I completed my B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences (Specialization in Livestock Production) at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka . I immediately started a career in academia as a lecturer in the same university, where I became more involved in research, particularly regarding poultry and dairy cattle production.Apart from research, I  am actively involving in undergraduate teaching since 2004, teaching varied courses on livestock management. While I completing my Masters degree (M.Phil in Animal Science) at the University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka in focusing on weaning stress in rabbits, a project that incorporated behaviour and stress physiology, I developed a passion for the study of pain and distress in animals.

I then found the perfect way to pursue my interests in the neurophysiology of pain. I started a PhD in poultry welfare at the University of Guelph, Canada investigating on-farm euthanasia of poultry. I focused on the efficacy of different on-farm euthanasia techniques across North America to  establish science-based recommendations for best practices to ensure that euthanasia devices are humane, effective, and pose minimal threat to the operators. I had the great opportunity to carryout my research works both at the Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Canada and the Department of Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animals, Iowa State University, USA.

 I like to pursue my research interests in an academic setting where I can investigate basic research questions that may have implications for industry and policy.

Google Scholar- https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=CGIkMNgAAAAJ

Research Gate- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amila_Bandara3

ORCiD ID  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7933-5185

Scopus Author ID: 57208622325

Web of Science ResearcherID - AAG-7901-2020

The Poultry Science Association, USA

International Society for Applied Ethology,UK

Cambell Center for the Study of Animal Welfare, Canada

Universities Fedaration for Animal Welfare, UK

Humane Slaughter Association, UK

Animal Welfare and Behaviour

• My main research interests are to improve the welfare of farm animals and to find a better balance among production parameters, health, and the environment. .
• My current research projects are forcused on welfare concerns associated with on-farm euthanasia and slaughtering of livestock

Awards and Scholarships

• Best presenter award, Annual research symposium- 2017, Campbell Center for the study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Canada.
• Travel Grant by Poultry Science Association,USA to participate the Aannual meeting-2018 of the Poultry Science Association held in Texas, USA
• International Doctoral Tuition Scholarship (IDTS).  University of Guelph, Canada. (2018).
• Research Assistantship, Department of Animal Biology, University of Guelph, Canada (2015-2019)
• Best research presenter in the 1^st International Symposium of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2006.
• Travel grant by Asian Australian Animal Production Societies to present papers at the 15^th AAAP congress, Bangkok, Thailand, 2012

1. Public Perception and Awareness on Livestock Welfare in Sri Lanka

2. Efficacy of Electric Waterbath Stunning on Welfare and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

3 Regrouping stress of Broiler Breeder Chickens:1-20 weeks age groups

4. Assessing the severity and prevalence of foot pad dermatitis in broiler chickens reared in different housing systems

Papers published in indexed journals

1.Kapuarachchi, K., Bandara, R.M.A.S., Prabashwari, T. (2023). 'Effect of Litter Material and Elevated Platform Enrichment on Behaviour and Welfare of Broiler Chickens in Closed-House System', Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, 13(2), pp. 345-355.

2. R.M.A.S. Bandara, S. Torrey, P.V. Turner, A. zur Linden, K. Schwean-Lardner, T.M. Widowski. (2023). Efficacy of three different cervical dislocation methods for on-farm killing of layer chicks, Poultry Science,Volume 102, Issue 4, 102538, ISSN 0032-5791,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.102538

3. Bandara RMAS, Torrey S, Turner PV, Schwean-Lardner K and Widowski TM (2019). Anatomical pathology, behavioral, and physiological responses induced by application of non-penetrating captive bolt devices in layer chickens. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6:89. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00089

4. Bandara RMAS, Torrey S, Turner PV,  Alex Alex Zur Linden, Anna Bolinder, Schwean-Lardner K and Widowski TM (2019). Efficacy of a Novel Mechanical Cervical Dislocation Device in Comparison to Manual Cervical Dislocation in Layer Chickens.Animals 9(7):407.DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9070407

5. B.C. Kalansooriya, R.M.A.S. Bandara and H.M.G.P. Herath. Effect of Two Types of Total Mixed Rations on Production Performances of Holstein Friesian Cows in Early Lactation (2021), Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2021 (Pages 271-278)

Papers published in peer-reviewed journals

1. Senevirathna, G.G.U.L.B., Bandara, R.M.A.S., Samarakone, T.S. and Weerasinghe, W.P.C.G. (2023). A survey on management practices and attitudes of broiler buy-back farmers towards farm animal welfare in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: a case study of a commercial broiler chicken processing company. Journal of Agriculture and Value Addition, 6(1), p.62-77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/java.v6i70

