Dr. G. J. Ganegama Arachchi

Name : Geevika J GanegamaArachchi

Contact : Janadari1@yahoo.com

Academic Qualification  : 

  • B.Sc. (Second Class Lower Division); Subjects: Botany, Chemistry and Zoology University of Colombo; Sri Lanka.
  • M.Sc. (Agric.), Subjects: Food Science and Technology Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Ph. D (Food Technology), Massey University, New Zealand.

Research Interests

General research areas: Food technology including food safety and food preservation
Specific areas:   Development of economic technologies for safe food products, investigation of microbiological and chemical quality of food products, Bacteriophage as virulent agents against for pathogenic bacteria.

Skills

  • Microbiological and chemical analysis of food and environmental samples.
  • Development of technologies for product processing.
  • Providing consultancy services on processing and quality assurance of the food industry.
  • Development and Implementation of Quality Control System required in the accreditation of food analysis parameters (methods) as per ISO/IEC 17025 Standard.

 

Other Certificates/training

  • Training on PCR Techniques: ANFACO Laboratory, Spain (24-30 April 2007)
  • Training on Quality Assurance of Fish and Fishery Products: At Department of Fisheries, Bangkok, Thailand (15 Nov 2004-09 Dec 2004)
  • UNESCO/ FAO International Workshop on Water Microbiology and Water Safety, UNESCO MIRCEN for Marine Biotechnology", Department of Fishery Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, India (10–5 Nov 2003).
  • Training on Quality Control and Technical Aspects in following Microbiological Laboratories (5 May–5 August 2001).
  1. Alcontrol Laboratory, Linkoping, Sweden,
  2. Icelandic Fisheries Laboratory, Reykjavik, Iceland
  3. Food & environmental Agency, Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Seventh Regional Training Course in Seafood Safety for Asian–Singapore Technical Corporation Program: Asian Training Awards, Marine Fisheries Research Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Singapore (05 March–16 March 2001).
  • UNESCO/FAO International Workshop on "Biotechnological Tools in Pathogen Detection and Fish/Shrimp Health Management, UNESCO-MIRCEN for Marine Biotechnology”, Department of Fishery Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, India (30 October-04 November 2000).

Experience

  • 14 years(Research Officer- Grade I since 2004)
  • 10 years (Principal Scientist/Post-Harvest Technology  since 01-07-2008)
  • Research Assistant in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (1991-1992)

Memberships in professional/learned societies

  • 1998 -to date - Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science, Life Member.
  • 1999- to date - Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Life Member.
  • 2003 -to date - Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging, Representative Member (for NARA (my present employer)
  • 2011-2012 - New Zealand Microbiological Society

Services to other professional and learned societies

  • I was serving as Joint Secretary for Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for 2005/2006 session
  • Visiting lecturer for the subject of post-harvest technology at Fisheries and Nautical Engineering College in Sri Lanka in 2000-2001
  • Visiting lecturer for the subject of post-harvest technology for MSc. in Fisheries & Aquatic Resource Management in the University of Sri Jayawardenapura in Sri Lanka (2004)
  • Resource personnel for development of curriculum for fisheries post-harvest technology in National Education Institute in Sri Lanka in (2005-2007).
  • Resource personnel for the development of curriculum for aquaculture based post-harvest technology in National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (2013).
  • External supervisor for undergraduate students for their final year research projects in University of Peradeniya, University of Jaffna, Wayamba University, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, and UvaWellassa University in Sri Lanka (1999 up to date).
  • External supervisor for a masters degree project at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka (2004).
  • Demonstrator for undergraduate in Health Sciences at Wellington campus of Massey University (2009).
  • Team leader for the development of the thematic area of processing and marketing of fishery products as part of the process of developing a National Fisheries Policy Sri Lanka which is pioneered by Norwegian Government delegates (2016 to 2017).
  • Visiting lecturer for the course (AQF2243) on Post Harvest Management of Bio-aquatic Resources in B.Sc. degree of  Food production and Technology Management in Wayamba University, Sri Lanka (2016).
  • Member of Technical Evaluation Committee for Supply and commissioning of over 55’ multiday boats, appointed by the Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka (2018).
  • Member of Technical Evaluation Committee for upgrading infrastructure fir fish chilling in small multiday boats, appointed by the   Secretary of Ministry of Fisheries  and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka (2018.)
  • Committee member for revision of Food-based guidelines for Sri Lanka which is organized by Ministry of Health (2018 to date)
  • Member of Working Group Committee on Fisheries and Fishery Products for preparation of SLS 1574: 2017 “Sri Lanka Standard Specification for Beche-de-mer (Processed Sea Cucumber)” (2017).
  • Member of national mirror committee called by SLSI for the formulation of SARRC Regional Standard Draft Specification for fish and fish products salted and unsalted dried (2018).

