Dr. Janaka Pushpakumara

Current Position

Dean

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Senior Lecturer

Department of Family Medicine

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Director/Examinations

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Chair/ Ethics Review Committee

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Chair/ Ethics Review Committee

BMARI, Maharagama, Sri Lanka

Secretary/ Internal Quality Assurance Cell

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Chief Medical Officer - Health Centre

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Research Associate

South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration

Past Appointments

Lecturer in Psychiatry

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Intern Medical Officer (Surgery & Pediatrics)

Teaching Hospital Kandy, Sri Lanka

Lecturer in Medicine

Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya

Research Assistant

Department of Forensic Medicine

Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya

Awards

• Vidyajothi Professor Rezvi Sheriff Award for best paper presentation “HISSL Scientific Sessions 2008” Held at PGIM Colombo. (Effectiveness of computer software for patient management and record keeping: use of modern technology for patient management and recordkeeping in government hospital clinic setup.)
• The best research paper, 33rd Annual Academic Sessions, Kandy Society of Medicine, 2011 (Mental health of children from a war-affected border village: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study)
• Best research paper in “Psychosocial Factors in Toxicology” category, 16th International Scientific Conference of Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology (APAMT). November 7-10, 2017. Kandy, Sri Lanka. (Relationship of non-fatal deliberate self-poisoning with emotional intelligence and quality of social relationships in rural Sri Lanka)
• Best paper presentation at the 23rd Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM) & 1st International Meeting of The World Psychiatric Association Psychotherapy Section (WPA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Merit Awards for scientific publication from the National Research Council of Sri Lanka in 2018.
• Dean’s Award for scientific publication from FMAS, RUSL in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
• Rajarata University Award for scientific publication from FMAS, RUSL, for 2017 to 2021.

AHEAD grant 2020

NIH/NCI-RO1CA128914

NIH/NCRR/RCMI G12RR03062

JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

• Prasadi GAM, Mohamed F, Senarathna L, Cairns R, Pushpakumara PHGJ, Dawson AH. Paediatric poisoning in rural Sri Lanka: an epidemiological study. BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):1349. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6259-y
• Pushpakumara PHGJ, Chandrakumara WAJC (2018) Mental health of children from a war-affected border village: a cross-sectional comparative study. Anuradhapura Medical Journal, 12(1), pp.1–4. DOI: 10.4038/amj.v12i1.7646
• Pushpakumara PHGJ, Life skills training as a promising preventive strategy of self-harm and other common problems in adolescents: low and lower-middle-income country perspective. Anuradhapura Medical Journal 2019;13 (1):1-3. DOI: 10.4038/amj.v13i1.7665
• Pushpakumara PHGJ, Thennakoon SUB, Rajapakse TN, Abeysinghe R, Dawson AH (2019) A prospective study of repetition of self-harm following deliberate self-poisoning in rural Sri Lanka. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0199486. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199486
• Pushpakumara PHGJ et al. Exploration of the association between contact history, socio-cultural factors and acute deliberate self-poisoning in North Central province of Sri Lanka: a case-control study. Anuradhapura Medical Journal 2019;13 (1):12-17. DOI: 4038/amj.v13i1.7660
• Pushpakumara PHGJ, Dawson AH, Adikari AMP, Thennakoon SUB, Abeysinghe R, Rajapakse TN. Exploration of associations between deliberate self-poisoning and psychiatric disorders in rural Sri Lanka: A case-control study. PLOS ONE. 2021;16(8):e0255805. doi: 1371/journal.pone.0255805.
• Melissa Pearson, Andrew Dawson, Jacques Raubenheimer, Lalith Senerathna, Katherine Conigrave, K S Kylie Lee, Thilini Rajapakse, Pahala Hangidi Gedara Janaka Pushpakumara, Sisira Siribaddana, Jane Brandt Soerensen, Flemming Konradsen, Stephen Jan, Angela J Dawson, Nicholas Buckley, Ranil Abeysinghe, Prabash Siriwardhana, Chamil Priyadarshana, Paul S Haber, Monika Dzidowska, Palitha Abeykoon, Nick Glozier. Community-based alcohol education intervention (THEATRE) study to reduce harmful effects of alcohol in rural Sri Lanka: design and adaptation of a mixed-methods stepped wedge cluster randomized control trial. BMJ Open 2023;13:e064722. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064722
• Jane Brandt Sørensen, Melissa Pearson, Janaka Pushpakumara, Dominique Leth-Sørensen, Alexandra Buhl, Flemming Konradsen, Lalith Senarathna. Alcohol use, self-harm and suicide: a scoping review of its portrayal in the Sri Lankan literature. Heliyon 9 (2023) e17566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17566
• Weerasinghe G., Dhanushka Leuke Bandara, H.G.J. Pushpakumara. Oral-health-related knowledge, attitude and self-oral care practices among a group of nursing undergraduates in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study. Anuradhapura Medical Journal 2023; 17 (1): 04-10, DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v17i1.7724.
• Jennifer Schulz, Chiara Cimenti, Chamil Priyadhasana, Malith Herath, Kamal Senerviratne, Sisira Siribaddana, H.G.J. Pushpakumara, Andrew Dawson, Kylie Lee, Flemming Konradsen, Thilini N Rajapakse, Jacques Raubenheimer, Jane Brandt Sørensen, Melissa Pearson. The impact of early COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption, intimate partner violence, and finances in rural Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura Medical Journal 2023; 17 (1): 23-30, DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v17i1.7751