2. Bandara, R.M.A.S., Samarakone, T.S., Magamage, M.P.S. and Wijayagunawardane, M.P.B., 202 Effect of weaning age on behaviour and production performances of New Zealand White rabbit does in tropical climatic condition. AGRIEAST: Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 16(1), pp.41–55. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/agrieast.v16i1.110

3. Ranthethge, R.G.D.P., Bandara, R.M.A.S., Weerasinghe, W.P.C.G. and Samarakone, T.S., 2022. Assessing farmer attitude on dry cow welfare in selected veterinary divisions in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. AGRIEAST: Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 16(1), pp.56–68. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/agrieast.v16i1.111

4. Munasinghe, M.A.J.P., Alwis, H., Bandara, R.M.A.S. and Weerakkody, G., 2022. Impact of cardamom, cinnamon and ginger essences on keeping quality of butter. Journal of Agriculture and Value Addition, 5(1), pp.107–11,DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/java.v5i1.37

5. N.M.T.S. Disanayaka, M.A.J.P. Munasinghe, R.M.A.S.Bandara, L.A.N. Liyanage and P.D.C. Dissanayake (2015). Meat Yield of the Strains Cobb 500, Hubbard Classic, Hubbard Flex, Hubbard 15 under Open and Close House Condition. Sabaragamuwa University Journal, Volume 14 Number 1; pp 25-31.DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v14i1.7689

        6.Bandara, R. M. A. S., Rajapaksha, S. M., Munasinghe, M. A. J. P.,Wijerathna, K. M. N., & Kumara, P. K. M. P. (2015). Welfare issues of calf management      practices in small-scale dairy farms, Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Livestock Production, 6(4), 52-56. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJLP2014.0210. Article Number: B2A0E2452340

       7.Nissanka, N.P.C., Bandara, R.M.A.S. and Disnaka, K.G.J.S. (2010). A Comparative Study on Feeding of Total Mixed Ration Vs Conventional Feeding on Weight Gain in Weaned Friesian Heifers Under Tropical Environment. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 5(1), pp: 42-51.

       8. Senarathna, I.W.P., Bandara, R.M.A.S., Udayathilaka, E.U. and Wejeratne, W.A. (2009). Development of A Cultured Milk Beverage Using Cheddar Cheese Whey. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 4(1), pp: 46- 51.

       9.Bandara, R.M.A.S. and Dasanayaka, D.M.W.K. (2006). A Quantitative Analysis on Factors affecting Profitability of Small-Scale Broiler Production. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2 (3), pp: 45-50.

       10. Mahaliyanaarachchi R.P. and Bandara, R.M.A.S. and (2006). Commercialization of Agriculture and Role of Agricultural Extension. Journal of Sabaragamuwa University, 6 (1), pp: 13-22.

        11. Mahaliyanaarachchi, R.P., Bandara, R.M.A.S. and Wejerathna, A.W. (2006) Developing an Attitudinal Scale to Measure the Attitudes of the Farmers Towards Commercialization of the Agricultural Extension. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2(3), pp: 26- 35.

In review

1. R. M.A.S. Bandara, T. M. Widowski, S. Torrey, R. L. Parsons and S. T. Millman. Aversion to CO₂ gas in laying hens using approach-avoidance and conditioned place avoidance paradigms

2. R. M.A.S. Bandara, T. M. Widowski, S. Torrey, R. L. Parsons and S. T. Millman. Behavioral assessment of aversion and time to loss of consciousness in CO₂ gas exposed turkey poults

Publications in International Conferences

1.Bandara RMAS, Widowski TM, Torrey S, Parsons RL, Millman ST, 2021. Aversion to CO₂ gas in laying hens using approach-avoidance and conditioned place avoidance paradigms. Iowa Egg Industry Symposium, Ames, IA, November 11, 2021. This poster tied for 1^st place in the poster competition.

2. RGDP Ranthethge, RMAS Bandara , WPCG Weerasinghe and TS Samarakone. Assessing Farmer Attitude on Dry-Cow Welfare in Selected Veterinary Divisions in Kandy District of Sri Lanka. 2021.Proceedings of the 8th International conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Pg 44, December 3rd 2021, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

3.DRAU Debatapitiya∗ and RMAS Bandara. Effect of Routine Management Practices on Welfare of Broiler Breeder Chicks and Growers: A Behaviour Assessment. 2021.Proceedings of the 8th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Pg 46. December 2021,Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

4.GGULB Senevirathna , RMAS Bandara∗ , WPCG Weerasinghe and TS Samarakone. Management Practices and Attitudes of Buy-Back Farmers towards Broiler Chicken Welfare; Gampaha District, Sri Lanka.2021.Proceedings of the 8th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Pg 48. December 2021,Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

5. SMANS Senanayake∗ , RMAS Bandara , TS Samarakone , MWRC Premasiri and MHD Kavinda. Prevalence of Footpad Dermatitis and Carcass Defects in Broiler Chickens Reared in Closed and Open-sided House Systems.2021.Proceedings of the 8th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Pg 50. December 2021,Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

6.M.W.R.C. Premasiri, R.M.A.S. Bandara, M.H.D. Kavinda, S.M.A.N.S. Senanayake, T.S. Samarakone. (2021). Assessment of efficacy of electrical water bath stunning on welfare and meat quality of broiler chickens. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE) 2021.Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lank

7..M.H. Dumindu Kavinda, Thusith Samarakone and R.M.A.S. Bandara. (2021). Pre-slaughter stress conditions, efficacy of electrical water bath stunning, and meat quality of broiler chickens reared in opened houses and closed houses. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE) 2021.Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lank

8.S.M.A.N.S. Senanayake, R.M.A.S. Bandara, T.S. Samarakone, M.W.R.C. Premasiri, M.H. Dumindu Kavinda and A.J.M.A.D. Bandara. (2021). Effect of transport distance on pre-slaughter stress, efficacy of water bath stunning and meat quality in broiler chickens. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE) 2021.Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lank

9..R. M.A.S. Bandara, S. Torrey , R. L. Parsons, T. M. Widowski and S. T. Millman (2018). Assessment of aversion and time to insensibility to CO2 gas exposure in laying hens. Proceedings of Poultry Science Association- Annual meeting- 2018. Texas. USA.

10.R.M.A.S. Bandara, S. Torrey, R. L. Parsons, T.M. Widowski and S.T. Millman. (2018). Aversion to CO2 gas in turkeys using approach-avoidance and conditioned place avoidance paradigms. Proceedings of International Society for Applied Ethology, 2018. Prince Edward Island, Canada

11.R.M.A.S. Bandara, S. Torrey, R. L. Parsons, T.M. Widowski and S.T. Millman. (2018). Assessment of aversion and time to loss of consciousness to CO2 gas exposure in turkeys. Proceedings of Campbell Center for the study of Animal Welfare - Annual research symposium- 2018, Guelph, Canada.

12.R.M.A.S. Bandara, S. Torrey, A. Bolinder, K. Schwean-Lardner, P.V. Turner, and T. M. Widowski. (2017). Efficacies of manual, assisted manual and mechanical cervical dislocation methods in anesthetized layer chicks. Proceedings of the World Poultry Science Association- Annual meeting- 2017. Florida, Orlando. USA. July,2017

13.R.M.A.S. Bandara, S. Torrey, L. J. Caston, K. Schwean-Lardner and T. M. Widowski. (2017). Anatomical pathology and behavioural reflex responses induced by nonpenetrating captive bolt devices for on farm euthanasia of layer chickens. Proceedings of the X^th European symposium on poultry welfare, France, June, 2017

14.R.M.A.S. Bandara, S. Torrey, A. Bolinder, K. Schwean-Lardner, P.V. Turner, and T. M. Widowski. (2017). Efficacy of Koechner euthanizing device in comparison to manual cervical dislocation and assisted manual cervical dislocation in anesthetize layer chicks. Annual research symposium- 2017, Campbell Center for the study of Animal Welfare, Guelph, Canada.

15.L.S.W. Perera, D.A. Satharasinghe, I.K.D.C.B. Ekanayake and R.M.A.S. Bandara Assessment of Cobb-500 Broiler grandparent’s body weight on egg fertility, behaviour and testicular weight (2015). Proceedings of the 1^st Annual International Conference on Veterinary and Animal Sciences. pp 12, Sri Lanka.

16.Wickramasinghe, W.A.S.D., Bandra, R.M.A.S. and Munasinghe, M.A.J.P. (2014). Effect of age of broiler breeders on chick performance and behavior. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment. pp 261, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, November, 2014.

