PhD (Tissue Culture), University of Aberdeen, UK (1996)

(Research Degree-Area of specialization: Plant secondary metabolite production by cell and tissue cultures)

M.Phil. (Agriculture), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1995)

Research: Identification of Mungbean, Cowpea and Soybean Varieties by Iso-Enzyme Electrophoresis)

B.Sc. (Agriculture), 2^nd Class, Upper Division, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1986)

NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION

• Member of Steering Committee of Sri Lanka Good Agricultural Practices (SL-GAP) May 2019 to date
• Program Reviewer, UGC –year 2017, 2018 and 2019
• Institutional Reviewer (NASTEC)- Year 2017 PGRC, Gannoruwa and Year 2018- HORDI, Gannoruwa
• Chairperson for the National Committee for Developing SLSI standards for fruits  (Mango, Papaya, Apples) and Vegetables from year 2014 todate
• Member of Accreditation Body Established for Implementing Mechanism for Sri Lanka –SL-GAP (Sri Lanka Good Agriculture Practice) in year 2016

Peer Reviewed Scientific Communications / Research Publications (selected)

PUBLICATIONS: H-INDEX (11-Google Scholar)

SD Samaradiwakara, WAH Champa, JP Eeswara (2023)Preharvest foliar spray of plant growth regulators expand the harvest season and improve fruit quality of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle) Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research 6 (2), 207-220

H Karunarathna, JP Eeswara, MCM Iqbal (2023)Effect of Seed Treatments on seed germination and seedling growth of Madhuca longifolia var. longifolia(“Mee”)Tropical Agricultural Research 34 (3), 188-199

DBR Kaushalya, JP Eeswara, L Jayasinghe (2023)Development of Liquid Culture System for Rapid Multiplication of Gyrinops walla.Tropical Agricultural Research 34 (1)

KK Ranaweera, MAB Ranatunga, JP Eeswara, S Thilakarathne (2022) Regeneration of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze] cv. TRI 5001 plants through somatic embryogenesis in a liquid dynamic medium.,Tropical Agricultural Research 33 (4)

C. K. Pathirana1, L.T. Ranaweera, T. Madhujith,K. Ketipearachchi,  L. Gamlath, J. P. Eeswara, S. S. Sooriyapathirana (2020)IAssessment of the elite accessions of bael[Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.] in Sri Lanka based on morphometric, organoleptic, and elemental properties of the fruits an phylogenetic relationships. PLOS ONE https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233609 May 22, 2020 (1-20)

C. K. Pathirana1, U. Attanayake, U. Dissanayake, L. Gamlath,, K. Ketipearachchi, T. Madhujith,  J. P. Eeswara, (2020). Establishment of a micropropagation protocol for elite accessions of Bale (Aegle marmelos (L) Corr.) a Tropical Hardwood Species, Advances in Agriculture, (Hindawi online journal) https:doi.org/10.1155/2020/8840386

C. K. Pathirana1, T. Madhujith,  J. P. Eeswara, (2020). of Bale (Aegle marmelos (L) Correa) a medicinal tree with immense economic potentia, Advances in Agriculture,  (Hindawi Online Journal) https:doi.org/10.1155/2020/8814018

S. Selvaskanthan, D.B.R. Kaushalya, D.K.N.G. Pushpakumara, L. Jayasinghe and J.P. Eeswara (2020),  A Comparison of Chemical Profiles of Callus, Plant and Agarwood Extracts of Gyrinops walla using Thin Layer Chromatography.  Tropical Agricultural Research (2020) 31(2): 97-105

C.K. Pathirana, L.T. Ranaweera, S.A.T. Lakshan, T. Madhujith, and J.P. Eeswara1 (2019) Assessment of the contents of a selected macro, micro and toxic elements in ripen bael fruits and tender shoots of water spinach and sweet potato using XRF and ICP-MS methods Ceylon Journal of Science 48(1) 67-75 DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v48i1.7590

C.K. Pathirana, J.G.K.L. Gamlath, K.W. Ketipearachchi, P.M.C.K. Bandaranayake, W.M.T. Madhujith and J.P. Eeswara (2019). Morphological Variation of Bael Fruits (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa)among Five Accessions in Three Different Agro-Ecological Regions of Sri Lanka, Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 30 (4): 23 – 33 , DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v30i4.8326

S.D. Samaradiwakara, W.A.H. Champa and J.P. Eeswara (2019), Harvest Maturity Affects Postharvest Quality of Lime Fruits (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle), Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 30 (4): 125 – 131, DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v30i4.8334

C. K. Pathirana, C. H. W. M. R. B. Chandrasekara, S. R. M. R. Attanayake2, W. A. P. Weerakkod, J. P. Eeswara and P. C. G. Bandaranayake (2018). Optimization of DNA extraction and PCR protocols for plants with high Phenolics: Bael, Mango, Pomegranate as examples, Ceylon Journal of Science 47(1) 2018:43-48. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v47i1.7485

