Life time member of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS)

Member of the National Scientific Foundation (NSF)

Member of the Young Scientific Forum (YSF)

Member of Young Professionals for Agriculture Development (YPARD)

• Controlled Environmental Agriculture
• Plant Physiology
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Adaptation of Plants to Climate Change

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES

• Galahitigama H., Amarasiri D., Wijesooriya MM., Hasintha Wijesekara., Jörg Rinklebe (2025) Wild Plants as a Promising Tool for Phytoremediation of Trace Metal(loid)s Contaminated Soil: A Review. Reviews Env. Contamination (formerly:Residue Reviews) 263, 12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44169-025-00083-7
• Galahitigama H., Sandamali P., Jayaprada T., Nandula Abesinghe., Mudalige Don Hiranya Jayasanka Senavirathna., Ma Brida Lea Diola., Maria Antonia Tanchuling (2025) Assessing the impact of micro and nanoplastics on the productivity of vegetable crops in terrestrial horticulture: A comprehensive review. Environ Monit Assess 197: 404 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-025-13820-1
• Tennakoon A., Galahitigama H., Samarakoon SMABK., Perera IJJUN., Thakshila GPGI., Thiruketheeswaranathan S., Roshana MR., Sandamal S., Sewwandi GPGSM., Bellanthudawa BKA (2025). Remediating contaminated environmental systems: the role of plants in cadmium removal, Int J Phytoremediation. 1–20 https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2025.2456095
• Hasara YAK., Sugathadasa MVUM., Indurugalla IAYR., Manimekala DGHDS., Harshana Galahitigama., Dissanayake DDMO (2024) Sodium Chloride Priming Improves Seed Germination and Initial Growth of Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) Journal of Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences 4(1), 15-20 https://doi.org/10.4038/atrsj.v4i1.57
• Galahitigama H., Sawada Y., Kenji Kamura, Tsuneyoshi Yamato, Takeshi Fujino, Hironori Takasaki (2024). Cellular and Morphological Effects of Ultrafine Bubbles on Rice Root Development During Seedling Growth. J Plant Growth Regul. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-024-11606-2
• Ganeshamoorthy Hariharan., Nishanthi Vathshalyan., Harshana Galahitigama., Udeshika Wimalasiri., Ganege Don Kapila Kumara (2024) Potential of Foliar Application of Seaweed Extracts as a Biostimulant for Abiotic Stress Alleviation on Crop Production. Reviews in Agricultural Science, 12: 295–312. https://doi.org/10.7831/ras.12.0_295
• Galahitigama, H., Senavirathna, MDHJ., Fujino, T. et al. Micro and Nano Plastics Effect on Growth and Development of Rice (Oryza sativa L.): A Review. Int J Environ Res 18, 32 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-024-00588-4
• Indurugalla Y., Manimekala D., Galahitigama GAH (2023). Biostimulatory Impacts of Seed Priming through Botanical Extracts on Crop Production: A Critical Review. Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research 10(4), 559–579. doi.org/10.9734/ajahr/2023/v10i4294
• Galahitigama GAH, Tharindi PWM, Kaushalya KC (2021) Different Halo-primed Seed Treatments on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). IAR J Agri Res Life Sci 2(1), 25-28
• Perera RNN., Magamage MPS., Kumara JBDAP., Galahitigama GAH., Dissanayake PK., Wekumbura WGC., Chandana Siriwardhana., Yapa PI (2019) Review of Fall Army Worm (FAW) Epidemic in Sri Lanka; Rathnapura District perspectives- A Short communication, International Journal of Entomology Research (IJER), 7(1), 9-18
• Galahitigama GAH., Wathugala DL (2016) Pre-sowing Seed Treatments Improves the Growth and Drought Tolerance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.), Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) 2(9), 1074-1078
• Galahitigama GAH., Wathugala DL (2016) Effects of Pre-sowing Seed Treatments on Seed Germination and Salinity Tolerance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings, International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR) 9(6), 112-117

