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Dr A.J.M. Harris

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Dr A.J.M. Harris
PhD (Env Sci,), B.Sc. (Hons) (EUSL), GIR Fellowship (Korea), GUBBI Fellowship (India) 
Senior Lecturer Gr-II
Department of Zoology
Faculty of Science
Eastern University, Sri Lanka

TP No : +94 77 580 55 33, +94 77 964 55 33
Email : harrism@esn.ac.lk, harriseusl@gmail.com

Biography

Name : A.J.M. Harris

Academic Position: Senior Lecturer Gr-II

Private Postal Address: # 138, Main Street, Oddamavadi – 30420
Official Postal Address : Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science,
Eastern University, Sri Lanka
E-mail : harriseusl@gmail.com
Mobile : + 094 77 5805533
Residence : + 094 65 2257329
Office +094 65 2240756

Links to Publications

Publications

Peer-reviewed indexed International Journal – Full paper

  1. Harris, J.M., Kularatne, R.K.A., Vinobaba, P., Kankanamge, C.E., Ajmal Khan, S, (2023). Fish diversity and assemblage in the Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka. Journal of Fish Biology (Wiley) 2023; 102:773–793. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15314
  2. Harris, J.M., Kularatne, R.K.A., Vinobaba, P., Kankanamge, C.E., Thanusanth, S, Kishoran, S. (2021). Use of habitats by aquatic and terrestrial avifauna in tropical coastal lagoons. Regional Studies in Marine Science (Elsevier) 47: 101926. doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2021.101926  
  3. Sumuthuni, S, Harris, J.M., Kishoran, S., Vinobaba, P. (2021). Quantitative estimation of Seaweeds at Vandalous Bay in East Coast. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research 10 (7): 127-131  
  4. Harris, J.M., Kularatne, R.K.A., Vinobaba, P., Kankanamge, C.E. (2019). An assessment of heavy metal levels in brackish water shrimps: Impact on sexes and the relationship between metal pollution index and Fulton’s K condition indices. Human and ecological risk assessment (Tylor and Francis) 25 (8): 1968–1979. doi.org/10.1080/10807039.2018.1478717  
  5. Harris, J.M., Kularatne, R.K.A., Vinobaba, P., Kankanamge, C.E. (2018). Heavy metal bioaccumulation and Fulton's K condition indices in Scylla serrate (Forskål) in relation to sex. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (Springer) 16, 201-210. doi.org/10.1007/s13762-018-1653-7  
  6. Thanusanth, S., Kishoran, S., Harris, J. M.,   Vinobaba, M.  and Vinobaba, P. (2018). Avifaunal Diversity and Composition of Vellakattukulam, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. BEST: IJHAMS. ISSN (P): 2348-0521, ISSN (E): 2454-4728. 6 (7), 45-52.  
  7. Harris, J.M., Kularatne, R.K.A., Vinobaba, P., Kankanamge, C.E. (2017). Bio-transfer factors and temporal variation of heavy metals in different sexes of three species of edible brackish water fish. Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Springer), 24, 18680–18690. DOI 10.1007/s11356-017-9407-5  
  8. Kishoran, S, Harris, J.M, Muthulaxmi, V. and Vinobaba, P. (2017). Bird Diversity and Threaten to Their Habitat in Sathurukondan Birding Site in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology A 7:123-128. doi: 10.17265/2161-6256/2017.02.007  
  9. Harris, J.M. Ranil, K. Kularatne, Ellawala, K. Champkhika, and Vinobaba, P. (2016). Spatial and temporal distribution of cyanobacteria in Batticaloa Lagoon. Journal of Environment, Elsevier Publishing Ltd, UK. 47: 211-218. doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2016.01.020  
  10. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2013). Influence of hydrochemistry on biotic components of the Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Environmental Sciences 3(5), 2013: 1603-1613, integrated publication Association, India. (ISSN 0976 – 4402). doi: 10.6088/ijes.2013030500030  
  11. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2013). Assessment the present status of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka by means of water quality, fish diversity indices and pollution indicating planktons. Journal of Biodiversity and Endangered Species 1(2): 1-6. OMICS Publishing Group, USA (ISSN: 2332 – 2543) doi: 10.4172/jbes.1000105  
  12. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. and Ashoka Deepananda, K.H.M (2013). Ichthyo diversity of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka and needs for their conservation. Journal of Environment 2(2): 25-33. Scientific Journals, UK. (ISSN 2049-8373). doi: 10.4020/2049-8373.4020205.  
  13. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2013). Comparative studies of parasitic prevalence in males and females of some economically important food fishes in Valaichenai lagoon. Journal of Aquatic ecosystem 2(1): 35-38, BIOINFO Publication, India. (ISSN: 2277-369X & E-ISSN: 2277-3703). doi: 10.9735/2277-369X  
  14. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). Seasonal influence of water quality of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka on fish and plankton abundance. International Journal of Environmental Sciences 3(1), 2012: 371-385, integrated publication association, India. (ISSN 0976 – 4402). doi: 10.6088/ijes.2012030131035.  
  15. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). Management of Man-Made disaster on fisheries after the 2004 Tsunami on the Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka. "Proceedings of International Conference on Disaster Management 2012" Organized by the International Institute for Infrastructure, Renewal and Reconstruction (IIIRR), Kumamoto, Japan. 8(1), 2012: 16-23. (ISBN 978 – 4 – 9906434 – 1 – 6).  
  16. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). Impact of water quality on species composition and seasonal fluctuation of planktons of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka. Journal of Ecosystem and Ecography 2(4): 1-6. OMICS Publishing Group, USA. (ISSN 2157-7625) doi: 10.4172/2157-7625.1000117
 

