hasithap@agri.ruh.ac.lk

+94 74 295 8401

Dr. Hasitha Priyashantha

Senior Lecturer

Department of Animal Science,
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna,
Mapalana, Kamburupitiya,
Sri Lanka 81100

Research Interests

Qualifications

PhD in Food Science | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden
MSc. Animal-Derived Foods | University of Copenhagen, Denmark
MSc. Animal Science | SLU, Sweden
BSc. Agricultural Technology and Management | University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Research Component in Dairy Science and Technology | Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain (EXPERTS ASIA awardee)

Biography

Dr. Hasitha Priyashantha is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. His research focuses on sustainable tropical livestock systems, dairy science, milk quality, animal-derived foods, climate-smart livestock production, and circular approaches in animal food value chains. His work integrates animal production, food quality, sustainability, and climate resilience to develop practical solutions for livestock systems in the Global South. Prior to joining the University of Ruhuna, Dr. Priyashantha worked in Sweden as a Milk Quality Expert at the Federation of Swedish Dairy Farmers (LRF) and served as the National Secretary of Sweden to the International Dairy Federation (IDF). Through these roles, he contributed to national and international initiatives related to milk quality, dairy sustainability, and knowledge transfer while working closely with farmers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers. Dr. Priyashantha has extensive experience in research, teaching, extension, and international collaboration, with a particular interest in sustainable dairy production, precision livestock systems, climate adaptation, food safety, and livestock value chain development. His current research aims to enhance the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of tropical livestock systems through interdisciplinary approaches that combine animal science, food systems, and circular bioeconomy principles. He obtained a First Class B.Sc. (Agricultural Technology and Management) from the University of Peradeniya together with research exchange at Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain, followed by a double Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Animal-Derived Food Sciences jointly awarded by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden, and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He completed his PhD in Food Science at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden. Dr. Priyashantha actively collaborates with national and international partners and is committed to advancing research, innovation, and capacity building in tropical and circular livestock production systems that contribute to sustainable agriculture, food security, and improved livelihoods.

Gallery

Training/work experiences

Total: 21

01
Senior Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
02
Milk Quality Expert, the Swedish Farmers Federation, Sweden
03
National Secretary of Sweden to the International Dairy Federation in Belgium
04
Member of the Food Safety and Ingredients/contaminants working groups of the European Dairy Association, Belgium
05
Lecturer and supervisor in the Food & Pharma Technology Program at Folkuniversitetet, Uppsala, Sweden
06
Consultant for the Folkuniversitetet within Food & Pharma Technology, Sweden
07
Trained for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
08
Research Associate (upon completion of the PhD), at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
09
Social Media Coordinator at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU
10
The Chairperson of the SLU’s PhD council consist of four PhD councils of the student unions and the PhD student commissioner
11
Steering committee member (to represent PhD students) of the PhD school Focus on Food and Biomaterials at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU
12
Industrial Master Thesis student - Chr. Hansen A/S, Fermented milk section, Hørsholm, Denmark
13
Internship on Dairy Product Processing at Aula de Productos Lácteos (Dairy Research Laboratory) in Spain
14
The postgraduate level course works (i.e. Dairy Chemistry Masterclass, Advanced Food Analysis and Food Protein Functionality) at Wageningen University & Research – WUR, The Netherlands
15
Swedish Industrial Food Science PhD training at Lund University, Sweden
16
PhD Students Training on Interdisciplinary–Multicultural–International education in Rogów, Poland
17
Summer School – Food Security and Sustainability, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
18
Summer School on Animal Derived Foods and Mediterranean animal husbandries in Southern Europe at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
19
Volunteer worker at Rainforest Rescue International, Sri Lanka
20
Bank of Ceylon student trainee, Galle, Sri Lanka
21
Organizational Management and Supervisory Skills Development diploma training by the Institute of Business and Industrial Studies and Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka

Journal Publications

Total: 44

Dasanayaka, S., Somasiri, N., Pathirana, I. Zamaratskia, G., Priyashantha, H.*, Integrating neglected and underutilized livestock resources for resilient and sustainable food systems in Global South: a holistic perspective. npj Sustain. Agric. 4, 60 (2026).

Priyashantha H*, Jayathissa IS, Vidanarachchi JK, Atapattu NSBM, Zamaratskaia G and Jayarathna S (2026) Building resilient livestock systems for climate change adaptation and mitigation in South Asia: a structured narrative review. Front. Anim. Sci. 7:1796156.

