Dr. Shashanka Rajapakse

Co-Secretary, Ethics Review Committee 2024

Faculty coordinator to the University Business Linkage Cell 2023–2024

Faculty Nominee to University Senate 2023–2024

Secretary, Medical Faculty Teachers Association 2022–2024

Member of the Ethics Review Committee 2022

Senior Lecturer 2022

Lecturer (probationary) 2017

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Currently enrolled in the AI and Biostatistics degree at the Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy of the National Cancer Center, South Korea

Period of candidature: 02^nd September 2024 to 30^th August 2026

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY

Part-time Master of Philosophy research degree by publication (equivalent to 60 US credits) with one review paper and 3 original papers published in indexed journals.

Title: Epidemiology of wheeze and atopy, and lung function assessment in preschool children

Period of candidature: from 08^th May 2018 to 15^th June 2022 at the Department of Community Medicine

Under the purview of the Higher Degrees Research and Publication Committee, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

MASTER OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY

GPA: 3.99 out of 4.00

Period of candidature: 12^th July 2019 to 08^th August 2021 at the Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

BACHELOR OF MEDICINE BACHELOR OF SURGERY

Second Class Upper Honours (2:1) with distinctions in Physiology, Community Medicine, and Forensic Medicine

Graduated ranking in the top 5% of the faculty and top 10% of the country

Period of candidature: 11th October 2011 to 21st January 2016
Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Research Awards

Most Outstanding Young Researcher, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 2024

Researcher with the highest number of indexed journal publications – Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2023

Top Ten Researcher of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka 2022

Vice Chancellor's Award for research publications 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024

Dean's award for research publications 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024

Principal Investigator

February 2018 – to date

Asthma and allergic diseases in rural children

Collaborator

2021 – 2025

Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo)

Participated in a large-scale prospective cohort study (3,374 participants) examining maternal and neonatal health outcomes

Research Grants

Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Research Grant 2021

Duration: 3 years
Amount: LKR 650,000.00

Scopus Author ID: 57211362119
ORCID Author ID: 0000-0002-7487-2878
Web of Science Researcher ID: AAN-6887-2021
Google Scholar: Shashanka Rajapakse

Summary

• SCIE-indexed journal papers: 13
• Non-indexed journal papers: 5
• International conferences held overseas: 12
• International conferences held in Sri Lanka: 7
• Local conferences held in Sri Lanka: 11

ORIGINAL PAPERS AND REVIEWS IN SCIE JOURNALS

Q1 journals

1. Perera D, Nayakarathne G, Chandrasiri P, Ananda K, Nuwangi H, Rajapakse S. Challenges faced by adolescents and lung function technicians in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka, during spirometry: a qualitative study. Int. Health. 2026 Mar;18(2):282-293.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf097 | Senior author

2. Manori K, Rajapakse S, Mohamed S, Devanarayana N, Rajindrajith S, Amarasiri L. Prevalence of asthma and gastro- oesophageal reflux disease, and their association with health- related quality of life: a cross-sectional study among a cohort of Sri Lankan adolescents. BMJ Open 2026;16:e104603.

DOI:10.1136/ bmjopen-2025-104603 | Coauthor

3. Menike I, Rajapakse S, Amarasinghe G, Warnasekara J, Wickramasinghe ND, Agampodi T, Agampodi S. Normative serum cortisol levels in second and third trimesters and their associated factors: A prospective cohort study from Sri Lanka. PLOS ONE. 2025 Sep 8; 9(20): e0322685.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322685 | First author (equal contribution)

4. Siriwardhana T, Sumanapala V, Subhanee T, Sulakkhana S, Sridharan P, Rajapakse S. Prevalence, symptomatology, and factors associated with asthma in adolescents aged 13-14 years from rural Sri Lanka: an analytical cross-sectional study. BMJ Paediatr. Open. 2024;8:e002907.

DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002907 | Senior and corresponding author

5. Wijerathna N, Wijerathne C, Wijeratne H, Wijesiri C, Wijerathna R, Wijerathna W, Warnasekara J, Agampodi T, Rajapakse S. Knowledge and attitudes on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among school teachers in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023;13:e080039.