BOOK CHAPTERS 

• Bandara AMSMRSG., De Silva DAM., Udayangani HKN., Sellapperuma SP., Galahitigama H. (2025) STEM Teaching Tools on Climate Education: A Situational Audit on Climate Pedagogy. In: Malalgoda, C., et al. Climate Change Adaptation in the Built Environment. Springer, Cham. Pp 331-366. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-75826-3_15
• Tharindi PWM, De Silva STD, Isuri Thakshila GPG, Salinda Sandamal, Shaill Rathnayake RMH, Hisanithy P, Abeysinghe NPM, Harshana Galahitigama., Asanka Tennakoon (2025) Perennial Forage Crops: Biodiversity and Ecosystems Service in Barren Land. In: Singhal, R.K., Indu, El Sabagh, A., Dwivedi, K.K. (eds) Forage Crops in the Bioenergy Revolution. Springer, Singapore https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-2536-9_7
• Galahitigama GAH., Isuri Thakshila., Salinda Sandamal., Tharindi PWM., Suthajini T., Abeysinghe NPM., Asanka Tennakoon., Ayman El Sabagh., Disna Ratnasekera (2024) Nano-films for enhancing the shelf-life of harvested products. In: Swarnendu Roy and Akbar Hossain (eds) The nanotechnology-driven agriculture: the future ahead, CRC Press. Chapter 13, pp 225-244
• Galahitigama GAH., Abeysinghe NPM (2023) Bioavailability of trace elements in soils. In: Meththika Vithanage, Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad (eds) Medical geology: An en route for one health. Bioavailability of trace elements in soils. Publisher; Wiley.Chapter 28.pp 421-434 doi.org/10.1002/9781119867333.ch28
• Asanka Tennakoon Galahitigama GAH., Tharindi PWM., Suthajini T., Abeysinghe NPM., Salinda Sandamal., Karthika Rajendran., Ayman El Sabagh., Disna Ratnasekera (2023) Climate resilient agriculture accumulation and toxicity of arsenic in rice and its practical mitigation. In: Climate resilient agriculture, Chapter 21, Publisher; Springer.pp 463-498
• Jayaprada NVT., Wewalwela JJ., Galahitigama GAH., Pandipperuma PANP (2023) Microbial Interactions with Aquatic Plants. In: Soni, R., Suyal, D.C., Morales-Oyervides, L., Sungh Chauhan, J. (eds) Current Status of Fresh Water Microbiology. Springer, Singapore. Chapter 6, pp 135–160

