• PhD in Aquatic Physiology, University of Bologna, Italy -2018-2021
• Master's Degree in “Biology and Ecology of the Marine Environment and Sustainable Use of Marine Resources”, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy -2015-2017
• Master of Science “Animal Science” Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka - 2014-2016
• Bachelor of Science – Agriculture, specialized in the field of Animal Husbandry/ Livestock Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka - 2004-2010
   

• 2017- 2020- PhD Fellowship, University of Bologna, Italy
• 2017-  Short term research training scholarship, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy
• 2015- 2017- Master degree Fellowship, Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy
• 2010- Most Outstanding Presentation in the Course Module of Animal Husbandry/ Livestock Production, Undergraduate Research symposium 2010,  Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

• Current - Senior Lecturer, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 
• 2013 – Lecturer, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• 2011-2013-Temporary Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Systems, Rajarata   University of Sri Lanka        
• 2010- 2011 Temporary Demonstrator, Department of Agricultural Systems, Faculty ofAgriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

• 2015- Travel Award – FAO, Global Conference on Inland Fisheries, Rome, Italy, 26th  January to 28th January, 2015
• 2012- Cash Award, 15th Australian Asian Animal Production (AAAP) Congress, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus,Thailand,26th – 30th November 2012,Thailand

University Grant, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2022

• Methods for implementation of surveillance procedures for listed fish diseases training course on October 5-9, 2020. Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
• Laboratory Animal Science for Aquatic Research Facilities on June 17-21, 2019 at the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen, Norway
• FISHBOOST advanced aquaculture breeding training workshop on November 6-8, 2018, France
• Sea cucumber culture techniques on March 13 to 06 April 2017, Ege University, Turkey
• Practical Training on Induce fish breeding techniques and Aquaculture at National Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Institute (NIFATI), Kalawewa, Sri Lanka
• Certificate course in GIS and remote sensing in Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2015
• Induction Programme for Academic Staff, Staff Development Centre, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
• Diploma on English at Aquinas College of Higher Studies, Colombo Sri Lanka 2006
• Certificate Course on Human Resource Management at Institute of Personal Management (IPM) Sri Lanka 2009
• Quality Management Course, Sri Lanka Standard Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Wathsala R H G R, Musella M, Valbonesi P, Candela M,  Franzellitti S (2021). Variability of metabolic, protective, antioxidant, and lysosomal gene transcriptional profiles and microbiota composition of Mytilus galloprovincialis farmed in the North Adriatic Sea (Italy), Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 172, 112847 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112847.
• Musella M,   Wathsala R, Tavella T,   Rampelli S,  Barone M,   Palladino G,  Biagi E,   Brigidi P,  Turroni S,   Franzellitti S,  Candela M (2020). Tissue-scale microbiota of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and its relationship with the environment, Science of The Total Environment 717, 137209. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137209)
• Franzellitti S, Canesi L, Auguste M, Rasika Wathsala RHG, Fabbri E (2019). Microplastic exposure and effects in aquatic organisms: A physiological perspective. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. 68, 37-51 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.009).
• Franzellitti S, Capolupo M, Rasika Wathsala RHG, Valbonesi P, Fabbri E (2019). The Multixenobiotic resistance system as a possible protective response triggered by microplastic ingestion in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Larvae and adult stages. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology. 219, 50-58 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.02.005)
• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Franzellitti, S., Scaglione, M and Fabbri, E (2018). Styrene impairs normal embryo development in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Aquatic Toxicology 201, 58–65 (doi:10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.05.026).
• Weerakkody, C. S.,  Nayananjalie, W. A. D., Wathsala, R. H. G. R.  and Jayasena, K. D. R.(2018) Influence of Maturity Stages on Nutritional Quality of Corn Forage and Corn Silage. International Journal of Livestock Research eISSN : 2277-1964 NAAS Score -5.36 Vol 8 (02) Feb ’18
• Gamage, G. G. A. P, Madushanka, M.P.P.P., Prasanna, P.H.P., Adikari, A.M.J.B., Nayananjalie, W.A.D., Jayawardena, N.W.I.A., and Wathsala, R.H.G.R. (2016) Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of probiotic drinking yoghurt developed with goat milk.  International Journal of Scientific and Research Publication (IJSRP), Volume 6, Issue 6, June 2016 Edition.

• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Fabbri E., Capolupo M., Valbonesi P., Franzellitti S.,) “Mechanisms of physiological protection in early embryo stages of marine mussels”. Acta Physiologica, 227,108:e13366. doi:10.1111/apha.13366 FEPS 2019 congress, on 10th September 2019
• Jayathilaka,B.R.,  Wathsala, R.H.G.R.,  and Fernando, A.P.S.,  Major Drawbacks on the Perception of Fishermen for Culturing of Carp Species in Inland Freshwater Reserviores in Galenbindunuwewa Area 3rd International conference on Agricultural sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2016
• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Jayasena, K. D. R., Jayawardana, N.W.I.A., Karunarathna , G.P.S.I., Bandara A.M.K.R. and Tilakaratne, B.M.K.S (2016). An Edible Food Product From Armored Catfishes (Pterygoplichthys spp.), Proceedings of the3rd ICFA Conference 3rd International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture – 2016 24th – 25th August 2016
• Rathnayake, G.G.N., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Fernando, A.P.S., Sundarabarathy, T.V. and Basnayake , D.D.S. (2015) Does Tank Cleaner (Pterygoplichthys spp.) Clean Out Fisherman Livelihood? The Case of Huruluwewa Tank in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Global Conference on Inland Fisheries, Rome, Italy. 26th  January to 28th January, 2015 http://inlandfisheries.org/?page_id=544

• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Rathnayake, G.G.N., Fernando, A.P.S., Sundarabarathy, T.V. and Basnayake , D.D.S. Impact of Armored Catfishes (Pterygoplichthys Species) on inland fisheries sector in Sri Lanka:  Need for immediate action to eradicate them? (ISBN 978-955-4903-44-9) Proceedings of the 2nd Annual International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 25th -26th August 2015, pp 04.
• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Fernando, A.P.S., Jayasena, K.D.R. and Ranadheera, R.D.C.S. (2013) Stakeholder perception on exotic fish and commonness of Tilapia in inland waters: Case study in the Nuwarawewa tank Sri Lanka (ISSN 2235 9710) Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 07th February 2013, pp13.
• Kahandage, P.D., Wathsala, R.H.G.R. and Dharmasena, D.A.N.(2013) Designing, development and performance evaluation of a manually operated leafy vegetable slicing machine for domestic use(ISSN 2235 9710) Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 07th February 2013, pp47.
• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Gunarathna, M.H.J.P., Ranadheera, C.S. and Gunawardena, A. (2012) Is Livestock Rearing a Better way to Enhance Rural Livelihood? - A Case Study in Selected DS Divisions in Anuradhapura District Sri Lanka.(Volume II)  Proceedings of the 15th AAAP Animal Science Congress, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus,Thailand,26th – 30th November 2012,pp271.
• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Gunawardena, A., Vidanarachchi, J.K., Silva,K. F.S.T., Goonerathne, J. and Colonne, A.(2011) Prebiotic effect of water soluble carbohydrates of Amorphophallus campanulatus on probiotic yoghurt.(ISBN 978-955-1507-20-6,ISSN 1800-4830) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka,09th November 2011,pp56.

• Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Fernando, A.P.S., Jayasena, K.D.R. and Ranadheera, R.D.C.S. (2013) Stakeholder perception on exotic fish and commonness of Tilapia in inland waters: Case study in the Nuwarawewa tank Sri Lanka (ISSN 2235 9710) Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture,Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 07 th February 2013, pp13. 
• Kahandage, P.D., Wathsala, R.H.G.R. and Dharmasena, D.A.N.(2013) Designing, development and performance evaluation of a manually operated leafy vegetable slicing machine for domestic use(ISSN 2235 9710) Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 07 th February 2013, pp47.
• Bandara, C.M.S.M., Pothuvila, R.H., Rajasinghe, N.M.R.S., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., and Nayananjalie, W.A.D. (2013) Use of synthetic hormone LHRH analogues and ovaprim to induce breeding of Catla catla and Labeo rohita. .(ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka,31st July 2013,pp31.
• Chathuranga,, K.R.S., Epasinghe, E.D.M. , Kithsiri, H.M.P. , Nayananjalie, W.A.D., and Wathsala, R.H.G.R. (2013) Feed type and feeding frequency on the cannibalism of Pangasius sutchi.(ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka,31st July 2013,pp24.
• Shanthapriya, K.D.M.V., Ginigaddara, G.A.S., Fernanado, A.P.S., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., and Gunawardena, W.W.D.A. (2013) The impact of backyard poultry on house hold income and egg consumption in (Talawa block of mahaweli system H) .(ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka,31st July 2013,pp 30.
• Perera, W.K.B., Ginigaddara1, G.A.S., Fernanado, A.P.S., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., and Gunawardena, W.W.D.A. (2013) Potentials and constraints of dairy farming in Talawa block, Mahaweli system H. (ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka,31st July 2013,pp27.
• Weerakkody, C.S., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Nayananjalie, W.A.D. Jayasena, K.D.R., and Samaraweera, N.J. (2014) Fresh forage and silage from selected corn varieties (ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the 6th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, 02nd   July 2014.pp 58.
• Karunarathna, G.P.S.I., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., Jayawardana, N.W.I.A., Bandara A.M.K.R., and Tilakaratne, B.M.K.S. (2015) Is tank cleaner (Pterygoplichthys spp.) suitable to develop an edible food product? (ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the 7th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, 2015.pp 36.
• Dissanayake, I.S.S., Withanage, P.M., Somarathne, D.M., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., and Nayananjalie, W.A.D. (2015) Effect of pond fertilization on survival rate of catla post larvae (ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the 7th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, 2015.pp 47.
• Dilrukshi, G.H.C., Withanage, P.M., Somarathna, K.M.D., Wathsala, R.H.G.R. and Nayananjalie, W.A.D. (2015) Influence of feeding strategy on survival rate of catla post larvae (ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the 7th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, 2015.pp 42.
• Jayathilaka, B.R., Wathsala, R.H.G.R., and Fernando, A.P.S. (2015) Tilapia versus carp species: contradicating perception of fisherman and authorities (ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the 7th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, 2015.pp 51.
• Madushanka, M.P.P.P., Prasanna, P.H.P., Adikari, A.M.J.B., Nayananjalie, W.A.D., Jayawardena, N.W.I.A., and Wathsala, R.H.G.R. (2015) Development of probiotic goat cheese using selected probiotic bacteria (ISSN 2012-5623) Proceedings of the 7th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka, 2015.pp 29.

• The AQUAEXCEL2020 training course ‘Laboratory Animal Science for Aquatic Research Facilities’ on  June 17-  21, 2019 , Institute of Marine Research in Bergen, Norway
• FISHBOOST advanced aquaculture breeding training workshop on November 6-8, 2018, France
• Sea cucumber culture techniques on March 13 to 06 April 2017, Ege University, Turkey
• Practical Training on Induce fish breeding techniques and Aquaculture at National Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Institute (NIFATI), Kalawewa, Sri Lanka
• Certificate course in GIS and remote sensing in Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka,2015

• Coordinator and resource person, Training programmes for improve productivity of livestock in Mahaweli L systems, Sri Lanka, 2021
• Resource person , Training programmes for livestock rearing farmers, Mahaweli H system, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, 2014, 2015
• Resource person, Training programme for School teachers, Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka, 2014
• Resource person, Training programme for School children, Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka, 2014
• Coordinator and resource person, Training programmes for improve productivity of livestock farms, University Village project funded by PEACE project, 2012