Dr. (Mrs.) DR Gimhani

Senior Lecturer 

Department of Biotechnology
Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka,
Makandura, Gonawila (NWP

Office: +94 37 2259881
Mobile: 
Email: dgimhani@wyb.ac.lk

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Dr. Menuka Udugama

Dr. (Mrs.) D.R. Gimhani was graduated in 2006 obtaining a B.Sc. Agriculture (Specialized in Biotechnology) degree with Second Class Upper Division (Honours) from Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Just after graduation she worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Gannoruwa, Peradeniya, gathering research experience for  a about 1 year and 10 months. She was able to obtain her M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology in 2010 from Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her M.Sc. thesis was on “Identification of a microsatellite marker linked to thrips (Stenchaetothrip biformis) resistance in rice using bulked segregant analysis”. In 2009, she was able to join to the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka as a Lecturer. She was awarded the Global Rice Science Scholarship, in 2011 by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines to pursue her PhD Sandwich degree programme at the International Rice Research Institute and Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, in 2015, she obtained her PhD in Biotechnology and her thesis was focused on “Identification of salinity tolerant QTLs in elite rice background”. Apart from the academic work, she is involving with the research projects mainly focused on molecular plant breeding/QTL mapping. Currently she is serving as the Head of the Department.

Full CV

  • Life time member of the SLAAS organization (Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science)
  • Senior treasurer (2016/2017) – Biotechnology Society (Bitsoc) – Department of Biotechnology
  • Senior treasurer (2016/2017) – Art Circle – Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management
  • Secretary (2016/2017)- Wayamba University Teachers Association (WUTA)
  • Senior treasurer (2010/2011) – Biotechnology society (Bitsoc) – Department of Biotechnology
  • Molecular Plant Breeding
  • Marker Assisted Selection
  • Gene Mapping
  • Best presenter award at the Innovations in Agriculture session in 5th Wayamba University Research, 12th February 2021. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Certificate of recognition for scientific publications in Indexed journals-5th Wayamba University Research, 12th February 2021. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) merit award– for excellence in agricultural research – 2019
  • NRC merit award for scientific publication -2016
  • Most Outstanding Young Researcher-Merit award (for Scientific Research published in the year 2017) – Wayamba University Research Congress, 2018, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
  • Best Presenter Award at the Innovations in Agriculture session in Wayamba University Research, 04th July 2018. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Best presenter award at the Biotechnology session of 29th Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) Annual Congress of the University of Peradeniya, held on 16th and 17th   November 2017 for the presentation of research paper on “Mapping and Validation of QTLs for Root Architectural Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa) Under Non-Stress and Salinity Stress Conditions”
  • Award of Global Rice Science Scholarship 2011 by the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines to pursue PhD Sandwich degree programme at the International Rice Research Institute and Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
  • Best Performer Award – Certificate course on Staff Development– 01st  March 2010– 03rd September, 2010– Staff Development Centre – Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Books

  • Gimhani, D.R. (2012). Use of adult psychology to make an effective graduate. In, Teaching, Learning Assessment and Skills Development in Higher Education – Concepts and Applications, eds. Jayasinghe Mudalige, U.K. and Jayaweera, A. Staff Development Center, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 421-425.