ABSTRACTS/EXTENDED ABSTRACTS

• Ganearachchi GAVS., Galahitigama GAH., Kumarasinghe HKMS., Padmaperuma OA (2024) Potential of Re-using Coco Pellets as a Substrate to Produce Selected Nursery Crops (A Case Study). 5^th International Conference of Agricultural Sciences Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. Pp 17
• Sugathadasa SGAR., Jayarathne DGDDS., Weerasekara WMPH., Dheerasinghe DAKC., Muthumal TGM., Harshana Galahitigama., W.H.P. Sandamali (2024) Assessment of Allelopathic Effects of Conyza bonariensis L., Extract on the Germination Performance of Tomato and Chili Seeds. 5^th International Conference of Agricultural Sciences Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. Pp 20
• Harshana GALAHITIGAMA, Hironori TAKASAKI, Takeshi FUJINO, Yosuke SAWADA, Kenji KAMURA (2024) Effects of Ultrafine Bubbles (UFBs) on Root Performance of Rice (Oryza sativa) at the Seedling Stage. Water and Environment Technology Conference, Tsushima Campus, Okayama University, Japan. Pp 65
• Madhushani, NAT, Galahitigama GAH, Withanachchi, MM, Kumara GDK (2024) Impact of harvesting time and ascorbic acid treatment on lenticel browning of mango (Mangifera indica L.) variety ‘TomEJC’ International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Pp 111
• Epitakumbura, PD, Chandrasiri, RS., Amarasinghe, AAY., Dharmasena, HAYB., Galahitigama, GAH (2024) Selection of a suitable fertilizer mixture for high-density cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) cultivation in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka 6^th National Symposium on Agriculture, Eastern University of Sri Lanka. pp 43
• Dissanayake, DDMO., Padmaperuma, OAD., Pinsara, WPS., Galahitigama, GAH., Karunaratne, PMAS (2023) The Estimation of Spatial Variation and Statistical Relationships between Carbon Stocks and Erosion Potential: Case at a Model Plantation Estate. 9^th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Pp 68
• Indurugalla, IAYR., Manimekala, DGHDS., Galahitigama, GAH., Dissanayake DDMO (2023) Effect of Biofertilizer on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Greenhouse Condition. Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• I.A.Y.R. Indurugalla, D.G.H.D.S. Manimekala, G.A.H. Galahitigama, D.D.M.O. Dissanayake (2023) Effect of Biofertilizer on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Greenhouse Condition. Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• W.M.W.S. Marapana, KMS Kodikara, G.A.H.Galahitigama (2023) Field Validation by a Rapid Method to Determine Lime Requirement for Potato and Vegetable Cultivating Soils in Welimada (ADA) Segment (2023) Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• J.C.D.Dinesh, M.Bulathkandage, G.A.H.Galahitigama (2023) Encourage Synchronize Flower Bud Initiation of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) by Using Synthetic Plant Growth Regulators. Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• K.P.S.Sewwandi, S.N.Weerasuriya, G.A.H.Galahitigama (2023) Impact of Above Ground Morphology of Cinnamon Plant on Yield and Processing: Traits Desirable for Variety Improvement (2023) Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• M.H.I.Wasana, D.A.Shirani, G.A.H.Galahitigama (2022) Effect of Foliar Application of Aqueous Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) Leaf Extract on Growth and Yield of Cowpea, Mung bean, and Okra. Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• P.S.Y.Dahanayaka, I.C.S.Edirimanna, G.A.H.Galahitigama (2022) Selecting an Appropriate Seed Coating to Enhance the Initial Growth of Finger millet (Elusine corocana L.) Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• S.T.Hansika, G.A.H.Galahitigama, D.A.M.De Silva (2022) Building Resilient in Cut Flower Value Chains Through Managing Postharvest Losses. Fourth International Conference of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• R.D.Erandathi, G.A.H.Galahitigama, J.B.D.A.P.Kumara, V.J.Yatawatte (2021) Effect of Storage Period from Harvesting to Subsequent Sowing on Sprouting Ability of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Seed Rhizomes in Off-season with Different Storing Materials, Eleventh Annual Research Session of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• W.M.S.K.Wannisekara, G.A.H.Galahitigama, A.A.Y.Amarasinghe, S.T.Baddegama (2019) Evaluation of Physio-chemical Composition of Different Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Varieties Available in the Market. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• B.B.L.Bodhipaksha, V.J.Yatawatte, G.A.H.Galahitigama, J.B.D.A.P.Kumara (2019) Effect of Storing Time and Storing Method on Sprouting Ability of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
• R. M. K. D.Rathnayake, K. P. Somachandra , G. A. H. Galahitigama, G.D.K. Kumara (2019) Effect of different foliar fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of cut flower rose variety "White Success", National Symposium on Floriculture Research (NaSFloR), Sri Lanka
• J.S. Jayanatha, U.S.P.K. Liyanage, G.A.H. Galahitigama ,V. Pahalawattaarachchi (2019) Specific Growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) in the Southern Coastal Waters of Sri Lanka, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency International Scientific Session, Sri Lanka
• C.Medagedara, G.A.H.Galahitigama, S.Corea, M.Faheem (2018) Performances of newly developed culture basket types for suspended rack culture of edible Perna perna (Brown mussels) in the Puttalam Estuary Sri Lanka, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency International Scientific Session, Sri Lanka