DOIi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2023-080039 | Senior and corresponding author

6. Rajapakse S, Wickramasinghe N, Warnasekara J, Abeyrathna P, Amarasinghe G, Hettiarachchi AU, et al. Asthma in a prospective cohort of rural pregnant women from Sri Lanka: Need for better care during the pre-conceptional and antenatal period. PLoS ONE. 2022 Jul 14;17(7): e0269888.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269888 | First author

7. Rajapakse RMSI, Amarasiri WADL, Yasaratne BMGD, Warnasekara YPJN, Agampodi SB. Epidemiology of wheeze among preschool children: a population-based cross-sectional study from rural Sri Lanka. BMJ Open. 2021 Jul 1;11(7):e046688.

DOI:10.1136/ bmjopen-2020-046688. | First and corresponding author

Q2 journals

1. Subhanee T, Thennakoon S, Sridharan S, Siriwardhana T, Sulakkhana S, Sumanapala V, Wijayarathna L, Warnasekara J, Rajapaske S. Prevalence, associated factors, and temporal variation of allergic rhinitis among 13 to 14-year-old adolescents from rural Sri Lanka: An analytical cross-sectional study. Asia Pacific Allergy ():10.5415/apallergy.0000000000000252, January 13, 2026.

DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.0000000000000252 | Senior and corresponding author

1. Subhanee T, Thennakoon S, Sridharan P, Siriwardhana T, Sulakkhana S, Sumanapala V, Wijayarathna L, Warnasekara J, Rajapakse S. Prevalence, associated factors, and temporal variation of allergic rhinitis among 13–14-year-old adolescents from rural Sri Lanka: an analytical cross-sectional study. Asia Pac. Allergy. In production.

DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.0000000000000252 | Senior and corresponding author

2. Rajapakse S, Amarasiri L, Yasaratne D, Warnasekara J, Agampodi S. Temporal variation and factors associated with allergic rhinitis in a cohort of rural preschool children from Sri Lanka. J. Trop. Paediatr. 2022 Feb 3;68(2):fmac017.

DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmac017 | First and corresponding author

Q3 journals

1. Dunuweera SP, Rajapakse RMSI, Rajapakshe RBSD, Wijekoon SHDP, Thilakarathna MGGSN, Rajapakse RMG. Review on targeted drug delivery carriers used in nanobiomedical applications. Current Nanoscience. 2019;15(4):382-397.

DOI: 10.2174/1573413714666181106114247 | Coauthor

Q4 journals

1. Sulakkhana S, Dissanayaka S, Hordagoda I, Arampath A, Dissanayaka R, Thennakoon S, Sumanapala V, Siriwardhana T, Subhanee T, Sridharan S, Agampodi S, Rajapakse S. Indoor particulate matter levels in school classrooms and its association with asthma and allergic rhinitis in adolescents from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka J. Child Health. 2025. Sep 05;54(3):212-218.

DOI: 10.4038/sljch.v54i3.11302 | Senior and corresponding author

2. Rajapakse RMSI, Rajapakse S. Single-walled carbon nanotube-based biosensors for detection of bronchial inflammation. Int. J. Nanosci. 2021 Sep 16;20(4):2130002.

DOI: 10.1142/S0219581X21300029 | First and corresponding author

ORIGINAL PAPERS AND REVIEWS IN NON-INDEXED JOURNALS

1. Nayakarathne G, Chandrasiri P, Perera D, Ananda K, Nuwangi H, Rajapakse S. Lung Function Assessment With Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) in Adolescents with Severe Asthma During the Asymptomatic Period: A Preliminary Study. Journal of Tropical Health 2025;1 (2): 76-86.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/joth.v1i2.18 | Senior and corresponding author

2. Rajapakse S, Agamodi S, Yasaratne D, Chandrakumar J, Lakmali A. Lung function assessment in preschool children with symptoms of asthma: A preliminary study. Anuradhapura Medical Journal. 2023 Jul 05;17(2):11-19.

