Qualifications (Completed)

B.Pharm (UoP, SL), M.Phil in Pharmaceutical Sciences (UoR, SL)

Qualifications (Not-Completed)

Reading PhD (CSU, Australia)

Research and publications

Present research interests

Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmacognosy, Quality control), Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Pharmaceutical Technology

Special awards and prizes

• Certificates at Sahasak Nimawum National Level evaluations for four herbal tea products, caffeine capsules and decaffeinated coffee products in 2025.
• Gold Medals for four hearbal tea products and Silver Medals for caffeine capsules and decaffeinated coffee products at Sahasak Nimawum Provinicail Level evaluations in 2024.
• Presented the thesis in 3MT thesis virtual competition which is organized by Sri Lanka Academy of Yong Scientists (SLAYS) and won a merit award on 7th December 2021.
• Best Oral Presenter at 1st Ruhuna University Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2018 (RuFARS 2018)
• Full colours for Elle at Sri Lanka University Games in University of Peradeniya (2011)

Workshops/training attended

• Successfully completed 5 days (8th July 2024 to 12th July 2024) of Training course in Molecular Biological Techniques (2024).
• Participated for the workshop on “Student counselor training programme” organized by Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna (2021)
• Participated for the workshop on “Mental Health First Aid programme” organized by Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna (2021)
• Participated most of the workshops organized by Staff Development Centre, University of Ruhuna and for all the workshops (Workshop series) organized by Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna (2021)
• Resource person for the workshop on “Microbiological techniques for conducting a research” organized by Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna (2021)
• Participated for the induction programme Certificate Course for Professional Development in Higher Education (CCPDHE) (2019)
• Participated for the workshop on “Counselling” organized by Staff Development Center, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna (2019)
• Participated for the workshop on “How can we develop a modern and novel accredited academic curriculum?” organized by General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (2019)
• Participated for the Clinical Pharmacy workshop in Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna (2018)
• Participated for the workshop on “Accountability & Workload model” in Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna (2018)

Book publications

Course Material Development – Unit Author for following Sessions in Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

• FMU5202 – Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Unit 02 - Legal Aspects Related to Pharmacy I, Session 05 - Patent Law
• FMU4304 – Hospital Pharmacy, Unit 01 - Introduction to Hospital Pharmacy, Session 03 - Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) and Good Dispensing Practice (GDP)

Research publications(full paper)

• Chandrasena, P.G.; Gunawardena, S.; Karunanayaka, S.V. Storage, Disposal, and Misuse of Unused and Expired Pharmaceuticals in Households amongst Staff Working at Dakshinapaya Ministry Complex, Labuduwa, Galle Region: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study. Pharmacoepidemiology MDPI, 2024, 3, 314–335.
• Thamudi Sundarapperuma, Eranthi Weeratunga, Prabhavi Wijesiriwardhana, Eranga Silva, Shanika Karunanayaka, and Kithmini Yasarathne, 2024. Analyzing the examination results to measure the effectiveness of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Asia Pacific Scholar-Medical and Health Professional Education, 9(1), 49-53.
• Karunanayaka, S., Hettihewa, S., Silva, D., Karunanayake L., 2023. Evaluation of the Efficacy of Alcohol-Based Herbal Hand Rubs Against Selected Pathogens. International Ruhuna University Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2023 (iRuFARS 2023), pp 22-29.
• Karunanayaka, S., Hettihewa, S., Silva, D., Karunanayake L., 2021. Development of novel chlorhexidine gluconate hand scrub with Aloe vera and in-vitro antimicrobial activity against selected bacteria and fungi. Asian Journal of Pharmacognosy, 5(3): 44-50.
• Karunanayaka, S., Hettihewa, S., Silva, D., Karunanayake L., 2021. Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of non-alcohol-based herbal hand scrubs developed against selected pathogens. Asian Journal of Pharmacognosy, 5(3): 20-29.
• Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., Dilsha R.A.N., Tanuja R.W.N., Buddhika R.B.J. and Samarasekara P.W.G.D.P., (2017) “Government Pharmacists’ Perceptions on Continuing Education”; 15th Open University Research Session, OURS 2017; Page 181 – 185.