Refereed Journal Papers

  • Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R. and Kottearachchi, N.S .and Herath, V (2020). Utilization of SNP-based Highly Saturated Molecular Map of a RIL Population for the Detection of QTLs and Mining of Candidate Genes for Salinity Tolerance in Rice. The Journal of Agricultural Sciences Sri Lanka, 15(3), 345-361. http://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v15i3.9027
  • Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R. and Kottearachchi, N.S .and Herath, V, Dileepa Liyanage and Prasad Senadheera. (2020). In Silico Identification of QTL based Polymorphic Genes as Salt-Responsive Potential Candidates through Mapping with Two Reference Genomes in Rice.Plants, 9 (2), 233; doi:10.3390/plants9020233
  • Gimhani, D.R., Abhayawickrama, B.P., Saliha M.S.F. and Kottearachchi, N.S. (2018). Mapping and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci for Root Architectural Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa) under Non-Stress and Salinity Stress Conditions. Tropical Agricultural Research, 29 (3), 241 – 254.
  • Dahanayaka, B.A., Gimhani, D.R., Kottearachchi, N.S. Samarasinghe, W. L. G. (2017). QTL mapping for salinity tolerance using an elite rice (Oryza sativa) breeding population. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics 49 (2), 123-134.
  • Gimhani,R., Gregorio, G. B., Kottearachchi N.S. and Samarasinghe, W.L.G. (2016). SNP-based discovery of salinity tolerant QTLs in a bi-parental population of rice (Oryza sativa). Molecular Genetics and Genomics 291,2081-2099. DOI 10.1007/s00438-016-1241-9
  • Gimhani,R., Kottearachchi N.S. and Samarasinghe, W.L.G. (2014). Microsatellite marker based hybridity assessment for salinity tolerance in rice. Journal of Agricultural Sciences– Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 9(2),96-100.
  • Dahanayaka, B.A., Gimhani, R., Kottearachchi, N.S. Samarasinghe, W. L. G. (2015). Assessment of salinity tolerance and analysis of SSR markers linked with Saltol QTL in Sri Lankan rice genotypes. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture 9(5),1-10.
  • Wijerathna, Y.M.A.M., Kottearachchi, N.S., Gimhani, D.R. and Sirisena, D.N. (2014). Exploration of relationship between fragrant gene and growth performances of fragrant rice (Oryza sativa ) seedlings under salinity stress.Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences  2(1), 8-12.
  • Samarasinghe, W.L.G., Samarajeewa, P.K., Liyanage M. and Gimhani. D.R. (2009). PCR technique based on coat protein gene to diagnose yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) infection in okra breeding progenies. Annals of the Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture 11, 131-139.
  • Samarajeewa, P.K., Gimhani, D.R. and Liyanage, H.M. (2007). Transfer of yellow vein mosaic virus resistance from wild relative (Abelmoschus angulosus) into cultivated okra. Annals of the Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture 9, 133-142.
  • Samarajeewa, P.K., Liyanage, H.M. and Gimhani, D.R. (2007). Molecular characterization of tomato (Lycoprsicon esculentum) cultivars using RAPDs and Microsatellite markers. Annals of the Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture 9, 149-159.

 Proceedings (Full papers)

  • Saliha, M.S.F., Gimhani, D.R. and Kottearachchi, N.S. (2016). Progress towards QTL mapping for root traits in chromosome 2 and 10 of rice. In Proceedings of the 15th Agricultural Symposium, 28-29 June 2016. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 174-178.
  • A.U.H. Perera, H.R.M.G.C. Thilakarathna, D.R. Gimhani, J.A.A.C. Wijesinghe and N.S. Kottearachchi. (2020). Determination of Anthocyanin, Proanthocyanidin Content andAnti-oxidant Properties of Sri Lankan Traditional Red Rice Varieties. In Proceedings of the 19th Agricultural symposium, 22nd January 2021. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
  • P.G.I. Thakshila, D.R. Gimhani, V. Koodalugodaarachchi and W.M.R. Kumari. (2020).Assessment of Drought Tolerance Capability of Cultivated Finger Millet Varieties in Sri Lanka. In Proceedings of the 19th Agricultural symposium, 22nd January 2021. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • G.A.D.N. Wehalle, D.R. Gimhani, B.P. Abhayawickrama And N.S. Kottearachchi. (2020). In Silico Analysis of Allelic Variations of Drought Responsive ERF Genes in Sri Lankan Rice Germplasm. In Proceedings of the 19th Agricultural symposium, 22nd January 2021. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • W. Welagedara, D.R. Gimhani, N.S. Kottearachchi and J.A.A.C. Wijesinghe. (2019).Allelic Diversity of Rc Gene Regulating Pigmentation in Sri Lankan Rice Germplasm. In Proceedings of the 18th Agricultural symposium, 7th January 2020. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
  • Koodalugodaarachchi, D.S. Kakulandara, W.L.G. Samarasinghe, S.K. Wasala and D.R. Gimhani. (2019). Genetic Diversity Assessment and Molecular Evaluation of Thrips (Stenchaetothrips biformis) Resistance in Traditional Rice Variety “Dahanala” Using Simple Sequence Repeats Markers. Proceedings of the 18th Agricultural Symposium, 7th January 2020. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • M.C.S. Bandaranayake, M.K Meegahakumbura, D. R. Gimhani. (2019). Preliminary Genetic Assessment of King Coconut Forms Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers. Proceedings of the 18th Agricultural Symposium, 7th January 2020. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • A.T.M. Perera, B.M.V.S Basnayake and D.R Gimhani. (2019). Development of Molecular Detection for Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Tomato Mosaic Virus in Tomato (Lycoperisicon esculentum). Proceedings of the 18th Agricultural Symposium, 7th January 2020. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • A.C.R. Hanchapola, N.S. Kottearachchi, D.R. Gimhani and S.A.D.P. Senadheera. (2019). Analysis of Polymorphic Single Nucleotides in the Selected Genes Related to Salt Tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Proceedings of the 18th Agricultural Symposium, 7th January 2020. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • M.S.W. Dissanayaka, N.S. Kottearachchi, D.R. Gimhani and B.P. Abeywickrama. (2019). Exploring Genetic Variations with InDels for Salinity Tolerance in Selected Genes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm and Assessment of Morpho-Physiological Parameters. Proceedings of the 18th Agricultural Symposium, 7th January 2020. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Tennekoon, T.M.H., samarasinghe, W.L.G., and Gimhani, D.R. (2018). Phenotyping and Genotyping of Dioscorea spp. Germplasm. In Proceedings of the 17th Agricultural Symposium, 30th November 2018. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Wickramathilaka, K.K.D.K., Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R., Kottearachchi, N.S. and Senanayaka, R.N.M.H. (2018). Assessment of Reproductive Stage Salinity Tolerance in Rice (Oryza Sativa) and Marker-Assisted Selection towards Salt Tolerance. In Proceedings of the 17th Agricultural Symposium, 30th November 2018. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Subrmaniam, A., Gimhani, D.R., Udawela, K. and Senadheera, P. (2018). Comparative Analysis of Allelic Variations in the Genes Associated with Iron Tolerance in Sri Lankan Rice Germplasm. In Proceedings of the 17th Agricultural Symposium, 30th November 2018. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Lilani, E.D.C., Basnayake, B.M.V.S. and Gimhani, D.R. (2018). Development of Molecular Based Detection Technology for the Identification of Bean Viruses in Sri Lanka. In Proceedings of the 17th Agricultural Symposium, 30th November 2018. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Fonseka G.W.D.D., Wasala S.K., Samarasinghe W.L.G. and Gimhani D.R. (2017). Genetic Diversity of Traditional Rice Cultivar Herath Banda (Oryza sativa L.) based on Morphological and Molecular Characterization. In Proceedings of the 16th Agricultural Symposium, 9-10 November 2017. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.26-30.
  • Kothalawala K.G.S.S., Kottearachchi N.S., Gimhani, D.R. and Abhayawickrama B.P. (2017). Comparative Analysis and Expression Studies of Flowering Related Genes in Mungbean (Vigna radiata). In Proceedings of the 16th Agricultural Symposium, 9-10 November 2017. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 6-10.
  • Ranatunga, R.A.G.N., Samarasekara, R., Bandara, V.S., Perera, H.D.S.M., Weeratunga, H.D. and Gimhani. D.R. (2017). Comparison of Solvent-Free Microwave Extraction and Conventional Hydro-Distillation of Essential Oil from Local Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). In Proceedings of the 16th Agricultural Symposium, 9-10 November 2017. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 56-60.
  • Siriwardhana, S.M.T.T., Samarasinghe,W.L.G. and Gimhani, D.R. (2016). Molecular characterization of a traditional rice variety Kaluheenati (Oryza sativa ) using simple sequence repeats markers. In Proceedings of the 15th Agricultural Symposium, 28-29 June 2016. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 135-139.
  • Thilakarathna, D.I.V.W., Kottearachchi, N.S., Kumararathna, M.J.M.P. and Gimhani, D.R. (2016). Genetic diversity analysis in relation to flowering Behaviour in Mungbean (Vigna radiata). In Proceedings of the 15th Agricultural Symposium, 28-29 June 2016. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 184-188.
  • Harshika,N.P.P., Kottearachchi, N.S. and Gimhani, D.R. (2015). QTL analysis of root traits in Chromosome 12 of rice. In Proceedings of the 14th Agricultural Symposium, 25-26 June 2015. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 174-178.
  • Wettawa, W.I.W.H.M.E.H, Kotrearachchi, N.S. and Gimhani, D.R. (2011). Allelic variation in fragrant gene in Sri Lankan rice varieities. In Proceedings of the 11th Agricultural Symposium, 20-21 September 2011. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 6-10.
  • Wijerathna, Y.M.A.M, Kotrearachchi, N.S. and Gimhani, D.R. (2011). Sri Lankan Fragrant rice (Oryza sativa) varieties are associated with decreased salt tolerance. In Proceedings of the 11th Agricultural Symposium, 20-21 September 2011. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 51-55.
  • Nasria, M., Mewan, K.M., Premathilaka, K.B.A.G. and Gimhani, D.R. (2011). Simple Sequence Repeat markers revealed genetic diversity of old seedling teas in Sri Lanka. In Proceedings of the 11th Agricultural Symposium, 20-21 September 2011. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 11-15.
  • Liyanage, G.L.M.L., Chathuranga, P.K.D., Iqbal, M.C.M. and Gimhani, D.R. (2010). Uptake and Accumulation of Nickel by Roots and Shoots of indian mustard [Brassica Juncea (L.)]. In Proceedings of the 10th Agricultural Symposium, 12-13 August 2010. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 20-24.
  • Peabotuwa, P.D.K., De Silva S.N.T., Gimhani, D.R. and Attanayaka, D.P.S.T.G. (2010). Purification of α- amylase from Geotrichum candidum CMSS06: Reconfirmation of Elution Buffer Strength. In Proceedings of the 10th Agricultural Symposium, 12-13 August 2010. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 30-34.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Basnayake, B.M.V.S., Dassanayake, E.M., (2005). Identification of different strains of banana streak virus in Sri Lanka through a molecular detection method (PCR). In Proceedings of the 5th Agricultural Symposium, 27-28 September 2005. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 73-77.