DOI: 10.4038/amj.v17i2.7780 | First and corresponding author

3. Thennakoon S, Sumanapala V, Siriwardhana T, Subhanee T, Sridharan S, Sulakkahana S, Rajapakse S. Epidemiology of eczema among adolescents aged 13-14 years from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: an analytical cross-sectional study. Anuradhapura Medical Journal. 2023 Jul 05;17(2):4-10.

DOI: 10.4038/amj.v17i2.7779 | Senior and corresponding author

4. Gunathilaka MRKM, Rajapakse RMSI, Senevirathne NK, Ekanayake BA, Gunathilaka MGRSS, Chinathani D, et al. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in medical students of a state University of Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study. Anuradhapura Medical Journal. 2020 Dec 31;14(2):5-9.

DOI: 10.4038/amj.v14i2.7677 | Coauthor

5. Rajapakse RMSI, Yasarathne D, Amarasiri WADL. Lung function assessment in preschool children: a review of the utility of basic spirometry, interrupter technique, and forced oscillation technique. Anuradhapura Medical Journal. 2018 Sept 06;11(1):31-36

DOI: 10.4038/amj.v11i1.7641 | First and corresponding author

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES HELD OVERSEAS

Oral presentations

1. Rajapakse S, Kim S. Spatial clustering of common cancers in Sri Lanka: Identifying target areas for cancer prevention. Presented at: American Association for Cancer Research and Korean Cancer Association Joint Conference 2025; 2025 Nov 13-14; Busan, South Korea
2. Rajapakse S, Kim S. Spatial distribution and ecological drivers of lung cancer incidence in Sri Lanka. Presented at: Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health Conference 2025; 2025 Nov 4-7; Chiang Rai, Thailand.
3. Rajapakse S, Wickramasinge N, Agampodi T, Amarasinghe G, Hettiarachchi A, Jayasinghe I, et al. Effect of pregnancy on asthma control: a cohort study in rural Sri Lanka. Presented at: European Respiratory Society International Virtual Conference 2021; 2021 Sep 5-8. DOI: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2021.OA4216
4. Rajapakse S, Amarasiri L, Yasarathne D, Warnasekara J, Agampodi S. Underdiagnosis of severe asthma among preschool children of rural Sri Lanka. Presented at: Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health International Virtual Conference 2020; 2020 Dec 5-9.
5. Rajapakse S, Wickramage S. Evaluation of the occupational hazard of rice husk dust particle exposure on lung function. Presented at: APACPH-KL Early Career Global Public Health Conference; 2019 Apr 11-12; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. p. 44.
6. Wijerathna D, Wijerathna N, Wijerathna R, Wijerathna K, Wijerathna M, Wijesiri C, Rajapakse S. The knowledge and the attitude among schoolteachers of the Anuradhapura district about Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in school children. Presented at: APACPH-KL Early Career Global Public Health Conference; 2019 Apr 11-12; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. p. 56.
7. Rajapakse S. Review of atmospheric particulate matter contributing to lung diseases. Presented at: 2nd World Summit on Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine; 2018 Feb 15; London, England. p. 25-26.
8. Gunathilaka K, Rajapakse S, Senevirathne N, Ekanayake B, Gunathilaka S, Chinathani D, et al. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness among medical students of the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Presented at: 49th Asia Pacific Consortium of Public Health Conference; 2017 Aug 17-19; Seoul, Korea. p. 297-298.

Poster presentations

1. Rajapakse S, Kim S. Spatial clustering of common cancers in Sri Lanka: Identifying target areas for cancer prevention. Presented at: American Association for Cancer Research and Korean Cancer Association Joint Conference on Precision Medicine in Cancer 2025; 2025 Nov 13-14; Busan, South Korea.
2. Rajapakse S, Amarasiri L, Yasaratne D, Warnasekara J, Agampodi S. Allergic risk factors for severe asthma among preschool children: a descriptive-analytical study from rural Sri Lanka. Presented at: 20th Lung Science Conference 2022; 2022 Mar 10-13; Estoril, Portugal.
3. Rajapakse S, Amarasiri L, Yasarathne D, Warnasekara J, Agampodi S. Prevalence and factors associated with severe asthma among preschool children of rural Sri Lanka. Presented at: European Respiratory Society International Virtual Conference 2020; 2020 Sep 7-9. DOI: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2020.2607
4. Kapuwatta D, Karunarathna W, Karunathilaka V, Karunathilake P, Keshari H, Kodithuwakku V, Rajapakse S. Quality of life and symptom control among asthmatic patients attending the respiratory clinic of Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Presented at: Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health International Conference 2020; 2020 Dec 5-9.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES HELD IN SRI LANKA

