Research and publications

Present research interests

Breast cancer, Survival studies, Antimicrobials

Special awards and prizes

• Dr. Murugesar Sinnetamby Oration – 2019 for the manuscript; “Survival analysis of breast cancer in Sri Lanka; a dire necessity revisited” was awarded by the Sri Lanka Medical Association in 2019.
• NRC Merit Award 2018 for the full paper publication: "KIBRA; a novel biomarker predicting recurrence free survival of breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant therapy".
• Third place for the best poster presentation was received at the Annual Academic Sessions of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle in 2019.
• Best oral presentation awards were received at three times; Annual Academic sessions of the Galle Medical Association in 2014, Annual Scientific Sessions of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardhanepura in 2015 and 2016.
• UGC Research grant to Probationary Academic Grades to obtain Doctoral Qualifications Locally – 2011 was obtained in 2011. Amount was SL Rs. 750, 000.00.
• ESMO travel grant to ESMO Asia – 2015 conference in Singapore. Presented a poster.

Workshops/training attended

• Resource person of the workshop for Nurses on “Research Methods and Proposal Writing” conducted by the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna on 25th September 2021.
• Participated the student counsellor training workshop conducted by the Faculty of Medicine, University Ruhuna on 5th March 2021.
• Resource person of the workshop on development of BSc (Hons) Health Technology curriculum on 10th October 2019.
• Trainee in the International Course on Surveying and Evaluating Ethical Review Practices conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo in June and August 2019.
• Participated the workshop on “How we can develop a modern and novel accredited academic curriculum” conducted by the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, KDU in September 2019.
• Participated the training on Counseling the Undergraduates conducted by the Staff Development Center, University of Ruhuna in July 2019.
• Participated the workshop on Basics in Immunohistochemistry organized by the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka in June 2019.

Research publications(full paper)

• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Liyanage T, Ranasinghe JGS, 2013. Effect of morphological preservation artifacts on the quality of immunohistochemical staining for ER and Her-2. Galle Medical Journal, 18(2), pp.8-12.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, 2017. Do breast cancer risk factors affect the survival of breast cancer patients in Southern Sri Lanka? Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 18(1), pp.69-79.
• Peiris H, Mudduwa L, Thalagala N, Jayatilake K, 2017. The value of Nottingham grade re-visited in the Sri Lankan setting. Malaysian Journal of Pathology, 39(2), pp.141-148.
• Mudduwa L, Peiris H, Gunasekara S, Abeysiriwardhana D, Liyanage T, 2017. Prognostic significance low Claudine3 expression in luminal breast cancers. Breast cancer: Basic and Clinical Research, 11, pp.1- 11.
• Peiris H, Mudduwa L, Thalagala N, Jayatilake K, 2018. Validity of St Gallen risk categories in prognostication of breast cancer patients in Southern Sri Lanka. BMC Women’s Health, 18:30. doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0524-1
• Mudduwa L, Peiris H, Gunasekara S, Abeysiriwardhana D, Liyanage N, Rayala SK, Liyanage T, 2018. KIBRA; a novel prognostic biomarker for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy. BMC Cancer, 18:589. doi.org/10.1186/s12885-018-4491-6
• Piumali WGG, Attanayake AP, Peiris H, 2018 Antimicrobial activity of a selected medicinal plant extracts mixture used in the management of chronic skin wounds in Ayurvedic Medicine. International Journal of Life Sciences and Review, 4(2), pp.27-34.
• Mudduwa L, Wijeratne G, Peiris H, Gunasekara S, Abeysiriwardhana D, Liyanage N, Liyanage T, 2018. Elevated presurgical CA15-3; does it predict the short-term disease-free survival of breast cancer patients with no distant metastasis? International Journal of Women’s Health,10, pp.329-335. doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S162867
• Mudduwa L, Peiris H, Liyanage T, Abeysiriwardhana D, 2019. Molecular classification of breast cancers using immunohistochemical surrogates; the Sri Lankan experience. Journal of Diagnostic Pathology, 14(1), pp.10-19.
• Mudduwa L, Peiris H, Liyanage T, Gunasekara S, Ranawaka N, 2019. Trends in clinico-pathological and risk factor profile of breast cancer; 10-year experience at a single center in Sri Lanka. Journal of Diagnostic Pathology, 14(2), pp.5-12. doi.org/10.4038/jdp.v14i2.7772
• Silva WASV, Peiris HH, 2020. Health related quality of life of children with Thalassemia major in two selected hospitals in Sri Lanka. Journal of Health Sciences and Innovative Research, 01(01), pp.38-47. doi.org/10.31357/jhsir.v1i01.4773
• Peiris H, Mudduwa L, Thalagala N, Jayatilake K, 2020. Relapse profile and recurrence free survival of breast cancer patients – bridging the gap in Sri Lanka. Journal of the University of Ruhuna, 8(2), pp.67-82. doi.org/10.4038/jur.v8i2.7934
• Ubeysekara HA, Ranaweera NPNM, Peiris HH, Wijayaratne WMDGB, 2021. Antibiotic use in poultry production; a crosssectional study in a selected district in Sri Lanka. Galle Medical Journal, 26(2), pp.74-81. doi.org/10.4038/gmj.v26i2.8050
• Wijesiri TW, Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, 2021. Immunohistochemical assessment of PTEN expression and its association with tamoxifen resistance in ER positive breast cancers. Galle Medical Journal, 26(3), pp.105-112. doi.org/10.4038/gmj.v26i3.8101
• Mudduwa LKB, Peiris HH, Liyanage T, 2021. Predictive factors of recurrence free survival of patients with luminal breast cancer in southern Sri Lanka. Bengal Journal of Cancer, 1(2), pp. 78-85. doi:10.4103/bjoc.bjoc_2_22

Published abstracts of oral presentations

• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2011. Risk factors and demographic characteristics of patients with breast cancer in Southern Province of Sri Lanka: A preliminary study. Galle Medical Journal, 16(2), p.48.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2012. Histopathological features of breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal females: A comparative study. Galle Medical Journal, 17(2), p.57.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2014. Tumour characteristics in relation to the age at presentation of breast cancer. Galle Medical Journal, 19(2), p.40. Received the award for the best oral presentation.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, 2015. Association between Family History of Cancer and Prognostic Parameters of Breast Cancer. Proceedings of the 12th Academic Sessions of the University of Ruhuna.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, 2015. Five-year overall survival and the histopathological profile of breast cancer. Proceedings of the International Conference on Research Publication and Networking-ICRPN, p.42.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, 2015. Risk factors and clinico-pathological profile of Triple Negative Breast Cancer; A comparative study done in Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Scientific Sessions of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardhanepura. Received the award for the best oral presentation.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2015. Validation of St Gallen risk categories of breast cancer on a cohort of Sri Lankan patients. Galle Medical Journal, 20(2), p.52.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2016. Outcome based validation of Nottingham Prognostic Index in a Sri Lankan setting. Proceedings of the 13th Academic Sessions of the University of Ruhuna, p.44.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2016. Predictors of breast cancer specific survival of patients with node-negative breast cancer. Proceedings of the 13th Academic Sessions of the University of Ruhuna, p.45. 10. Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, 2016. Nottingham grade 2 breast cancer; is it a true prognostic category?. Proceedings of the 25th Anniversary International Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, p.102.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2016. Clinico-pathological factors influencing the recurrence free interval of patients with recurrent breast cancer. Proceedings of the Scientific Sessions 2016 of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura. Received the award for the best oral presentation.
• Mudduwa LKB, Peiris HH, Gunasekara SN, Liyanage TG, Abeysiriwardhana DS, 2016. Immunohistochemical detection of Claudin low breast cancer; which subcellular level to be assessed? Proceedings of the scientific sessions 2016 of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka.
• Mudduwa LKB, Wijeratne WMDGB, Liyanage TG, Peiris HH, Liyanage NC, Gunasekara, SN, Kaushalya MHA, 2016. Role of CA 15.3 in the pre-operative assessment of primary breast cancer. Proceedings of the 25th Anniversary International Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
• Mudduwa LKB, Peiris HH, Gunasekara SN, Abeysiriwardhana DS, Liyanage TG, Liyanage NC, Nagahwatte A de S, 2016. Value of KIBRA in breast cancer; from bench to bedside. Proceedings of the 75th Annual Academic Sessions of the Galle Medical Association.
• Mudduwa L, Peiris H, 2017. Recurrence free survival of luminal breast cancers in Southern Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 76th Annual Academic Sessions of the Galle Medical Association.
• Silva S, Peiris HH, 2019. Health related quality of life of children (HRQoL) between 2-12 years with Thalassemia major in two tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka. 1st South-East Asia Regional Group Meeting of the International Epidemiological Association and 24th Annual Academic sessions of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 2019, Vol.25, (3) pp.26.
• Ranaweera NPNM, Peiris H., Wijayaratne W.M.D.G.B., 2020. Antimicrobial Potential in Poultry Feed Used in Poultry in Kegalle District. Proceedings of the Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna. RuFARS-2020. p.37. 18. Ranaweera NPNM, Peiris H., Wijayaratne W.M.D.G.B., 2020. Antimicrobials used in Poultry: A field study in Kegalle District. Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Sessions of the College of Microbiologists.
• Senevirathna EMTP, Peiris HH, 2020. Dietary habits of patients with thyroid cancer: A preliminary study. CINEC student research symposium-2020 conducted by the CINEC campus.
• Amarasinghe AADS, Peiris HH, Amarasinghe AABN, 2021. Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Perceived Mental Healthcare need of Sri Lankan undergraduates studying in selected countries affected by COVID 19. Proceedings of the 04th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, RuFARS 2021.
• YNB Kumara, Wickramasinghe SS, Peiris HH, 2021. Evaluation of a staining technique using toluidine blue in comparison to Gram stain for direct detection of bacteria in the positive blood culture broth. Proceedings of the 80th Annual Academic Sessions of the Galle Medical Association.
• Nishadi SAR, Peiris HH, Wickramasinghe ASD, Attanayake AP, Mudduwa LK, 2022. Hepatic oxidative and histological changes in high fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Proceedings of the 05th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, RuFARS 2022.
• Maduwanthika PVP, Wickramasinghe SS, Peiris HH, 2022. In-vitro sensitivities of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus against selected cephalosporins. Proceedings of the 05th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, RuFARS 2022.
• Gunawardena KDSKD, Wijayaratne WMDGB, Peiris HH, 2022. Bacterial pathogens and pathophysiological parameters Associated with urinary tract Infections in Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Teaching Hospital Karapitiya. Proceedings of the 05th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, RuFARS 2022.
• Rathnayake N, Peiris H, Hettihewa S, Weeratunga E, Kotapola I, 2022. Satisfaction on the opportunities and employability skills received during the undergraduate period: A study of graduates of Allied Health Sciences Faculty in the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Ruhuna Quality Assurance Session -2022.