17.Disanayaka, N.M.T.S. Munasinghe, M.A.J.P. Bandara, R.M.A.S, Dissanayake P.D.C. and Liyanage L.A.N. (2014). Meat Performance of four boiler strains under open house and close house systems. Proceedings of the 16th AAAP Animal Science Congress, pp 189, Indonesia, November, 2014

18.Bandara, R.M.A.S., Samarakone, T.S., Sumith, M.M.P. and Wijayagunawardane M.P.B. (2014). Effect of Litter Weaning Age on Behaviour and Performances of New Zealand White Rabbit Does in Tropical Climate. Proceedings of the 16^th AAAP Animal Science Congress, pp 321, Indonesia, November, 2014

19.Bandara, R.M.A.S., Rajapakshe, S.M, Munasinghe M.A.J.P, Wijerathne KMN and Kumara P.K.M.P. (2014). Welfare issues of calf management practices in small scale dairy farms; Ratnapura district, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 16^th AAAP Animal Science Congress, pp 299, Indonesia, November, 2014

20.Tharangani, A.K.D.R.I. Bandara, R.M.A.S and Munasinghe M.A.J.P.(2014) .Co-relation of Lipolytic count and free fatty acid content of butter in four different storage temperature. Proceedings of the 16^th AAAP Animal Science Congress, pp 619, Indonesia, November, 2014

21.Darshika, S.D.N. Bandara, R.M.A.S and Munasinghe M.A.J.P. (2014). Keeping quality variation of raw milk in different storage temperature. Proceedings of the 16^th AAAP Animal Science Congress, pp 620, Indonesia, November, 2014

22.Munasinge, M.A.J.P., Bandara R.M.A.S., Rathnayake, R.M.S,S. and Weerakkody, G. (2014). Rancidity development in common feed ingredients during the storage period in tropical climate. Proceedings of the 16^th AAAP Animal Science Congress, pp 496, Indonesia, November, 2014

23.Bandara, R.M.A.S., Samarakone, T.S., Sumith, M.M.P. and Wijayagunawardane M.P.B. (2014). Effect of age at weaning on post weaning behaviour of New Zealand White Rabbit Kits. Proceedings of the International Conference – 2014, pp 37, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of, Sri Lanka.

24.Basnayaka, B.M.D.D., Bandara, R.M.A.S., Dissanayake, N.M.T.S.(2014). Effect of Probiotic mixture on growth performances and well being of the Ayrshire-Friesian crossbred calves in up country; Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Conference – 2014, pp 55, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of, Sri Lanka

25.Bandara, R.M.A.S., Herath, H.M.G.P. and Herath, P.G.H.M.S.N.(2014). Socio Economic Characteristic of Cattle and Goat Keepers in Ratnapura District. Proceedings of the International Conference – 2014, pp 26, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of, Sri Lanka

26.Bandara, R.M.A.S., Samarakone, T.S., Wijayagunawardane M.P.B. and Sumith, M.M.P. (2012). Behaviour and Subsequent Body Development of Primiparous New Zealand White Rabbit Does and Their Kits Under Three Different Weaning Ages in Tropical Climate. Proceedings of 15^th AAAP Animal Science Congress, Volume 11-Abstracts, pp 459.Bangkok, Thailand.

Resource person- One day workshop on "Animal Welfare for Sustainable Livestock Production" ( delivered a talk on pain perception in animals), organized by the Animal Welfare Socity, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna (2019). 

1. Best Researcher of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences award- University Day 2024- Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

2. Best Presenter Award in the 1st International Research Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2006- Best presentation in Agri-Business Management session.

3. Best Presenter Award, Annual Animal Welfare Research Symposium- 2017, Campbell Center for the study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Canada

4. Best Poster Presentation Award-. Iowa Egg Industry Research Symposium, Ames, IA, USA. November 11, 2021. This poster tied for 1st place in the poster competition.

Membership in the Editorial Board of Journals

1. Deputy Coordinating Editor- Journal of Agricultural Sciences-Sri Lanka - Since February 2020

2.Coordinating Assistant - Journal of Agricultural Sciences - 2008-2010

Reviewer for the following international journals

• Animals (ISSN 2076-2615)     https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020183

• Veterinary Sciences (MDPI Journal, indexed in SCOPUS and SCIE)

• Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472; CODEN: ABSGFK)

• Tropical Agricultural Research (TAR)

• Journal of Agricultural Sciences-Sri Lanka

•  

Involvements in Research Symposiums

Symposium Chair- Undergraduate Research symposium- 2023, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, SUSL

Symposium Co-Chair- Anuual Research Session, SUSL - 2020

Session Chair- National Symposium on Agriculture and Life Science, Uwa Wellussa University- 5th January 2024

Faculty Coordinator of the 08th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL – 2021) 

Panel member of the 7th International Research Conference of Uva Wellassa University 2023 (IRCUWU2023)

Panel member of the professional forum of the 11th Annual Research Session-2021 of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka held on the 21st December 2021

1. Rabbit Management- A text Book for University Students- ISBN 978-624-205-035-5

2. Crocodiles- Husbandry and management- A text Book for University Students-ISBN 978-624-205-036-2