Glynn, A., Nystrom Kandola, J., Johanson, G., Vogs, C., Ekstrand, C., Karlsson, M. A., Priyashantha, H., Lilja, K., Karlsson, L.-E., Yeung, L. W.-Y., et al. (2026). Occurrence of PFAS in cow’s milk: A comparative study of Swedish farms near contaminated sites and regional dairy production facilities. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 74(9), 7878–7886.

Priyashantha, H.*, Jayathissa, I. S., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Jayarathna, S., Mapiye, C., Maggiolino, A., & Ponnampalam, E. N. (2026). Phytochemicals in ruminant diets: Mechanistic insights, product quality enhancement, and pathways to sustainable milk and meat production—Invited review. Animals, 16(3).

Jayathissa, I. S., Rajapaksha, G. D. S. P., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Adassooriya, N. M., Chamara, H. K. B. S., Priyashantha, H., Jayarathna, S., & Bandaranayake, P. C. G. (2026). Biodegradable composite films from carrageenan, chitosan, and modified starch with enhanced mechanical strength and barrier properties for sustainable packaging. Discover Sustainability.

Mapiye, C., Semwogerere, F., Steyn, L., Priyashantha, H., Natalello, A., Marais, J., Soladoye, O. P., Priolo, A., & Ponnampalam, E. N. (2025). Impact of dietary phytochemicals on production and quality of ruminant meat and milk: A comprehensive systematic review. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 116609.

Priyashantha, H., Seresinhe, T., Pathirana, I., Gunawardana, G., Silva, G. L. L. P., Arachchi, A. E., Jayarathna, S., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2025). Livestock and poultry production in Sri Lanka: Challenges and strategies for climate-resilient food security. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1645848.

Ponnampalam, E. N., Jairath, G., Gadzama, I. U., Li, L., Santhiravel, S., Ma, C., Flores, M., & Priyashantha, H. (2025). Production systems and feeding strategies in the aromatic fingerprinting of animal-derived foods: Invited review. Foods, 14(19), 3400.

Priyashantha, H., Jayathissa, I. S., Jayarathna, S., Senaratna, D., Narayana, N., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2025). Role of A2 milk in rural transformations: Health benefits, market potential, and sustainable production pathways. Dairy Science and Management, 2(1), 11.

Madushanka, D., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Kodithuwakku, S., Nayanajith, G. R. A., Jayatilake, S., & Priyashantha, H. (2025). Isolation and characterization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria from fermented traditional rice for potential applications in food and livestock production. Applied Food Research, 5(1), 100865.

Priyashantha, H., Kurukulasuriya, M. S., Ranadheera, C. S., Jayarathna, S., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2025). Biofortification as a sustainable solution to combat micronutrient malnutrition in the global south with a focus on Sri Lanka: Potential, challenges, and policy implications. Discover Food, 5(1).

Priyashantha, H., Madushan, R., Pelpolage, S. W., Wijesekara, A., & Jayarathna, S. (2025). Incorporation of fruits or fruit pulp into yoghurts: Recent developments, challenges, and opportunities. Frontiers in Food Science and Technology, 5, 1581877.

Johnson, L. B., Diddeniya, G., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Prasanna, P., Abesinghe, A. M. N. L., & Priyashantha, H. (2025). Can ultrasonication improve coagulation properties of indigenous and exotic cow milk for dairy product processing? Food Research International, 202, 115695.

Wijekoon, W., Priyashantha, H., Gajanayake, P., Manage, P., Liyanage, C., Jayarathna, S., & Kumarasinghe, U. (2025). Review and prospects of phytoremediation: Harnessing biofuel-producing plants for environmental remediation. Sustainability, 17(3), 822.

Wijesekara, A., Weerasingha, V., Jayarathna, S., Vidanarachchi, J. K., & Priyashantha, H. (2025). Microbial strains in fermented dairy: Unlocking biofunctional properties and health benefits. International Journal of Food Science, 2025(1), 6672700.

Priyashantha, H. (2025). World dairy system sustainability: A milk quality perspective. Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management, 4, 1572962.

Priyashantha, H., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2024). Perspectives on value chain transformation towards resilient animal-source food systems in Sri Lanka. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 10(1), 2384329.

Siriwardhana, J., Rasika, D. M. D., Yapa, D., Weerathilake, W. A. D. V., & Priyashantha, H. (2024). Enhancing probiotic survival and quality of fermented goat milk beverages with bael (Aegle marmelos) fruit pulp. Food Chemistry Advances, 5, 100792.

Priyashantha, H., Hansson, L., Forsman, P., Lundh, Å., & Hetta, M. (2024). Computed tomography (CT) scanning to visualize eye formation and internal structure in Grevé cheese. Heliyon, 10(13).

Dilkushi, H. A. S., Jayarathna, S., Manipura, A., Chamara, H. K. B. S., Edirisinghe, D., Vidanarachchi, J. K., & Priyashantha, H. (2024). Development and characterization of biocomposite films using banana pseudostem, cassava starch and poly(vinyl alcohol): A sustainable packaging alternative. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, 7, 100472.

Ponnampalam, E. N., Priyashantha, H., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Kiani, A., & Holman, B. W. B. (2024). Effects of nutritional factors on fat content, fatty acid composition, and sensorial properties of meat and milk from domesticated ruminants: An overview. Animals, 14(6), 840.

Wijekoon, W., Kumarasinghe, U., Alahakoon, A., Jayarathna, S., & Priyashantha, H. (2024). Can Dawul Kurundu (Neolitsea involucrata) leaf extract be used as a plant-based stabilizer in set yoghurt production? Food Science & Nutrition, 12(3), 2195–2201.

Yapa, D., Rasika, D. M. D., Weerathilake, W. A. D. V., Siriwardhana, J., & Priyashantha, H. (2023). Effects of fermenting with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG on quality attributes and storage stability of buffalo milk yogurt incorporated with bael (Aegle marmelos) fruit pulp. NFS Journal, 31, 102–109.

Priyashantha, H., Ranadheera, C. S., Senadheera, T. R. L., Hettiarachchi, H. T. M., Jayarathna, S., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2023). Use of proteolytic activity of Ficus carica in milk coagulation. In Fig (Ficus carica): Production, Processing, and Properties (pp. 745–763). Springer International Publishing.

Udayakumar, S., Rasika, D. M. D., Priyashantha, H., Vidanarachchi, J. K., & Ranadheera, C. S. (2022). Probiotics and beneficial microorganisms in biopreservation of plant-based foods and beverages. Applied Sciences, 12(22), 11737.

Weerasingha, V., Priyashantha, H., Ranadheera, C. S., Prasanna, P., Silva, P., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2022). Harnessing the untapped potential of indigenous cow milk in producing set-type yoghurts: Case of Thamankaduwa White and Lankan cattle. Journal of Dairy Research, 89(4), 419–426.

Weerasingha, V., Priyashantha, H., Ranadheera, C. S., Prasanna, P., Silva, P., Vidanarachchi, J. K., & Johansson, M. (2022). Milk coagulation properties: A study on milk protein profile of native and improved cattle breeds/types in Sri Lanka. Dairy, 3(4), 710–721.

Wijesekara, A., Weerasingha, V., Jayarathna, S., & Priyashantha, H. (2022). Quality parameters of natural phenolics and its impact on physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory quality attributes of probiotic stirred yogurt during storage. Food Chemistry: X, 14, 100332.

Priyashantha, H., & Lundh, Å. (2021). Graduate student literature review: Current understanding of the influence of on-farm factors on bovine raw milk and its suitability for cheesemaking. Journal of Dairy Science, 104(11), 12173–12183.

Priyashantha, H., Lundh, Å., Höjer, A., Bernes, G., Nilsson, D., Hetta, M., Saedén, K. H., Gustafsson, A. H., & Johansson, M. (2021). Composition and properties of bovine milk: A study from dairy farms in northern Sweden—Part I. Effect of dairy farming system. Journal of Dairy Science, 104(8), 8582–8594.

Priyashantha, H., Lundh, Å., Höjer, A., Bernes, G., Nilsson, D., Hetta, M., Saedén, K. H., Gustafsson, A. H., & Johansson, M. (2021). Composition and properties of bovine milk: A case study from dairy farms in northern Sweden—Part II. Effect of monthly variation. Journal of Dairy Science, 104(8), 8595–8609.

Priyashantha, H., Höjer, A., Saedén, K. H., Lundh, Å., Johansson, M., Bernes, G., Geladi, P., & Hetta, M. (2021). Determining the end-date of long-ripening cheese maturation using NIR hyperspectral image modelling: A feasibility study. Food Control, 108316.

Priyashantha, H., Johansson, M., Langton, M., Sampels, S., Jayarathna, S., Hetta, M., Saedén, K. H., Höjer, A., & Lundh, Å. (2021). Variation in dairy milk composition and properties has little impact on cheese ripening: Insights from a traditional Swedish long-ripening cheese. Dairy, 2(3), 336–355.

