Work Experience

• Demonstrator: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2004-2005).
• Lecturer: Allied Health Sciences Degree Program, Faculty of Medicine, Galle (2008-2013).
• Senior Lecturer Grade II: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Galle (28/01/2013-28/01/2019).
• Senior Lecturer Grade I: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Galle (28/01/2019-upto date).
• Head and the Coordinator of the Department of MLS: 2015 August up to December 2018.

Course/Modules Teaching for undergraduates

• Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• Enzymes, Bioenergetics and Hormone Action
• Metabolism and Regulatory Mechanisms
• Biochemistry Practical
• Medical Laboratory Practice
• Nutrition and Dietetics

Research and publications

Present research interests

Biochemistry, Human Nutrition, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science

Special awards and prizes

• Presidential Award for Scientific Publications - 2015
• Best Poster Award: Asian Congress of Nutrition-2015, Yokohama, Japan.

Workshops/training attended

• Group Scientific Visit on Field Work Training for Human Milk Assessment, 9 - 20 February 2015, at the Mahidol University, Thailand.
• Regional Training Course on Assessing Anthropometry, Total Body Water and Total Energy Expenditure in infants 8-12 April 2019, Kualalumpur, Malaysia.
• Regional Training Course on the “Assessment of Human Milk intake by stable isotope techniques”, 4-8 August 2014, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
• IAEA training programme on stable isotope techniques to assess milk intake and body composition, 16-20 July 2012, at St. Johns Research Institute, Bangalore, India.
• Certificate Course for Professional Development in Higher Education (CCPDHE)- in 2008.
• Followed “Counselling the Undergraduates: Workshop for Academics”, Conducted under IRQUE-QEF project at the Faculty of Medicine 10-11 September 2008.
• Obtained a training on the Paramedical Degree Programmes conducted by The University of Sri Jayewardenepura from 11th to 22nd February 2008.
• Certificate course on “Project Proposal Writing” conducted by Sri Lanka Institute of Development, 25/02/2008-29/02/2008.
• Workshop on “Training Tomorrow’s Medical Leaders” conducted by the college of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka, on 23rd July 2016.
• Workshop on “Basics of Research Ethics” conducted by Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) on 4th July 2019 be Lionel Memorial Auditorium, SLMA.
• “Research Ethics and Compliance Training” of the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Programme.
• Higher Education MHFA One Day course on Mental Health First Aid Champion conducted by MFHA, England, 2021.

Workshops/training attended

• International Programme in Chemical Sciences (IPICS)-2006 for research and training on antidiabetic Plants, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Asian Network of Research on Anti-diabetic Plants (ANRAP) Fellowship – At the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) Dhaka- 2007.
• International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) Fellowship to Mahidol University, Thailand. For training on Isotope studies. 2015.
• Research Fellowship, At University of Hull, United Kingdom, from 17th February 2022 -up to 16th February 2023.

Book publications

Breast Milk: Best Choice, by Dr. Thushari Bandara (2023). ISBN 978-624-94570-0-3.

Research publications(full paper)

• Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C, Amarasena S and William W Wong (2015) The D2O-to-the-Mother Method Documented Adequate Breast Milk Intake Among Sri Lankan Infants. Journal of Nutrition. First published online on April 22, 2015 as doi: 10.3945/jn.115.211771. pp. 1325-1329.
• Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C, Amarasena S and William W Wong (2015) Body composition among Sri Lankan infants by 18O dilution method and the validity of anthropometric equations to predict body fat against 18O dilution. BMC Pediatrics. 15 (52). doi:10.1186/s12887- 015-0371-2.
• Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C and Amarasena S (2015) Current infant feeding practices and impact on growth in babies during second half of infancy. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 28: 366-374. doi:10.1111/jhn.12253.
• Bandara T, Liyanage C, Amarasena S, Thomas T, Bannicoppa P and Indu M, Hettiarachchi M (2022) Fatty acid composition in the breast milk of Sri Lankan mothers during exclusive breastfeeding. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. 51(2):215-221.
• Bandara T, Uluwaduge I, Jansz ER: Bioactivity of cinnamon with special emphasis on diabetes mellitus: A Review. Int J Food Sci Nutr; 2012 May; 63(3):380-6. PMID: 22007625
• Thushari Bandara, Begum Rokeya, Sakina Khan, Liaquat Ali, Sagarika Ekanayake, Errol. R. Jansz, Kandiah Balasubramanium (2009) Effects of Gymnema lactiferum leaves on glycemic and lipidemic status in type 2 diabetes subjects. Bangladesh J Pharmacol 2009; 4: 92-95.
• Thushari Bandara, S. Ekanayake, E.R. Jansz, and K. Balasubramanium (2009) Canthium coromandelicum leaf as a functional food. Vidyodaya Journal of Science.14:105-109.
• Thushari Bandara, E.R. Jansz, Sagarika Ekanayake and K. Balasubramanium, Preparation and storage of pinnatu destroys the hypocholesterolaemic effect of palmyrah fruit pulp. (2009) Vidyodaya Journal of Science. 14:85-93.
• Thushari Bandara, S. Ekanayake E.R. Jansz, K. Balasubramanium (2010) Effects of Gymnema lactiferum leaf on serum glucose and cholesterol levels of normoglycemic Wistar rats. Vidyodaya Journal of Science. 15(1&2):1-6.
• Thushari Bandara (2014) Studies on selected bioactivities of Gymnema lactiferum leaf, Canthium coromendalicum leaf and Palmyrah Pinnatu: A Review: Ruhuna Journal of Medicine. 2 (1): 1-11.
• Thushari Bandara, William W.Wong (2022) Quantification of human milk intake of the babies: a review. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. 51(4): 608-612.
• Thushari Bandara, Fenando G.H.S (2023). Proper hydration is central for the health and wellness of children: A review. Accepted. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. 2023; 52(3): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v52i3.
• Thushari Bandara, Harshal A. Deshmukh, Mohammad Abdulla and Thozhukat Sathyapalan. Metabolic and endocrine complication of long COVID-19: A review. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes. (2023); DOI:10.1055/a-2063-8697.
• Fernando S, Bandara T, Sathanandarajah R and Withanaarachchi K (2014) Pattern of clinically recognisable congenital malformations in babies born in a tertiary referral centre in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Medical Journal. 59(4):132-135.
• Fernando GHS, Bandara T (2015) Barriers for implementation of Electronic Medical Record (EMR): A review. Sri Lanka Journal of Health Policy and Management. 2 (1): 210-214.
• Fernando G.H.S, Wanninayake W.M.I.K, Somarathna C.J.K, Chandrasena A.P.R.S, Bandara T (2015) Prevalence of Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Risk Factors for non-communicable diseases among patients attended to Healthy Life Style Centers at Base Hospital Udugama. Sri Lanka Journal of Health Policy and Management. 2 (1):72-78.
• Dilshika, L.K.M., Bandara, W.V.R.T.D.G. and Karunanayaka, A.D.S.S. (2020) A Study on Sample Rejection Rates due to Pre-analytical Errors: Associated Factors and Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Nurses on Blood Sample Collection for Haematology at a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka, Journal of Health Sciences and Innovative Research. 1(1):25-31.
• Amarasingha AADS, Bandara WVRTDG (2020) The knowledge and attitude of the medical laboratory technologists in Southern province on Medical Laboratory Accreditation. Journal of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (JSLAAS), Vol. 3, Issue 1 (2021) 4-12.
• Madhushika, N.G.H and Bandara W.V.R.T.D.G. (2021) An assessment of the sleeping pattern in healthy infants. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. 50(4), pp.644–649.
• JSS Madhushani and WVRTDG Bandara (2021) An Assessment on the knowledge and healthcare related practices of parents regarding home management of children with Nephrotic Syndrome, attending to Peadiatric Nephrology Clinic, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya. Journal of Health Sciences and Innovative Research. 2(1):43-52.
• Najeeb Shah, Thushari Bandara, Harshal Deshmukh, Lucy Batten, Chris Walton, Thozhukat Sathyapalan. (2022) Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and Erythrocytosis: A review. British Journal of Diabetes. 2022; 22:73-77.https://doi.org/10.15277/bjd.2022.384.
• Kalana GLJ, Amarasingha AADS, Senevirathna LRKCK and Bandara WVRTDG (2022) Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Critical Results Management among the Medical Laboratory Technologists in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies.9(1)35-44.
• Dharmapriya W.L.G.U.B.N., Bandara W.V.R.T.D.G (2022) Relationship of serum cholesterol and triglycerides with the Body Mass Index in a group of healthy undergraduates. Journal of Health Sciences and Innovative Research. 3(1):11-19. DOI: 10.31357/jhsir.v3i01.5967. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362384344_Relationship_of_ Serum_Cholesterol_and_Triglycerides_Levels_with_the_Body_Mass_In dex_in_a_Group_of_Healthy_Undergraduates [accessed Aug 01 2022]
• Nayanajith MPSU, Bandara W.V.R.T.D.G. Consumers’ Knowledge and Perception of Food Additives: A Study of Galle Municipal Area in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies. 2022; 9(2): 44-55.
• Madusanka MAIS, Dissanayake M, Akalanka HMK and Bandara T. A cross-sectional study on the Vitamin D status in a group of indoor and outdoor workers in Galle, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine. 2022; 31(2): 35-42. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljm.v31i2.339..
• Fernando G.H.S, Thushari Bandara, Macani Purva. Does the Incident Reporting System (IRS) in healthcare system, a requirement for improving patient safety? A Review. International Journal of Health System Resilience. 2023; 1(2)1-10. DOI:https://doi.org/10.51595/INJHSR22/019.

