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Professor AD Ampitiyawatta

Professor

Agricultural Sciences

Email : ada@agri.sab.ac.lk

    Qualifications

  • Doctor of .Engineering (D.Eng) in Hydrology and Water Resource Engineering

    College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Wuhan University, P.R. China, 2008.

     

    M.Sc. Agric. - Specializing in Crop Science,

    Post Graduate Institute of agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2003

     

    B.Sc. Agric. - Specializing in Agriculture engineering

    Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 1999 (Second Class Upper Division (honours).

    Membership of Professional Bodies/Associations

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

    Research Interests

    • Hydrology and Water resources Management
    • Agro Climatology
    • Eco-hydrology
    • Irrigation
    • Rain Water Harvesting

    Current Research Projects

    • , “Assessment of extreme climate events and their impact on agriculture in major climatic zones of Sri Lanka”, University Research Grants, Rs. 3 Mn, 2020.
    • “Impact of water management strategies on livelihood success of rural community”, AHEAD grant, Rs. 10 Mn, 2020.

    Recent Publications

  • Publication on reputed Journals:

     

    1. Ampitiyawatta A. D., E.P.R.H.H.W. Nilmalgoda and Eranga M Wimalasiri. (2022) A Gaussian Model Approach to Determine the Commencement, Termination and Length of the Major Growing season over the Dry zone of Sri Lanka, Journal of Theoretical and Applied Climatology. 148 (739-750), 2022.
    2. Eranga M Wimalasiria and Ampitiyawatta A. D. (2022) Markov Chain Probability Models to Describe the Bi-model Rainfall Pattern in Sri Lanka. Accepted to be Published in Journal of Agricultural Sciences- Sri Lanka, 17(02), 2022
    3. Senevirathne, S. M. P., Hettiarachchi M. H. S. M, Dilrukshi R. P. W. A., Kapila Kumara G.D. Ampitiyawatta A. D. and. Beneragama C. K. (2021) Meta-analysis of Technical Efficiency in Selected Agricultural Sub-sectors: Implications for Policy Making in Developing Countries like Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry. 7(2), 42-57, 2021
    4. Ampitiyawatta, A.D and Wimalasiri, G.E.M. (2021) Impact of El Niño Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole Index on growing seasonal characteristics: A case study in Batalagoda. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS). 6(5), 123-125, 2021.
    5. Ampitiyawatta, A.D and Weerasuriya, M.M.M. (2021) Ability of Moisture Absorbing Substrate to Conserve Percolating water. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS). 6(5), 29-31, 2021
    6. Kapila Kumara, Ampitiyawatta A.D., Adithya Padmaperuma,
      Chalinda Beneragama  and Xia Yi Ping. (2021) Alleviation of Salt-Induced Adverse Effets on Gas Exchange, Photosynthetic Pigments Content and Chloroplast Ultrastructure in Gerbera Jamesonii L. by Exogenous Salicylic Acid Application. Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry. 7(2), 1-13, 2021.
    7. Ampitiyawatta, A.D. (2020).  A Comparative Study On Cascade Reservoir Operation Models. Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS). 6(10), 3541-3550.
    8. Ampitiyawatta, A.D. (2020) Cascade reservoirs optimal operation through combined guide curves. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances (GJETA). 05(01), 039–052.
    9. Ampitiyawatta, A.D. (2020) Application of HEC-ResSim in Qinhjiang Cascade reservoirs. Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS), 6(9), 3536-3540.
    10. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., and Wijeratne A.W. (2015) Impact of Temporal Changes of Rainfall on Major Climatic Zones of Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension 18(4):148-152.
    11. Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Guo Shenglian.(2009) Long term trend of precipitation in Kalu ganga basin in Sri Lanka. Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 4(1): 10-18.
    12. Canhua, K., Samantha, K.P.A.P., Long, W., Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Zoysa, K.D. (2007). Country image perception and ethnocentrism: Empirical evidence from young Sri Lankans. Colombo Business Journal, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.
    13. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Guo Shenglian and Wei Li. (2008). Study on regulation rules of HEC-ResSim model in Qingjiang cascade reservoir system (in Chinese). Water Power, 34(1): 15-17.

