Piumika Nisansala Yapa

Innovative life scientist with background in developing and implementing experimental studies across various biological systems including infectious diseases. Skilled in data analysis, scientific writing, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to advance research objectives. Demonstrated ability to innovate in laboratory settings, leading to improvements in research methodologies and contributing to published findings. Committed to solving complex biological problems through rigorous experimentation and critical thinking.

• Published Books:

· Munaweera I, Yapa P. Principles and applications of nanotherapeutics. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2024. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003442202 ISBN: 9781003442202

• Published Book Chapters:

· Yapa P. Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics. Pandey M, Gupta MD, Pujari NM. MOLECULES TO MEDICINES: A Comprehensive Look a Pharmaceutical Development. EDU; 2024. ISSN: 978-81-973225-9-4

• Published Papers:

1. Yapa P, Munaweera I, Weerasekera MM, Weerasinghe L. Synergistic antimicrobial nanofiber membranes based on metal incorporated silica nanoparticles as advanced antimicrobial layers. RSC Adv. 2024;14(46):33919–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d4ra05052e

2. Yapa P, Munaweera I, Weerasekera MM, Weerasinghe L, Sandaruwan C. Potential antifungal applications of heterometallic silica nanohybrids: A synergistic activity. Biomater Adv. 2024;162(213930):213930. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213930

3. Yapa PN, Munaweera I, Weerasekera MM, Weerasinghe L. Nanoarchitectonics for synergistic activity of multimetallic nanohybrids as a possible approach for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). J Biol Inorg Chem. 2024;29(5):477–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00775-024-02066- w

4. Yapa PN, Munaweera I, Sandaruwan C, Weerasinghe L, Weerasekera MM. Metal doped silica nanohybrids with extensive bacterial coverage for antibacterial applications exhibit synergistic activity. Biomater Adv. 2024;157:213753. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213753

5. Madhushika IP, Yapa P, Munaweera I, Sandaruwan C, Weerasekera MM. The antimicrobial synergy of polymer based nanofiber mats reinforced with antioxidants intercalated layered double hydroxides as a potential active packaging material. Nano Ex. 2024;5(2):025018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/2632-959x/ad4a95

6. Ranathunga K, Yapa P, Munaweera I, Weerasekera MM, Sandaruwan C. Preparation and characterization of Fe-ZnO cellulose-based nanofiber mats with self-sterilizing photocatalytic activity to enhance antibacterial applications under visible light. RSC Adv. 2024;14(26):18536–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d4ra03136a

7. Peiris SE, Seneviratne KL, Shashikala RPA, Peiris CN, Imalka MI, Piumika YP. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of copper and sulfur nanoparticles for controlling bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas sp. In Anthurium andraeanum Lind. SLIIT J Hum & Sci. 2022;3(1):46–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjhs.v3i1.50

8. Ureshani Karunarathna, Piumika Yapa, A. A. I. S. Menike, Lakshy Ganesh, KSV Angu Bala Ganesh, Amandi Thilakarathna, Mangala Gunatilake, Vijay Pal Singh, Muhammad Lokman Md Isa, Suresh Poosala, Vera Baumans. Religion-Based Perspective and Influences on Use of Animals in Research. JLAS. 2024;7(2):54–68.

9. Selvaraj S, Perera M, Yapa P, Munaweera I, Perera IC, Senapathi T, et al. In vitro analysis of XLAsp-P2 peptide loaded cellulose acetate nanofiber for wound healing. J Pharm Sci. 2024; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xphs.2024.10.05

10. Piumika Yapa. Laboratory Animal Experiments on Several Vaccinations: An Impact for the Development of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Vaccines. Newsletter of Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences. Volume 10 Issue 1, 2023

11. Rajapaksha S, Yapa P, Munaweera I. Innovation management and nanotechnology: a PRISMA-based analysis and research implications. Int J Innov Sci. 2025; http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijis-08-2024-0215

• Published Abstracts:

1. P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe, and M.M. Weerasekera. Multimetallic Silica/ Polymer Nanohybrids for Self-Sterilizing Synergistic Antifungal Applications. International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (ICIET), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka: 21st-22nd November 2024.

2. P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe, M.M. Weerasekera. Multimetallic silica nanohybrids incorporated nanofiber membrane for potential synergistic antibacterial applications. Frontiers in Chemical technology – 2. 21st June 2024, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.

3. P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe, M.M. Weerasekera. Synergistic Activity of Heterometallic Silica Nanohybrids as Potential Antifungal Agents. 2nd International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems on 01st March, 2024, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

4. P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe, M.M. Weerasekera. Preparation and characterization of multimetallic nanohybrids reinforced broad spectrum antibacterial nanofibrous membrane with synergistic self-sterilizing activity. International conference "TASME 2024" on 07th July, 2024, University of Toronto, Canada.

5. P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe, M.M. Weerasekera. Synergism of multimetallic nanohybrids as promising antimicrobial agents with an expansive coverage of microbes. World Forum Women in Science 2024 on 16th April 2024, Rome, Italy.

6. P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe, C. Sandaruwan, N.M.C. Nissanka and M.M. Weerasekera. Synthesis, Characterization and Comparison of Metal Doped Silica Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Applications. International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (ICIET), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka: 24th -25th November 2023.

