The University of Colombo Mentors Pool was formed in order to provide additional support to early career academics throughout the University. Through this programme any early career academic at any faculty, institute or campus within the University of Colombo can approach a member of the University of Colombo, Mentors Pool to obtain support in mentoring in a specific area. This is especially useful for academics in newer and smaller institutes within the University system.
The individual academic mentoring programmes in the faculties, institutes and campuses of the University will have their own mentors and mentees. The University of Colombo Mentors Pool will function independent of these programmes, but the mentors within the
pool will be able to provide specific support to mentees if and when needed and will be an additional resource to academic mentoring programmes throughout the University of Colombo.
For mentees
Mentees interested in obtaining the support of a member of the University of Colombo Mentors pool can contact the prospective mentor for support in areas specified by the mentor in their profile. If the mentor is able to support the mentee, they will then inform the academic mentoring programme on amp@med.cmb.ac.lk and the mentoring relationship will commence formally. This process will be facilitated by the University of Colombo Stream of the Academic Mentoring Programme.
For mentors
Prospective mentors who are interested in joining the University of Colombo Mentors Pool can do so by sending in a completed mentor’s pool application form which can be downloaded from this website.
For further information on the University of Colombo Mentors Pool please contact amp@med.cmb.ac.lk.
Ph.D in Pharmacology (Nanjing, P.R.China),
B.A.M.S. [Hons.](SL), C.T.H.E (SL), S.E.D.A. (UK),
Dean, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, UoC
Qualifications and areas of specialization:Professor and a consultant Pharmacologist & Ayurveda Physician. Obtained PhD in Pharmacology and qualified as a Pharmacologist in P.R. China, Certified and trained in Pharmacovigilance and Drug safety – Uppsala World Health Organization Monitoring Centre, Sweden, accredited as a teacher in Higher education by SEDA, Uk, and has a C.T.H.E (SL). Registered under SLAMC and Honorary Consultant Ayurveda physician at National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella
Research interests:Pharmacology and therapeutics, Traditional Medicine and Ayurveda medicine, Immunology, Clinical trials, Phytomedicine, Internal Medicine, Herbal pharmaceutical development, Cosmeceutical development, Quality assurance and standardization of Pharmaceuticals, Rational use of medicines, Pharmacovigilance and Adverse drug reactions, Medical education, Bio medical-clinical ethics, Bio-transformation technologies
Teaching & Learning Experience: Supervising research of Special Degrees /Post Graduate Diploma /MSc/MPhil/PhD readers registered at Faculty of Graduate Studies in UoC, University of Sri Jayewardenapura, Kelaniya, Peradeniya, KDU and Institute of chemistry and MD (Ayu). Developed a research unit for natural products to conduct experimental studies and clinical trials in IIM. Collaborator on research works with Federation University in Australia on a project that aims to validate Mobile Phone App with Ayurveda medicine concepts (Prakriti/ Body constitution) and architecture for Ayurvedic Electronic Health Records.
Admin. Experience: Was appointed to the post of Head of Department of Allied Sciences, and Head of the Department of Dravyaguna Vignana. Chairman, PhD programme development committee, IIM in 2021, Chainman, Fallback option development committee, IIM in 2021.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Clinical training
- Research and publications
- Clinical product/drug development and innovation, and commercialization
- Ethics and Professionalism
Ph.D (Peradeniya), MD (Ayu) Kayachikithsa specialization in Panchakarma (India), DAMS (Colombo), SEDA (UK)
Faculty of Indigenous Medicine,
UoC
ayurvedadocsujatha@yahoo.com
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I served for more than 31 years as a lecturer, Senior Professor from 22/1/1990 to 5/2/2021 at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (IIM), University of Colombo. I hold Ph.D. (Peradeniya), MD (Ayu) Kayachikithsa specialization in Panchakarma (India), DAMS (Colombo) and Diploma in Yoga (India). I am accredited as a teacher in Higher Education by Staff Educational Development Association (SEDA), United Kingdom. My current H index is 7 with 407 citations. I have been awarded 4 Research Awards for research excellence by University of Colombo.
I am a winner of The Vice Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence in 2018, Senate Awards for Excellence in Research (Open Category) in 2018, the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence in 2019, Senate Awards for Excellence in Research (Open Category) in 2019.
Further, I was felicitated and given an award in recognition of service rendered to the field of Ayurveda at the Commemoration of the International Women’s Day- 2022 conducted by Swadeshiya Sevaya of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and sponsored by National Union of Seafarers Sri Lanka, USAID, ILO, itf, industrial all and Solidarity Center.
Research interests: Clinical research including Panchakarma, animal, parasitological and microbiological research.
Teaching & Learning Experience: I am the first female to become a Professor and a Senior Professor of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. I have served as the Consultant physician in Panchakarma and Kayachikithsa at Ayurveda Teaching, Borella. I introduced hands on training in Panchakarma for BAMS students. I introduced several Panchakarma methods and Mud therapy which were not practiced at Government Ayurveda hospitals in Sri Lanka. I have supervised 17 postgraduate scholars and also 17 undergraduate research projects at IIM.
Admin. Experience:I held numerous offices at IIM as Head of Department of Nidana Chikithsa, Chairperson of MD (Ayu) programme 2012/2015, Chairperson of Ethics Review Committee (IIM), Secretary of syllabus revision committee, Course coordinator of Postgraduate Diploma among others.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Clinical Training
- Assessments and Examinations
- Panchakarma training
- Research and Publications
PhD in Media Sociology, MA in Sociology, PGD in Education / PGD in Bu, Philosophy, BA (Honors) Sociology
Department of Mass Media,
Sri Palee Campus, UoC
ranjan2007@ gmail.com, ranjan@spc.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Media and possess PhD in Media Sociology, MA in Sociology, PGD in Education / PGD in Bu, Philosophy, BA (Honors) Sociology.
Research interests: Media Sociology, Media Psychology, Media Anthropology.
Teaching & Learning Experience: I am working as editor / reviewer in local journals and international journals and international conferences etc. Apart from the above works, I conducted the practical classes, training sessions and the workshops for the students in order to develop a knowledge society at the Campus and outside. I support the students and the academics with planning their studies, helping to change courses if necessary, and helping with learning techniques, time management, exam preparation and many other topics.
Admin. Experience: Head of the Department of Mass Media, Sri Palee Campus (2016-2021), Head of the Department of Computer Studies, Sri Palee Campus (2015-2018).
Mentoring offered in:
- Career development / planning
- Self-organization
- Time management
- Knowledge & skills development
- Ethical values
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Associate Professor. Obtained postgraduate qualifications in Diploma in Pathology and MD in Haematology from the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2002 and 2004 respectively. She completed her foreign component of her specialist training in haematology at the Oxford Radcliffe NHS, Trust, Oxford UK and became a board certified Consultant Haematologist at the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo, Sri Lanka in December 2007.
Research interests: Her research interests are in genetic thrombophilia, Haematolo-oncology genetics and Haemoglobinopathies.
Teaching & Learning Experience: She has been working as a Senior Lecturer in the University of Colombo since July 2007. Lecturer for undergraduate modules such as Microscopic Anatomy – Introductory Basic Sciences stream (IBSS), Haematology – Blood and Lymphoreticular Systems module, Anatomy – BSc Pharmacy and postgraduate programs such as MD (Haematology), MD (Oncology), Certificate in Basic Laboratory Sciences Course.
Admin. Experience: Held the positions of Registrar for the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, UoC from 2000 to 2002, Senior Registrar at National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) (Haemotology) from 2004 to 2005 and Specialist Registrar in Haemotology at Oxford Radcliffe NHS, Trust, United Kingdom from 2005 to 2007.
PhD in Sociology (Monash), BA (Hons) Sociology (Colombo)
Department of Sociology,
Faculty of Arts, UoC
ireshalakshman@soc.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I am a sociologist specializing in the field of sociology of education and a Professor in Sociology with PhD in Sociology (Monash) and BA (Hons) Sociology (Colombo).
Research interests: Education in Sri Lanka and urban studies
Teaching & Learning Experience: My doctoral thesis has been on the topic of second language education in Sri Lanka. I am very passionate and enthusiastic about the teaching I do and am always keen to experiment new teaching strategies.
Admin. Experience: I have also held several administrative positions within the Faculty such as Director, Quality Cell, Faculty of Arts (2016-2019), Director of Studies (2016-2017), Director of Studies (2012-2013), and Faculty student counsellor.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Time Management
- Assessments and Examinations
- Work-life balance
- Leadership skills
DBA (Meiji, Japan); MBA (Meiji, Japan); MBA (Colombo, Sri Lanka); B.Com (Special) Honours (Colombo, Sri Lanka); Dip. In Adv. Eng. (Colombo, Sri Lanka), Dip. In Counselling (SLFI)
Department of Management and Organization Studies,
Faculty of Management and Finance, UoC
kmudisa@mos.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Professor Kumudinei Dissanayake graduated from the University of Colombo in October 1991 obtaining the Bachelor of Commerce (Special) degree (Honors). She has earned her MBA from the University of Colombo, and a second MBA and the Doctoral degree from the Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan. Her area of expertise is General Management and Organization Studies (from Bachelor’s degree to Doctoral degree level) and area of specialization is Organization Theory.
Research interests: Organizational change; new generations at workplace; green and lean practices in SMEs; organizational practices in the new normal.
Teaching & Learning Experience: Joined the University of Colombo in 1991 as a Temporary Assistant Lecturer. Became a permanent Lecturer in 1992, Senior Lecturer (Grade II) in 1997, Senior Lecturer (Grade I) in 2004, and promoted to Professor in 2017.
Admin. Experience: Head of Department from 2007 to 2011, Coordinator of MBA in HRM Program (FMF) from 2006 to 2010; Coordinator of MPhil/PhD Program (FMF) from 2015 to 2017; Coordinator of Masters in Labor Relations and Human Resource Management (MLRHRM) Program (FGS) from 2018 to date.
Other: Serving as the Coordinator of the Personal Tutor Program of the Faculty from 2019 to date.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Ethics and professionalism
- Assessments and Examinations
- Research and publications
Professor M. N. Kaumal BSc, PhD
Scientist | Analytical Chemist | Educator | CEO of Cell | Director UBL UoC | Specialist in IP
Qualifications and areas of specialization:
BSc in Chemistry with First Class Honours from the University of Colombo in 2004 followed by a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Mississippi State University, USA in 2012. Completed postdoctoral training at Mass General Brigham Innovation (an affiliation of Harvard University), Boston, MA, USA after winning the Technology Transfer Fellowship, Commercial Law Development Program, US Department of Commerce in 2018.
Completed many training programs, certificate courses and summer schools offered by Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO). Completed the WIPO-KIPO-KAIST-KIPA Advanced International Certificate Course (AICC) on IP Asset Management for Business Success conducted by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in 2020.
Research interests: Method development, validation, and development of miniature and portable electrochemical sensors
Teaching & Learning Experience: Joined the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo in 2005 and currently serving as a professor in Chemistry. Was the coordinator of the Analytical Services provided by the Department of Chemistry from 2013-2020.
Administrative Experience:
Member of the Board of Directors (2013 – 2016) and the current CEO of ColomboCell, TTO of the Faculty of Science from 2018. Director of UBL, University of Colombo since 2021. Chairperson of the Committee for the Popularization of Science (2017) and General Research Committee (2023), a Joint General Secretary (2019), the webmaster (2019 – 2021) and a council member (2017 onward) in the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS).
Other:
Provided services to the National Institute of Education (NIE), Sri Lanka for the development of GCE O/L Science (2021), GCE A/L Chemistry (2016), and GCE A/L Science for Technology (2013 and 2016) Syllabi, Teachers’ Guides, Practical Guidebooks and Resource Books. Authored several books for students and teachers with the Ministry of Education.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Ethics and professionalism
- Time Management
- Handling stress
- Career progression
Mentoring offered in:
- Career Development/Planning
- Goal Setting
- Preparation for Postgraduate Studies
- Ethical values
- Quality Assurance
BUMS, MD, PhD (R), LLB, Att at Law
Department of Study in Unani, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, UoC
drshiffa@iim.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization:I am Unani medical graduate, and my academic carrier was started with BUMS (Hons) in 2005. Later, I have successfully read MD in Unani Moalejat (Unani clinical medicine) in 2012. At present I am reading PhD in Unani Moalejat. Hence, my area of expertise is Moalejat (Unani clinical medicine). Further, I have done LLB and enrolled as an attorney at law in the supreme court of Sri Lanka. I am honoured with SEDA award, ICCR award, Ibnu Sina International award, and Ashraf memorial award.
Research interests: Rheumatology, Ilaj bit Tadbeer (regimenal therapy), cell lines, animal experimental studies, clinical trials and nephroprotective activities of herbal medicines.
Teaching & Learning Experience: I started as a Temporary Demonstrator in 2006. Then, I joined the University of Colombo as a probationary lecturer in 2008. In 2012, I was confirmed in the post and appointed as a lecturer. After that, I was promoted to Senior Lecturer Grade II in 2013. Finally, I was promoted to the professor in Moalejat in 2017. Teaching and Practical Training have been given for under Graduates and post graduates in the subject of moalejat and ilmul jarahat for more than 13 years. . Further, I have served as a reviewer in National and International Journals.
Admin. Experience: :I have worked as the Head/ Department of Ilmul Jarahat (Unani surgery) from 2014 to 2017. Then, Head of the Unani section in 2020 onwards. I have organized conferences and workshops at national and international level; I was the course coordinator for MD and coordinator and the developer of the Certificate Course on Hijama (Cupping) and Irsal e Alaq (Leech Therapy). Further, I am the Chairperson of the Board of Study MD Unani in PGIIM, University of Colombo. I have participated as resource person in the national and international conferences, workshops and training programs.
Other: I have served as a Consultant Assistant in National Ayurvedic Teaching Hospital, Borella, Sri Lanka since 2014 and at present, I am a Consultant in Moalejat (Unani clinical medicine); 4 books published in the field of Unani Medicine; created three software and one Mobile app.
Mentoring offered in:
- Research and Publication
- Clinical training
- Ethics and professionalism
- Overseas exposure
- Work-life balance
LLB. (HONS) Colombo; LLM (Georgetown); PHD (Colombo); Attorney-at-law, Sri Lanka. CTHE & ASTHE (SEDA)
Department Of Commercial Law, Faculty of Law, UoC
Qualifications and areas of specialization: My academic area of expertise is Commercial Law, focusing on Intellectual Property Law, Traditional Knowledge and Biopiracy. I have a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, a Master of Laws degree in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University USA, where I studied as a Fulbright scholar, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. I am also an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
Research interests: Intellectual and cultural property, international law, biopiracy and traditional knowledge, trade and investment, environment, research ethics and Muslim personal law reform.
Teaching and learning experience: I count over 18 years of teaching-learning-assessment experience. Currently, I teach international investment, intellectual property and tax law at undergraduate level, and international trade and intellectual property at postgraduate level.
Administrative experience: Having been the Director of the Staff Development Centre and the Principal Tutor of its higher education course, I have extensive experience in the TLA process, reflective practice, and the practical workings of various departments within the university systems. I am a member of the Law Commission of Sri Lanka and the Ethics Review Committee of the Sri Lanka Medical Association and was a member of the National Committee that drafted the legislation on Plant Variety Protection.
Other: Being the first woman in the Law Faculty to have been promoted to the level of Professor while having a child still in Primary school, I am well aware of the challenges faced by early career women academics in the areas of time management and work-life balance.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Time Management
- Work-life balance
- Career progression
- Assessments and Examinations
BUMS, MD, PhD (Reading)
Department of Study in Unani, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine,
UoC
nfahamiya@iim.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I have successfully completed MD in Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology) in 2012. At present I am reading PhD in Unani Ilmul Advia. Hence, my area of expertise is Unani Pharmacology and Materia medica, and herbal drug standardization and is currently a Professor in Ilmul Advia (Unani pharmacology). I am honoured with many awards and grants such as SEDA award, ICCR award, award of Academic Achievement MOSAIC 2010-11, and UGC grant for higher studies.
Research interests: Herbal drug standardization, nephroprotective, rheumatology, regimental therapy, animal experimental and toxicological studies, clinical trials, and activities of herbal medicines.
Teaching & Learning Experience: My academic carrier was started as a demonstrator in Unani section, Institute of Indigenous Medicine (IIM), University of Colombo in 2005. Then, in 2008 I have joined as a probationary lecturer at IIM, University of Colombo. I was promoted as a senior lecture grade II in 2013 and as the Professor in Ilmul Advia (Unani pharmacology) in 2017. Teaching and Practical Training have been given for under graduates and post graduates in the subject of Ilmul Advia, Moalejat and Amraz e Niswan wa Qabalat. I have prepared ‘A Guide to Peer Review of Teaching’ to improve the Teaching Quality of the Institution and supervised many under graduate research Project;
Admin. Experience: I have worked as a Head/ Department of Ilmul Advia from 2014 to 2017, Academic Coordinator, Research coordinator and Student Counsellor at Unani Section, IIM, University of Colombo. Further, I have organized conferences and workshops at national and international level; developed Certificate Course on Hijama (Cupping) and Irsal e Alaq (Leech Therapy) at IIM and served in the committee for Multi Sector Action Plan for Nutrition at Presidential Secretariat. I have been working as a Head/Unit of Ilmul Advia, IQAC coordinator, coordinator of Strategic Plan IIM University of Colombo, Consultant in National Ayurvedic Teaching Hospital, Borella.
Further, I am the Chairperson of the Specialty Board MD Ilmul Advia, PGIIM, University of Colombo
Other: I have created three software and one Mobile app related to Unani Medicine.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Ethics and professionalism
- Assessments and Examinations
- Career progression
- Research and Publication
PhD, PGC Advanced Biochemistry, C.Chem, FRSC (UK), F.I Chem.C, M..I Biol
Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB), UoC
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Professor of Biochemistry who is trained in IS0/IEC-17025GL and has a PhD from the Post graduate Institute of Science,University of Peradeniya (2006), Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Biochemistry (2002) and C.Chem, F.I.Chem.C from Institute of Chemistry, SriLanka (2014)
Research interests: Biochemistry, Food Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry with expertise in Biochemical and Chemical Analysis of a range of biomolecules including enzymes, natural products and food constituents and contaminants such as pesticide residues in biological samples.I have specialized and advanced training in all chromatographic techniques including HPLC, GCMS and LCMS/MS.
Teaching & Learning Experience: Visiting Lecturer (Tea Biochemistry) at University of Uwa Wellasa since 2009, visiting Lecturer (Biochemistry) at University of SriJayewardenapura since 2013, teaches biochemistry at IBMBB since December2012, teaches at Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya since 2017 and taught chromatography at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences from August2007–August 2008.
Admin. Experience: Director of Research & Development, Nature`s Beauty Creations Ltd, Sri Lanka from 2015 to 2018 and Head of Research at Plant Research Center, Nature`s Beauty Creations Ltd, Sri Lanka from 2014 to 2016.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Career progression
- Researching and publications
- Overseas exposure
- Leadership skills
PhD (Australia), MSBA (USA), MS in HRM (USA), Cr Cert in OD (USA), BBA (Colombo),CTHE (Colombo), AMIPM (Sri Lanka)
Department of Human Resources Management,
Faculty of Management and Finance, UoC
pavithra@hrm.cmb.ac.lk, pavithra@fmf.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: My area is Human Resource Management and have a PhD from University of Melbourne, Australia, MSBA from University of Massachusetts, USA, MS in HRM from New School for Social Research, USA, Cr Cert in OD from New School for Social Research, USA, BBA and CTHE from University of Colombo and AMIPM from Sri Lanka.
Research interests: Gender issues in organisations such as work-life interface
Teaching & Learning Experience: I teach HRM courses and research methodology courses of undergrads, masters and PhD programmes.
Admin. Experience: I have been Head of the department twice. Held other admin posts like Acting Director of SDC. I have been on inquiry committees and member of various Faculty and University level committees. I was also Chairperson of the Annual Research Symposium in 2017.
I am an Associate Editor of an international journal published by Sage. I regularly review for international journals and local conferences. I am in the Board of Management of UCSC and the Senate representative in the Council. I also am involved in voluntary work for organisations.
Mentoring offered in:
- Assessments and Examinations
- Career progression
- Research and Publications
- Overseas exposure
MBBS, MSc (Medical Education), MD (Medicine), FRCP (Edin), FCCP (SL), FHEA (UK)
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, UoC
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I am a specialist physician, and I have been an academic in the department of Physiology for almost 25 years. I am interested in assisting in medical education, personal development, ageing and healthy lifestyle. I have a MBBS degree with second class (upper division) from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo in 1995 and had first classes at the 2nd MBBS and 3rd MBBS examinations. I am a board certified as a specialist in general internal medicine and obtained the MD (Medicine) and the MRCP (UK), completed postgraduate training in the UK and also specialized in medical education and obtained MSc in Medical Education (Cardiff, UK) and SEDA (UK) accreditation as a teacher in Higher Education. I am a Fellow of the Ceylon College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Higher Education Academy, UK.