    Publication in National and International Conferences (Full papers):

    1. Nedimala N.M.R.H, Wickramasinghe M.R.I.K., E.M. Wimalasiri., Ampitiyawatta A.D. and Karunaratne A.S. Impact of Climate Change on Paddy Yield: A Case Studies in Mahailluppallama and Batalagoda, Sri Lanka. 4th International Conference of Agricultural Sciences AgInsight 2022, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, held on 26th and 27th January, 2022. pp 291-294.
    2. Devinda G.D.S., Kaushalya K.C., Ampitiyawatta A.D., Wimalasiri E.M and Kumara J.B.D.A.P. Analysis of Extreme Climate Events in Sri Lanka from 1981 – 2019: A Case Study in Wet, Intermediate and Dry Zone. 4th International Conference of Agricultural Sciences AgInsight 2022, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, held on 26th and 27th January, 2022. Pp 68-71.
    3. Kathriarachchi, A.S., Wimalasiri, E.M., Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Kumara,G.D.K. and Weerasinghe, W.W.B.P.B. (2021). Effect of Three Types of Biochar in Cocopeat Medium on Shoot Cutting Production of Chrysanthemum. SICASH 2021, Proceedings of SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Science and Humanities. pp. 83-89
    4. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., and Wimalasiri, G.E.M. A Protocol to determine Interannual variation of Northeast Monsoon (Maha Rainfalls): A Case study in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE). Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 19, 20 January, 2018. Pp 58-59.
    5. Wijeratne A.W. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. Three stage diminishing sample size: A rotating sampling procedure for estimating seasonal mono-crop yield.  International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE). Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 19, 20 January, 2017. Pp 119-124
    6. Wei Li, Guo Shenglian, Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Pan Liu. (2007). A real-time dynamic flood prevention storage control model for Qingjiang cascade reservoirs. Proceedings of the Symposium HS3006, Perugia, Italy, IAHS Pub. 315. pp 41-47

    Publication in National and International Conferences (Abstracts):