Published abstracts of oral presentations

• K.D.S.V. Karunanayaka, N.K.P.G. Chandrasena, R.V.C. Madushani, L.B.L. Prabodha. 2024. Evaluation of the basic chemical information and sensory properties of some herbal tea products. International Research Symposium on Traditional Medicine (AyurEx Colombo) – 2024, Proceedings of the 2nd Symposium. ISSN: 978-624-5507-68-9, Pp 99. (Oral presentation)
• Karunarathna RSB, Karunanayaka KDSV, Wijayaratne WMDGB. 2023. Determination of Microbial Contamination of commercially available generic and branded oral antibiotic suspensions in Galle, Sri Lanka. International Conference Subaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2023.
• Samarasekara KPDN, Karunanayaka KDSV, Prasadi GAM. 2023. Assessment of ability of caregivers to determine liquid paracetamol doses for infants. Research Conference in Health Sciences – virtual (RCHS 2023), pp. 58. (Oral presentation)
• Presented the thesis in 3MT thesis virtual competition which is organized by Sri Lanka Academy of Yong Scientists (SLAYS) and won a merit award on 7th December 2021. (Oral presentation)
• Karunanayaka, K.D.S.V., Hettihewa, S.K., Silva, D.D., Karunanayake L., 2020. Antimicrobial Efficacy of Novel Hand Scrub with 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Medicinal Aloe against Selected Pathogens. CINEC Student Research Symposium – virtual (CSRS 2020), ISBN: 978-624-5601-00-4, pp. 61.
• Hettihewa S.K., Madushani D.A.P., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V.; “Formulation and Evaluation of Alcohol Based Poly-herbal Hand Sanitizer with Potential Antibacterial Activity”, 2019; 2nd Ruhuna University Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2019 (RuFARS 2019); ISSN: 2659 – 2029; Page 54.
• Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., Hettihewa S.K., Silva D.D and Karunanayaka L., “Antimicrobial efficacy of novel alcohol based hand scrubs with clove oil, cinnamon oil and aloe vera leaf extract against Acinetobacter baumannii and Proteus mirabillis”, 2019; 6th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference – 2019 (RiSTCON 2019); ISSN: 1391-8796; Page 29.
• Jayarathne W.U., Hettihewa S.K., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., and Samarasinghe S., “Formulation of mosquito repellent herbal cream using flower extract of Targetes erecta (marigold) & evaluation of its in vitro mosquito repellent activity against Aedes agypti, Anopheles stephensis, Culex quinquefasciatus”, 2019; 6th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference – 2019 (RiSTCON 2019); ISSN: 13918796; Page 27.
• Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., Hettihewa S.K., Silva D.D and Karunanayaka L., “Formulation of non-alcohol based hand scrubs with medicinal plant extracts and evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy”, 2018; 1st Ruhuna University Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2018 (RuFARS 2018); ISSN: 2659 – 2029; Page 30.
• K.D.S.V Karunanayaka., S.K. Hettihewa., D.D. Silva and L. Karunanayaka., “Formulation of novel alcohol based hand scrubs with medicinal plant extracts and evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy”, 2018; 4th AyurExInternational Symposium on Ayurveda and Indigenous Medicine 2018 (AyurEx- ISAIM 2018); Page 23.
• Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., Parahitiyawa N.B., Alcohol based hand scrub with medicinal plant extract, 2014; Peradeniya university international research session 2014; volume 18; page 231.
• Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., Dilsha R.A.N., Tanuja R.W.N., Buddhika R.B.J. and Samarasekara P.W.G.D.P., (2017) “Government Pharmacists’ Perceptions on Continuing Education”; 15th Open University Research Session, OURS 2017; Page 181 – 185.