List of research articles in peer-reviewed journal publications

  • Hiriburegama K., Seneviratne A. S., Gamage N. and GanegamaArachchi G. J., (1994). In Vitropropagation of Munroniapumila (Binkohomba). Journal of National Science Council, Sri Lanka 22 (3): 253-260.
  • Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., Wijayaratne M. J. S., Perera W. M. K., Jayasooriya S., and Hettiarachchi K., (2000). Handling practices and post-harvest losses of tuna catches from multi-day boats operating from the fish landing site, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences (6): 87-95.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Ariyadasa K. G. C., Perera W. M. K., and Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., (2000). Investigations on quality aspects of tuna catch of multi-day boats at the Negombo fish landing site, in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences (6): 97-104.
  • Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Kariyawasam M. G. I. U., Heenatigala P. P. M., Ariyaratne D. S., Dahanayeka T., and Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., (2004). An investigation on the quality and handling practices of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonuspelamis) along the main commercial distribution channels of Beruwala fishery harbor. Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences (9): 109-121.
  • Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Cruz, C.D., Dias-Wanigasekera, B.M., McIntyre, L., Billington, C., Hudson, J.A., Flint, S.H. and Mutukumira, A.N. (2013) Host range and in vitro lysis of Listeria monocytogenes seafood isolates by bacteriophages. Food Science and Technology International.doi: 10.1177/1082013213497211.
  • Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Mutukumira, A.N., Dias-Wanigasekera, B.M., Cruz, C.D., McIntyre, L., Young, J., Flint, S.H., Hudson, J.A. and Billington, C. (2013) Characteristics of three listeriaphages isolated from New Zealand seafood environments. Journal of Applied Microbiology115:1427-1438.
  • Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Mutukumira, A.N., Dias-Wanigasekera, B.M., Cruz, C.D., McIntyre, L., Liu, R., Flint, S. and Cridge, S. (2013) Effectiveness of phages in the decontamination of Listeria monocytogenes adhered to clean stainless steel, stainless steel coated with fish protein, and as a biofilm Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology40(10):1105-1116.
  • Ginigaddarage, P.H., Surendra, I.H.W., Weththewa, W.K.S.R., Ariyawansa, K.W.S., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Jinadasa, B.K.K.K., Hettiarachchi, K.S. and Edirisinghe, E.M.R.K.B. (2018) Microbial and chemical quality of selected dried fish varieties available in Sri Lankan market. Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol 23(1)(Accepted, In press).
  • Paththuwe Arachchi, M.J., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Wansapala, M.A.J. and Jayarathna, M.P.K. (2018)  Extraction of agar from locally grown Gracilaria verrucosa and development of gelatine free set-yogurt product using agar. Journal of National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency of Sri Lanka Vol 45 (Accepted, In press).

List of abstracts and proceedings relevant to conferences and scientific sessions