    1. Kaushalya, K.C, Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Wimalasiri, G.E.M and Kumara, J.B.D.A.P. Suitability of Reanalyzed precipitation data as an Alternative source for Missing data: A Case Study in Dry Zone, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Annual research session, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, December 21, 2021.
    2. Shantha, A. A., Patabandi, K .P. L. N. Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Rosairo, H. S. R. Tragedy of the Commons: The case of Irrigation Water in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL 2021), December 01-03, 2021.
    3. Eranga M. Wimalasiri, Ampitiyawatta, A.D and Disanayaka, P.K. Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change Adaptation on Paddy Yield Using Agricultural Production System Simulator (APSIM) model: A Case Study in Dry Zone Sri Lanka, Proceedings of The 7th ICCC 2021, International Conference on Climate Change: Can Vaccine Protect Us Against Climate Change? Indonesia, November 16, 2021
    4. Kaushalya, K.C, Devinda, G.D.S. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Wimalasiri, G.E.M and Kumara, J.B.D.A.P. Analysis of Extreme Climate Events during 1981 – 2019 across Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE 2021). Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 07 May, 2021. 
    5. Kaushalya, K.C, Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Kumara, J.B.D.A.P., Wimalasiri, G.E.M. and Nilmalgoda, E.P.R.H.H.W. Changes of Temperature and Precipitation Extremes in Anuradhapura district in Sri Lanka during 1981 – 2019. Proceedings of Annual research session, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, December 16, 2020.
    6. Nilmalgoda, E.P.R.H.H.W., Wimalasiri, G.E.M., Kumara, J.B.D.A.P. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. Trend in occurrences of extreme temperature events of Anuradhapura district in Sri Lanka.  Proceedings of International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE 2020). Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, 14 February, 2020.
    7. Kalpani, R.I., Samaraweera, D.N., Ampitiyawatta A.D. and Tharanga, K.H.G.M. Effect of Sodium chloride (NaCl) on Growth and Development of the Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zelanicum Blume) Seedlings. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Pg. 3-4, Vol. 01-2019.
    8. Ekanayake, E.M.S.B., Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Dissanayaka, D.M.P.V. Effect of Different Potting Mixtures on Soil Moisture Conservation and Growth of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Under Different Irrigation Intervals. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Pg. 7-8, Vol. 01-2019.
    9. Kumara, N.W.P.A.K., De Silva M.S.D.L. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. Screening the Efficacy of Herbicide (Glufosinate Ammonium 280g/l SL) Against Weeds in Tea Lands. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Pg. 29-30, Vol. 01-2019.
    10. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Wimalasiri, G.E.M., Nilmalgoda, E.P.R.H.H.W. and Kumara, J.B.D.A.P. Use of RClimDex to assess temperature extremes: A case study in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 7th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL 2019), 14th and 15th November, 2019.
    11. Kaushalya, K.C., Yalegama C. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. Application of improved traditional wet method to produce good quality virgin coconut oil in pilot scale. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 2018(1), 12
    12. Perera, D.D.A.S., Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Liyanaarachchige, C.D.M. Assessment of Water management Systems at Walawa Special Area of Mahaweli systems to enhance the Agriculture Sector. Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 2018(1), 12
    13. Indeevari, P.K.U., Subasingha, H.M.P.A. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. Relationship between stress degree Days and initial Growth Performances of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L. ) Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research, Faculty of agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 2018(1), 12
    14. Kaushalya, K.C., Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Yalegama C. Application of improved traditional wet method to produce good quality virgin coconut oil in pilot scale. Annual research session, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, December 19, 2018.
    15. Weerasuriya, M.M.M and Ampitiyawatta, A.D., A suitable substrate to conserve soil moisture by reducing the percolation of water. Wayamba International Conference – WinC – 2018 Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 24, 25 August 2018
    16. Weerasuriya, M.M.M and Ampitiyawatta, A.D., A suitable substrate to conserve soil moisture by reducing the percolation of water. Export Agric Research Sessions 2017, Pg 16
    17. Dilhani, A.G.L. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Screening the efficacy of new Bio herbicide against weeds in Tea, Export Agric Research Sessions 2017, Pg 27
    18. Sanjeewa, A., Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Wijayawardena, L.M.J.R. Identifying and classifying lift irrigation potential sugarcane lands in rain-fed areas in Sewanagala using GIS (geographic Information Systems), Export Agric Research Sessions 2017, Pg 28
    19. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., and Wijeratne A.W. Impact of seasonal changes of rainfall on water resources management in Sri Lanka. Wayamba International Conference - WinC - 2016, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka 19, 20 August, 2016.
    20. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., and Wijeratne A.W. (2016) Impact of temporal changes of rainfall on major climatic zones of Sri Lanka. International Symposium on Agriculture and Environement 2016. University of Ruhuna. 13 January 2016.
    21. Hasanthi, P.D.M, Kudaligama, K.V.V.S. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. Preliminary investigation on some biochemical componenets of Rubber (Hevea uriyabrasiliensis) wood of RRIC 102 and RRIC 121 Genotypes at Dartonfield Estate. Nineteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium. 24th - 25th October 2014.
    22. Niroshani, T.I., Jayasundera, J.M.M.A. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. Development of spray dried herbal porridge with coconut milk. International Conference of Agricultural Sciences 2014 “Perspective for Contemporary Agriculture: Challenges and Future Directions” 9th -10th January 2014.
    23. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., and Wijeratne A.W. Analysis of historical and predicted trend for rainfall and temperature in Sri Lanka. International Conference of Agricultural Sciences 2014 “Perspective for Contemporary Agriculture: Challenges and Future Directions” 9th -10th January 2014.
    24. Wijeratne A.W., Kumara, G.D.K. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. A forward reduction rotational sampling design for estimating the paddy yield. International Conference of Agricultural Sciences 2014 “Perspective for Contemporary Agriculture: Challenges and Future Directions” 9th -10th January 2014.
    25. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., and Guo, S. (2010) Optimal operation of Qingjiang Cascade Reservoir System. 1st Annual Research Session 2010. Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 02 December 2010.
    26. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., and Wijeratne, A.W. A historical trend analysis of rainfall and temperature in Sri Lanka. National Symposium 2008 “New frontiers in Agriculture; from farm to fork” held in 23rd and 24th October 2008.
    27. Ampitiyawatta, A.D., Guo Shenglian and Wei Li. Suitability of HEC-ResSim in Qingjiang cascade reservoirs. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on GIS and RS in Hydrology, Water Resources and Environment/ 2nd International Symposium on Flood forecasting and Management with GIS and RS, 7 – 13 September, 2007, Guangzhou and Three Gorges, China.
    28. Samantha, K.P.A.P., Canhua, K., Long, W., Ampitiyawatta, A.D. and Zoysa, K.D. (2007). Country image perception and ethnocentrism: Empirical evidence from young Sri Lankans. Proceedings of the International research Conference on knowledge for Growth and Development, 30th November, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp17-32. (Paper was awarded as the Outstanding paper Contribution in Marketing at the Conference)
    29. Wijeratne, A.W., Udaya Kumara, E.P.N. and Ampitiyawatta, A.D. (2004). Weather changing patterns of the recently earth slip affected area – Puwakgahawela. 9th Annual Forestry and Environment Symposium, 27th- 28th February, 2004.

    Research Grants/Research Awards

    • Principle Investigator, “Assessment of extreme climate events and their impact on agriculture in major climatic zones of Sri Lanka”, University Research Grants, Rs. 3 Mn, 2020.
    • Co-Investigator, “Impact of water management strategies on livelihood success of rural community”, AHEAD grant, Rs. 10 Mn, 2020.

    Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programmes/Extension Courses/Short Courses/Visiting Lectures

    • Resource Person, Staff Development Centre, SUSL, Workshop on Assessment and Evaluation” for Induction program for Academic Staff members, 2020, 2022
    • Resource Person, Workshop on “Management Protocols and Work Procedure/scope of work for non-academic staff” Quality Assurance Cell, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 10th December, 2020
    • Resource Person, Workshop on “Preparation of Specification, bidding documents and procurement procedures especially in the STHRD project, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 14th September, 2020
    • Subject Matter Expert in reviving the current curriculum, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2020
    • Examiner, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aquinas College of Higher Studies, 2019, 2020
    • Member of the Judging Panel for Invention and Innovation Competition “Sahasak Nimavum 2020”, Sri Lanka Invention Commission
    • Curriculum Revision, Bacholer of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 2019
    • Resource Person, Workshop for Advanced Level Agriculture Students, Balangoda Zone, 2019
    • Invited speech, “History and evolution of Technology and its recent applications” Technology day, St. Aloysius College, Ratnapura. 18th September, 2018.
    • Chief Examiner for Advanced Level Paper marking panel on Agriculture from 2015  -2020 at Ratnapura station.
    • Resource Person, Workshop for Ordinary Level Agriculture and Food Technology Students, Balangoda Zone, 2017
    • Revision of Curriculum, BSc. Agricultural Sciences and Management Degree Program, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2016.
    • Co-controller of Advanced Level practical examination on Biosystems Technology in 2015 and 2016.
    • Leadership Development Programme for Undergraduates, Faculty of Agriculture, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2016, 2019
    • Resource Person, Residential Training Programme for New Newly Appointed Biosystems Teachers on “Agro Climatology”, National Institute of Education 06th August, 2015
    • Resource Person, Capacity Development Workshop A/L Biosystems Technology teachers on “Hydrology and Climatology”, National Institute of Education, 06th August, 2015
    • Resource Person, Teacher Training Programme on Practical exercises for Advanced Level Biosystems Technology Teachers, National Institute of Education, 29th-30th June, 2015
    • Resource person for the training for Instructors of Agriculture Teachers conducted by National Institute of Education, June 28, 2015 on Agro-climatology.
    • Resource Person, G.C.E. Advanced Level Practical Test – Biosystems Technology, 2015.
    • Resource Person, Workshop for Advanced Level Agriculture Teachers of Bandarawela Zone, Faculty of Agriculture, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 16th and 17th October, 2014
    • Resource Person, Workshop for Advanced Level Agriculture Teachers of Bandarawela Zone Personality Development Programme for Undergraduates, Faculty of Agriculture, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2014, 2015