Published abstracts of poster presentations

• Anjali M.E.D., Siriwardhene M. A., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V. 2024. Evaluation of In-vitro Antimicrobial Potential in the Sub-fractions of the Ethanolic Extract of Leucas biflora and Their Application in Herbal Soap Formulation. 2nd International Research Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2024 (iRuFARS 2024); ISSN: 2659 – 2029. (Poster presentation)
• Madawala R.M.I.O.K., Siriwardhene M. A., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V. 2024. Bioassay-Guided Fractionation and In-vitro Study of Antibacterial Activity of Tamarindus indica L. Stem Bark and Formulation of an Ointment. 2nd International Research Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2024 (iRuFARS 2024); ISSN: 2659 – 2029. (Poster presentation)
• Abeywickrama V. D., Ranasinghe C., Prabodha L.B.L., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V. 2024. Development and Evaluation of a Caffeine Capsule as an Over-the-Counter Alertness Aid Using Coffea arabica Beans. 2nd International Research Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2024 (iRuFARS 2024); ISSN: 2659 – 2029. (Poster presentation) – Won best poster presentation.
• Kannangara K.K.S.V., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., Yapage N. 2024. A Food Recommender System for Type 2 Diabetic Patients using Singular Value Decomposition. 2nd International Research Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2024 (iRuFARS 2024); ISSN: 2659 – 2029. (Poster presentation)
• Muthumekala M., Siriwardhene M. A., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V. 2024. Evaluation of Physiochemical and Microbial Stability of Commercially Available Analgesic Syrups in Karapitiya, Sri Lanka. 2nd International Research Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2024 (iRuFARS 2024); ISSN: 2659 – 2029. (Poster presentation)
• Chandrasekara C.M.N.R., Wijewicrama C., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V. 2024. Assessment of Knowledge, Practices and Attitudes of Pediatric Caregivers on Household Storage of Oral Liquid Medicines. 2nd International Research Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2024 (iRuFARS 2024); ISSN: 2659 – 2029. (Poster presentation)
• Rangika W.G.D.T., Wijewicrama C., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V. 2024. Perception of BPharm Undergraduates on the Impact of Community Pharmacy Practices on Microbial Contamination of Pharmaceuticals. 2nd International Research Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2024 (iRuFARS 2024); ISSN: 2659 – 2029. (Poster presentation)
• Karunarathna RSB, Karunanayaka KDSV, Wijayaratne WMDGB. 2023. Determination of in-vitro antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available generic and branded oral antibiotic suspensions in Galle, Sri Lanka against selected pathogens. 20th Academic Sessions and 19th Vice Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony, (Poster presentation)
• Chandrasena NKPG, Karunanayaka KDSV, Gunawardena S., 2023. Knowledge and Practices towards storage, disposal and misuse of unused and expired pharmaceuticals in households amongst the staff working at Dhakshinapaya Ministry Complex, Labuduwa, Galle. 20th Academic Sessions and 19th Vice Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony, (Poster presentation)
• Chandrasena NKPG, Karunanayaka KDSV, Gunawardena S., 2023. Perception towards storage, disposal and misuse of unused and expired pharmaceuticals in households amongst the staff working at Dhakshinapaya Ministry Complex, Labuduwa, Galle. Research Conference in Health Sciences – virtual (RCHS 2023), pp. 101. (Poster presentation)
• Silva MAH, Siriwardhene MA, Karunanayaka KDSV, Yasarathna KWGKP. 2023. Formulation and invitro evaluation of an antibacterial cream with Nyctanthes arbortristis L. flower extract. Research Conference in Health Sciences – virtual (RCHS 2023), pp. 108. (Poster presentation)
• Thishaya L.G.S., Gunawardena S., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., 2022. Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Community Pharmacies and Hospitals in the SAARC Region: A Narrative Review. 5th Ruhuna University Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2022 (RuFARS 2022); ISSN: 2659 – 2029; Page 58. (Poster presentation)
• Karunanayaka, K.D.S.V., Hettihewa, S.K., Silva, D.D.,Karunanayake L., 2021. In-vitro antimicrobial activity of non-alcohol-based hand scrubs rich with cinnamon oil against selected pathogens. Research Conference in Health Sciences – virtual (RCHS 2021), pp. 92. (Poster presentation)
• Siriyananda A.M.C.H. M., Gunawardena S., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V., Sandamali L.L., 2021. Comparative evaluation of physicochemical and in-vitro bioavailability equivalence of commercially available atorvastatin tablets marketed in Galle, Sri Lanka. 8th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference – 2021 (RiSTCON 2021); ISSN: 1391-8796; Page 48. (Poster presentation)

presentations

• Karunanayaka, K.D.S.V., Hettihewa, S.K., Silva, D.D.,Karunanayake L., 2021. In-vitro antimicrobial activity of non-alcohol-based hand scrubs rich with cinnamon oil against selected pathogens. Research Conference in Health Sciences – virtual (RCHS 2021), pp. 92.
• Gunapala P.C.S.K., Dissanayake D.M.K.A., De Silva D.N.S., Fahim A.C.M., Karunanayaka K.D.S.V.; “Impact of Brief Educational Intervention and Telephone Reminders on Appropriate Use of Warfarin; a Pilot Study”, 2019; 2nd Ruhuna University Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Research Symposium 2019 (RuFARS 2019); ISSN: 2659 – 2029; Page 74. – Won a merit Award.

Editorial contribution

• Co-editor in Chief for RuBLink Newsletter developing by Technology Transfer Office, University of Ruhuna

Membership of professional associations

• Lifetime member of Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka
• Member of Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology