indunilvet@agri.ruh.ac.lk

+94 41 229 2200

+94 41 229 2387

Prof. Indunil Pathirana

Professor

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

Research Interests

Specializations

Qualifications

PhD in Reproductive Physiology | Osaka Prefecture University, Japan
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) | University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Fellow of the Sri Lanka College of Veterinary Surgeons | FSLCVS

Positions

Head | Animal Science
Coordinator | MSc Programme

Biography

Prof. Indunil Pathirana’s research primarily focuses on reproductive physiology of animals and livestock production systems. He leads research on developing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to monitor hormonal dynamics across livestock, companion animals, and wildlife species. Beyond his main interest in endocrinological research, his collaborative work addresses various themes in farm animal production and strategies to improve national livestock productivity. During the past few years, he was actively involved in a research collaboration with the Dairy Research Foundation, the University of Sydney of Australia, investigating the potential of milk as a non-invasive sample to assess heat load in dairy cattle. During this research project, he established an in-house ELISA system to quantify heat shock protein 70 in cow milk. In addition to academic leadership and research, he actively contributes to national level policy development related to livestock and to interact closely with industry professionals. He is very passionate in science communication and public outreach to address critical issues in animal agriculture. As a prominent science educator, he uses popular media platforms to educate the public on the benefits of animal-sourced protein, specifically dispelling myths that discourage people from eating eggs and chicken.

Journal Publications

Total: 29

Rakib, M. R. H., Messina, V., Gargiulo, J. I., Pathirana, I. N., Lyons, N. A., & Garcia, S. C. (2026). Daily variation in milk HSP70 in dairy cows during a heat wave. Journal of Dairy Science. Accepted on 29th July 2026.

Dasanayaka, S., Somasiri, N., Pathirana, I., Zamaratskaia, G., & Priyashantha H (2026). Integrating neglected and underutilized livestock resources for resilient and sustainable food systems in Global South: a holistic perspective. npj Sustainable Agriculture 4, 60. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-026-00163-8.

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Rakib, M. R. H., Messina, V., Gargiulo, J. I., Pathirana, I. N., Lyons, N. A., & Garcia, S. C. (2026). Comparison between in-house competitive and commercial ELISA for the detection of heat shock protein 70 in milk, blood, and saliva of dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 109, 4596-4603. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27811.

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Rakib, M. R. H., Messina, V., Gargiulo, J. I., Lyons, N. A., Pathirana, I. N., Thomson, P. C., & Garcia, S. C. (2026). Detecting heat shock protein 70 in milk, blood, and saliva of dairy cows exposed to different seasonal conditions. Journal of Dairy Science, 109, 4647-4658, https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27609.

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Rakib, M. R. H., Messina, V., Gargiulo, J. I., Lyons, N. A., Pathirana, I. N., Thomson, P. C., & Garcia, S. C. (2025). Skimming and storage factors affect the detection of HSP70 in raw bovine milk. JDS Communications, 6, 578-582.

Priyashantha, H., Seresinhe, T., Pathirana, I., Gunawardana, G., Silva, G. L. L. P., Epa Arachchi, A., 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.

De Silva, S.T.D., Gunawardena O.B., Pagthinathan M., Silva, P., Pathirana, I.* 2023. Analysis of reproductive hormones and morphometric attributes in Thamankaduwa White male cattle. Cluj Veterinary Journal 28. 16-24.

De Silva, S. T. D., Pagthinathan M, Bandara, S., & Pathirana, I. (2023). Sex identification methods of birds: A review. Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 9, 134-44.

Pathirana, I. N., & Garcia, S. C. (2022). Detection of heat-shock protein 70 in cow’s milk using ELISA. Animal Production Science, 62, 1014-19. doi.org/10.1071/AN21506.

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Gamage, M., Liyanage, N., Pathirana, I., Ediriweera, S., & Prabodha, L. (2022). Evaluation of the potential of fungal acid proteases of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. to produce shrimp-waste protein hydrolysates with degraded antigenic proteins. Journal of Dry Zone Agriculture, 8, 21-37.

Dinisri, I., Kodikara, S., Prasadani, M., Pathirana, I., Rathnayake, C., Alexander, B., Lee, K. F., & Kodithuwakku, S. P. (2021). Impairment of caprine oocyte maturation in vitro and alteration of granulosa cells functions by widely used fungicide mancozeb. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 53, 406.

