Dr (Mrs) P.N. Yapa

Academic Positions

• Senior Lecturer (2013.05.02 to date) – Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, RUSL.
• Lecturer (Temporary) (June 2009- April 2013) – Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, RUSL.
• Temporary Research Assistant (July 2007- May 2009) – Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya.
• Research Assistant (May 2006-Dec 2006) – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Brandon Research Station, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
• Research Assistant (August 2005- April 2006) – Department of Botany, Brandon university, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
• Assistant Lecturer (Temporary) (May 1990 – August 1991) – Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya

Positions at Present

• Senior Student Counselor (2019 January – present), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata university of Sri Lanka

• Warden (2016 – present), Viharamahadevi Girls Hostel, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

• Subject Matter Specialist (External Degree Program) (2011- present) – Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

• Visiting Lecturer (January 2020 -present). Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

• Chair: Student Request Committee (2019 January -present), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

• Deputy Coordinator: AHEAD Grant (2019 July -present), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

• Member: Medical Approval Committee (2013- present)

• Member: Library Committee (2018- present)

• Member: Board of Study (Botany) (2019 – present) B.Sc. External Degree Programme, Faculty of Applied Sciences, RUSL

• Faculty Coordinator: (2019 -present), Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Development, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

• Coordinator: (2017- present). Student and Staff welfare Committee, IQAC, Faculty of Applied Sciences, RUSL.

• Secretary: IQAC (2019 -present), Faculty of Applied Sciences, RUSL

Positions Held

• Student Counselor (2015-2017), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

• Senior Treasurer (2014-2017), Association of Young Biologists (AYB), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

• Visiting Lecturer (July 2007- June 2009). Board of Study- Science Education (Biology Education) Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya.

• Visiting Lecturer (October 2007- June 2009). Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

• Visiting Lecturer (June 2019 -September 2019). Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.

• University Coordinator: Exhibition and workshop on “Poison free nation” at BMICH Colombo, 2019.

• Coordinator: Orientation Programme for New Entrants, FAOS, RUSL, in year 2019

• Member: Organizing Committee: Orientation Programme for New Entrants, FAOS, RUSL, in year 2013; 2014; 2015; 2016; 2017 and 2018.

• Coordinator: A/L workshop for students from North Central Province 2017

• Subject Coordinator: A/L workshop for students from North Central Province, 2013; 2014; 2015; 2016; 2018

• Coordinator: A/L workshop for Teachers of North Central Province 2017

Publications

Indexed Journal Publications

• Gunathilakae, N., Yapa, P.N., Hettiarachchi, R. (2018). Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the cadmium phytoremediation potential of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Groundwater for Sustainable Development- Journal ELSEVIER 7, 477-482.

• Pavithra, D., Yapa, P.N. (2018). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation enhances drought stress tolerance of plants, Groundwater for Sustainable Development, Journal ELSEVIER 7, 490-494.

• Wijekoon, N., Yapa, P. N. (2018). Assessment of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on potential biodegradation of glyphosate in contaminated soil and aquifers, Groundwater for Sustainable Development- Journal ELSEVIER 7, 465-469.

Peer Reviewed Publications

• Pathirana, B. K. W. and Yapa, P. N. (2020). Evaluation of different carrier substances for the development of an effective pelleted biofertilizer for rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Co-inoculated bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Bioresource Technology, 6(1), 1-10.

• Samarakoon, D. and Yapa, P.N. (2019). Growth, yield and seed nutrient quality of soybean (Glycine max L.) as affected by organic, biofertilizer and synthetic fertilizer application. South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology. 5 (1), 1-6.

• Wasana, W.P., Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.P.P., Yapa, P.N. and Hettiarachi, S. (2019). Antimicrobial activity of selected spices against Pectobacterium carotovorum isolated from some vegetables in Sri Lanka. The Journal of Science of the University of Kalaniya, 35-46.

• Jayawardhane, S., Yapa, P.N. (2018). Potential of microbial solubilization of rock phosphate for use in sustainable agriculture: Does biochar application enhance microbial solubilization. Journal of Advances in Microbiology. 8 (2), 1-8.

Full Paper Publications in Conference Proceedings

• Jayawardhane S.G.R. and Yapa P.N. (2016). Potential of rock phosphate solubilization with application of biochar and microbial inoculums. Proceedings of Jaffna University International Research Conference – 2016 (JUICE 2016) on August 12th – 13th, 2016.

• Maheshya, K.P.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2015). Potential of Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium species as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on paddy (Oryza sativa L.) – In: Proceedings of 6th International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2015” Jahorina Mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 15 – 18th October 2015.

• Meegalla, S.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2015). Can biochar amendment be an ecological farming technology to increase Soybean (Glycine max L.) growth and yield? In: Proceedings of 6th International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2015”, Jahorina mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 15th – 18th October 2015.

• Somaratne, R., Yapa, P.I. and Yapa P.N. (2013). Use of different carrier materials for culture and storage of native forest soil microorganisms. In: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Ecological Environmental and Biological Sciences (ICEEBS’2013). Planetary Research Centre, Singapore. 29-30th April 2013.

• Senanayake, I.C. and Yapa, P.N. (2011). Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae on maize (Zea mays L.) drought tolerance in dryzone of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Conference on the Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, December 20th 2011.

• Silva, K.S.N. and Yapa, P.N. (2010). The status of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal associations with medicinal plants in Mihintale Sanctuary. In: Proceedings of the 15th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka. 26-27th November 2010.

Abstract Published in Conference Proceedings (International)

• Jayasingha, D.T., Herath, A.C. and Yapa P.N. (2019). Photodynamic action of porphyrin against skin fungi of Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur. In proceedings of Rajarata university International Research Conference 2019. 06th- 07th November 2019.

• Lakmali, J.P.D., Yapa, P.N. and Sadaruwan, M.K.K.D. (2019). Role of the vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on soil quality improvement in Pinus plantation soil. In proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 25th October 2019.

• Herath, H.M.B.M.M.D., Yapa, P.N. and Sadaruwan, M.K.K.D. (2019). Potential antibacterial activity of selected marine algae against foodborne bacteria. In proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 25th October 2019.

• P. C. U. Wanninayakea, P. N. Yapa, M. A. P. W. K. Malaviarachchi, R. P. Hettiarachchi (2019). Effect of phosphorus fertilizers and soil amendments on cadmium accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.) seeds. In proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 25th October 2019.

• H.M.D. Tharaka, P.N. Yapa and T.C. Bamunuarachchige (2019). Development of sausages from immature jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) with rice bran fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. In proceedings of International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 25th October 2019.

• Herath, H.M.B.M.M.D. and Yapa, P.N. (2019). Screening for antibacterial potential of marine algae extracts from west coast of Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka, 7-9 February, 2019.

• Jayathilake, W.W.N.T., Nallaperuma, N.A.W.R. and Yapa, P.N. (2019). Accumulation of proline in plants of mangrove and maritime ecosystems in southern wet zone of Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the International Research Conference, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka, 7-9 Febryary, 2019.

• H.P.N. Madushanka and P.N.Yapa (2018). Assessment of the effective cross nodulation of legume species with the nodulating bacteria from Mimosa pudica L. Proceedings of the 4th International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Investing in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. “Caring Nature- Caring Wealth” 17-18th October 2018.

• H.M.D. Tharaka, D.N. Jayawardhana and P.N.Yapa (2018). High input agriculture on destruction of biodiversity in farmlands: A case study of farmer perception in Mihintale Divisional Secretariat area in Anuradhapura District. Proceedings of the 4th International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Investing in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. “Caring Nature- Caring Wealth” 17-18 October 2018.

• Tharaka H.M.D. and Yapa, P.N. (2018). A study of agricultural history and comparison of present agriculture practices with the traditional agriculture practices. In: The Proceedings of National Research Symposium on Historical Studies (NRSHS 2018). Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale. 30th January 2018.

• K.P.N. Hansanee and P.N.Yapa (2018). Evaluation of antibacterial potential of tea and different herbal plant extracts against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Proceedings of the 3rd International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 26th October 2018.

• B.K.W. Pathirana, J.M.A.L.K. Jayamanna and P.N.Yapa (2018). Effects of biofertilizer, organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and vitamin C content of chilli (Capsicum annum L.). Proceedings of 6 th International Conference on Ayurveda, Unani, Sidda & Traditional Medicine (ICAUST 2018) “Ayurveda Towards Global Wellness”, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 07th – 09th December 2018.

• R.M.U.R. Kapilarathna and P.N.Yapa (2018). Development of a fermented milk product using under exploited fruit, wood apple (Limonia acidissima). Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Ayurveda, Unani, Sidda& Traditional Medicine (ICAUST 2018) “Ayurveda Towards Global Wellness”, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 07th – 09th December 2018.

• Tharaka H.M.D. and Yapa, P.N. (2018). A study of agricultural history and comparison of present agriculture practices with the traditional agriculture practices. In: The Proceedings of National Research Symposium on Historical Studies (NRSHS 2018). Faculty of social Science and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale. 30th January 2018.

• Neelamanie Yapa, Chaminda Manawadu and Chaturanga Bamunuarachchige (2017). Effects of the organic amendments, phosphate rock and the microbial inoculant application on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Sri Lanka. In: Proceedings of 8th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development. Nonthaburi, Thailand. 25-26th February 2017.

• Sapna Jayaratne, Chaturika Wanninayake, Udayangani Kulatunga, Dinuka Lakmali, Eranga Perera, Kasun Wanninayake and Neelamanie Yapa (2017). Probiotics for skin health and the potential application in cosmetics. In: Proceedings of 8th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development. Nonthaburi, Thailand. 25-26th February 2017.

• D.N.M. Gunathilaka, P.N.Yapa and R.P. Hettiarachchi (2017). Effect of different cadmium concentrations on growth and phytoremediation potential of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (water hyacinth). In: Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE 2017), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 24th November 2017.

• D.N.M. Gunathilaka, P.N.Yapa and R.P. Hettiarachchi (2017). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi assisted cadmium removal by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) in polluted soil and water. In: Proceedings of the 22th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka. 23-24 th October 2017

• Dhanushi Samarakoon and Neelamanie Yapa (2017). Growth, yield and seed nutrient quality of soybean (Glycine max L.) as affected by organic, biofertilizer and synthetic fertilizer application. In: Proceedings of The 8th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development. Nonthaburi, Thailand. 25-26th February 2017.

• A.G.D. Pavithra, P.N. Yapa, T.C. Bamunuarachchige and P.T. Jayasooriya (2017). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alleviate drought stress on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.). In: Proceedings of International Symposium on Sustainable Urban Environment (ISSUE 2017), Tezpur University, Assam, India. 23rd – 24th June, 2017.

• Wijekoon, W.M.N.D.K., Yapa, P.N. (2017). Assessment of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on potential biodegradation of glyphosate in contaminated soil and aquifers. International Symposium on Sustainable Urban Environment (ISSUE 2017). Tezpur University, Assam. India. 23rd – 24th June, 2017

• A.G.D. Pavithra and P.N. Yapa (2017), Proline accumulation induces water stress tolerance in Glycine max L. (soybean). In: Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE 2017), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 24th November 2017.

• W.M.N.D.K. Wijekoon, A.G.D. Pavithra, D.N.M. Gunathilaka and P.N. Yapa (2017), Potential of Azadirachta indica (Margosa) for controlling bacterial and fungal pathogens – A review: pp 194, In Proceedings of International Symposium of the TradMed International 2017 Waters Edge, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka. 23rd – 25th November, 2017.

• A.G.D. Pavithra and P.N. Yapa (2017), Proline accumulation induces water stress tolerance in Glycine max L. (soybean). In: Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE 2017), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 24th November 2017.

• W.M.N.D.K. Wijekoon, A.G.D. Pavithra, D.N.M. Gunathilaka and P.N. Yapa (2017), Potential of Azadirachta indica (Margosa) for controlling bacterial and fungal pathogens – A review. In: Proceedings of International Symposium of the TradMed International 2017 Waters Edge, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka. 23rd – 25th November, 2017.

• Wasana, W.P., Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.P.P., Yapa, P.N. and Hettiarachi, S. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of selected spices against Pectobacterium carotovorum isolated from some vegetables in Sri Lanka. International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2017. Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 20th October 2017.

• D.N.M. Gunathilaka, P.N.Yapa and R.P. Hettiarachchi (2017). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for increasing the phytoremediation potential of plants in heavy metal contaminated sites. In: Proceedings of Second Global Soil Biodiversity Conference (GSBS 2), Nanjing, China. 15th-19th October, 2017.

• D.N.M. Gunathilaka, P.N.Yapa and R.P. Hettiarachchi (2017). Assessing the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the phytoremediation potential of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms on cadmium uptake. In: Proceedings of International Symposium on Sustainable Urban Environment (ISSUE 2017), Tezpur University, Assam, India. 23rd – 24th June, 2017.

• Perera, M.A.E.G., Lakmali, J.P.D., Wanninayaka, L.J.M.K.T., Kulathunga, N.U., Wanninayake, P.C.U., Jayarathne, W.M.S.C. and Yapa, P.N. (2016). Probiotic functional drink to control type 2 diabetes mellitus – A review. In Proceedings of the International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS 2016), Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. December 2016.

• Wijesinghe P.A.H.N. and Yapa P.N. (2016). Development of a probiotic cereal bar using fermented rice bran with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. In: Proceedings of 3rd International Conference of Agricultural Sciences “Aginsight 2016”. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 8th -9th December, 2016.

• Senadeera, K.I.S. and Yapa, P.N. (2016). Effect of different heat treatment methods on the nutrient value and microbiological safety of rice bran incorporated poultry feed. In: Proceedings of 3rd International Conference of Agricultural Sciences “Aginsight 2016”. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 8th -9th December, 2016.

• Meegalla Ralalage Sahani Pulara Meegalla and Neelamanie Yapa (2016). Biochar and Compost with Bradyrhizobium improve growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in tropical soil. In: Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development (ICERD), Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 16 th-17th January, 2016. –

• Pubudu Maheshya and Neelamanie Yapa (2016). Evaluation of Different Rhizobial Strains on Growth and Grain Yield Improvement of Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) in Sri Lanka. In: Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development (ICERD), Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 16 th-17th January, 2016.

• Maheshya, K.P.P., Manawadu, C.J., Dissanayake, R.B.N. and Yapa, P.N. (2015). Response of traditional and improved rice varieties to inoculation with selected rhizobial strains. In: Proceedings of the 20th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka. 16-17th October 2015.

• Meegalla, S.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2015). Can biochar amendment be an ecological farming technology to increase Soybean (Glycine max L.) growth and yield? In: Proceedings of 6th International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2015”, Jahorina mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 15 – 18th October 2015.

• Maheshya, K.P.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2015). Potential of Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium species as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on paddy (Oryza sativa L.) – In: Proceedings of 6th International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2015” Jahorina Mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 15 – 18th October 2015.

• Meegalla, S.P and Yapa, P.N. (2015). Effect of biochar and Rhizobium spp. as soil amendments on soybean (Glycine max L.) growth and soil microbial populations. Proceedings of 4 th Annual Conference and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology, Kandy, Sri Lanka. 23rd of October 2015.

• Maheshya, K.P.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2015). Growth and yield enhancement potential of selected traditional and improved paddy varieties with Rhizobium species. In: Proceedings of 4thAnnual Conference and Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology, Kandy, Sri Lanka. 23rd of October 2015.

• Jayakody, A.P.L.N.S. and Yapa, P.N. (2014). Impact of organic amendments and microbial inoculants on the population of soil microorganisms and their influence on the growth of Manilkara hexandra. Proceedings of 18th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura 11 -12th January 2014.

• Jayakody, A.P.L.N.S. and Yapa, P.N. (2014). Reforestation of dry zone forests in Sri Lanka to mitigate climate change: Sustainability of using eco-friendly methods in reforestation practices. Proceedings of SLAYS symposium 2014, Institute of Fundamental Science, Kandy, Sri Lanka 13th -14th November 2014.

• Upamali, P.A.T., Yapa P.N. and Dissanayake, R.B.N. (2014). Evaluation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as potential determinants of medicinal plant community structure in Mihintale Sanctuary, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 18th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2013, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura 11 -12th 2014.

• Herath, E.M., Somaratne, R.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2014). Comparison of microbial community composition of jeewaamrthum with forest soil and compost: Does jeewaamurthum consider as potential soil microbial inoculant for sustainable agriculture? Proceedings of SLAYS symposium 2014, Institute of Fundamental Science, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 13-14th November 2014.

• Dayaratne, P.H.S.A. and Yapa, P.N. (2014). Potential plant growth improvement with the addition of dry lake sediment biological soil crusts as an organic amendment. Proceedings of SLAYS symposium 2014, Institute of Fundamental Science, Kandy, Sri Lanka 13 -14th November 2014.

• Upamali, P.A.T., Somaratne, R.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2014). Assesing anaerobic bacteria survival in different microbial inoculant preparations to use in sustainable paddy cultivation in dry zone of Sri- Lanka. Proceedings of 2nd International Research Symposium, IRSYRU 2014, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. 29 -30th October 2014.

• Jayakody, A.P.L.N.S. and Yapa, P.N. (2014). Comparison of different organic amendment, biofertilizers and synthetic fertilizer on seedling growth of some dry zone forest species in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 2nd International Research Symposium, IRSYRU 2014, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. 29 -30th October 2014.

• Senanayake, I.C., Yapa, P.N. and Dissanayake, R.B.N. (2011). Involvement of leaf free proline content and mycorrhizal fungal symbiosis for the salinity tolerance of mangrove plants in Koggala lagoon, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 2nd Annual Research Sessions. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. November 30th, 2011.

• Jayakody, A.P.L.N.S., Yapa, P.N. and Dissanayake, R.B.N. (2013). Soil microbial inocula on seed germination and seedling growth of Manilkara hexandra Roxb. (Palu). Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Research Sessions. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 07th February, 2013.

• Somaratne, R.P. and Yapa P.N. (2013). Culturing and storage of native microorganisms living in forest soil for soil augmentation in agricultural lands. Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Research Sessions. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 07th February, 2013.

• Abeysinghe, K. G. D. De. A. and Yapa, P.N. (2011). Arbuscular mycorrhizae affect invasiveness of alien invasive plants through indigenous forest species in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2011, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura 28 – 29th October 2011.

• Hunupolagama, D.M. and Yapa, P.N. (2011). Variation of soil microbial population counts in different ecosystems of Sri Lanka. 4th National Geography Conference 2011. University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka, 11-12th March 2011.

• Hunupolagama, D.M., Yapa, P.N. and Bamunuarachchige, T.C. (2011). Crop yield and economic comparisons of conventional and organic farming of soybean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Conference on Modern Trends in Innovative Management 2011, 27 -28th October 2011.

• Hunupolagama, D.M. and Yapa, P.N. (2011). Enhancing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal population of soybean field soil in the dryzone of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, November 29th 2011.

• Hunupolagama, D.M., Yapa, P.N. and Dissanayake, R.B.N. (2011). Study on soybean (Glycine max) root growth performance under microbial inoculation, mycorrhizal association and chemical fertilizer application. Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Research Sessions. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 30th November 2011.

• Rajasinghe, R.H.M.R.S., Yapa, P.N. and Wickramasinghe, S. (2011). Species diversity and mychorrhizal colonization of mangrove associates of Puttalam lagoon in Sri Lanka. 4th National Geography Conference 2011. University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka, 11-12th March 2011.

• Samarasekara, H.G.A.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2011). Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of roots affects invasiveness of some alien invasive plants of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Regional Stability through Economic, Social and Environmental Development in the Greater Mekong Sub-region and Asia-Pacific. University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 7- 12th August 2011.

• Senanayake, I. C. and Yapa, P.N. (2011). Drought tolerance improvements of maize (Zea mays L.) through arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Regional Stability through Economic, Social and Environmental Development in the Greater Mekong Sub-region and Asia-Pacific. University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 7 – 12th August 2011.

• Senanayake, I.C., Yapa, P.N. and Dissanayake, R.B.N. (2011). Involvement of leaf free proline content and mycorrhizal fungal symbiosis for the salinity tolerance of mangrove plants in Koggala lagoon, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 2nd Annual research sessions. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. November 30th 2011.

• Yapa, P.N. and Dennett, M. (2011). Effect of soil moisture content on stomatal conductance and photosynthesis of Leek (Allium porrum L.). Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment, ISAE 2011, Faculty of Agriculture University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. November 29th 2011.

• Yapa, P.N., Madawela, S. and Bamunuarachchige, T.C. (2011). Forest Dieback at Horton Plains Sri Lanka: The potential role of arbuscular mycorrhizae in enhancing the growth of the native tree species, Syzygium rotundifolium. Proceedings of the Peradeniya University Research Sessions (PURSE 2011), 24th November 2011.

• Hunupolagama, D.M. and Yapa, P.N. (2010). Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal pteridophytes in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 1st Annual research sessions, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, October 28th 2010.

• Rajasinghe, R.H.M.R.S., Yapa, P.N. and Wickramasinghe, S. (2010). Species diversity of mangrove ecosystem of Puttalam lagoon in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 26-28th August, 2010.

• Senanayake, I.C. and Yapa, P.N. (2010). Antifungal activity of black mustard (Brassica nigra) root exudates. Proceedings of the 1st Annual research sessions, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, October 28th 2010.

• Silva, K.S.N. and. Yapa, P.N. (2010). The status of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal associations with medicinal plants in Mihintale Sanctuary. Proceedings of the 15th International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 26-27th November 2010.

• McGonigle T.P. and Yapa, P.N. (2006). Clay impact on arbuscular mycorrhizae and plant growth. 5th International Conference on Mycorrhiza, Grenada, Spain. 23-27th July, 2006.

Abstract Published in Conference Proceedings (National)

• A.G.D. Pavithra, P.N. Yapa, T.C. Bamunuarachchige, P.T. Jayarasooriya, M.K.D.D. Sandaruwan and T.M.M.M.B. Tennakoon (2017). Potential improvements of drought tolerance in soybean (Glycine max L.) through the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. In Proceedings of National Conference on Understanding and Managing Unsettled Drought (NCUMUD 2017), Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 25th- 26th July, 2017.

• A.G.D. Pavithra, D.N.M. Gunathilaka, W.M.N.D.K. Wijekoon, M.A.E.G. Perera, L.J.M.K.T. Wanninayaka, J.P.D. Lakmali, K.A.P.P. Kuruppuarachchi, W.P. Wasana, S.M.D.T Samarakoon, S.G. Jayawardhane, N.U. Kulathunga, P.C.U. Wanninayake, W.M.S.C. Jayarathne and P.N. Yapa (2017). Endophytic plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) increase drought stress resilience of cereal crops: A review: In Proceedings of National Conference on Understanding and Managing Unsettled Drought. (NCUMUD 2017), Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. 25th- 26th July, 2017.

• W.M.N.D.K. Wijekoon, D.N.M. Gunathilaka, A.G.D. Pavithra, C.J. Manawadu and P.N. Yapa (2017). Dry farming: Resilience to drought: A review: pp 79, In Proceedings of National Conference on Understanding and Managing Unsettled Drought (NCUMUD 2017) (NCUMUD 2017), Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. 25th- 26th July 2017.

Articles in Scientific Magazines

• De Silva P.N. (1992). Department of Biochemistry. In: Annual Review, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Agalawatta, Sri Lanka.

• De Silva P.N. (1991). Department of Biochemistry. In: Annual Review, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Agalawatta, Sri Lanka.