Dr. Gayani Weerasooriya, Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka
Dr. Gayani Weerasooriya is a distinguished Veterinary Research Officer at the Veterinary Research Institute in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where she has worked since 2010. She holds a Ph.D. from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia, and has advanced qualifications including a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics and a Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine, both from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her research expertise spans bacterial diseases in livestock, with a focus on zoonotic diseases and poultry salmonellosis control. Dr. Weerasooriya is also involved in vaccine production and quality testing, and she has significant experience in ISO standards implementation. Her extensive training includes molecular techniques, epidemiology, and research methodology, with numerous awards recognizing her contributions to veterinary science, including the National Awards for Science & Technology (NASTA) in 2018 and the Best Scientific Paper Award from the World’s Poultry Science Association in 2021.
Professional Profile:
Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:
Ph.D. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from The University of Adelaide, South Australia. Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics from The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Currently serving as a Veterinary Research Officer at the Veterinary Research Institute in Sri Lanka since 2010.Extensive experience in bacterial disease research, diagnostic services, vaccine and biological production, and ISO implementation.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics, The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
- Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Work Experience:
- Veterinary Research Officer, Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka (2010–present)
- Responsibilities include research on bacterial diseases in livestock, diagnostic services, supervision of zoonotic disease laboratories, control programs for poultry salmonellosis, and vaccine production.
- Specific roles include managing the Brucella S19 vaccine production, bacterial vaccine seed maintenance, quality testing of locally produced vaccines, and overseeing ISO implementation.
- Private Veterinary Practitioner, Self-Employed (2004–present)
- Veterinary Internship, Trainee Veterinarian (2004)
- Veterinary Surgeon and Microbiologist, Poultry Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Crysbro Group of Companies, Sri Lanka (2004–2010)
Publication top Notes:
Persistence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on Whole Chicken Carcasses under the Different Chlorine Concentrations Used in the Chill Tank of Processing Plants in Sri Lanka
Persistence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in Chicken Meat under the Different Chlorination Techniques in Poultry Processing Plants in Sri Lanka
Peroxyacetic acid and acidified sodium chlorite reduce microbial contamination on whole chicken carcasses obtained from two processing points
Invasive potential of sub-lethally injured Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella Typhimurium during storage in chicken meat juice
Transcriptomic response of Campylobacter jejuni following exposure to acidified sodium chlorite