Published abstracts of poster presentations

• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2015. The effect of non-anatomic prognostic factors on the breast cancer-specific survival of patients with no metastasis at presentation. Proceedings of the 128th Annivasary International Medical Congress of Sri Lanka Medical Association, p.199.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2015. Predictors of recurrence free survival of females with breast cancer. Proceedings of the 128th Annivasary International Medical Congress of Sri Lanka Medical Association, p.199.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2015. Breast cancer specific survival by immunohistochemical tumour subtypes. Proceedings of the GastroIntestinal, Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology International Conference of the College of Pathologists’ of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan British School of Pathology, p.35.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2015. Targeted therapy for Her2 positive breast cancer; what should be the target in trastuzumab therapy? Galle Medical Journal, 20(2), p.79.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2015. Assessing the impact of known risk factors of breast cancer, on breast cancer specific survival. Proceedings of the 71st Annual Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) sessions, p.105.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayatilake KAPW, Ekanayake U, Horadugoda J, 2015. Nottingham grade; does it influence the survival of operable breast cancer patients across all TNM stages? Annals of Oncology 26 (Supplement 9), pp. ix16-ix33. Doi:10.1093/annonc/mdv519.14.
• Mudduwa LKB, Peiris HH, Abeysiriwardhana DS, 2017. Assessment of basal marker expression in breast cancers on a routine basis; is there any advantage? Proceedings of the scientific sessions 2017 of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka.
• De Silva LAPNF, Peiris HH, Wijeyarathna WMDGB, 2019. Comparison of the effectiveness of different substrates and culture media on Germ tube (GT) production. Proceedings of the Annual Academic Sessions of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna. Ruhuna Journal of Medicine, Vol.7, No.1. p.77. Received third place for the poster presentation.
• De Silva LAPNF, Peiris HH, Wijeyarathna WMDGB, 2019. An evaluation of germ tube formation at different incubation conditions and strength of inocula. Proceedings of the 8th Annual Conference and Scientific Sessions of Sri Lanka Society for Microbiology, Vol.7, p.37.
• Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, Thalagala NI, Jayathilake KAPW, 2019. AJCC prognostic stage grouping of breast cancer; an outcomebased validation against the anatomic staging. Annual Academic Sessions - 2019 conducted by the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists.
• Wijesiri TW, Peiris HH, Mudduwa LKB, 2019. Immunohistochemical Assessment of PTEN Expression in ER Positive Breast Cancers. Annual Academic Sessions - 2019 conducted by the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists.
• Dissanayake DRSG, Peiris HH, Attanayake AP, 2021. Antimicrobial activity and oral acute toxicity effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum Trim extracts. Proceedings of the 18th Academic Sessions of the University of Ruhuna.
• Amarasinghe AADS, Peiris HH, Amarasinghe AABN, 2021. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among Sri Lankan undergraduates studying in countries affected by COVID - 19: A comparative study. Proceedings of the International Conference on Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardanapura.
• Samuel A, Nijamdeen TWGFM, Deepananda KHMA, Isabelle G, Sunanda KA, Peiris H, 2022. Physico-chemical parameters and bacteria as indicators of sewage pollution in Negombo lagoon, Sri Lanka. Jan Mees and Jan Seys (Eds). 2022. Book of abstracts – VLIZ Marine Science Day, Online event 2 March 2022. VLIZ Special Publication 88. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ): Oostende, Belgium. v + 91 p.
• Madushani KA, Peiris HH, 2022. Awareness of Breast Cancer and Breast Self-examination among Female Undergraduates in the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study. Proceedings of the 05th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, RuFARS 2022.
• Jinadasa AACA, Peiris HH, Wickramasinghe SS, 2022. Determination of the Effectiveness of Selected Disinfectants Available in a Medical Laboratory Setting. Proceedings of the 05th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, RuFARS 2022.
• Maheshika ALR, Wijayaratne WMDGB, Peiris HH, 2022. Bacteriological Profile of Chronic Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya. Proceedings of the 05th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, RuFARS 2022.

Editorial contribution

• Editor in chief of the RuFARS 2020
• Member of the editorial board of the RuFARS 2019 & 2021

Membership of professional associations

• Life member of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), section E2
• Life member of the Galle Medical Association.