 

Conference papers/Abstracts

  • Welagedara J.W., Gimhani D.R., Kottearachchi N.S. and Wijesinghe J.A.A.C. (2020). Assessment of Genetic Basis of Grain Pigmentation in Sri Lankan Rice Germplasm. Proceedings of the 5th Wayamba University Research Congress, 12th February 2021. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 3-4.
  • P.Abhayawickrama, N.S.Kottearachchi and D.R.Gimhani (2020). Differential Expression of Os11g0655900 gene and protein structure prediction in relation to salt tolerance in rice. Proceedings of the 5th Wayamba University Research Congress, 12th February 2021. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 1-2.
  • W. Welagedara, D.R. Gimhani and N.S. Kottearachchi. (2020). In silico analysis of allelic variation in Rc gene involve in rice pigmentation in Sri Lankan rice germplasm. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Proceedings of the 76th Annual Sessions 2020,13-18 December 2020. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science.
  • P. Abhayawickrama, D.R.Gimhani, Venura Herath, N.S.Kottearachchi. (2019). Homology-based gene annotation to identify the InDels associated with salt tolerance in rice. Proceedings of the Wayamba University Research Congress, 11th July 2019. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 13-14.
  • Kothalawala K.G.S.S., Kottearachchi N.S. and Gimhani, D.R. (2018). Bioinformatics interference of flowering controlling Genes in Mungbean (Vigna radiate). SLCARP International Agricultural Symposium, 13th -14th August 2018. Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Saliha, M.S.F. and Kottearachchi, N.S. (2018). Mapping and comparative analysis of QTLs for root traits on chromosome 2 in rice (Oryza sativa) under non-stress and salinity stress conditions. Proceedings of the Wayamba University Research Congress, 04th July 2018. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 8-9.
  • Kothalawala K.G.S.S., Kottearachchi N.S., Gimhani, D.R. and Abhayawickrama B.P. (2018). Analysis of Flowering Related traits and orthologus Genes in Mungbean (Vigna radiata). Proceedings of the Wayamba University Research Congress, 04th July 2018. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 10-11.
  • Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R. and N.S.Kottearachchi and Herath, V. (2018).Whole Genome re-sequencing and variants discovery in two salinity related elite rice varieties in Sri Lanka. South Asian Biotechnology Conference, 28-30 March 2018, Colombo.
  • Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R. and N.S.Kottearachchi (2017). In Silico analysis of salt tolerance associated gene OsHKT8 in Sri Lankan rice accessions. 73rd Annual Scientific Sessions of SLAAS, 6-8 December 2017, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Abhayawickrama, B.P., Saliha, M.S.F. and Kottearachchi, N.S. (2017). Mapping and Validation of QTLs for Root Architectural Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa) Under Non-Stress and Salinity Stress Conditions. In Proceedings of the 29th PGIA Annual congress, 16-17 November 2017, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. 22.
  • Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R. and N.S.Kottearachchi (2017). Whole genome resequencing reveals identification of variants specific to a salt susceptible high yielding elite rice variety in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Bioinformatics 2017, 7-9 November 2017, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur, India, 24-25.
  • Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R. and N.S.Kottearachchi (2017). Mapping and Functional validation of a Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for salt tolerance in a Sri Lankan rice cultivar. 15th Open University Research Sessions. 16-17 November 2017, Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala. 485-488.
  • Abhayawickrama, B.P., Gimhani, D.R. and N.S.Kottearachchi. (2017). Evaluation of Genetic diversity of OsHKT8 gene in selected Sri Lankan rice varieties. 10th International Research Conference, 03-04 August 2017, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, 50.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Saliha, M.S.F., and Kottearachchi, N.S. (2017). Progress towards mapping QTLs for root traits on chromosome 10 in rice (Oryza sativa) using elite rice background. In Proceedings of the 10th International Research Conference, 3-4 August 2017, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka. 33.
  • Thilakarathna, D.I.V.W., Kottearachchi, N.S., Kumararathna, M.J.M.P. and Gimhani, D.R. (2016). Molecular and Morphological Diversity Assessment in flowern related traits of Mungbean (Vigna radiata). 3rdInternational Plant Breeding Conference, 15th – 16th November 2016, Jointly organized by Genetics Society of Malaysia,Faculty of Agriculture, UPM, Institute of Tropical Agriculture, UPM, Agro-Biotechnology Institute, Malaysia, University College of Agroscience Malaysia, 54
  • Gimhani, D.R., Gregorio, G. B., Kottearachchi N.S. and Samarasinghe, W.L.G. (2016). Detection of QTL hotspots by high resolution molecular mapping of QTLs for salinity tolrance in rice. 3rdInternational Plant Breeding Conference, 15th – 16th November 2016, Jointly organized by Genetics Society of Malaysia,Faculty of Agriculture, UPM, Institute of Tropical Agriculture, UPM, Agro-Biotechnology Institute, Malaysia, University College of Agroscience Malaysia, 50
  • Gimhani, D.R., Vergara, G., Gregorio, G.B, Kottearachchi, N.S. and Samarasinghe, W.L.G. (2016). Differential expression of candidate genes for salinity tolerance in selected Sri Lankan rice varieties. In Proceedings of the Second Wayamba University International conferance, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka, 19-20 August 2016. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Samarasinghe, W.L.G. and Kottearachchi, N.S. (2016). Development of Recombinant Inbred Line Population for salinity tolerance in rice as an approach towards identification of salinity tolerant QTLs. In Proceedings of the Wayamba University Research Congress, 30th March 2016. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 34.
  • Dahanayaka, B.A., Kottearachchi, N.S., Gimhani, R. and Samarasighe, W.L.G. (2014). Allelic diversity and seedling tolerance of some rice (Oryza sativa) germplasms under salt stress. First Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference, Matara, Sri Lanka, 22-23 January 2014. University of Ruhuna.
  • Dahanayaka, B.A., Kottearachchi, N.S., Gimhani, D.R. and Samarasighe, W.LG. (2014). Progress towards mapping of a QTL for salinity tolerance on Chromosome 4 in rice. In Proceedings of the First Wayamba University International conferance, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka, 29-30 August 2014. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Kotrearachchi, N.S. and Samarasinghe, W.L.G. (2012). Mapping population development for salinity tolerant QTLs in rice and microsatellite marker based hybridity assessment. In Proceedings of the Sri Lanaka-India Conference on Agrobiotechnology for Sustainable Development, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 12-13 March, 2012.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Kotrearachchi, N.S. and Samarasinghe, W.L.G. (2012). Microsatellite marker based hybridity assessment; an approach towards development of mapping population for salinity tolerance in Rice. In Proceedings of the Young Scientist Forum Symposium, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 18 January, 2012. National Science and Technology Commission.
  • Wettawa, W.I.W.H.M.E.H, Kotrearachchi, N.S. and Gimhani, D.R. (2012). Assessment of variations in the badh2 gene of Sri Lankan aromatic rice using molecular approaches. In Proceedings of the Sri Lanaka-India Conference on Agrobiotechnology for Sustainable Development, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 12-13 March 2012.
  • Wettawa, W.I.W.H.M.E.H, Kotrearachchi, N.S. and Gimhani, D.R. (2011). Identification of allelic variation in the 7thexon of badh2 gene of Sri Lankan aromatic rice. In First National symposium on Agricultural Biotechnology, Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP).
  • Samarajeewa, P.K., Samarasinghe, W.L.G., Gimhani, D.R. and Liyanage, M.  (2009). Introgression of yellow vein mosaic virus resistance from a wild relative (A. angulosus) into okra. World Biodiversity Congress, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 10-14 March 2009.
  • Gimhani, R., Rajapakse, R.M.S.L. and Samarajeewa, P.K. (2008). Molecular detection of tomato yellow leaf curl virus infection in tomato breeding progenies derived from Lycopersicon esculentum and Lycopersicon hirsutum cross. In Second International Symposium of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 8-12 July 2008.