Published abstracts of oral presentations

• Thushari Bandara, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C, Amarasena S, Bannikoppa P.S and Thomas T (2016) Study on the fatty acid composition in breast milk during the period of exclusive breast feeding. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Clinical Nutrition. J.Nutr Food Sci.Vol.6: Issue 8; pg 30.
• Thushari Bandara, Sujeewa Amarasena, William W Wong, Manjula Hettiarachchi. (2019) Breast milk intake of Sri Lankan infants during first year of life. Proceedings of the 1 st South East Asia Regional group meeting of the International Epidemiological Association & Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 2019, September 2019.pp 19.
• Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C, Amarasena S and Wong WW (2015) Validity of anthropometric equations to predict body fat in exclusively breast-fed Sri Lankan infants against 18O dilution technique. Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) pg 99.
• Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C and Amarasena S (2014) Complementary feeding practices and the impact on growth indicators in babies of second half of infancy. Proceedings of Annual Scientific Sessions of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka (NSSL). 25th and 26th of January 2014, Colombo.
• Thushari Bandara, E.R.Jansz, Sagarika Ekanayake and K.Balasubramanium (2006) Studies on pectin mediated hypocholesterolaemic effect of palmyrah pinnatu. Chemistry in Sri Lanka 23(2):26
• Thushari Bandara, Gayathri Pathberiya and Niluka Rajapaksha (2006) High molecular weight pectins are responsible for the hypocholesterolaemic effect of palmyrah fruit pulp on rats and mice and must be intact on processing of palmyrah. Proceedings of the symposium, “Glimpses of Research”, Department of Biochemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. September 2006. pp 09
• W.V.R.T.D.G. Bandara, Sagarika Ekanayake, E.R. Jansz and K. Balasubramanium (2007) The hypocholesterolaemic effect of Canthium coromandelicum leaf on Wistar rats Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Sessions 418/D
• T. Bandara, E. R. Jansz, S. Ekanayake, K. Balasubramanium and B. Rokeya (2007) Effects of a plant material PE053 (Gymnema lacteferum var.lactiferum) on glycemic and lipidemic status of type 2 diabetic Long - Evans rats. Diabetologia (50):1 378
• Thushari Bandara, E.R.Jansz, Sagarika Ekanayake and K.Balasubramanium (2008) Effects of Gymnena lactiferum on glycaemic and lipidemic status in type 2 diabetics. Chemistry in Sri Lanka 25(2):21
• Thushari Bandara, E.R.Jansz, Sagarika Ekanayake and K.Balasubramanium (2008) Preparation of pinnatu destroys the hypocholesterolaemic effect of palmyrah fruit pulp. Chemistry in Sri Lanka 25(2):20
• Thushari Bandara, E.R.Jansz, Sagarika Ekanayake and K.Balasubramanium (2008) Effects of Gymnema lactiferum on serum glucose and cholesterol levels of normo-glycaemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Chemistry in Sri Lanka 25 (2):20-21
• Fernando GHS, Bandara T, Sathanandarajah R and Withanaarachchi K (2016) Pattern of congenital malformations in live new born babies in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, 129th Anniversary International Medical Congress, At Galadari Hotel, Colombo, Volume: pg 210.
• Upamali MPSN, Bandara WVRTG (2019) A study on the consumer’s knowledge and perception on food additives in Galle. Proceedings of the 1 st South East Asia Regional group meeting of the International Epidemiological Association & Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 2019, September 2019.pp 60. pp 230.
• Madhushani JSS, Bandara T (2019) An Assessment on the knowledge and healthcare related practices of parents regarding home management of children with Nephrotic Syndrome. Proceedings of the 12th KDU International Research Conference. September 2019. Pp 230.
• Dilshika M, Bandara T, Karunanayake S (2017) A study on sample rejection rates and associated factors due to pre-analytical errors at the haematology laboratory at a teaching hospital in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Scientific Sessions 2017, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenepura in collaboration with Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Base Hospital, Homagama, At Golden Rose Hotel, Boralesgamuwa. 24-25 May 2017; pg 66-67.
• Dilshika M, Bandara T, Karunanayake S (2017) Knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses on blood sample collection: A cross sectional study. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Multidisciplinary approaches-2017, Jointly organized by Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Ministry of Science, Technology and Research and National Science Foundation. 20-22 September 2017. At Hikka Tranx by Cinnamon, Hikkaduwa. pg.46.
• Madhushika. N.G.H., Bandara. W.V.R.T.G (2020) An assessment of the sleeping pattern in healthy infants. Abstracts of the 2ndAsia International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2020 (AICM’20). Colombo, Sri Lanka. 10th December 2020.pp 03.
• Amarasingha AADS, Bandara WVRTDG (2020) The knowledge and attitude on medical laboratory accreditation among Medical Laboratory Technologists in Galle. 7th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, iCMA 2020, held on 8th - 10th December 2020, at The Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Pp.48.
• Hettiarachchi K.H.A.V. I, Dissanayake M and Bandara W.V.R.T.D.G. (2022) Comparison of dye binding methods for serum albumin measurements with capillary electrophoresis method. 9th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches (iCMA) –16-17 December, 2022. Organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Pp 59.
• Fernando GHS, Thushari Bandara (2022) Does the Incident Reporting System (IRS) in healthcare system, a requirement for improving patient safety? A Review. Journal of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine. 9(2): E195. Pp4.http://doi.org/10.4038/jpgim.8413.
• PTA Thilakarathna, HLK Prabodhi, WVRTG Bandara (2022) PostVaccination Symptoms of COVD-19 vaccines in adults in Galle. Proceedings of 81th Academic Sessions, Galle Medical Association. 13-14 October 2022. Pp 17: http://doi.org/10.4038/gmj.v27i0.8159.
• PTA Thilakarathna, HLK Prabodhi, WVRTDG Bandara (2023) Acceptance and perception of covid-19 vaccination among adults in the Galle district. Proceedings of the 11th YFS Symposium. 130-134.

Published abstracts of poster presentations

• Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C and Amarasena S (2014) Adequacy of breast milk intake among exclusively breast-fed Sri Lankan infants. 12th Asian Congress of Nutrition. 2015. Yokohoma, Japan. 14th-18th May 2015.
• Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C, Amarasena S and Wong WW (2015) Body composition of exclusively breast-fed infants by 18O isotope dilution. Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) pg 01.
• Pemarathna PBDS, Akalanka HMK, Bandara WVRTDG, Dissanayake M (2021) A study on the impact of time and temperature variations on the analysis of urine for selected parameters. 6th Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Chemical Pathologists, Sri Lanka (CCPSL).26th and 27th July at Hotel Hilton, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Issue no 6. Pp 103.
• Madusanka MAIS, Akalanka HMK, Bandara WVRTDG, Dissanayake M (2021) A study on Vitamin D status of a group of indoor and outdoor workers in Karapitiya, Galle. 6th Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Chemical Pathologists, Sri Lanka (CCPSL).26th and 27th July at Hotel Hilton, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Issue no 6. Pp 120.
• Kalana GLJ, Amarasingha AADS, Senevirathna LRKCK and Bandara WVRTDG (2021) Knowledge and Attitudes on Critical Results Management among the Medical Laboratory Technologists in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. International Conference on Health Sciences-2021 (ICH), Organized by the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 15th October 2021.pp 100-101.
• Kalana GLJ, Amarasingha AADS, Senevirathna LRKCK and Bandara WVRTDG (2021) Critical Results Management Practices of the Medical Laboratory Technologists in the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. International Research Conference of the Kotelawala Defense University. 9-10 September 2021.pp. 39.
• Mithurshiyan L, Bandara W.V.R.T.D.G, Amarasingha A.A.D.S (2022) Positive effects of COVID-19 pandemic: Perception of undergraduate students of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Ruhuna. Proceeding of the 5th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna (RuFARS 2022). 26th August 2022. Pp 55.
• Jayathilaka PALM, Bandara W.V.R.T.D.G (2022) Depression anxiety and stress among the academic staff members in the University of Ruhuna: a cross sectional study. MSF Asia Scientific days and International Conference on Medical Sciences. Organized by the University of Sri Jayewardenapura, Sri Lanka, 4th August 2022. Pp. 86.
• P.B.D.S. Pemarathna, M. Dissanayake, H.M.K. Akalanka and W.V.R.T.D.G. Bandara (2022) The effect of storage temperature and time duration on osmolality, protein level and pH of urine. Proceedings of the 10th YSF Symposium organized with the collaboration of National Science & Technology Commission (NASTEC) & Young Scientists Forum (YSF) 18th March 2022.pg 159.
• Silva L.S.K, Bandara W.V.R.T.D. (2023) Assessment of the Knowledge on Daily Water Requirement and Dehydration among the Pregnant Women in Selected MOH Areas in Galle District. Proceedings of the International Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (iRuFARS 2023). Pp 124.

Scientific and literary communication

• Article on “Exclusive Breast Feeding: Are we up to standards?” in the Newsletter of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka. Volume 1. 2021. Pp 14-16.
• Article on “Sharirayata Hitakara Cheolesterol warga monawada I? In Lankadeepa Newspaper on 14/02/2011, pp 6.
• Article on “Sharirayata Hitakara Cheolesterol warga monawada II? In Lankadeepa Newspaper on 21/02/2011, pp 06.
• Article on “Food from plants and health: Cholesterol” In Sunday Island Newspaper on 07/11/2010.pp 13.

Editorial contribution

• Member- Editorial Board of the Journal of the University of Ruhuna (JUR) - 2021
• Member- Editorial Board of the official Biannual Magazine of the University of Ruhuna (UoR Highlights)-2019
• Member- Editorial Board of the official Biannual Magazine of the University of Ruhuna (UoR Highlights)-2020
• Editor-in-Chief, Newsletter of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna-11/06/2021-10/06/2022.
• Member- Editorial Board, RuFARS -2019
• Member-Editorial Board, RuFARS-2020
• Member-Editorial Board, RuFARS-2021
• Member -Editorial Board, RuFARS-2022
• Member- Editorial Board, RuFARS-2023
• Member, Panel of Reviewers at the National Health Research Symposium, Held at BMICH, 2017
• Reviewer of the extended abstracts of the 8th Young Scientists Forum, 2019
• Reviewer of the abstracts of 16th Academic Sessions and Vice Chancellor’s Awards-2019, University of Ruhuna.
• Reviewer of the 3rd International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, IRSPAS-2018, University of Kelaniya.
• Reviewer of the abstracts of 12th International Research Conference, Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka-2019.
• Reviewer of the abstracts of RuFARS-2022
• Reviewer of the abstracts of RuFARS-2021
• Reviewer of the abstracts of RuFARS-2020
• Reviewer of the abstracts of RuFARS-2019
• Reviewer of the abstracts of Research Conference in Health Sciences, 2021-Organized by the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
• Reviewer of the abstracts of 16th Academic Sessions and 17th Vice Chancellors Awards, University of Ruhuna
• Reviewer of the abstracts of Annual Academic Sessions-NSSL, Sri Lanka2020
• Reviewer of the Orator Competition-English-2018, held at FAHS, Galle.
• Reviewer of the abstracts of 12th International Research Conference, KDU2019.
• Reviewer of the abstracts of 18th Academic Session and 17th Vice Chancellors awards ceremony -2021, University of Ruhuna.

Membership of professional associations

• Life member of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS)- Membership No:7996 E2
• Life member of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka (NSSL)-Membership No: 2013:011
• Member of the Institute of Chemistry (ICHEM) Sri Lanka
• Member, General Research Committee, SLAAS 2017-2020
• Secretary, General Research Committee, SLAAS-2019
• Council Member-Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka -2021
• Life Member- College of Biochemists-Sri Lanka