D.M.I.C.B. Dassanayake, S.A. Krishnarajah1 and J.P. Eeswara (2018).  Development of an Effective Propagation Protocol for Osbeckia octandra (L.) DC. (Heen Bovitiya), Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 29 (2): 123 – 134 (2018

C.K. Pathirana,  A.M.U.R.K. Attanayake1, D.M.U.S.K. Dissanayake, J.G.K.L. Gamlath, K.W. Ketipearachchi, T. Madhujith, P.C.G. Bandaranayake4 and J.P. Eeswara (2018).  Effect of Phenological Growth Stage on Establishment of In-vitro Cultures of Bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.) Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 29. (3): 268 – 275

S. Selvaskanthan, D.K.N.G. Pushpakumara and J.P. Eeswara (2018).  Development of a Protocol for In- vitro Establishment of Gyrinops walla,  Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 29 (3): 330 – 336

Amararathna D.I.M., Weerakkody W.A.P., Madujith, T and Eeswara, J.P. (2015). Agro-ecological region based variations in the antioxidant activity of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) fruit pulp. Acta Horticulturae –XXIX- International Horticulture Congress Proceedings of VI International Symposium on Human Health-Effect of Fruits and Vegetables. Eds: T.J. O’Hare and M.e. Netzel  1106: 67-72

Tennakoon S., Peiris S.E. and Eeswara, J.P. (2015). In vitro Regeneration of Exacum trinervium, Acta Horticulturae –XXIX-International Horticulture Congress-  Proceedings of International Symposium on Ornamental Horticulture in the Global Green House. Ed: R.A. Criley, 1104: 237-243

Abethilakaratna, P.D., Fonseka, R.M., Eeswara J.P. and Herath H.M.D.K. (2014).  Refractive index and reflection in three leaf categories of Strawberry (Fragaria xananassa Duch). Tropical Agricultural Research, Vol 25 (2); 261-265

L..H. Sumanasiri, S. A. Krishnarajah and J.P. Eeswara (2013). Effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) on growth and flowering of Didymocarpus humoldtianus Gardn (Ceylon Rock Primrose). Scientia Horticulturae. 159:29-32.

Ranaweera K.K., Gunasekara M.T.K. and Eeswara J.P. (2013). Ex Vitro rooting: A low cost micropropagation technique for for Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntz) hybrids. Scientia Horticulturae. 155: 8-14.

Vidanapathirana R.P and Eeswara J. P (2013). Gibberellins (GA₃) and benzylaminopurine (BAP) affect differently the postharvest life of Calathea zebrina and Hosta sieboldiana. Internationa Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation 3(1): 41-50. Copyright 2013, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd

Abeytilakarathna, P.D., Fonseka R.M., Eeswara, J.P. and Wijethunga K.G.N.A.B. (2013). Relationship between total solid content and Red, Green and Blue Colour Intensity of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch).The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 8(2):82-90

Subhashini R.M.B., Amarathunga, N.L.K., Krishnarajah, S.A and Eeswara J.P. (2011). Effect of benzylaminopurine, Gibberellic Acid, Silvernitraye and Silver Thiosulphate on Postharvest Longevity of Cut Leaves of Dracaena. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 40(2):157-162.

P.A.I.U.Dharmasena, D.P.Krunananda and Eeswara J.P. (2011). Effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and sugar on in vitro cormel formation, multiplication and ex vitro sprouting of gladiolus variety Princess Lee. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol 23 (1):1-7

Farzana A.R.F, Bandara R.M.I.E.K, Aluwihare P.C. and Eeswara J.P. (2010) In vitro Regeneration of shoots from Garcinia quaesita leaf explants, Journal of National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka 38(3) 157-163.

Wanduragala P.S.B., Eeswara J.P. and de Costa W.A.J.M. (2009). The electro magnetic potential gradient on the uneven growth of the plants. Tropical Agricultural Research. Vol. 21(3). 321-330

Wijayarathne D.K., Wijesundara D. S., Rubasinghe A. M. K., and Eeswara, J.P. (2009), Effect of Growing Medium, Pruning and Pinching on Growth and Flowering of Chirita moonii Gardner. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 46: 84-93.

Wijewardhana, R.M.N., Peries. S.E.P. and Eeswara J.P. (2009) Early detection of variation among Gerbera jemesonni seedlings by isozyme electrophoresis. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 46: 41-50.

Vithana M.D. K. and Eeswara J.P. (2009). An efficient system for surface sterilization and Establishment of In Vitro cultures of Cana indica (Buthsarana). Sri Lankan Journal of Agric .Science, Vol 46,  78-82

Heenkenda H.M.S., Gunathilake B.L., Eeswara, J.P. (2009), Root Stock-Scion interrelation of selected Anona Species. Journal of National Science Foundation Sri Lanka 37(1) 71-75

Ranawana S.R.W.M.C.J.K. and Eeswara, J.P. (2008), Effect of Type and Size of Stem Cuttings and Propagation Media for Rapid Multiplication of Pineapple, Tropical Agricultural Research. Vol. 20. 388-394.