Oral presentations

1. Subhanee T, Thennakoon S, Sivabalan S, Sumanapala V, Sulakkhana S, Siriwardhana T, Rajapakse S. Epidemiology of asthma among children aged 13-14 years and control of asthma symptoms among children with severe asthma from the Anuradhapura municipal council area, Sri Lanka. Presented at: 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association; 2023 Jul 25-28; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 81.
2. Sulakkhana S, Dissanayaka D, Dissanayake R, Hordagoda I, Arampath A, Rajapakse S. Indoor particulate matter levels in the classrooms of government schools located in the Anuradhapura municipal council area, Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study. Presented at: 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association; 2023 Jul 25-28; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 81.
3. Rajapakse S, Amarasiri L, Yasarathne D, Warnasekara J, Agampodi S. Association of severe asthma with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in a cohort of preschool children of Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. Presented at: 133rd Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association; 2020 Jul 24-26; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 24.

Poster presentations

4. Siriwardhana T, Sulakkhana S, Thennakoon S, Sumanapala V, Subhanee T, Sridharan S, Rajapakse S. Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis among 13-14-year-old adolescents from Anuradhapura municipal council area, Sri Lanka. Presented at: 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association; 2023 Jul 25-28; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 82.
5. Sivabalan S, Subhanee T, Siriwardhana T, Sumanapala V, Sulakkhana S, Thennakoon S, Nuwangi H, Rajapakse S. Challenges, experiences, and perspectives of mothers of 13-14-year-old adolescents with severe asthma from the Anuradhapura municipal council area, Sri Lanka. Presented at: 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association; 2023 Jul 25-28; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 83.
6. Perera D, Nayakarathne G, Edirisinghe Y, Chandrasiri P, Ananda K, Rajapakse S, Nuwangi H. Experiences and perspectives of 13–14-year-old adolescents with severe asthma during lung function testing: qualitative study. Presented at: 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association; 2023 Jul 25-28; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 88.
7. Nayakarathne G, Perera D, Chandrasiri P, Ananda K, Edirisinghe Y, Rajapakse S, Nuwangi H. Challenges faced by trainees when conducting spirometry in adolescents: qualitative study. Presented at: 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress, Sri Lanka Medical Association; 2023 Jul 25-28; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 88.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Oral presentations

1. Jayarathna P, Nayakarathne G, Chandrasiri P, Perera NADS, Ananda SDWK, Nuwangi H, Rajapakse S. Lung Functions Assessment Using Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) in Severe Asthmatic Adolescents During the Asymptomatic Period: A Preliminary Study. Presented at: International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, ISymRU 2025; 2025 Oct 8-9; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 73.
2. Weerawardena P, Weerasinghe B, Wickramanayake M, Wickramasinghe D, Wijayawardhana U, Wijebandara R, Rajapakse S. Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Neonatal Complications of Anaemia among Pregnant Women in Kandy District, Sri Lanka: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Presented at: International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, ISymRU 2025; 2025 Oct 8-9; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 74.
3. Nuha F, Gamage L, Fernando S, Fernando H, Fernando P, Fonseka L, Chandrasiri P, Rajapakse S. Assessment of Small Airway Obstruction in Apparently Healthy Young Adults: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Presented at: International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, ISymRU 2025; 2025 Oct 8-9; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 76.
4. Bandaranayake D, Dankotuwa T, Chandradasa S, Chithmini T, Chandrasiri P, Beddegama S, Begum F, Rajapakse S. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among Farmers in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Presented at: International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, ISymRU 2025; 2025 Oct 8-9; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 77.
5. Sumanapala V, Siriwardhana T, Thennakoon S, Subhanee T, Sridharan S, Sulakkhana S, Rajapakse S. Epidemiology of eczema among adolescents aged 13-14 years from Anuradhapura municipal council area, Sri Lanka. Presented at: 15th Annual Scientific Sessions, Anuradhapura Clinical Society; 2023 Jul 26-27; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 20.
6. Thennakoon S, Sumanapala V, Siriwardhana T, Subhanee T, Sridharan S, Sulakkhana S, Nuwangi H, Rajapakse S. Epidemiology of asthma and the experiences, challenges, and perceptions of parents of adolescents with poorly controlled asthma from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: cross-sectional study. Presented at: 15th Annual Scientific Sessions, Anuradhapura Clinical Society; 2023 Jul 26-27; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 26.
7. Rajapakse S, Amarasiri L, Yasaratne D, Chandrakumara J, Agampodi S. Lung function assessment in preschool children with spirometry and impulse oscillometry. Presented at: Respire 13 Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists Conference; 2023 Feb 6-7; Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 59.

