. P. M., Jayasinghe C. V. L., Jayasinghe J .M .P .K.(2005). Acceptability of a food supplement from underutilized aquatic resources, Journal of the national aquatic resources research and development agency, 2005, Volume 37, p 109 – 118.
    http://www.erepository.nara.ac.lk/handle/1/23
  • Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Kariyawasam M. G. I. U., Heenatigala P .P .M, Ariyarathna D. S., Dahanayeka, T., Jayasihnge, J. M. P. K., (2004). An investigation on the quality and handling practices of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) along the main commercial distribution channels of Beruwala fishery harbour. Sri Lanka journal of Aquatic Sciences, 2004, Volume 9, p109 –212.
  • Heenatigala, P. P. M., Sun, Z., Yang, J. Zhao, X and Hou, H. (2020). Expression of LamB Vaccine Antigen in Wolffia globosa(Duck Weed) Against Fish Vibriosis. Frontiers in Immunology. 11:1857. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01857

Conference papers (Abstracts)

  • B.M.L.P. Jayasekera, P.P.M. Heenatigala (2022).Presence of Whitespot syndrome virus and Infectious Hypodermal and Haematopoietic Necrosis virus in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp aquaculture in North Western Province, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Session2022: National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Colombo -15, Sri Lanka: pp.27. 
  • A.M.A.N. Adikari, P.P.M. Heenatigala, A.D.W. Rajapakshe, K.L.W.T. Maduka and S.B.K. Dunusinghe(2022). Use of different carbon sources for the biofloc system during the early nursery stage of Cyprinus rubrofuscus. Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Session 2022: National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Colombo -15, Sri Lanka: pp.14. 
  • Ariyaratne, M. H. S., Heenatigala, P. P. M. and Pahalawatthaarachchi, V. (2015). Diversity of benthic fauna at upper reaches of the Puttalam Lagoon. Proceedings of 71st Annual Scientific Session: Sri Lanka association for the advancement of science, Colombo Sri Lanka: pp.118.
  • Parakrama, G. I. S., Heenatigala, P.P.M. (2013). Growth, survival and immune responses of juvenile common carp Cyprinus carpio fed with diets enriched with α-tocopheryl acetate, Proceedings of international conference on Agriculture & Animal Sciences, Agri Animal – 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp 47.
  • Heenatigala, P. and Fernando, U. (2013). Characterization of two commonly found disease causing Vibrio species with respect to water quality of shrimp pond culture systems in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of international conference on Agriculture & Animal Sciences, Agri Animal, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp 42.
  • Parakrama, I., Heenatigala, P. and Rajapakshe, W. (2013). Growth responses and immune assurance to Aeromonas bacteria of juvenile Common carp Cyprinus carpio fed a prepared ratio augmented with different levels of Tocopherol Acetate through enrichment. Proceedings of international conference on Agriculture & Animal Sciences, Agri Animal – 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp 47.
  • Heenatigala P. P. M. (2012). Occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria of aquatic animals associated with aquaculture practices in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of NARA scientific sessions 2012. pp 27.
  • Heenatigala P. P. M, (2012). Species Diversity and Antibiotic Sensitivity of Pathogenic Bacteria Associated with Hatchery Bred Shrimp Larvae in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of international workshop of World Aquaculture Society, Aqua - 2012, Prague, Czech Republic: 123.
  • Weerasekara, K.A.W.S., Azmy S.A.M., Hettige, N.D., Wickramarathne, C.,Amarathunga A.A.D., Heenatigala P.P.M and Rajapakshe, (2012) Assessment of Water Quality Status of Aquatic Environment Subjected to Frequent Occurrences of Fish Kill Incidents, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health: Challenges Ahead, Post Graduate institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, pp.50.
  • Heenatigala P. P. M, Parakrama M. G. I. S. (2011). Bacterial isolations and Resistance development in the cultured freshwater ornamental fish in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of international workshop of Asian Pacific Aquaculture, 2011, Kochi, India: pp. 109.
  • Corea A. S. L. E, Heenatigala P. P. M (2011). Conditions in shrimp brood stock holding facilities maintained by shrimp brood stock collectors. Proceedings of Seventeenth Annual Scientific Session: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2011, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp. 21.
  • Heenatigala P. P. M, Corea A.S.L.E (2010). Evaluation of treatments on water quality used in shrimp hatcheries in North western province. Proceedings of sixteenth Annual Session: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2010, NAQDA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp. 23.
  • Heenatigala P. P. M, Pushpakumara J., Wickramasinghe L., (2007). A study of ecto parasitic infection related to environmental conditions in fresh water ornamental fish culture systems at Kaluthara area. Proceedings of international conference on Tropical Aquatic Research towards Sustainable Development, 2007, NARA Auditorium, Colombo , Sri Lanka, pp. 14.
  • Heenatigala P. P. M, Parakrama M. G. I. S., Jayasekara, M. S. S. (2005). Common diseases affecting to the ornamental fish culture practices and their control measures. Proceedings of international workshop on Fisheries and aquatic research in Sri Lanka, 2005, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp. 43.
  • Parakrama M.G I S, Kithsiri H.M. P, Heenatigala P P M,  Jayasekara M .S .S, Rupika G. R. H. (2005). Suitable ranges of some environmental and water quality parameters affecting to the breeding ability of some endemic fish species in captivity, Proceedings of international work shop on Fisheries and aquatic research in Sri Lanka, 2005, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp. 32.
  • Heenatigala P. P. M, Jayasinghe C. V. L, Jayasinghe J .M. P. K (2002). Development of a nutritious food supplements using aquatic resources. Proceedings of Eighth Annual Session: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2002, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp. 19.
  • Ganegama Arachchi G .J, Kariyawasam M .G. I. U, Heenatigala P. P. M, Jayasihnge J. M. P. K (2001). Preliminary investigation on the quality of Katusuwonus pelamis along the main distribution channels from Beruwala fishery harbour. Proceedings of Seventh Annual Scientific Session: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2001, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp. 01.

Posters:

  • Heenatigala, P. P. M.,Pushpakumara, J., Wickramasinghe, L., (2005). A study of ectoparasitic infection related to environmental conditions in fresh water ornamental fish culture systems at Kaluthara area. Proceedings of international conference on Tropical Aquatic Research towards Sustainable Development, 2007, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka, p 14.
  • Heenatigala, P., and Fernando, U., (2013). Characterization of two commonly found disease causing Vibrio species with respect to water quality of shrimp pond culture systems in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of international conference on Agriculture & Animal Sciences, Agri Animal – 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka: pp 42.

Technical Reports:

  • Reports on Investigation of Causes of Fish Kill incidents in Sri Lanka water resources- 11 Reports – 2001 to 2012.
  • “Report on disease monitoring of sea cucumber Kalpitiya” (P. P. M. Heenatigala.) - Submitted to Chairman/NARA (2011).
  • “Report on Artemia, live feed in aquaculture” (P. P. M. Heenatigala.) - Submitted to Chairman/NARA (2011).

Booklets:

  • Heenatigala, P. P. M., (2011).“Fighter fish breeding”, Booklet published by National Aquatic resources Research and development Agency, Crow Island, Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka (2011).
  • ,M. G. I. S., Heenatigala, P. P. M., (2005).“Problems facing in ornamental fish culture practices”Booklet published by National Aquatic resources Research and development Agency, Crow Island, Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka.