Mrs. P A K N Dissanayake

• BSc (Hons) in Fisheries and Marine Sciences (Ruhuna, SL)
• MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Sciences & Management (VUB, UGhent, UAntwerp, Belgium)
• Reading for PhD (Marine Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium)

• 2019-2022: Faculty Representative/Sports Advisory Board, University of Ruhuna
• 2019-2022: Faculty Representative/Cultural Center, University of Ruhuna
• 2019-2022: University Coordinator of Hockey
• 2019-2022: Faculty Coordinator of Hockey and Table Tennis 
• 2019-2022: Committee member/Information & Communication Technology Committee
• 2019-2022: Committee member/Diving Unit
• 2019-2022: Mentor

• OCG 1111:  Introduction to Oceanography
• OCG 1222: Marine Biology - Invertebrate Fauna
• OCG 2122: Marine Biology - Flora
• OCG 2142: Marine Biology - Vertebrate Fauna
• OCG 4132: Integrated Coastal Management
• OCG 4182: Wetland Management

• Population genetics of marine fauna
• Connectivity of marine organisms
• The resilience of coral reefs
• Coastal and marine ecosystem dynamics, conservation and management

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Zhang, S., Zhu, Y., Ma, X., Priyadarshani, W. N. C., Naing, S., Dissanayake, P. A.K. N., Lwin, S. M., Zhou, F., Shou, L., Zeng, J., and Du, P. (2026). High spatial variability of euphotic mesozooplankton in the Bay of Bengal during winter: the role of river inputs and eddies. Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00343-025-5199-5
• Du, P., Ma, X., Zhu, Y., Ye, R., Zhang, S., Priyadarshani, W. N. C., Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., Zhang, H., Liao, Y., Tang, Y., Jiang, Z., Li, H., Zhou, F., and Shou, L. (2026). Responses of mesozooplankton to extreme positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) and cold-core eddy in the eastern Equatorial Indian Ocean and southern Bay of Bengal during 2019/2020 winter. Progress in Oceanography, 240, 103612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2025.103612
• Abeywickrama, T., Pathirana, G., Noh, K.M., Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., Wang, D., and Lee, D.G. (2025). Asymmetric effects of Indian Ocean Dipole on surface chlorophyll variability in the Indian Ocean. Ocean Dynamics, 75(8). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-025-01714-2
• Ye, W., Ma, X., Liu, C., Ye, R., Priyadarshani, N., Jayathilaka, R., Weerakoon, A., Wimalasiri, U., Dissanayake, K., Pathiranage, G., Gamage, A., Zhu, Y., Li, Z., Wang, B., Shou, L., Ran, L., Zhou, F., Chen, J., and Du, P. (2023). Vertical variation of bacterial production and potential role in oxygen loss in the southern Bay of Bengal. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1250575. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1250575
• Zhu, Yuanli, Feng, Yuanyuan, Browning Thomas, J., Wen, Zuozhu, Hughes, David J., Hao, Qiang, Zhang, Ruifeng, Meng, Qicheng, Wells, Mark L., Jiang, Hibing, Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., Priyadarshani, W. N. C., Shou, Lu, Zeng, Jiangning, and Chai, Fei. (2022). Exploring variability of Trichodesmium photophysiology using multi-excitation wavelength fast repetition rate fluorometry. Frontiers in Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.813573 
• Xander Velkeneers, P. A. K. N. Dissanayake, Filip Huyghe, Alex Nehemia, Hajaniaina Andrianavalonarivo Ratsimbazafy and Marc Kochzius (2022). DNA barcoding validates new sightings of Tridacna elongatissima in Tanzania and Mozambique ( Western Indian Ocean ). Coral Reefs. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-022-02217-y

Book chapters

• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Dissanayake, D.M.S.B., Rankoth, L.M. and Abeysinghe, G. (2022). Waste management challenges in developing countries. In: T.C. Bamunuarachchige and H.K.S. de Zoysa, eds., Waste Technology for Emerging Economies. CRC Press, pp.5-28. doi:https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003132349-2