ABSTRACT PUBLICATIONS

49 publications in international and national scientific conferences

ABSTRACTS/EXTENDED ABSTRACTS PRESENTED AND PUBLISHED IN PEER REVIEWED CONFERENCEPROCEEDINGS

• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Chandrakumara, W.A.J. (2008) Effectiveness of computer software for patientmanagement and record keeping: use of modern technology for patient management and recordkeeping ingovernment hospital clinic setup. HISSL Scientific Sessions-2008. 26 July 2008. Colombo- Sri Lanka: PGIM University of Colombo. (Oral Presentation)
• Chandrakumara, W.A.J., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Gunasekara, A.C.M., Rathnayake, R.M.C., Huruggamuwa,C.D., Nawarathne, U. (2008) Survey on awareness of computer science and information technology. HISSLScientific Sessions-2008. 26 July 2008. Colombo- Sri Lanka: PGIM University of Colombo (p25).
• Jayalath, W.A.T.A., Ekanayake, E.M.S.B., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Weerasinghe, S.C., Kumarasiri, P.V.R.,Kularatne, S.A.M. (2009) Association of creatinine clearance and haemoglobin in patients with diabetesmellitus. 31st Annual Academic Sessions –KSM. February 2009. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy(p51).
• Jayalath, W.A.T.A., Ekanayake, E.M.S.B., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Weerasinghe, S.C., Kumarasiri, P.V.R.,Kularatne, S.A.M. (2009) Effects of some parameters on creatinine clearance in patients with diabetesmellitus. 31st Annual Academic Sessions –KSM. February 2009. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy(p53).
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Agampodi, Suneth., Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Gunasekara, A.C.M., Hemasiri,G.D.N.D., Goonapienuwala, B.L., Wijewrdhana, H.R.G.H., Rupasinghe, R.P.S., Thilakarthne, Y.G.R.K.K..(2010)Impact of contact history for acute deliberate self poisoning in north central province of Sri Lanka: A Case-Control Study. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka – Research Symposium- 2010. 28 October 2010.Anuradhapura- Sri Lanka: Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (p88). (OralPresentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Agampodi, Suneth., Hemasiri, G.D.N.D., Rupasinghe, R.P.S. (2010) Pattern of acuteself poisoning in north central province of Sri Lanka and effect of paddy producer price on it. RajarataUniversity of Sri Lanka – Research Symposium- 2010. 28 October 2010. Anuradhapura- Sri Lanka: Faculty ofMedicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (p101). (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Agampodi, Suneth., Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Gunasekara, A.C.M., Hemasiri,G.D.N.D., Goonapienuwala, B.L., Wijewrdhana, H.R.G.H., Rupasinghe, R.P.S., Thilakarthne, Y.G.R.K.K.(2011)Epidemiological pattern and impact of contact history, education level and marriage on acute deliberate selfpoisoning in north central province of Sri Lanka: A Case-Control Study. 33rd Annual Academic Sessions –KSM. 10-12 February 2011. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy (p78). (Funded by RDB) (OralPresentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Hemasiri, G.D.N.D., Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Marystella, M., Hemamali,B.M.W.D.S., Balangoda, D.R., Thilakaratne, Y.G.R.K.K., Priyashantha, A.G., Amarakoon, G.G.T. (2011) Mentalhealth of children from a war affected border village: A Cross Sectional Comparative Study. 33rd AnnualAcademic Sessions –KSM. 10-12 February 2011. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy (p89). (OralPresentation)(The best research paper, 33rd Annual Academic Sessions, Kandy Society of Medicine, 2011.)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Agampodi, Suneth., Hemasiri, G.D.N.D., Rupasinghe, R.P.S. (2011) Pattern of acuteself poisoning in north central province of Sri Lanka and effect of farm gate price of paddy on it. 33rdAnnual Academic Sessions –KSM. 10-12 February 2011. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy (p80).(Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Prasad, M.K., Prasad, M.K.M., Prasanna, A.A., Pandian, R., Ranaraja, R.M.R.D.,Ranasingha, Y., Ranaweera, U.P.N.P., Priyashantha, A.G. (2011) Effect of environmental temperature onvisual and auditory reaction time in healthy young adults. 33rd Annual Academic Sessions –KSM. 10-12February 2011. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy (p36). (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Marystella, M., Amarakoon, G.G.T., Amarasinghe, C.P. (2011) Effect of MedicalUndergraduate Programme on Students’ Learning Approaches and Patterns. Conference on HigherEducation Sri Lanka organized by SDC University of Colombo and SLAIHEE. 13 May 2011. Colombo-SriLanka: Faculty of Graduate Studies - University of Colombo. (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Marystella, M., Amarasinghe, C.P., Amarakoon, G.G.T. (2011) Relationship BetweenA/L Results and Study Materials Used and Examination Results Among Medical Students of RajarataUniversity. Conference on Higher Education Sri Lanka organized by SDC, University of Colombo andSLAIHEE. 13 May 2011. Colombo-Sri Lanka: Faculty of Graduate Studies - University of Colombo. (OralPresentation)
• Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Jankan, N., Marystella, M., Perera, K., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Ruparathne, A.A.,Rupasinghe, S., Thilakaratne, Y.G.R.K.K. (2011) Epidemiological risk factors of chronic kidney disease ofunknown aetiology: A Hospital Based Case Control Study. 33rd Annual Academic Sessions –KSM. 10-12February 2011. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy (p20).
• Abeyarathna, S.M.B.H., Amarakoon, G.G.T., Balangoda, D.R., Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Hemamali,B.M.W.D.S., Hemasiri, G.D.N.D., Marystella, M., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Ranasighe, A.C.R., Sumathipala,W.L.D.S., Thilakaratne, Y.G.R.K.K. (2011) Is there a relationship between rainfall and incidence of denguefever? 33rd Annual Academic Sessions –KSM. 10-12 February 2011. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel TourmalineKandy (p15).
• Amarakoon, G.G.T., Balangoda, D.R., Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Hemamali, B.M.W.D.S., Hemasiri, G.D.N.D.,Marystella, M., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Thilakaratne, Y.G.R.K.K. (2011) Relationship between learningapproaches and examination results among medical students of Rajarata University. 33rd Annual AcademicSessions –KSM. 10-12 February 2011. Kandy- Sri Lanka: Hotel Tourmaline Kandy (p98).
• Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Jankan, N., Marystella, M., Perera, K., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Ruparathne, A.A.,Rupasinghe, S., Thilakaratne, Y.G.R.K.K. (2012) Epidemiological risk factors of chronic kidney disease ofunknown aetiology: A Hospital Based Case Control Study. Research Symposium on Chronic Kidney Diseaseof Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) – Sri Lanka Medical Association. 11 March 2012. Colombo-Sri Lanka: SriLanka Medical Association (p07).
• Jayarathne, Y.G.S.W., Chandrakumara, W.A.J.C., Marystella, M., Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J. (2012)Psychometric Analysis of Paediatric OSCEs Conducted at Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, RajarataUniversity. Conference on Higher Education Sri Lanka organized by SDC University of Colombo andSLAIHEE. May 2012. Colombo-Sri Lanka: Faculty of Graduate Studies - University of Colombo.
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Dawson, A.H., Lokubalasooriya, A., Amarasinghe, U., Danansuriya, M., Weerasinghe,A.L.P., & Thilakaratne, J.G.N.(2013) Effectiveness of Life Skills Training Program in Preventing CommonIssues among Adolescents: A Community Based Quasi Experimental Study. Suicide in Sri Lanka: Past,Present and Future Transformations Organized by National Science Foundation, the World HealthOrganization, and the Forum for Suicide and Culture Research. 21-22 March 2013. Colombo-Sri Lanka:University of Colombo (p23). (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Tennakoon, S.U.B., Adikari, A.M.P., Dawson, A.H., Abeysinghe, R. (2013) Impact ofLife-Skills, help seeking ability and mental health on acute deliberate self poisoning in Kurunegala District,Sri Lanka: a case-control study. Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology 12th International ScientificCongress. 21-23 November 2013. Dubai-UAE: Zayed University-Dubai (p61). (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Tennakoon, S.U.B., Adikari, A.M.P., Dawson, A.H., Abeysinghe, R. (2014) Impact oflife-skills, help-seeking ability, mental health and childhood experiences on acute intentional self poisoningin rural Sri Lanka: a case-control study. 15th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour.August 27-30, 2014. Tallinn-Estonia: University of Tallinn, Estonia. (Poster Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Dawson, A.H., Abeysinghe, R. (2014) The Life-Skills Model of Suicidal Behavior: anexplanation to long-lasting epidemic of suicidal behavior in developing countries. 