  • GanegamaArachchi G. J. and Wijeratne D. B. T., (1995). Utilization of Local Vegetables to Develop an Instant Soup Mix. Journal of Tropical Agricultural Research; Sri Lanka. (7):288.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., Perera W. M. K., and Jayasooriya S., (1999). Handling Practices and Post Harvest Losses in Tuna Fishery from Multi-Day Off-Shore Boats, Operating from Fish Landing Site: Negombo, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Fifth Annual Sessions: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; 23 - 24 June 1999, SLAAS Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: p 31.
  • GanegamaArachchi G., J., Jayasinghe J, M. P. K., Serasinghe B. S. G. N. N., and Wijesinghe D. G. N. G., (1999). Assessment of Quality and Post Harvest Losses of Fish Landings from Multi-Day Boats at Beruwala, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Fifth Annual Sessions: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; 23-24 June 1999, SLAAS Auditorium; Colombo; Sri Lanka: p 30.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Ariyadasa K. G. C., Perera W. M. K. and Jayasinghe J. M. P. K. (1999). Investigation on Quality Aspects of Tuna Fishery from Off-Shore-Multi Day Boats at Fish Landing Site, Negombo in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Fifth Annual Sessions: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. 23-24 June 1999. SLAAS Auditorium,Colombo, Sri Lanka: p 29.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Perera W. M. K., Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., Jayasooriya S., Hettiarachchi K., and Chandrika J. M., (1999). Quality and Post Harvest Losses in Off-Shore Fisheries in Southern and Western Coasts of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science (SLAAS) Proceedings of 55th Annual Session, Part I – Abstracts. Colombo, Sri Lanka: p 36.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Hettiarachchi K., Wijendra D. N., and Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., (2000). Quality of Salted Dried Fish Produced in the Kalpitiya Peninsula. Proceedings of Sixth Annual Sessions: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 29th June 2000, SLAAS Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: p12.
  • Mendis C. D. M., Gamlath G. G. S., Jayasinghe C., GanegamaArachchi G. J. and Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., (2000). Development of Kirala (Sonneratiacaseolaris) fruit Cordial. Proceedings of Sixth Annual Sessions: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 29th June 2000, SLAAS Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka:p22.
  • GanegamaArachchi G., J., Kariyawasam M. G. I. U., Hinatigala P. P. M. and Jayasinghe J. M. P. K., (2001). Preliminary Investigations on the Quality of the Katuswonuspelamis. Along the Main Distribution Channels from Beruwala Fishery Harbour. Proceedings of Seventh Annual Sessions. Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 28th June 2001, SLAAS Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka: p1.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Devijan D. M., Ariyarathna D. S., and Jayasiinghe J. M. P. K., (2002). Development of Salted-Dried Fish Hamburger Using Sardinellalongiceps. Proceedings of Eighth Annual Sessions: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 04th July 2002, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Abstract): p 8.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Yapa Y. M. P. K., Ariyarathna D. S. and Jayasinghe J. M. P. K. (2002). Development of Surimi Based Fish Balls from Tilapia spp. Proceedings of Eighth Annual Sessions: Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 04th July 2002, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Abstract): p 17.
  • Pirabaharan K., GanegamaArachchi G. J., and Fonseka T. S. G. (2003). Development of a Natural Flavouring Powder from Prawn Waste (Peneaus monodon) and Pineapple (Ananascomosus). Proceedings of Third Agricultural Research Symposium, 16th June 2003, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP); Sri Lanka: 211-216.
  • Siriwardena R. P., GanegamaArachchi G. J. and Fonseka T. S. G., (2003). Preliminary Study on Development of a Dry Sausages from Tilapia (Oreochromis) spp. Using Pediococcuspentosaceus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Proceedings of Third Agricultural Research Symposium, 16th June 2003, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), Sri Lanka: 222-226.
  • Kariyawasam, M. G. I. U., Heenatigala P. P. M., Sumanasiri, R. D. K.,GanegamaArachchi G. J., Cyril H. W., Amarasiri C., and Perera M. D. C. A., (2005). Present Status of Post Harvest Quality of Thunnusalbacares from Off-Shore Fishery to Export Industry of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Workshop on Fisheries and Aquatic Research in Sri Lanka. National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). 29th -31st March 2005, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Abstract): p16.
  • GanegamaArachchi G. J., Sumanasiri R. D. K., Cyril H. W. , Amarasiri C., and Perera M.D. C. A., (2005). Present Status of Post Harvest Quality of Thunnusalbacares from Off-Shore Fishery to Export Industry of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Workshop on Fisheries and Aquatic Research in Sri Lanka, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA): 29th-31st March 2005, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • GanegamaArachchi G.J., Mutukumira A. N., Dias-Wanigasekera B.M., Cruz C.D., McIntyre L., and Flint S. H. (2011). Lytic sensitivity of three listeriaphage over Listeria monocytogenes strains borne in seafood processing plants in New Zealand. Proceedings of 56th annual scientific conference of New Zealand Microbiology Society. 23-25th November 2011. Convention Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