Sharma, U. N. S., Fernando, D. D., Wijesundara, K. K., Manawadu, A., Pathirana, I., & Rajapakshe, R. P. V. J. (2021). Anticoccidial effects of Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry) extracts: Potential for controlling avian coccidiosis. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 25, 100592.

Pathirana, I. N., Rajapaksa, R. C., Kawate, N., Wimalarathne, H. D. A., Fonseka, W. T. L., Weerakoon, W. W. P. N., Hannan, M. A., Alexander, P. A. B. D., Pushpakumara, P. G. A., Ariyaratne, H. B. S., & Tamada, H. (2018). Effects of GnRH antagonist degarelix acetate on musth and serum testosterone concentrations in Asian male elephants (Elephas maximus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 49, 779-83.

Wimalarathne, A., Fonseka, L., Pathirana, I.*, Kodithuwakku, S., Kawate, N., 2018. Measurement of circulating insulin-like peptide 3 and testosterone concentrations pre-pubertal, tropical male goats. Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 4, 383-388.

Sujani, S., Piyasena, T., Seresinhe, T., Pathirana, I., & Gajaweera, C. (2017). Supplementation of rice straw (Oryza sativa) with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes improves rumen fermentation on in vitro system. Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 41, 25-29.

Seresinhe, R. T., Sujani, S., Pathirana, I. N., & Gajaweera, C. J. (2017). Cellulase Enzyme Enhanced the Diet Digestibility and Growth Performance of Ewes. Asian Journal of Animal Sciences, 11, 171-76.

Hannan, M. A., Kawate, N., Fukami, Y., Pathirana, I. N., Inaba, T., & Tamada, H. (2016). Acute regulation of plasma insulin-like peptide 3 concentrations by luteinizing hormone in male goats. Theriogenology, 86, 749-56.

Premarathna A.D, Pathirana, I., Rajapakse, R. P. V. J., & Pathirana, E. (2016). Evaluation of efficacy of selected anesthetic agents on blood-spotted crab (Portunus sanguinolentus). Journal of Shellfish Research, 35, 237-240.

Sujani, S., Pathirana, I. N., Seresinhe, R. T., & Dassanayaka, K. B. (2016). In vitro effects of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on rumen fermentation of wild Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, 6, 303-8.

Hannan, M.A., Fukami, Y., Kawate, N., Sakase, M., Fukushima, M., Pathirana, I.N., Bullesbach, E.E., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2015. Plasma Insulin-like peptide 3 concentrations are acutely regulated by luteinizing hormone in pubertal Japanese Black beef bulls. Theriogenology 84, 1530-5.

Hannan, M.A., Kawate, N., Kubo, Y., Pathirana, I.N., Bullesbach, E.E., Hatoya, S., Inaba, T., Takahashi, M., Tamada, H., 2015. Expression analyses of insulin-like peptide 3, RXFP2, LH receptor, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in testes of normal and cryptorchid dogs. Theriogenology 84, 1176-84.

Sujani, S., Pathirana, I. N., & Seresinhe, R. T. E. A. P. (2015). Livestock Research for Rural Development 27, Article #41, http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd27/3/suja27041.html.

Pathirana, I.N., Kawate, N., Bullesbach, E.E., Takahashi, M., Hatoya, S., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2012. Insulin-like peptide 3 stimulates testosterone secretion in mouse Leydig cells via cAMP pathway. Regulatory Peptides 178, 102-106.

Pathirana, I.N., Yamasaki, H., Kawate, N., Bullesbach, E.E., Takahashi, M., Hatoya, S., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2012. Plasma insulin-like peptide 3 and testosterone concentrations in male dogs: changes with age and effects of cryptorchidism. Theriogenology 77, 550-557.

Pathirana, I.N., Kawate, N., Tsuji, M., Takahashi, M., Hatoya, S., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2011. In vitro effects of estradiol-17β, monobutyl phthalate and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on the secretion of testosterone and insulin-like peptide 3 by interstitial cells of scrotal and retained testes in dogs. Theriogenology 76, 1227-1233.

Pathirana, I.N., Ashida, Y., Kawate, N., Tanaka, K., Tsuji, M., Takahashi, M., Hatoya, S., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2011. Comparison of testosterone and insulin-like peptide 3 secretions in response to human chorionic gonadotropin in cultured interstitial cells from scrotal and retained testes in dogs. Animal Reproduction Science 124, 138-144.

Kawate, N., Ohnari, A., Pathirana, I.N., Sakase, M., Bullesbach, E.E., Takahashi, M., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2011. Changes in plasma concentrations of insulin-like peptide 3 and testosterone from birth to pubertal age in beef bulls. Theriogenology 76, 1632-1638.

Pathirana, I.N., Tanaka, K., Kawate, N., Tsuji, M., Hatoya, S., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2011. Homozygosity of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3' region of the canine estrogen receptor 1 gene is greater in Toy Poodles than in Miniature Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. Animal Science Journal 82, 390-395.

Pathirana, I.N., Tanaka, K., Kawate, N., Tsuji, M., Kida, K., Hatoya, S., Inaba, T., Tamada, H., 2010. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3' region of the estrogen receptor 1 gene in normal and cryptorchid Miniature Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. Journal of Reproduction and Development 56, 405-410.

Mass Media Appearance

Total: 2

Science Educator in prominent national TV and Radio channels to popularize chicken and eggs as an affordable animal protein source among public, ensuring their “right to protein” (Sinhala medium)

A collection of videos posted on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@IndunilPathirana-pw8do

Books / Book Chapters

Total: 2

Seresinhe, T., Sujani, S., Pathirana, I. 2023. Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes: For the Better Utilization of Guinea Grass and Rice Straw as Ruminant Feeds. In: Exogenous Enzymes as Feed Additives in Ruminants. Eds. A.Z.M. Salem, A. Hassen, U. Y. Anele. Springer, Cham, Switzerland. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-27993-5_4

Seresinhe Thakshala and Pathirana Indunil. 2008. Guidelines for profitable goat farming (in Sinhala medium). ISBN No: 978-955-97035-1-8, Pg: 22.

Conference Publications

Total: 21

Ranaweera R. M. C. S., Gunawardena O. B., Perera W. D. M., Weerasinghe L. A. D. E., Pathirana I. N.* 2026. Screening for Aflatoxin M1 in Fresh Milk from Four Selected Dairy Farms in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 78th scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, The Grand Kandyan Hotel, Sri Lanka. August 2026.

Dahanayaka T. K., Kavindhya S. A. R., Gunawardena O. B., Weerasinghe L. A. D. E., Perera W. D. M., Pathirana I. N.* 2026. Study on Aflatoxin (B1 and B2) Contamination in Local and Imported Maize Used in Poultry Feed in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 78th scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, The Grand Kandyan Hotel, Sri Lanka. August 2026.

Kariyawasam R., Sandeepani M., Meegahakotuwa M.G.D.S.B., Wijesinghe U.I.K.B., Pathirana I.N.* 2026. Socioeconomic Aspects, Farmers' Knowledge and Actual Practices in Dairy Farming in Thalathuoya Veterinary Range, Kandy District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 78th scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, The Grand Kandyan Hotel, Sri Lanka. August 2026.

Ranaweera R. M. C. S., Pathirana I. N., Wijesinghe U. I. K. B. 2026. Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Antimicrobial Resistance among Middle-Level Officers in the Department of Animal Production and Health, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 78th scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, The Grand Kandyan Hotel, Sri Lanka. August 2026.

Kavindhya S. A. R., Indunika S. A. S., Pathirana I.N., Gunawardana T. A., Premalal M. S. E., Wijesundera K. K. 2026. Pulmonary Pathological Changes and Macrophage-Mediated Bronchiolar Damage in African Swine Fever-Infected Pigs in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 78th scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, The Grand Kandyan Hotel, Sri Lanka. August 2026.

Hewawitharane, K.W., Vidanapathirana, C.M., Amaya, A.A.T., Batuwanthudawa, B.G.M., Pathirana, I.N., Wijesekera, D.P.H. 2026. Molecular Characterization, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Virulence Profiling of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Bovine Mastitis Milk in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 78th scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, The Grand Kandyan Hotel, Sri Lanka. August 2026.

Gamage, G.K.D., Kaushalya, K.A.S., Gunawardena, O.B., Dias, W.K.N., Fonseka, W.T.L., Gajaweera, C.J., Pathirana, E., Pathirana, I.N.,* 2025. Public awareness and misconceptions regarding the consumption of chicken meat and eggs: A survey conducted among participants of three international exhibitions. Annual Scientific Sessions of World's Poultry Science Association Sri Lanka Branch, Hotel Ramada, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Gamage, G.K.D., Marasinghe, C., Kaushalya, K.A.S., Somarathne, Y.N.M., Pathirana, I., Pathirana, E. 2025. Patterns and trends in fish harvest from Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka from 2011 to 2022. National Symposium on Agriculture and Life Sciences, Uwa Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka.

Gunawardena, O.B., Ediriwarna, P., De Silva, S.T.D., Madumadhawa, M.H.D., Pathirana, E., Pathirana I.N.* 2025. Circulating 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP) and progesterone concentrations during pregnancy: A case study of a Bengal tigress (Panthera tigris tigris) in a safari park in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 12th Ruhuna International Science & Technology Conference, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka.

Kaushalya, K.A.S., Meegahakotuwa, S., Biyagama, B.T.H.K., Pathirana, I.N., Wijesundera K. K. 2024. Immune response and cutaneous lesions in bovine lumpy skin disease in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka. November 2024.

Gamage, G.K.D., Marasinghe, C., Gunawardena, O. B., Pathirana, E., Pathirana, I.* 2024. Reproductive hormone dynamics in Catla (Catla catla) and Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) carps: A comparative study. AgInsight 2024, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. September 2024.

Pathirana, E., Edison, L., Pathirana, I., Maheshika, B., Colonne, C., Kariyawasam, S. 2024. Characterization of the Indian backwater oyster (Crassostrea madrasensis) microbiome for healthy and sustainable oyster farming in Sri Lanka. International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) Biomolecular Horizons 2024 Congress, Melbourne, Australia. September 2024.

Rakib, M.R.H., Messina, V., Gargiulo, J.I., Lyons, N.A., Pathirana, I.N., Garcia S.C. 2024. Influence of management and storage factors on detection of HSP70 in raw bovine milk. Journal of Dairy Science 107 (Suppl.1) 423.

De Silva, S.T.D., Gunawardena, O.B., Pragashan, P., Manoharan, N., Sukumar, V., Viveka, K.A., Pagthinathan, M., Silva, G.L.L.P., Pathirana, I.N.*. 2024. Analysis of insulin-like peptide 3 and testosterone concentrations with selected morphometric attributes in Thamankaduwa white male cattle. 11th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON), University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka. January 2024.

Gunawardena, O.B., Madumadhawa, M.H.D., Ediriwarna, P., Pathirana, E. Pathirana, I.* 2022. Circulating insulin-like peptide 3 and testosterone concentrations in three male Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris). Proceedings of 75th scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, The Grand Kandyan Hotel, Sri Lanka. September 2023.

Colonne, D.K.C., Pathirana, E., De Silva, M.L.I, Pathirana, I., Rajapakse, R.P.V.J. Occurrence of gut Acanthocephalans in Frigate tuna (Auxis thazard) and Mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis). 10th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference (RISTCON), Matara, Sri Lanka. January 2023.

De Silva, T., Pathirana, I., * Bandara, B., Fonseka, L., Karunarathna, H.P.R.N.S., Sumanasekara, K.K., Kawate, N. 2021. Measurement of Serum 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (5α-DHP) and Progesterone in Female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Proceedings of 73rd scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, Oak-Ray Regency, Kandy, Sri Lanka. October 2021.

Premaratne, S., De Silva, T., Fonseka, L., Sampath, R., Wimalasooriya, K.M., Wickramasinghe, D., Premarathne, K., Olagedara, A., Gajaweera, C., Disnaka, S., Pathirana, I.* 2021. An oestrus synchronization protocol using 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (Proluton) on the pregnancy rate of goats. Proceedings of 73rd scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, Oak-Ray Regency, Kandy, Sri Lanka. October 2021.

De Silva, S.T.D., Randeniya, M.D.A.G., Premaratne, W.A.S.M., Fonseka, W.T.L., Gajaweera, C., Pathirana, I.N.* Analysis of Productive, Reproductive Traits of Murrah Buffaloes in a Large-scale Farm in Northwestern Province of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Dry Zone Agriculture. University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, December 2021.

Gajaweera, C., De Silva, S.T.D., Premaratne, W.A.S.M., Randeniya, M.D.A.G., Pathirana, I.N.* Lactation parameters of Murrah buffaloes in a state-owned farm in low country intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 10th Asian Buffalo Congress, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal, October 2021.

Pathirana, I. 2021. Present status of buffalo production in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 10th Asian Buffalo Congress, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal, October, 2021.