15th EuropeanSymposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour. August 27-30, 2014. Tallinn-Estonia: University of Tallinn,Estonia. (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Adikari, A.M.P., Dawson, A.H. (2014) Rate and predictors of intentional selfpoisoningand repetition of intentional self-poisoning in rural Sri Lanka. Asia Pacific Association of MedicalToxicology 13th International Scientific Congress. 12-14 September 2014. Shenyang-China: SofitelShenyang Lido (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Tennakoon, S.U.B., Adikari, A.M.P., Abeysinghe, R. Dawson, A.H., (2014) Impact oflife-skills, help-seeking ability, mental health and childhood experiences on acute intentional self poisoningin rural Sri Lanka: a case-control study. One Health International Conference. September 5-6, 2014.Peradeniya-Sri Lanka: University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.(P51) (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J. and Dawson, A.H.(2015) Effectiveness of adolescent life-skills training in improvingmental health and preventing suicidal behavior in rural Sri Lanka. International Summit on Suicide Research.October 11-14, 2015. New York, USA. (Oral Presentation)Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., and Dawson, A.H. (2015) Pattern of acute self-poisoning repetition in rural SriLanka. Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology 14th International Scientific Congress. December 1-4,2015. Perth, Australia. (Oral Presentation)Thilde Rheinländer, Janaka P.H.G. Pushpakumara, Andrew Dawson. (2015) Life skills teaching in Sri Lankansecondary schools to prevent adolescent self-harm and suicide: What do teachers, parents and studentsthink? Third International Conference on Global Public Health-2015; 10-11 December, 2015, in Colombo, SriLanka.
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Tennakoon, S.U.B., Adikari, A.M.P., Abeysinghe, R. Dawson, A.H., (2016) Psycho-Social Associates of Deliberate Self-Harm in Rural Sri Lanka. 18th International Conference on Public Healthand Environment. December, 12-13, 2016. Bangkok, Thailand. (Oral Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J. and Dawson, A.H., (2016) Pattern of Deliberate Self-Harm Repetition in Rural SriLanka. 18th International Conference on Public Health and Environment. December, 12-13, 2016. Bangkok,Thailand. (Oral Presentation)Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J. and Dawson, A.H., (2017) Pattern of Deliberate Self-Harm Repetition in Rural SriLanka. 29th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and 21stMalaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM). July, 18-22, 2017. Kuching, Malaysia. (OralPresentation)
• Pushpakumara P.H.G.J., Chamari Mudalige, Gihan Abeywardena and Agampodi S.B. (2017) Relationship ofnon-fatal deliberate self-poisoning with emotional intelligence and quality of social relationships in rural SriLanka. 29th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and 21stMalaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM). July, 18-22, 2017. Kuching, Malaysia. (OralPresentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Tennakoon, S.U.B., Adikari, A.M.P., Abeysinghe, R. Dawson, A.H., (2017) Psycho-Social Associates of Deliberate Self-Harm in Rural Sri Lanka. 29th World Congress of the InternationalAssociation for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and 21st Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine(MCPM). July, 18-22, 2017. Kuching, Malaysia. (Poster Presentation)
• Pushpakumara P.H.G.J., Wijewardhana H.R.G.H., Chamari Mudalige, Gihan Abeywardena and Agampodi S.B.(2017) Triggers, motives and religiosity among self-harm in rural Sri Lanka. 29th World Congress of theInternational Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and 21st Malaysian Conference of PsychologicalMedicine (MCPM). July, 18-22, 2017. Kuching, Malaysia. (Poster Presentation)
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J. and R. Dawson, A.H., (2018) Repetition of Deliberate Self-Poisoning in Rural SriLanka. 16th Annual Scientific Congress of Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology(APAMT) 8–10 November 2017, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Clinical Toxicology, 56:7, 681-724,DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1399703
• Pushpakumara P.H.G.J., Chamari Mudalige, Gihan Abeywardena and Agampodi S.B. (2018) Relationship ofnon-fatal deliberate self-poisoning with emotional intelligence and quality of social relationships in rural SriLanka. 16th Annual Scientific Congress of Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology(APAMT) 8–10 November 2017, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Clinical Toxicology, 56:7, 681-724,DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1399703- Best paper in the category