• D.T.S.A.P.Dissanayake, S.T.Jayamanne, G.A.H.Galahitigama, V.Pahalawattaarachchi (2017) Optimization of Conditions for Inducing Release of Swarmers in Ulva lactuca, Second International Research Symposium in SLCARP (Sri Lanka Council for Agriculture Research Policy) Colombo, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H Galahitigama, H.K.M.S Kumarasinghe, D.L Wathugala (2017) Alleviation of NaCl Induced Salinity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings by Seed Osmopriming, International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H.Galahitigama, M.D.Sanjeewa (2016) Study on Effect of Particle Size of Coco peat for Growth and Development of Greenhouse Vegetable Nursery Plants, First International Conference of Trincomalee campus, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
• N.T.G Gamage, G.A.H Galahitigama, D.L.C Fonseka, H.D Weerathunga (2016) Comparative Study of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum ) Bark Oils from Selected Cinnamon Cultivation Districts, First International Conference of Trincomalee campus, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
• M.D. Sangeewa, N.T.G Gamage, G.A.H Galahitigama, N.Ruwanpathirana (2016) Determination of the Relationship between Shrinkage, Density and Absorption of Selected Wood Species, First International Conference of Trincomalee campus, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
• W.A.C. Lakmali, G.A.H. Galahitigama, M.M.Nugaliadda (2016) Selection of Favorable Exogenous Factors on Ex-vitro rooting of Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata L.) Variety New Hope and Million Star, Wayamba International Conference at Wayamba University, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H Galahitigama, H.K.M.S Kumarasinghe, D.L Wathugala (2016) Phytotoxic Effect of Gini sapu (Michelia champaca L.) seeds to control of Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli L.) seedlings in paddy cultivation, National Conference on Green Practices, Kelaniya University, Sri Lanka
• J.H.M.A.K Jayapadma, H.K.M.S.Kumarasinghe, G.A.H.Galahitigama (2016) Effect of Nano fertilizer supplementation on yield of Japanese Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), Fourth International symposium in Eastern University, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H.Galahitigama (2016) Identification of Judicious Technique to Increase Yield of Field Planted Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), Third International Symposium in Rajarata University, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
• D.S.K.Rathnaweera, M.K.T.K Amarasinghe, G.A.H.Galahitigama, H.M.G.N.S.C Bandara (2016) Evaluation of Varietal Variation in Initial Growth and Development of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum.L) Under Irrigation, Annual symposium of Uwa wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H.Galahitigama, D.L.Wathugala (2016) Seed Priming improves growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.), University Academic session of Ruhuna, University of Ruhuna, Wellamadama, Matara, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H.Galahitigama, D.L.Wathugala (2016) Pre-sowing seed treatments enhanced the drought tolerance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings, International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
• D.T.Gunawardena, M.K.T.K Amarasinghe, H.K.M.S Kumarasinghe, G.A.H Galahitigama (2015) Comparison of Nutrient Content in Acid Treated Fish Waste Compost with Normal Fish Waste Compost, International Forestry and Environment Science, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H.Galahitigama, H.H.S.U.Sandaruwan, G.D.T.M.Senevirathna, M.I.Dilhani, A.Y.S.L.Silva (2015) Factors Affecting on Job Satisfaction in Garment Sector: A Case Study in Hirdaramani Group (pvt) Ltd, Kuruwita, International Conference on Promoting Socio-economic Equity in South Asia: Challenges and prospects Colombo, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H.Galahitigama, H.K.M.S.Kumarasinghe and D.L.Wathugala (2014) Effects of Different Presowing Seed Treatments on Morphological and Physiological Traits and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.), International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE) at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
• G.A.H.Galahitigama, H.K.M.S.Kumarasinghe (2014) Studies on Growth and Yield Performance of Japanese Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as Effected by Ionized Fertilizer Instead of Using Albert’s Solution Under Controlled Environment, International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

• “Commercial Guava Cultivation” – A field book for beginners of Commercial level Guava cultivation (Sinhala version) was published under the ISBN No: 978-955-43480-0-4
• “Commercially Important Cut flowers and Foliage Production” A horticulture book for local cut flower producers and beginners (Sinhala version) was published under the ISBN No: 978-955-644-124-6

• Awarded Japanease Govenment Scholarship (Monbukagakusho-MEXT)-2024 
• Awarded Dr. P.S.J.W Serasinghe Memorial Gold Medal to the graduate who obtained the highest marks for Crop Science in the farm practice course Examination and for the Final Year Specialization programme of the Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 2013