Priyashantha, H., Ranadheera, C. S., Rasika, D. M. D., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2021). Traditional Sri Lankan fermented buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk gel (Meekiri): Technology, microbiology and quality characteristics. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 8(1), 27.

Priyashantha, H., Buldo, P., Berg, T., Gilleladen, C., & Ipsen, R. (2021). Understanding the fermentation factors affecting the separability of fermented milk: A model system study. Food Structure, 30, 100232.

Adikari, A. M. M. U., Priyashantha, H., Disanayaka, J. N. K., Jayatileka, D. V., Kodithuwakku, S. P., Jayatilake, J. A. M. S., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2021). Isolation, identification and characterization of Lactobacillus species diversity from Meekiri: Traditional fermented buffalo milk gels in Sri Lanka. Heliyon, 7(10).

Weragama, D., Weerasingha, V., Jayasumana, L., Adikari, J., Vidanarachchi, J. K., & Priyashantha, H. (2021). The physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties and antioxidant activities of cream cheeses fortified with dried curry leaves (Murraya koenigii L.) powder. Food Science & Nutrition, 9(10), 5774–5784.

Madushan, R., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Prasanna, P. H. P., Werellagama, S., & Priyashantha, H. (2021). Use of natural plant extracts as a novel microbiological quality indicator in raw milk: An alternative for resazurin dye reduction method. LWT, 144, 111221.

Jayarathna, S., Priyashantha, H., Johansson, M., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Jayawardana, B. C., & Liyanage, R. (2021). Probiotic enriched fermented soy-gel as a vegan substitute for dairy yoghurt. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 45(1), e15092.

Abesinghe, A. M. N. L., Priyashantha, H., Prasanna, P. H. P., Kurukulasuriya, M. S., Ranadheera, C. S., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2020). Inclusion of probiotics into fermented buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk: An overview of challenges and opportunities. Fermentation, 6(4), 121.

Priyashantha, H., Höjer, A., Saedén, K. H., Lundh, Å., Johansson, M., Bernes, G., Geladi, P., & Hetta, M. (2020). Use of near-infrared hyperspectral (NIR-HS) imaging to visualize and model the maturity of long-ripening hard cheeses. Journal of Food Engineering, 264, 109687.

Priyashantha, H., Pérez Quintáns, A., Baixauli, R., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2019). Type of starter culture influences on structural and sensorial properties of low protein fermented gels. Journal of Texture Studies, 50(6), 482–492.

Priyashantha, H., Lundh, Å., Höjer, A., Hetta, M., Johansson, M., & Langton, M. (2019). Interactive effects of casein micelle size and calcium and citrate content on rennet-induced coagulation in bovine milk. Journal of Texture Studies, 50(6), 508–519.

Sun, L., Dicksved, J., Priyashantha, H., Lundh, Å., & Johansson, M. (2019). Distribution of bacteria between different milk fractions, investigated using culture-dependent methods and molecular-based and fluorescent microscopy approaches. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 127(4), 1028–1037.

Books / Book Chapters

Total: 3

Priyashantha, H., Ranadheera, C. S., Senadheera, T. R. L., Hettiarachchi, H. T. M., Jayarathna, S., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2023). Use of Proteolytic Activity of Ficus carica in Milk Coagulation. In M. F. Ramadan (Ed.), Fig (Ficus carica): Production, Processing, and Properties. Springer, Cham.

Jayarathna, S., Vidanarachchi, J. K., Marambe, B., Pushpakumara, D. K. N. G., Silva, G. L. L. P., Dandeniya, W., Lowe, A., Yugantha, J. G., Wijesundara, N. M., Mishra, L., Udayagee, K. P. P., Wickramasinghe, J., Kumara, U. M. A., Rasika, D. M. D., Kopiyawattage, K., Duboc, O., Calderón, C., & Priyashantha, H. (2025). Integrating climate change adaptation into organic micro-farming: Enhancing community resilience in urban food production in Sri Lanka. In W. Leal Filho, N. Matandirotya, D. Yayeh Ayal, J. M. Luetz, & B. Borsari (Eds.), Climate change, food security, and land management. Springer.

Priyashantha, H., Nambapana, M., Epa Arachchi, A., Jayarathna, S., & Vidanarachchi, J. K. (2026). The importance of data sharing between different links in the broiler production chain. In H. van den Brand (Ed.), Future perspectives in broiler rearing: Incorporating the broiler point of view (1st ed., Chapter 3). Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.