International Conference Proceedings

• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Bandara, K., Huyghe, F., Bergacker, S., Bandularathna, A.M.N.N., Kumara, op’t Rood, L., P.B.T.P., Kodikara, K.A.S., and Kochzius, M. (2026). Isolated reefs in a connected ocean: molecular evidence and dispersal modelling reveal limited connectivity in Pocillopora acuta populations in Sri Lanka. ECSA61 Conference 2026, Elsevier Ltd.,  24-27 August 2026, Square Brussels, Belgium.
• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Huyghe, F., Bergacker, S., Bandularathna, A.M.N.N., Kumara, P.B.T.P., Kodikara, K.A.S., and Kochzius, M. (2026). Hidden diversity of giant clams in Sri Lanka: cryptic Tridacna lineage reveals novel insights into global giant clam phylogeny. Wild Lanka International Symposium 2025, 26^th & 27^th January 2026, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Jayanthipura Road, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
• Morathenna, M. M. K., Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., and Jayasiri, H. B. (2026). Benthic composition and habitat mapping of coral island reef, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka: implications for conservation and management. WILDLANKA International Symposium 2025, 26^th & 27^th January 2026, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Jayanthipura Road, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Huyghe, F., Bergacker, S., Bandularathna, A.M.N.N., op’t Rood, L., Kumara, P.B.T.P., Kodikara, K.A.S., and Kochzius, M. (2026). DNA barcoding confirms the first record of the coral Pocillopora acuta in Sri Lankan reefs, which was previously misidentified as P. damicornis. Thirtieth International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2026, 23^rd & 24^th January 2026, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
• Gunasinghe, V., Park, J., Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., Muthucumarana, R., and Saavedra, G. (2025). Integrating cultural heritage and ecological conservation: a multidisciplinary approach to protecting the British Sergeant shipwreck off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. IKUWA8: Telling the Exciting Tales of Our Past, Oostende, Belgium.
• Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., De Pauw, A., Huyghe, F., Akbal, S., Ng’endo, W. A. I., Nurbandika, N., Kraemer, W. E., Hui, M., Nehemia, A., Nuryanto, A., Ratsimbazafy, H. A., and Kochzius, M. (2025). Population structure and gene flow of Tridacna maxima across the Indo-Pacific: New insights from the Central Indian Ocean. In J. Mees & J. Seys (Eds.), Book of Abstracts – VLIZ Marine Science Day, 5^th March 2025, Brugge (VLIZ Special Publication 94, pp. viii + 151).
• Bhathiya M. A. M., Udagedara Susantha, Dissanayake P. A. K. N., and De Silva, P. M. C. S. (2024). Seagrass beds may act as a trap of microplastics; a case study at Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Twenty-Eighth International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024, 5^th & 6^th January 2024, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
• Kiel, C. W., Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., Kumara, P. B. T. P., and Udagedara, S. (2024). Assessing the management effectiveness of Hikkaduwa Marine National Park, Sri Lanka. Twenty-Eighth International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024, 5^th & 6^th January 2024, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
• Sandaruwan, R.D.C. Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Sandamali, K.U.J. and Rajapasha, J.K. (2022). Estimation of invasive Prosopis juliflora in Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka using GIS and remote sensing techniques. 26th International Forestry and Environmental Science Symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 20th and 21st January 2022.
• Perera, W.B.A.M., Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., De Silva, P.M.C.S. and Kumara, P.B.T.P., (2022). Characterization of microplastics in selected commercial fishes in Sri Lanka. 9th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON 2022). Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 19th January 2022.
• Kochzius, M., K. Dissanayake, M. Hui, F. Huyghe, A. Nehemia, W. Ng’endo Ikinya, Y. Ngendu, A. Nuryanto, L. Otwoma, H. Ratsimbazafy, C. Rumisha, R. van der Ven, and A. Van Nieuwenhove, (2019). Connectivity of coral reef and mangrove fauna in the Indian Ocean. 11^th Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) scientific symposium, 1-6 July 2019, University of Mauritius, Reduit.
• Kochzius, M., Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Hui, M., and Nuryanto, A. (2018). Molecular evolution of giant clams. 4^th Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Symposium. 4-8 June 2018, Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu, Philippines.
• Athukoorala, A. A. S. H., Kumara, W.A.A.U, Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Guruge, K.P.G.K.P., Pethiyagoda P.D.R.S., and Kumara, P.B.T.P., (2017). Marine environmental indicators in the aspects of biodiversity at the Port of Trincomalee. Proceedings of the International Research Symposium on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Environment. Sri Lanka NEXT, BMICH, Colombo.
• Dissanayake P.A. Kushlani N., and Kochzius Marc (2017). DNA barcoding and Phylogeography of giant clams (Tridacna spp.) in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. 3rd International Marine Connectivity Conference (iMarCo 2017). September 11-13, 2017, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. Pp. 41-42.
• Dissanayake P.A. Kushlani N., and Kochzius Marc (2017). Population structure and connectivity patterns of Giant Clams (Tridacna spp.) along the Western Indian Ocean. Jan Mees and Jan Seys (Eds.). 2017. Book of abstracts – VLIZ Marine Science Day. Brugge, Belgium, 3^rd March 2017. VLIZ Special Publication 79. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ): Oostende, Belgium. P.33.
• Terney Pradeep Kumara, P.B., Dissanayake P.A. K. N. and Aziz Hasan (2017). Coral reefs at risk: Sri Lankan context. European conference of tropical ecology. The Society of Tropical Ecology. Feb 6 – 10, 2017, Brussels, Belgium. P. 236.
• Hiroke Roy, Aziz Hasan, Dissanayake P.A., Kushlani N., and Rahman, M. (2017). A review on the threat and vulnerability to cultural extinction of Sunderbans mangrove forest, South Asia European conference of Tropical Ecology. The Society of Tropical Ecology. Feb 6 – 10, 2017, Brussels, Belgium. P. 404.
• Terney Pradeep Kumara P.B., and Dissanayake, P.A.K.N. (2016). Effects of recent thermal stress on coral communities in Polhena reef in Southern Sri Lanka. The International Workshop proceedings on Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activities: Impact on Coastal Development and Management. Pp. 31-34.
• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Terney Pradeep Kumara P.B. and Niroshana, K.H.H. (2016). Impacts of nutrient loading followed by macroalgal invasion on coral reefs at Pigeon Island Marine National Park, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Research Symposium on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Environment. Sri Lanka NEXT, BMICH, Colombo. Pp. 96-97.

Peer-Reviewed Professional Association Conferences

• Bhathiya, M. A. M., Udagedara, S., Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., and De Silva, P. M. C. S. (2023). Determination of microplastics accumulation in seagrass beds in the Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Annual Scientific Session of NARA 2023, Sri Lanka.
• Atapaththu, K.S.S., Herath, S.S., Sanjaya, H.L.K., Wijesinghe, R.D.N., Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Iroshani, R.G.A., Niroshana, K.H., Madhushika, W.A.L., Bandaratilake, K.G.C.A., and Asanthi, H.B., (2021). Issues and challenges of e-learning and performance of students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.  Ruhuna Quality Assurance Sessions 43-49.
• Pathirana, G., Priyadarshani, K., Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Wang, D., Priyadarshana, T., and Jian, L. (2021). Oxygen Minimum Zone in the Southwestern Bay of Bengal: Observations during the Pre-summer Monsoon. 18^th  Academic Sessions and 17^th  Vice Chancellor’s Awards, University of Ruhuna, 3^rd  March 2021. P. 42.
• Kalmith, G., Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., and Amarasiri, C. (2020). Present status of the coral reef in Pigeon Island National Park, Sri Lanka. 2 nd  Research Symposium of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka (RSOCUSL 2020), 19^th November 2020. P. 40.
• Ranaweera, S., Wimalasena, H.D., and Dissanayake, P.A.K.N. (2020). An insight into the economic importance of wreck diving in Sri Lanka. 2^nd  Research Symposium of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka (RSOCUSL 2020), 19^th November 2020. P. 42.
• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Balawardhana, D.G.T.C. and Terney Pradeep Kumara P.B. (2017). Preliminary study on ecology and possible threats of Upparu mangrove forest, Kinniya, Sri Lanka. Annual NARA Scientific Sessions 2017. Pp. 59-61.
• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., Athukorala, S.M.D., and Terney Pradeep Kumara, P.B. (2017). Assessment of coral reef health of Pigeon Island, Sri Lanka using indicator species: Butterflyfish (Chaetodon spp.). Proceedings of National Research Symposium on Sustainable Management of Pigeon Island National Park, 28^th April, Trincomalee. P. 13.
• Terney Pradeep Kumara P.B., and Dissanayake, P.A.K.N. (2017). Marine alien invasive species: records from Pigeon Island Marine National Park. Proceedings of the National Symposium on Invasive Alien Species. Waters Edge, Colombo. P. 19.
• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., and Terney Pradeep Kumara P.B. (2015). Impact of Acanthaster planci (Crown of Thorns starfish) population expansion on the coral ecosystem of Pigeon Island Marine National Park, Sri Lanka. NARA Scientific Sessions 2015. Pp.59-61.
• Dissanayake, P.A.K.N., and Terney Pradeep Kumara P.B. (2015). Present status of macro species diversity in Pigeon Island Marine National Park, Trincomalee. Proceedings of the 21^st SLAFAR (Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) Sessions. P.33.
• Dissanayake, P. A. K. N., Guruge, K. P. G. K. P., Bandara, A. M. K. A., and Ratnasiri, J. (2015). Southern Fishers’ perception on the present status of offshore and deep sea fishing industry in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 21^st SLAFAR (Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) Sessions.

Reports and Technical Publications

• Terney Pradeep Kumara P.B., Dissanayake, P. A. K. N. and Guruge, K. P. G K. P. (2014). National Parks of Sri Lanka, Pigeon Island Marine National Park. Stamp Bulletin No. 849 Commemorative Issue. Published by Philatelic Bureau, Department of Posts, Sri Lanka.

Invited talks

• “Coral Reefs” – Webinar organized by Rotaract Club, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 12^th November 2023, under the project Aquatica Wave 4.0

• Best Oral Presenter Award: 2nd International Symposium for Ocean Research (iSOR) - 2025 (30th January 2026).
• Best Oral Presenter Award: WILD LANKA International Symposium 2025 (26–27 Jan 2026).
• Best Oral Presenter Award: 30th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2026, Sri Lanka (23–24 Jan 2026).
• UNIVERSITAS Scholarship (2022): Awarded by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) to pursue the doctoral degree.
• Best Student Award (September 2017): MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes), jointly offered by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Ghent University, and the University of Antwerp.
• VLIR-UOS Full Scholarship (2015–2017): Awarded by the Belgian Federal Government to pursue the MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (Oceans & Lakes), Brussels, Belgium.
• Mangroves for the Future (MFF–IUCN) Scholarship (June–July 2015): Awarded to undertake the Postgraduate Certificate Course in Integrated Coastal Management at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.
• Gold Medal (2014): Awarded for obtaining First Class Honours with the highest aggregate marks in the BSc in Fisheries and Marine Sciences at the 21^st General Convocation, University of Ruhuna.
• Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal Nominee (2014): Recognized for outstanding overall performance in core curricular and extracurricular activities.

• Faculty Research Grant 2021 (Grant No: RU/FMST/RG/2021/07): Studying the ecology of Halophila beccarii, a critically endangered seagrass species of Sri Lanka
  

• 2019
  

  • Member of the survey team to assess the invasiveness of marine alien species in Colombo and Galle Harbours, Marine Environment Protection Authority, Sri Lanka.

• 2016
  

  • Junior Researcher in the project “Biophysical Monitoring of Pigeon Island Marine National Park to Understand its Ecosystem Dynamics”, Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Department, Sri Lanka.

• 2015
  

  • Team Member (Mobile and Sessile Fauna Group) in the Port Biological Baseline Survey, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Sri Lanka. The surveys were conducted at the Galle, Trincomalee and Hambathota Ports.