International Conferences Proceedings- Full papers

  1. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Alternative resilient livelihood option for fisher-folks tsunami victims: special reference to Batticaloa district. Proceedings of International Conference on Building Resilience. pp 51-59.
  2. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2009). An attempt to farm Gracilaria sp in Paalameenmadu and the lessons learned. "Errata Proceedings of Rebuilding of Tsunami Affected Areas in the Southern and the Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka - 2009" Wrap - Up Conference of the CIDA Restore Project. Pp 269 – 281.   
  3. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2009). Importance of water quality in crab fattening to enhance the livelihood of fisher folks in Paalameenmadu. "Errata Proceedings of Rebuilding of Tsunami Affected Areas in the Southern and the Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka - 2009" Wrap - Up Conference of the CIDA Restore Project.  Pp 259 – 268. 
  4. Jahan, A.S.S., Harris, J.M., Vinobaba, P. (2023). Characterization of micro-plastics in water and sediments in Batticaloa lagoon at Kattankudy, JSc EUSL (2023), vol. 14, special issue, p 1-17
  5. Sarmila, I., J., Vinobaba, P., Harris, A.J.M. (2023). Ergasilid copepod infestation on some widely consumed fish species in Valaichchenai Lagoon, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. JSc EUSL (2023), vol. 14, special issue, p 45-56

 

Annual Research Sessions Proceedings full paper

  1. Harris, J.M., Nizreena, S.A.F. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Shrimp farming practices in Kawathamunai and the water quality parameters at the effluent water entry into the Valaichenai lagoon. 10th Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 10(1): 295-301  
  2. Harris, J.M. Dharsini, S. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Parasitic infestation in some commercially important fish collected from Batticaloa lagoon in relation to water quality. 10th Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 10(1): 65-71  
  3. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2010). Spatio-temporal and seasonal variation of physico-chemical water quality parameters of Batticaloa lagoon. 9th Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 9(1):143-156  
  4. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2010). Impact of water quality on species composition and seasonal fluctuation of planktonic organisms of Batticaloa lagoon during the year 2008 - 2009. 1st Annual Research Conference 2010, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.  pp 991-1004. ISBN 978-955-0585-01-04.

Refereed Abstracts in conferences, research sessions, and symposium

  1. Ashraf Nisa, M.M., Vinobaba, P. and Harris, A.J.M. Plankton composition and water quality analysis of Batticaloa lagoon at solid waste dumping site, Eravur. Annual Research Session, Faculty of Science. 4th October 2023. Book of Abstract. Pp.07
  2. Vithurshika, J., Vinobaba, P. and Harris, A.J.M. (2022). Biodegradability of Plastic and Polythene by Bacteria isolated from Sathurukondan Mangrove Soil. Annual Research Session, Faculty of Science. 4th October 2022. Book of Abstract. Pp.13
  3. Harris, J.M. and Riyas Ahamed, A.M. (2021). Were they sea snakes or marine eels: case study from Kalladi, Batticaloa? (Abs). Regional Symposium on Disaster Risk Management, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil. 16th December 2021. Pp. 14  
  4. Sarmila, I., Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2021) Ergasilid copepod infestation on some widely consumed fish species in Valaichchenai lagoon, Batticaloa district. (Abs). Annual Research Session, Faculty of Science. 14th December 2021. Book of Abstract. Pp.16  
  5. Jahan, A. S. S., Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2021). Characterization of micro-plastics in Batticaloa lagoon at Kattankudy. (Abs). Annual Research Session, Faculty of Science. 14th December 2021. Book of Abstract. Pp.18  
  6. Sivanantharajah, S., Thanusanth, S., Harris, J. M., Devadason, C. and Kishoran, S. (2020) Prevalence of Aeromonas hydrophila infection on culturing sea bass (Lates calcarifer) in Valachchennai Lagoon, Batticaloa, (Abs). 9th Annual Science Research Sessions (ASRS 2020), Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. 25th November 2020. Pp. 03.
  7. Thanusanth, S., Harris, J. M. and Vinobaba, P (2020). Spatial variation of water quality and plankton distribution in Valaichchenai Lagoon, Batticaloa District. (Abs).  National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, Annual Scientific sessions 2020 (NSS 2020). 17th December, 2020. Pp. 29.
  8. Thanusanth, S., Ahamed, A. M. R., Harris, J. M., Sumuthini, S. and Priyanka, K. (2019). Avian species Diversity in Sathurukondan wet land mangrove habitat, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. (Abs). 9th International Symposium (IntSym2019) of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. 27th & 28th November 2019. Pp. 44.
  9. Thanusanth, S., Kishoran, S., Harris, J.M. and Vinoba, P. (2018). Marine ichthyo diversity in east coast of Sri Lanka: Special reference to Batticaloa District. (Abs). Proceedings of the 4th International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. 17th & 18th October. Pp.83.
  10. Sumuthuni, S., Kishoran, S., Harris, A.J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2017). Current distribution of Seaweed in east coast of Sri Lanka. (Abs). 1st National Undergraduate Research Symposium, National Science & Technology Commission. Book of Abstract. pp.9  
  11. Thanusanth, S., Kishoran, S., Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2017). Avian species diversity in Vellakattukulam (Manmunaipattu) in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. (Abs). 15th Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka  
  12. Dhivya, R., Kishoran, S., Harris, A.J.M. and Vinobaba, M. (2017). Taxonomic composition and their present status of butterfly species in selected sites of Batticaloa district. (Abs). 1st National Undergraduate Research Symposium, National Science & Technology Commission. Book of Abstract. pp.35  
  13. Priyanka, K, Kishoran, S., Harris, A.J.M. and Vinobaba, M. (2017). Current status of Mangroves and mangrove associates in Mahiladytivu ecological sensitive site of Batticaloa district, (Abs). 1st National Undergraduate Research Symposium, pp.35  
  14. Harris, J.M. Kishoran, S. and Vinobaba, P. (2016). Interpolation mapping of seasonal variation of water quality of Batticaloa Lagoon, Sri Lanka.  (Abs).  Book of abstracts, National conference on Geospatial Sciences and Disaster Management. Colombo. January, 2016. Organized by Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo. pp 21.  
  15. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). Seasonal influence of limnological characteristics and zooplankton assemblages on fish community on Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka. (Abs) Organized by Centre for Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture, India. National Silver Jubilee conference. Pp 146. 
  16. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). Seasonal influence of water quality of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka on fish and plankton abundance. (Abs). International Symposium on Water Quality and Human Health: Challenges Ahead. Jointly organized by the board of study in Zoological Sciences and Environmental Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Toyama Prefectural University, Japan. 22 - 23 March 2012 at PGIS, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pp 34.  
  17. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). Ichthyofaunal composition of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka. (Abs). Jaffna University International Research Conference (JUICE) - 2012. pp 180.  
  18. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). Assessment of ecological status of Batticaloa lagoon Sri Lanka by means of water quality and fish diversity indices.  (Abs).  Book of abstracts, International conference on Fisheries and Marine Science. Negambo 23-24, August, 2012. Organized by International Center for research and Development (SL) in collaboration with University of Portsmouth (UK). pp 17.    
  19. Harris, J.M. Dharshini, S. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Comparative studies of parasitic prevalence in relation to sex of some economically important food fishes collected from Valaichenai lagoon. (Abs).  Book of abstracts, Vavuniya Campus, Annual Research Session 2011, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. pp 45, ISSN 1800-4911  
  20. Harris, J.M., Nizreena, S.A.F. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Shrimp farming practices in Kawathamunai and the water quality parameters at the effluent water entry into the Valaichenai lagoon. (Abs).  Book of abstracts, 10th Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. pp 7.  
  21. Harris, J.M. Dharshini, S. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Parasitic infestation in some commercially important fish collected from Batticaloa lagoon in relation to water quality. (Abs).  Book of abstracts, 10th Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. pp 5.  
  22. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Alternative resilient livelihood option for fisher-folks tsunami victims: special reference to Batticaloa district. (Abs.) International Conference on Building Resilience, Heritance Kandalama, on 19th - 21st July 2011. pp 16.   
  23. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2011). Influence of abiotic factors on biotic components of the Batticaloa lagoon (2008 – 2009). (Abs). International Symposium 2011 of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. pp 133.   
  24. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2009). An attempt to farm Gracilaria sp in Paalameenmadu and the lessons learned. (Abs). "Book of Abstracts for Rebuilding of Tsunami Affected Areas in the Southern and the Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka - 2009" Wrap - Up Conference of the CIDA Restore Project. Hotel Tourmaline, Kandy on 27th April 2009. pp 26.   
  25. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2009). Importance of water quality in crab fattening to enhance the livelihood of fisher folks in Paalameenmadu. (Abs). "Book of Abstract for Rebuilding of Tsunami Affected Areas in the Southern and the Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka - 2009" Wrap - Up Conference of the CIDA Restore Project. Hotel Tourmaline, Kandy on 28th April 2009. pp 25.   
  26. Harris, J.M., Vinobaba, P., Dharshini, S and Prishanthini, M. (2009). Alternate livelihood for lagoon fishermen from Batticaloa, Sri Lanka – Crab Fattening, Milk fish farming and Graciliaria sp. (Abs). Satellite Symposium on Global University Extension Network, University of Allahabad, India. pp -63. 
  27. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2010). Spatio-temporal and seasonal variation of Physico-chemical water quality parameters of Batticaloa lagoon. (Abs).  Book of abstracts, 9th Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. pp 8.  
  28. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2010). Impact of water quality on species composition and seasonal fluctuation of planktonic organisms of Batticaloa lagoon during the year 2008 - 2009. (Abs).  Book of abstracts, 1st Annual Research Conference 2010, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. pp 48. ISSN 2021-8614

 

Book
 
  1. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2012). In: Fish and Plankton population of Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka. Assemblages of plankton and fish distribution in relation to water quality and bridges across the Batticaloa lagoon. LAP Lampart Academic Publishing house, Gmbh & Co. KG, Germany. (ISBN: 978-3-8443-0748-1).

 

Book Chapter 

  1. Mathiventhan, T., Jayasingam, T and Harris, A.J.M. (2023). Mangrove Conservation and Restoration in Sri Lanka: Biological Wealth for Economic Prosperity, In: Biological Wealth for Economic Prosperity. Colombo; Institute of Biology Sri Lanka, pp. 99-103.
 Monographs
 
  1. Harris, J.M. and Vinobaba, P. (2008). Hand Book on Seaweed farming – An alternative livelihood to fishermen. CIDA funded and EUSL publication. (ISBN: 978-955-1443-35-1).  
  2. Harris, J.M., Vinobaba, P. and Jude Nithakaran, K. (2008). Compost making by using water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and other uses water hyacinth.  CIDA funded and EUSL publication, (ISBN: 978-955-1443-38-2). 

 

Research Interest

  • Lagoon Water quality and hydrochemistry
  • Ichthyo diversity and their conservation
  • Diversity of Zoo and Phytoplankton
  • Heavy metal accumulation in finfish, shellfish and health impacts
  • Mangrove flora and fauna
  • Environmental Modelling
  • Invasive Alien Species
  • Fish Biology and Fisheries

Teaching

  1. Cell Biology (Practical)
  2. Animal Diversity (Theory +Practical)
  3. Animal Ecology (Theory + Practical)
  4. Hazard Management (Theory)
  5. Fisheries (Theory + Practical)
  6. Human Biology (Practical)
  7. Animal Physiology (Practical)
  8. Invertebrate Diversity – (Theory + Practical)
  9. Vertebrate Diversity – (Theory + Practical)
  10. Cell Biology and Histology (Practical)
  11. Fish Biology (Theory + Practical)
  12. Aquaculture (Theory + Practical)
  13. Marine Biology (Theory + Practical)
  14. Environmental Impact Assessment (Theory)

Awards

  1. Gold medal for the best research paper titled of “Impact of water quality on species composition and seasonal fluctuation of planktonic organisms of Batticaloa lagoon during the year 2008 – 2009” at Annual Research Conference 2010, University of Jaffna.
  2. Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Modeling Fellowship – 2013 Greenhouse Gas Inventory & Mitigation Modeling Training Program, 8th July 2013 to 30th July 2013, Organized by Greenhouse Gas Inventory & Research Center of Korea (GIR), Seoul, Korea.
  3. Gubbi Fellowship – 2013, Freshwater Phycology and advanced microscopy study of Plankton, organized by Gubbi Labs in association with University of Colorado at Boulder, USA and Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), to be held during 21 - 25 October 2013, Bangalore, India.
  4. NSF Postgraduate Fellowship for PhD - 2015 – NSF/SCH/2015/04
  5. Best Portfolio Report for the Staff Development Program - 2016, University of Kelaniya, accredited by the University Grants Commission as an induction program for academic staffs of Sri Lankan universities ISO 9001-2008 certified.
  6. Best Presenter at the Staff Development Research Forum – 2016, University of Kelaniya, accredited by the University Grants Commission as an induction program for academic staffs of Sri Lankan universities ISO 9001-2008 certified.
  7. National Research Council merit award for scientific publication – 2016
  8. Proctor. Coomaraswamy prizes for observational research – 2016 for the best research publication in academic discipline using observational (descriptive) approach in Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
  9. Dr. Sabaratnam prize for interventional research – 2017 for the best research publication in academic discipline using interventional (experimental) approach in Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
  10. Greenhouse Gas Inventory System Fellowship – 2018 Greenhouse Gas Inventory System Training Program, 10-13th September, 2018, Organized by United Nations office of the Sustainable Development in collaboration with Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) and Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). Bangkok, The Kingdom of Thailand.
  11. Vice-Chancellor award – 2022 – for the Output Based Research for the year 2020

Positions Held

  1. District Aquaculture Extension Officer
  2. Research Assistant
  3. Temporary Demonstrator
  4. Temporary Assistant Lecturer
  5. Lecturer (Probationary)
  6. Senior Lecturer
  7. Student Counselor
  8. Lead Student Counselor
  9. Activity Coordinator – AHEAD Program
  10. Member of Canteen Vigilance Committee 
  11. Editor for Faculty Science News Letter
  12. Committee member for Community Outreached Science Unit (COSU-EUSL)
  13. Board member for Centre for Industrial Community Linkage Unit (CICL-EUSL)
Last Updated
24-Nov-2023