Posters and Conference Contributions

Total: 29

National Mastitis Council (NMC) Annual Conference in North Carolina, USA

World Dairy Summit, I. D. F. (2024). Paris, France.

SLU’s Milk Week in 2024, Uppsala, Sweden

Innovation, I. C. o., & Technologies, E. (2021). Sri Lanka.

ST, E. (2018). Food Congress, Nantes, France.

World Dairy Summit, I. D. F. (2017). Belfast, UK.

conference, F. S. S. (2018). Uppsala, Sweden.

Conference, F. S. S. (2019). Lund, Sweden.

Agricultural, N. J. C. f., & Conference, F. R. (2020). Online.

programme, V. i. (2021). For MSc and PhD students from S.Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, Kazakhstan.

International Cheese Science, I. D. F., & Symposium, T. V. (2021). Hosted by IDF-Canada and Université Laval, Canada.

Science, D., & Symposium, T. V. (2021). Hosted by Arhus University, Denmark.

presentation about PhD project at Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research, A. (2019). Fredrikstad, Norway.

presentation about PhD project at the University of Tokyo, A. (2018). Japan.

presentation about PhD project at LiFT (Swedish Industrial PhD School) virtual mini-symposium, A. (2021).

course, E. o. A. F. A. V. I. P. D. (2019). at Wageningen, The Netherlands.

IV, T. C. S. o. S. (2019). August, Uppsala, Sweden.

Dairy Conference, N. I. Z. O. (2015). Papendal, The Netherlands,.

presentation about PhD project at Baltic University Programme's training, A. (2019). in Rogow, Poland.

Conference, E. M. F. o. L. A. (2016). Copenhagen, Denmark.

First International Talent Conferences 2016, hosted by COWI, Holleröd, Denmark

Second International Talent Conferences 2016, hosted by Dansk Industry, Copenhagen, Denmark

Third International Talent Conferences 2016, hosted by Arla Foods, Arhus Denmark

Science, S. S. C. f. E. o. L. (2016). University of Hoenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.

Science, S. S. C. f. E. o. L. (2015). Prague, Czech Republic.

Fisheries, I. C. o., & Aquaculture (2015). Sri Lanka.

Veterinary, I. C. o., & Science, A. (2015). Sri Lanka.

Conference, S. L. d. f. t. W. Y. (2014). Sri Lanka.

Session, A. S. R. (2013). University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Dissertations

Priyashantha, H. (2021). Variation in raw milk quality: impact on milk coagulation and cheese ripening. [PhD Thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden]. Available: https://pub.epsilon.slu.se/24896/

Scholarships, Grants and Awards

Total: 17

Erasmus Mundus Food of Life postgraduate full scholarship for graduate studies in Europe - Sweden and Denmark, (2014) offered by Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

EXPERT Asia III full scholarship to undergraduate studies in Europe (2013) offered by Erasmus Mundus Action 2, consortium coordinator Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Germany.

University scholarships awarded for academic excellence at the first year and final year examinations in 2010 and 2013 by University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

The American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA) Foundation Graduate Student Literature Review Award: Dairy Foods Division

Best Presenter Award at the IDF International Cheese Science and Technology Symposium 2021, Canada

Second runner-up of the poster presentation at the advanced food analysis course at Wageningen University, The Netherlands

Best oral presenter award at the International Conference of Food Safety and Nutrition, Colombo, Sri Lanka (2015)

Recipient of the travel/accommodation scholarship to ELLS Student Conference in Prague (2015) offered by the SLU, Sweden.

Travel Grants by the Council of postgraduate education to attend SLU PhD Course Hyperspectral Imaging (7 500 SEK)

Recipient of the travel award to “Navigating Brussels”, ELLS training in Belgium (200 euro)

Recipient of the travel award by Olof Claesson’s fund to attend a conference (13500 SEK )

Recipient of two awards from PhD school Focus on Food and Biomaterials scholarship for participation in two PhD courses at Wageningen University (10 000 SEK each)

Swedish Industrial PhD school travel award (15 000 SEK) for participation in Food Analytical Techniques PhD course at Wageningen University

Main applicant of the grant (162 000 SEK) for PhD study visit to Japan from Future Food and Graduate School of Food & Biomaterials

Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry travel award (20000 SEK)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences PhD travel grant for internationalization (25000 SEK)

Recipient of the travel award from PhD school sustainable biomass system (12000 SEK)