• Pushpakumara, P.H.G.J., Tennakoon, S.U.B., Adikari, A.M.P., Abeysinghe, R. Dawson, A.H., (2018) Predictorsof non-fatal self-poisoning behaviour in rural Sri Lanka. 16th Annual Scientific Congress of Asia PacificAssociation of Medical Toxicology (APAMT) 8–10 November 2017, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Clinical Toxicology,56:7, 681-724, DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1399703-
• Pushpakumara P.H.G.J., Wijewardhana H.R.G.H., Chamari Mudalige, Gihan Abeywardena. and AgampodiS.B. (2018) Triggers, motives and religiosity among self-harm in rural Sri Lanka. 16th Annual ScientificCongress of Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology (APAMT) 8–10 November 2017, Kandy, SriLanka, Clinical Toxicology, 56:7, 681-724, DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1399703-
• Pushpakumara P.H.G.J. and Dawson, A.H. (2018) Association between environmental temperature and selfharmbehaviour in Sri Lanka. 4th International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.October 17-18, 2018. Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
• Pushpakumara P.H.G.J. and Dawson, A.H. (2019) Adolescent life-skills training in improving life skills,mental health and preventing suicidal ideation: effectiveness and lesions learned. 23rd MalaysianConference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM) & 1st International Meeting of The World PsychiatricAssociation psychotherapy Section (WPA), July 11-13, 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (The best researchpaper (3rd Place))
• Fernando W.S.N, Gamage H.G.N.G, Gangodawila G.D.E.U, Gayesha D.M.D, Gunathilaka K.R.U.S, GunasingheH.M.M.N and Pushpakumara P.G.H.J (2019) Behavioral and emotional symptoms among institutionalizedadolescents in institutions registered at child protection authority in Anuradhapura district: A descriptivestudy. 23rd Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM) & 1st International Meeting of TheWorld Psychiatric Association psychotherapy Section (WPA), July 11-13, 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Jayarathne G.H.G.I.L, Jayasinghe W.M.P.P, Kandewaththa K.W.U.I, Karunarathne K.A.K.L, KarunarathneM.K.N.T, Karunathilaka D and Pushpakumara P.G.H.J (2019) Attitudes of health staff in selected primarysecondary and tertiary care centers, Medical and Nursing students towards self-harm patients inAnuradhapura District. 23rd Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM) & 1st InternationalMeeting of The World Psychiatric Association psychotherapy Section (WPA), July 11-13, 2019 in KualaLumpur, Malaysia.
• Dissanayake DMRM, Jayasnghe LBHC, Pushpakumara PHGJ, Gunawardena DA, Williams SS. (2020) Mentalhealthliteracy among out-patient attendees at Base Hospital Puttalam, Sri Lanka. 17th Annual Academicsessions of Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 27th September 2020, The Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.
• Pushpakumara PHGJ, Dawson AH, Adikari AMP, Thennakoon SUB, Abeysighe R, Rajapakse TN (2020)Exploration of associations between deliberate self-poisoning and psychiatric disorders in rural Sri Lanka: acase control study. 9th IASP Asia-Pacific Conference (Hybrid), 23-24 November 2020, Taipei.
• Senanayake HMS, Rathnayake RMCE, Lokunarangoda NC, Weerawansa MRP, Pilapitiya SD, Sarathchandra C,Pushpakumara PHGJ, Siribaddana S (2020) Patient characteristics, risk factors and ischemic strokesubtypes in patients who underwent thrombolytic therapy at Professorial Unit, Teaching HospitalAnuradhapura. Ceylon College of Physicians’ Annual Conference 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Senanayake HMS, Rathnayake RMCE, Lokunarangoda NC, Weerawansa MRP, Pilapitiya SD, Sarathchandra C,Pushpakumara PHGJ, Siribaddana S (2020) Utilization and outcome of thrombolytic therapy in acuteischemic stroke in a tertiary. Ceylon College of Physicians’ Annual Conference 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Abeyrathna P, Samaranayake S, Pushpakumara PHGJ, Weerasinghe M, Agampodi SBA modern approach to determine health care access in Sri Lanka: a geographic information system (GIS)based study of spatial accessibility to primary care in Anuradhapura District. SLMA. 2021D.
• Leuke Bandara, G.K. Weerasinghe, P.H.G.J. Pushpakumara (2021) Oral-Health-Related Knowledge,Attitudes and Oral-Care Practices of Nursing Undergraduates of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Universityof Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, iPURSE 2021, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Lecturer in Psychiatry

Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, RUSL

Lecturer in Medicine

Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya

EXPERIENCE IN RESEARCH SUPERVISION

I have supervised 12 individual and group research in different faculties in different universities. And, Currently, I am supervising one M.Phil. student and one Ph.D. student registered at Rajarata and Peradeniya Universities.

Current Projects involved with

A randomized stepped wedge trial of the scaling up of a community-based alcohol education program in rural Sri Lankan villages and its effects on alcohol use, and associated harms, depression, and social capital.

Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry Registration: SLCTR/2018/037

Grant: NHMRC Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (MH18; APP1146354)- 2018

A clustered RCT of educational interventions on treatment of patients with acute poisoning in rural Asian hospitals.

Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry Registration: SLCTR/2010/ 008

Grant: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council grants: NHMRC 630650 and NHMRC

Fellowship 1059542 (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/).

EXPERIENCE IN UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION AND ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

Head of the Department

Department of Family Medicine, FMAS, RUSL

EXPERIENCE IN RESEARCH ETHICS

Ethics Review Committee, FMAS, RUSL

Chair Nov 2019 - Aug 2022

Secretary Aug 2017 – Nov 2019

Ass. Secretary Feb 2017 – Aug 2017

Member Jan 2012 – May 2016

Chair/Ethics Review Committee

Bandaranayake Memorial Ayurvedic Research Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Feb 202-present)

The Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER) - The Forum for Ethical Review Committees in the Asian and Western Pacific Region (FERCAP)

Country Coordinator - 2022

Surveyor to

-ERC, Uni. of Peradeniya2018

-ERC, Uni. of Sri Jayawardenapura2019

International Lead Surveyor to

-ERC-1, Yenepoya Deemed to be University, Mangalore, India - 2019

- ERC-III, Tata Memorial Centre - Advanced Centre for Treatment - 2019

Research and Education in Cancer, Mumbai, India

- IHEC, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India - 2019

EXPERIENCE IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Coordinator, Medical Education Unit, FMAS, RUSL (Dec 2016 - May 2019)

Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), FMAS, RUSL

     Secretary (Oct 2021-Present)

     Chair (Oct 2021-Present)

Director/Examinations, FMAS, RUSL (Jul 2017 –Aug 2022)

Ex-officio Memberships as Dean, FMAS, RUSL

   The Standing Committee for Medical and Dental Sciences, UGC, Sri Lanka

   The Council, Sri Lanka Medical CouncilThe Health Research Council in Sri Lanka

   The Council, RUSLManagement Committee, Centre of Quality Assurance (CQA), RUSL

   The Finance Committee, RUSLVice-chancellor’s Advisory Board

Board of Study Member, BoS Family Medicine, PGIM, University of Colombo

Tuters’ panel member, MSc in Medical Toxicology, PGIM, University of Colombo

EXPERIENCE IN PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE / CLINICAL PRACTICE

General Practitioner (Jul 2009 -Present)

Chief Medical Officer/ Health Centre, FMAS, RUSL ( May 2017 - Aug 2022)

COVID-19 Prevention and response committee member, RUSL (2020 - Present)

Committee on developing National Standards for Management for Psychiatric Disorders - Member (2013- 2014)

PAST APPOINTMENTS

Postgraduate Researcher, SACTRC (Apr 2011 - May 2016)

Intern Medical Officer (Pediatrics and General Surgery), National Hospital Kandy, Sri Lanka 2009

BOOKS/CHAPTERS/GUIDELINES/POLICIES/COURSES/JOURNALS - AUTHORED/eDITED/REVIEWED

Editorial Board Member of Anuradhapura Medical Journal (https://amj.sljol.info/about/editorialboard/) 2019-present

Author of the distance learning materials of

I. Biological Psychology course of BSc (Hons) psychology degree programme (course code PLU3310) in Department of Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka (authored all 23 sessions of the course)2017

II. Introduction to Psychology course of BSc (Hons) psychology degree programme (course code PLU3301) in Department of Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka (authored 2 sessions of the course) 2017

Academic editor of the distance learning materials of

I. Brain & Behaviour course of BSc (Hons) psychology degree programme (course code PLU3304) in Department of Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka (edited all 20 sessions of the course) 2018

Author of

I. Psychiatry curriculum of MBBS undergraduate programme in MBBS Curriculum 2016, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 2017

II. University Policy on students and staff with special needs, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 2019

III. Guidelines to promote ethnic harmony, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 2020

IV. Guidelines to promote multicultural activities, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 2020

Member of authors’ panel and the editor of

I. Operational guidelines on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak for examination procedures (Final MBBS examination: June 2020), Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka -2020

II. Operational guidelines on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak for examination procedures (Second MBBS examination: August 2020), Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka -2020

III. Operational guidelines on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak for examination procedures (3rd MBBS Part I examination: August 2020), Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka -2020

IV. Operational guidelines on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak for examination procedures (3rd MBBS Part-I examination: July 2020), Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka -2020

V. Operational Guidelines on Preparedness & Response for COVID-19 Outbreak for Professorial Clinical Appointment (2013/2014 Batch), Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka-2020

VI. Operational Guidelines on Preparedness & Response for COVID-19 Outbreak for MBBS Programme, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka -2020

Editor/Member of editorial board of

I. MBBS Curriculum 2016, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka -2017

II. Standard Operating Procedures, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka -2017

III. Manual of Examination Bylaws, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka-2017

IV. Conference proceedings of 4th International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the BIOFIN programme of the UNDP

V. Conference proceedings of 5th International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka- October 2018

VI. Student’s Handbook, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 2015, 2018, 2020 & 2021 -November 2019

Reviewer – Anuradhapura Medical Journal (http://amj.sljol.info/) -2015 – Present

Newsletter articles

I. IRB/ERC Secretary’s role at the SIDCER Survey Site VisitForum for Ethics Review Committees in Sri Lanka, 2018, Vol 5 -2018

II. Musings of Ethics by Janaka: One critical step to promote ethical research in Sri Lankan health system, Forum for Ethics Review Committees in Sri Lanka, 2020, Vol 7 (I), p 8.-2020

III. Musings of Ethics by Janaka: Ethical Approval should not be a barrier for integrative medicine (IM) or traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) research, Forum for Ethics Review Committees in Sri Lanka, 2021, Vol 8 (p 8)-2021

SCHOLARSHIPS

Postgraduate Research Scholarship (for 5 years)Postgraduate Research Scholarship (for 5 years)South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya - April 2011

Scholarship Winner, The 12th International Scientific Congress of the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology, Dubai, UAE - November 2013

Travel Scholarship (RGB/GEN/06/2014/03/04) National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka (Value: Rs. 200,000.00): to attend the 15th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour, Estonia - July 2014

Travel Scholarship /South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration): to attend the 14th International Scientific Congress of Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology, Australia.-Dec 2015

Travel Scholarship /South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration): to attend the 29th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and 21st Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine, Malaysia.- July 2017

Scholarship winner (Asian region scholarship participant) to attend Uppsala Health Summit 2019 & 2021- Oct 2019 & Oct 2021