After joining PetVet in 2000, Shanaka was responsible for the establishing and proper function of the clinic's in-house laboratory. Since then, Shanaka has been an indispensable member of the PetVet Family, as he has continued to upgrade his skills, including attending multiple sessions with Veterinary Training Hospital at the University of Peredeniya where he focused on lab design and equipment. He also received specialized training on veterinary parasitology and morphology in 2003.