 

 Poster sessions

  • Gimhani, D.R., Kottearachchi, N.S., Samarasinghe, W.L.G. and Gregorio, G.B. (2014). Mapping of salinity tolerant QTLs on Chromosome 1 in rice (Oryza sativa) using RILs derived from At354 and Bg352. In Abstracts of the 4th International Rice Congress, Bangkok, Thailand, 27 October-1 November, 2014. International Rice Research Institute.
  • Dahanayaka, B.A., Kottearachchi, N.S., Gimhani, D.R. and Samarasighe, W.LG. (2014). Analysis of QTL for salinity tolerance on Chromosome 4 in rice. In Abstracts of the 4th International Rice Congress, Bangkok, Thailand, 27 October-1 November, 2014. International Rice Research Institute.
  • Kottearachchi, N.S., Dahanayaka, B.A. and Gimhani, D.R. (2014). Assessment of seedling tolerance of Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa) germplasm under salt stress using SSR markers linked with Saltol In Abstracts of the 4th International Rice Congress, Bangkok, Thailand, 27 October-1 November, 2014. International Rice Research Institute.
  • Gimhani, D.R., Kottearachchi, N.S. and Samarasinghe, W.L.G. (2013). Development of mapping population for salinity tolerance using At354 and Bg352 rice varieties. In Abstracts of the 7th International Rice Genetics Symposium, Manila, Philippine, 5 – 8 November 2013. International Rice Research Institute.
  • Samarasinghe, W.L.G., Gimhani, R., Wickramasinghe, K.S., Samarajeewa, P.K., Gunadasa, A.H. and  De Silva, W.J.I. (2010). Trichome density and SSR markers linked to thrips (Stenchaetothrips biformis) resistance in rice. Third International Rice Congress, 8-12 November, Hanoi, Vietnam. International Rice Research Institute.

Teaching themes

Agricultural Chemistry, Cell and Biomolecules, Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Molecular breeding and QTL mapping

 

Research Supervision

Undergraduate and Postgraduate research supervision

 

Research Grants

In progress

  • Principal Investigator of the research project (2 years) titled “Expression analysis of flavonoid biosynthesis genes in Sri Lankan light red and dark red grained rice in relation to the antioxidant activity” funding by the Wayamba University Research Grant 2018.
  • Co-Investigator of the research project (2 years) titled “QTL map based candidate gene discovery for salt tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa)” funding by the National Research Council (NRC 16-016) .

Completed

  • Co-Investigator of the research project (2 years) titled “Genetic analysis of root traits using recombinant inbred line population derived from At354 x Bg352 in rice” funding by the Wayamba University Research Grant (SRHDC/RP/01/10-05) in 2016.
  • Co-Investigator of the research project (2 years) titled “Identification of salinity tolerant QTLs in elite rice background” funded by the Wayamba University Research Grant (SRHDC/RP/01/10-05) in 2010.
  • Collaborator for the research project (3 years) titled “Molecular mapping for improved salinity tolerance in rice” funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF/RG/2011/BT/02).

 

Resource Person

  • Served as a Resource person (Lectures and Practical) of the two days national workshop on “Gene /QTL Mapping in Plants” Organized by the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 8-9 September 2015
  • Served as a resource person in the practical session of workshop on “Applications of modern biotechnology in plant genetic resources analysis and plant breeding” conducted for plant breeders of the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka, 2007