Poster presentations

8. Munasinghe S, Mohammed M, Muneer A, Mushrifa F, Nahrin F, Nanayakkara P, Rajapakse S. Epidemiology of chronic diseases among pregnant women from the Wellawaya medical officer of health division, Monaragala district, Sri Lanka. Presented at: 14th Annual Scientific Sessions, Anuradhapura Clinical Society; 2022 Mar 23-25; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 83-84.
9. Rajapakse S. Review of ecology of the gut microbiota and human immunity. Presented at: 4th International Research Symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Investing in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (ISIBES 2018); 2018 Oct 17-18; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 171.
10. Rajapakse S. Review: Role of gut microbiome in health and disease. Presented at: 12th Annual Scientific Sessions, Anuradhapura Clinical Society; 2018 Sep 25-27; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 47.
11. Rajapakse S, Kumari A. Review: the protective role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease. Presented at: 12th Annual Scientific Sessions, Anuradhapura Clinical Society; 2018 Sep 25-27; Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. p. 48.

Delivered lectures, problem-based learning sessions, and supervised practical classes in human physiology.

Supervised 11 undergraduate research groups conducting original research projects.

Module coordinator for Respiratory Physiology (2017–2022) and General Physiology (2021–2022).

Contributed to curriculum design and revision (preclinical and foundation courses).

Anaemia in pregnant women

Asthma and allergy in adolescents

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in farmers

Indoor air pollution

Knowledge and perception of school teachers on ADHD

Small airway obstruction in young adults

Certificate of Teaching in Higher Education  2018. 12. 28

Intern Medical Officer: 21st November 2016 – 20th November 2017

Technical Skills

Programming: Python and R

Machine learning: XGBoost, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, k-Nearest Neighbour

Statistical analysis: Biostatistics, regression modelling, survival analysis, spatial statistics, epidemiological methods, meta-analysis

Research Tools: R, Anaconda, Jupyter, SPSS, SAS, ArcGIS, SaTScan, EndNote

National and Regional Committees

Assistant Editor, Anuradhapura Clinical Society, 2023–2024

Executive Committee Member, The Physiological Society of Sri Lanka, 2021–2022

Executive Committee Member, Anuradhapura Clinical Society, 2020–2023

Editorial Board Memberships

Journal of Tropical Health, January 2025 – to date

Anuradhapura Medical Journal, 2021 – 2024

Professional Affiliations

Life Member, Sri Lanka Medical Association

Life Member, The Physiological Society of Sri Lanka

Life Member, National Science Foundation

Gold Member, European Respiratory Society, 2020–2023

Professional Development

Certificate course on Good Clinical Practice, 2018 and 2024

Certificate of Teaching in Higher Education, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2018

Certificate course on Biomedical Research, National Science Foundation, 2018

Certificate course on International Course on Surveying and Evaluating Ethical Review Practices, 2018

Language Skills

English: IELTS Academic Test on 06th January 2024 — 8.5 / 9.0

Sinhalese: Native language

Tamil: Limited working proficiency

Spanish: Elementary proficiency

Korean: Elementary proficiency