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Academic Staff
Prof. Padmini Dahanayake (MBBS, MPhil, PhD), is a Professor in Neurophysiology and currently serves as the Head of the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. She has been actively involved in undergraduate teaching for medical, dental science, medical laboratory science, physiotherapy and biomedical science students, and contributes extensively to postgraduate education at the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), MSc Sports and Exercise Science (PGIMS)University of Peradeniya, as well as in MD Surgery, MD Gynecology & Obstetrics and MD Dentistry programs.
Her research interests span a wide range of areas within Neurophysiology, including clinical neurophysiology, auditory evoked potentials, visual evoked potentials, electroretinography, and electro-oculography. Prof. Dahanayake has made significant contributions to these fields and has received numerous international and local prizes and awards in recognition of her research excellence.
In addition to her academic and research achievements, she has held several important positions in university administration and professional activities. She is a member of several prestigious professional international organizations, including British Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV), and local organizations such as Physiological Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL), and Kandy Society of Medicine. Prof. Dahanayake stands as a pillar of dedication within the Faculty, consistently investing her time, wisdom, and compassion in nurturing students, advancing scientific knowledge, and strengthening the academic community.
Prof. Vajira Weerasinghe (BDS (Sri Lanka), MPhil (Sri Lanka), PhD (UK)), is a Clinical Neurophysiologist and Professor of Physiology, Department of Physiology , Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya. With a special interest in Clinical Neurophysiology he has contributed meaningfully to advancing research in his field. He is an experienced teacher with more than 27 years experience in teaching physiology to undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. His commitment to medical education and research is a valued asset to the faculty and the academic community.
Tharaka Dassanayake MBBS MPhil PhD FIUPS,, is a Senior Professor in Neurophysiology at the Faculty of Medicine. He obtained his MBBS and MPhil from University of Peradeniya, and PhD from The University of Newcastle, Australia. He is a Fellow of the Academy of International Union of Physiological Science (IUPS). He also serves as an Honorary Clinical Neurophysiologist at the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle Australia. Applying his expertise in clinical neurophysiology and cognitive neurosciences, his research explores neurocognitive effects of pesticide poisoning and psychotropic drugs, and more recently, potential cognitive enhancing effects L-theanine, a constituent of tea. He conducts his research and clinical work at the Cognitive Neurosciences Laboratory at his Department and the Clinical Neurophysiology Unit of the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya. For the first time in Sri Lanka, his laboratory provides comprehensive memory and cognitive assessment facilities, backed with a large demographically-adjusted normative database. He teaches human physiology and neuroscience to medical, allied health and biomedical engineering undergraduates and postgraduates.
Prof. Anula Kariyawasam (BDS, PhD), is a Professor in Physiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. Her research Interests include cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, occupational health diseases, education and applied oral health. She is an experienced teacher of undergraduates of Faculties of Medicine, Dental Sciences and Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya and postgraduates. She has held several positions including President, Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) Kandy Branch and aocial secretary of Kandy Society of Medicine. Her unwavering devotion in student welfare activities, social services, student counselling and cultural activities reflects a deep rooted commitment to the future of the faculty.
Prof. Indu Nanayakkara, is an academic and researcher who has served as a Professor in Physiology at the University of Peradeniya since 2021. With a career marked by academic excellence, she has earned numerous accolades throughout her undergraduate and postgraduate journeys. A dedicated educator, Prof. Nanayakkara has spent years training, mentoring, and facilitating the growth of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Beyond her teaching and research, she currently serves as the President of the Peradeniya Medical School Alumni Association and previously held the prestigious position of President of the Physiological Society of Sri Lanka in 2019.
Prof. Nanayakkara’s research focuses on the body’s response to physical stress and injury Her primary areas of expertise include Cardiovascular Physiology & Autonomic Functions, Sports & Applied Physiology, Pain & Musculoskeletal Physiology. Prof. Nanayakkara is actively involved in several esteemed local and international professional bodies, including; South Asian Association of Physiologists (SAAP), International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), Physiological Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL, Peradeniya Medical School Alumni Association (PEMSAA)
Her focus remains on fostering the next generation of medical professionals through rigorous academic guidance and hands-on administrative leadership.
Prof. A.S. Ariyasinghe (MBBS, PhD), is a Professor in Physiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. Her research Interests include cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, occupational health diseases, exercise and sports physiology and immunology. She is an experienced teacher of undergraduates and postgraduates of Faculties of Medicine, Dental Sciences and Allied health sciences. Her well rounded service, combining academic excellence with other fields like sports, art and environment is truly commendable.
Dr. Damsara Nandadeva (MBBS,Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Statistics, MPhil, PhD), is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. She is an experienced teacher of Medical, Dental, Allied Health Sciences undergraduates and postgraduates. She is actively engaged in research related to vascular and autonomic functions in health and disease and exercise physiology. She has contributed to professional communities as a member of the American Heart Association, American College of Sports Medicine, American Physiological Society, Physiological Society of Sri Lanka, Kandy Society of Medicine and Peradeniya Medical School Alumni Association. A steadfast commitment to academic excellence and student development has defined her invaluable contribution to the faculty.
Dr. Savithri Ranasinghe, is a Lecturer (Probationary) attached to the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. She obtained her MBBS degree from the University of Peradeniya, graduating with Second Class Upper Division honours.
Following her internship in professorial medical and surgical units of Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, she gained clinical experience in radiology and intensive care units within the Sri Lankan public healthcare system. Dr. Ranasinghe is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy degree in Cardiovascular Medicine. Alongside her MPhil, she is conducting research on organophosphate poisoning in collaboration with the Global Research Academy for Clinical Toxicology under the NIHR RIGHT4 programme at the University of Edinburgh.
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