Gunathilake P.C.,  Abayagunawardhana N., Wimalasiri S., Sangakkara, U.R. and Eeswara, J.P. (2008). Direct shoot organogenesis from nodal and leaf explants of Munronia pinnata (Wall) Theob: a valuable medicinal plant. Tropical Agricultural Research. Vol. 20: 213-226.

Farzana A. R. F., Palkadapala P. G. V. N., Meddegoda K. M. M. N, Samarajeewa P. K. and Eeswara J.P. (2008). Somatic Embryogenesis in Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Variety ‘Rathna. Journal of National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 36 (1): 41-50. (This article has been cited 1 time in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Ranasinghe R.A.T.D., Abayagunawardana A.G.N.I, Hettiarachchi, H.I.D.D, Farzana A.R.F. and Eeswara J.P., (2006) In Vitro Flower Induction in Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii). Tropical Agricultural Research. Vol. 18. 376-385. (This article has been cited 1 time in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded) (This article has been cited 1 time in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Balasooriya B.M.C., Champa W.A.H., Palipana K.B. and Eeswara J.P. (2006) Effect of Hydrocooling on prolonging shelf-life of Banana: variety Ambul. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Sciences; 43 (66-81).

Pathmarajah K.A.B., Eeswara J.P. and Fonseka H. (2005) Isozymic and Morphological Characterization of Brinjal (Solanum melongina L) Accessions and Cultivars available in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Sciences.,: 42: 20-33.

Champa W.A.H., Maralanda G.P.K., Feranando M.D., Palipane K.B., Weerakkody W.A.P. and Eeswara J.P. (2005). Development of maturity indices for harvesting of drumsticks (Moringa olifera) variety Raan Murunga., Innovative approaches in Postharvest Engineering and technology, Symposium proceedings, 20, Dec. 2005, Peradeniya, Srilanka

Sarananda K.H., Kumari U.N.G.C., Eeswara J.P. and Rathnayake R.M.N.D. (2004). Artificial Ripening to Reduce Postharvest Losses of Avocado. International Journal of Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 7:144-149.

Allan E.J., Eeswara J.P., Jarvis A.P, Mordue (Luntz) A.J., Morgan E.D. and Stuchbury T. (2002). Induction of Hairy Root Cultures of Azairachta indica A. Juss. And their production of Azadirachtin and other important insect bioactive metabolites . Plant Cell Reports, 21, 374-379. (This article has been cited 19 times in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Eeswara J.P. and Peiris B.C.N. (2001): Isoenzyme as Markers for Identification of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilcezk). Seed Sci. & Technol., 29, 249-254. (This article has been cited 2 times in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Eeswara J.P., Allan E.J,  Mordue (Luntz) A.J., Stuchbury T., (1999). A Procedure for Sterilizing Leaf Explants Collected from Wild  Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Trees. Journal of National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 27(2), 131-136. (This article has been cited 3 times in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Eeswara J.P. and Peiris B.C.N. (1998): Isoenzyme Electrophoresis and Morphological Characterization of Selected Soybean varieties in Sri Lanka.  Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 35, 67-78.

Eeswara J.P., Allan E.J, Powell A.A., (1998). The Influence of Stage of Maturity, Moisture Content and Storage Temperature on the Survival of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed in storage. Seed Sci. & Technol., 26, 299-308. (This article has been cited 9 times in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Eeswara J.P., Stuchbury T., Allan E.J,  Mordue (Luntz) A.J., (1998). A Standard Procedure for the Micro-propagation of Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss). Plant Cell Reports, 17, 215-219. (This article has been cited 16 times in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Eeswara J.P., Mordue (Luntz) A.J., Stuchbury T., Allan E.J (1997). Azadirachtin, Salanin and nimbin contents of seeds and callus of Neem, (Azadirachta indica A. Juss). In: Practice Oriented Results on Use and Production of Neem Ingredients and Pheromones V( Eds. Kleeberg h. and Zebitz P.W.), Trifolio M. GmBH, 251-261.

Eeswara J.P., Mordue (Luntz) A.J., Stuchbury T., Allan E.J (1996). Biological Activity and the Production of Azadirachtin by in Neem, Callus. Tropical Agricultural Research. Vol. 8., 228-239

Allan E.J., Eeswara J.P., Johnson S., Mordue (Luntz) A.J., Morgan E.D. and Stuchbury T. (1994). The Production of Azadirachtin by In Vitro Tissue cultures of Neem, Azadirachta indica, Pesticide Sci., 42, 147-152. (This article has been cited 24 times in Web of Knowledge –Thompson Reuters- SCI expanded)

Eeswara J.P. and Peiris B.C.N. (1994): Identification of Cowpea Cultivars (Vigna unguiculata L Walp) by Isoenzyme Electrophoresis. Tropical Agricultural Research. Vol. 6., 185-192