  • GanegamaArachchi G.J., Mutukumira A. N., Dias-Wanigasekera B.M., Cruz C.D., McIntyre L., Young J., Hudson A., and Flint S. H. (2012). Characterization of Listeria-infecting bacteriophages isolated from seafood environments.Proceedings of 57th annual scientific conference of New Zealand Microbiology Society. 26-29th November 2012, Main Auditorium, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • Abeywickrama D.E.S., Ginigaddarage P., Cyril H.W., Hettiarachchi K.S., and J. G. (2015). Effect of lactic acid on total aerobic bacteria and total feacal coliform bacteria of chilled whole reef fish (Epinephelusmalabaricus). Proceedings of Scientific Sessions “Aquatic Research for Blue Economic Development”, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA): 09th June 2015, NARA Auditorium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • PaththuweArachchi M.J., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Wansapala M.A.J., and Jayarathna M.P.K. (2016). Extraction of agar from locally grown Gracilariaverrucosa and development of gelatin-free set-yogurt product using agar. National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency, scientific session, 2016 March 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka; 117 pp.
  • Dehikumbura G. A. M. D. K., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Seneviratne K. N., Prasadini W. C., PaththuweArachchi M., Perera R., and  Wickramasinghe I. (2016). Preliminary investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in smoked fish produced by the fisher community in Sri Lanka. 22nd Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (SLAFAR), 2016 June 02, Colombo, Sri Lanka; 37 pp.
  • Prasangika J. M. K., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Jayasinghe T. M., Withanage R. M., Perera R. and Wickramasinghe, I. (2016). Investigation of formaldehyde levels of imported fresh fish in Sri Lanka. 22nd Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (SLAFAR), 2016 June 02, Colombo, Sri Lanka; 41 pp.
  • Ratnayake, M., Ginigaddarage, P. H., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Ariyawansa, K. W. S.,  Wickramasinghe, I., Hettiarachchi, K. S., Abhayarathne, S., Roshan, G. P., Gunasekare,G., and Gallage, S. (2017). Investigation of pathogenic bacterial contamination of fish handled in Mannar, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development  Agency, Scientific Sessions 2017. pp. 56.
  • Madhushani, T. H. T., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Ginigaddarage, P. H., W. S. Ariyawansa, Indira Wickramasinghe, Hettiarachchi, K. S., Abhayarathne, S., Roshan, G. P., Gunasekare.G., and Nizreena, F. (2017). Quality assessment of Decapterus russelli (Indian scad) fish harvested by multi – day boats in Kudawella and Puranawella in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Scientific Sessions 2017. pp. 59.
  • Madusha,P. G. D., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Ginigaddarage, P. H., Ariyawansa, K. W. S., Wickramasinghe, I., Hettiarachchi, K. S., Abhayarathne,S., and Perera, R. (2017). Quality assessment of imported fish retailed in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Scientific Sessions 2017. 61.
  • Lashanthini, R., Gallage, S., Ariyawansa, K. W. S., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., and Pushpitha, N. P. G.(2018). Determination of biotoxins in Crassostrea madrasensis: a case study of Puttalam lagoon in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development  Agency, Scientific Sessions 2018. pp. 58.
  • Jayawardena W. J. C. M., Hemachandra, T. P., and Ganegama Arachchi G. J., (2018). An assessment of heavy metals and Escherichia coli contamination of selected seaweeds collected from Southern coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development  Agency, Scientific Sessions 2018. pp. 60.
  • Ginigaddarage, P. H., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Hettiarachchi, K. S., Roshan, G. P., Gallage, S., Gunasekare G., and Abhayarathne, S., (2018). Sources of faecal and pathogenic bacteria in fish landed at Beruwala and Negombo Fishery Harbours. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development  Agency, Scientific Sessions 2018. pp. 62.
  • Ariyarathne, D. S., Paththuwe Arachchi M. J. and Ganegama Arachchi G. J., (2018). Production of low-salted dried fish and quality evaluation. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Scientific Sessions 2018. pp. 65.
  • Hemachandra, T. P , Jayawardena, W. J. C. M., Thiruchenduram Smasundaram, Ganegama Arachchi G. J., and Rajapakshe R. P. N. P., (2018).  Determination of proximate and mineral composition of Ulva reticulata, Caulerpa racemosa and Sargassumwightii in Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development  Agency, Scientific Sessions 2018. pp. 67.
  • Pathiraja, P. M. Y. S., Paranagampola, P. A. U. W. K., Ranatunga, Y. M. M. K., Ganegama Arachchi G. J., Thiruchenduram, S., and Perera, R., (2018). Development of smoked fish processing unit. Research Symposium 2018, National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC), Sri Lanka.

Books/manuals edited

  • Practical guide for primary processing fish and processing of salted dried fish products. 2007 Edited by G. J. GanegamaArachchi and S. C. Jayamanne.
  • Recommendations with some methods to produce and handle ice with acceptable microbiological quality. 2018Edited by G. J. Ganegama Arachchi, P. Ginigaddarage, K. Hettiarachchi, G. L. A. Subashini

Patents 

  • Patent Application No: 18835 - Extraction of food grade agar-agar from Gracilaria verrucosa and development of agar-agar incorporated set-yoghurt product. M.J. Paththuwe Arachchi, G.J. GanegamaArachchi (Effective date: June 10, 2016).