7. P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe, C. Sandaruwan, M.M. Weerasekera. Multimetallic nanohybrids as potential antimicrobial agents with extensive microbe coverage to be used in personal care products. 4th Commonwealth Chemistry Posters, Royal Society of Chemistry: 04th-05th October 2023.

8. Yapa, Y. M. P. N., Ratnayake, W. M. K. M., Amarasekara, A. D. D. S., Karunarathna, K. A. A. U., Senevirathne Menike A. A. I., Pethiyagoda P. D. R. S., Wijesundera, K., Gunatilake, M. Development of Teaching and Learning Materials to Facilitate Educational Programmes in Laboratory Animal Science and to Promote the 3Rs Principle in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences Conference. 28th -29th January 2023.

9. Y.M.P. Yapa, W.D.H.E. Leelarathna, R.K. Dissanayake, J. Wijayabandara and K.M.N. de Silva. Silver nanoparticles incorporated polymer-based electro spun skin scaffold for burn wounds. Proceedings of the Postgraduate Institute of Science Research Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: 29th -31st October 2021.

10. K. Ranathunga, P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe. Synthesis and characterization of visible light active Fe doped ZnO nanohybrids for self-sterilizing applications. Frontiers in Chemical technology – 2. 21st June 2024, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.

11. I.P. Madhishika, P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe. Development of antimicrobial agents intercalated layered double hydroxides incorporated nanofiber based active packaging material. Frontiers in Chemical technology – 2. 21st June 2024, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.

12. K. Ranathunga, P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe. Preparation and Characterization of Fe doped ZnO nanohybrids as a potential self-sterilizing photocatalytic material. 2nd International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems on 01st March, 2024, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

13. I.P. Madhishika, P.N. Yapa, I. Munaweera, L. Weerasinghe. Synergistic Activity of Antioxidants Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides as a Potential Active Packaging Material. 2nd International Research Symposium on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Indigenous Knowledge Systems on 01st March, 2024, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

14. P. N. Yapa, I. Munaweera. Synergistic antibiofilm activity of silver, copper, and cobalt-doped silica nanoparticles against bacteria and fungi. 13th YSF Research Symposium organized by the Young Scientists Forum of the National Science and Technology Commission on 24th January, 2025, Colombo.

15. P. N. yapa, H.E. Leelarathne. Assessing the Toxicity of aNovel Dermatological Formulation Reinforced with Silver-decorated Carbon Nanostructures. 12th Annual Scientific Sessions & International Conference organized by Sri Lanka Association for laboratory Animal Science on 25th-26th January 2025, Colombo.

1. Professor M. U. S. Sultanbawa Award for Research in Chemistry – 2024, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, 21st June 2024.

2. 1st Place, Merit Award for the Outstanding oral presentation; Track: Advances in Health Sciences, 13th YSF Research Symposium 2025, held on 24th January 2025.

3. 1st Place-Outstanding Oral Presentation, International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (ICIET), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka: 21st-22ndNovember 2024.

4. Best Oral Presentation - Postgraduate, International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies (ICIET), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka: 21st-22ndNovember 2024.

• Registered Pharmacist at Sri Lanka Medical Council.

· Member of Sri Lanka Association of Laboratory Animal Science

(Secretary for 2024/25, Assiatant Secretary for 2023/2024)

· Member of Society for Alternatives to Animal Testing in Sri Lanka

(Secretary for 2025/27)

- Member of the Young Scientist Forum (YSF)

- Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka

- Member of the National Science Foundation

- Member of the Sri Lanka National Chapter of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World

· Certificate Course in Research Methodology and Scientific Writing – Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2023)

· Certificate Course in Drug Counselling – National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB), Sri Lanka (2018)

· Certificate Course in Principles and Applications of Cell Culture – Sri Lanka Association of Laboratory Animal Sciences (2021).

· Workshop on Advancements and Strategies in Nano Drug Delivery Systems – Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, India (2020)

· Workshop on Assessment of Reflective Portfolios – University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2020)

· Workshop on Abstract Writing and Reviewing - University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2021)

· Workshop on Effective Online Teaching Strategies with Active Student Participation – University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2021)

· Training Programme on Handling and Care of Laboratory Animals – Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, India (2021)

· Workshop on Emerging Trends and Alternatives to Laboratory Animal Experiments - Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences (2022)

· Workshop on Toxicity Assessments - Environment Committee and Section B, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (2023)

· Workshop on Drug Discovery and Development – Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA), India (2023).

A local patent that is titled “An anti-microbial functional layer and the process of making there of” under the file no. 22761 (Date of filing: 17/07/2023).

Date of Birth :10 April 1993

Gender          :Female

Nationality    :Sri Lankan

Civil Status :Unmarried

Dr. Imalka Munaweera

Department of Chemistry,

Faculty of Applied sciences,

University of Sri Jayewardenepura,

Sri Lanka.

imalka@sjp.ac.lk

+94 77 294 3738

Prof. Manjula Weerasekera

Department of Microbiology,

Faculty of Medical sciences,

University of Sri Jayewardenepura,

Sri Lanka.

mmweera@sjp.ac.lk

+94 71 443 2870