Research interests: Medical education, basic sciences, menopause and non-communicable disease.
Teaching & Learning Experience: Lecturing for MBBS, BSc Physiotherapy and BSc Pharmacy programmes, Research and portfolio supervision; Community Stream, Electives, Examination for Registration to Practise Medicine conducted by Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) and postgraduate programs.
Admin. Experience: I have been the head of the department of physiology and the audiovisual unit of the faculty of medicine, and has been the chairperson of medical students financial assistance scheme, admissions committee, and endocrine and metabolism module and a member of boards of studies in sports medicine and basic sciences and speciality boards in geriatric medicine and physiology in the PGIM as well as an examiner in over 10 different specialities in the PGIM. I am the president elect in the menopause society of Sri Lanka and the Physiological society of Sri Lanka. I have mentored several academics during the past.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Time management
- Assessments and Examinations
- Work-life balance
- Ethics and professionalism
PhD in Education, MA in Linguistics, BA (Honors) in Linguistics
Department of Mass Media, Sri Palee Campus, UoC
ranck2002@gmail.com / rector@spc.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Professor in the Department of Mass Media with PhD in Education, MA in Linguistics, BA (Honors) in Linguistics
Research interests: Language acquisition, media and communication, and linguistics
Teaching & Learning Experience: I have published several books and edited journals in the areas of language and communication. I regularly present my research in national and international conferences. My research papers have appeared in several referred journals on language acquisition, media and communication, and linguistics. I have been serving as a mentor in Sri Palee Campus since 2016.
Admin. Experience: Rector of Sri Palee Campus from 2015 to 2020
Mentoring offered in:
- Career development / planning
- Soft skill development
- Time management
- lnterpersonal relationship and public relations
- Goal setting
- Team work
PhD, MD (Ayu), PgDAHM, BAMS
Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, UoC
samarakooniim@gmail.com
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I am a senior Lecturer (Grade -I) in Kayachikitsa (General medicine in Ayurveda) possessing MD (Ayu) and PhD (Ayu).
Research interests: Kayachikitsa (General Medicine of Ayurveda) & Deshiya Chikitsa (Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine).
Teaching & Learning Experience: My teaching experience is more than 19 years. I have worked as Head of the Department (at GWAI), academic warden in the boys’ hostel (at GWAI), student counselor (at GWAI), senior student counselor (at GWAI), chief student counselor (at GWAI), head of the Graduate Studies Division (at GWAI).
Admin. Experience: I have been appointed as the Director of GWAI for a short period of time in 2015. At present, I have been working as the Head of the Academic Unit of Deshiya Chikitsa at IIM.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Career Progression
- Research and Publication
- Clinical Training
- Time management
BUMS (SL) and MD (India)
Faculty of Indigenous Medicine,
UoC
drfazeenahhameed@iim.cmb.ac.lk, drfazeenahhameed@gmail.com
Qualifications and areas of specialization: : I started the medical career by Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery (BUMS) in 1994, offered by the IIM, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Then I had been honored with Common Wealth Scholarship awarded by the ICCR and successfully completed the Postgraduate study in ‘Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Moalejat’ in Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science (RGUHS), India, Bangalore.
Research interests: Unani Medicine and ENT and Ophthalmology
Teaching & Learning Experience: I have worked in different levels such as temporary demonstrator, visiting lecturer, assignment basis Unani lecturer, probationary lecturer, lecturer and senior lecturer Gr. I have published more than 80 research papers in peer reviewed, indexed journals, National and International conferences and I have published 5 books and four more books are on the progress. Supervisor of Under Graduate Student Research Projects, Reviewer of National and International Journals. I am an Associate Editor of International Journal of Medical and Health Research and Assistant Editor of Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, and Advisory board member of World Journal of Pharmacological Research and Technology among others.
Admin. Experience: I have served as Head of the Allied Science (Unani) Division, Head/ Academic Programme of Allied Sciences/ Unani (Honorary post), Head / Study Unit of Ilmul Jarahat (Unani Surgery), student counsellor, Coordinator for PG Diploma in Unani, Domain Coordinator of the IQA Cell of IIM, Clinical Coordinator for Level IV and V BUMS, Assistant to the Academic Coordinator, member of Research Management Committee and Research, technical evaluation committee and Higher Degree Committee (RHDC). I have worked as a course coordinator and developed the Certificate in Indigenous Medicine in Ilaaj Jasadee (Physical Therapy) for medical graduates. I have organized and conducted many workshops, awareness programs and medical camps. I have participated as a resource person in international webinar. Member of Population Association of Sri Lanka and National Science Foundation (NSF) and member of many committees including Unani Sectional Committee and Member and secretary of study board of PGIIM/Unani, specialty board in Moalejat/PGIIM.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Time Management
- Assessments and Examinations
- Clinical Training
- Research and Publication
PhD (QUT, Australia), MBA (PIM), BBA (Col), FHEA (UK)
Department of Accounting,
Faculty of Management and Finance,
UoC
jabeygunasekera@dac.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I am attached to the Accounting Department in the Faculty of Management and Finance. I have a PhD from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Apart from that, I have completed my MBA and BBA. Also, I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK. The main areas of specialization are Accounting, Auditing, Performance management, and Business Process Management.
Research interests: Accounting, Auditing, Performance management, and Business Process Management.
Teaching & Learning Experience: : I have been teaching at different levels (DBA, MBA, BBA) and across faculties (in Management and Finance, Science and Arts faculties, University of Colombo).
Admin. Experience: Presently, I am the Coordinator of the Accounting Department’s AHEAD project. Also, I work as the convener of the Faculty curriculum revision committee and the convener of the Teaching, Learning and Assessment development team of the Faculty quality assurance cell. Further, I have been the Coordinator of the Academic Affairs Unit in the Faculty of Management and Finance during the period 2013 to 2015.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Time management
- Assessments and Examinations
- Work-life balance
- Leadership skills
PhD (QUT – Aus), MBA, BBA (HRM Sp), FHEA, CIMA, CTHE
Department of Human Resources Management,
Faculty of Management and Finance,
UoC.
dharshani.thennakoon@hrm.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Senior Lecturer (Grade II) in the Department of Human Resources Management with PhD (QUT – Aus), MBA, BBA (HRM Sp), FHEA, CIMA, CTHE. Area of specialization is Human Resource Management.
Research interests: Routines, Paradox, Training Transfer, Employee Engagement.
Teaching & Learning Experience: Possess 9+ years of teaching and research experience in Human Resource Management in Sri Lanka and Australia. Experienced in teaching HRM related subjects such as Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Human Resource Decision Making and many more at Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. Supervise Undergraduate and Postgraduate research students on various research areas. Conducts HRM related training for corporates. Experienced in the areas of HR consulting, strategy consulting, executive search and headhunting prior to joining the academia.
Admin. Experience: Coordination of programmes for external students (Diploma in Human Resource Management) and Coordinates the University Academic Mentoring programme at the faculty level. Secretary of the Faculty of Management Trade Union Association and Initiated and organised a faculty development programme run by the Department of Human Resource Management as a part of its Continuous Professional Development Programme (HR – CPD).
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning.
- Work-life balance.
- Research and publications.
- Overseas exposure.
- Ethics and Professionalism.
LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD, Attorney-at-Law
Dept of Public & International Law,
Faculty of Law, UoC
dinesha@law.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: : My area of specialization is public law. I have completed the CTHE and ASTHE programs with SEDA accreditation and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Melbourne Law School (2019-2020). I am a Fulbright Scholar. I have published in leading journals in my field and have been awarded the CVCD Award for Research Excellence (2020).
Research interests: Public law, human rights law, disability rights, judicial interpretation of fundamental rights, public participation in constitution making, women’s rights, constitutional law, Sri Lankan administrative law, public interest litigation, social and cultural rights, sovereignty of the people.
Teaching & Learning Experience: : I have 16 years of teaching experience by teaching in the Faculty of Law, UoC, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, UoC, Faculty of Graduate Studies, UoC, Faculty of Medicine, UoC and Centre for the Study of Human Rights, UoC.
Admin. Experience: : I serve on the editorial board of the Indian Law Review, I am a co-editor of the IACL Blog and a senior research associate at Melbourne Law School. I have served as a member of the Ethics Review Committee of PGIM, as the Senior Legal Advisor for the Legal Aid Unit of the Faculty and am currently an academic warden for the Muttiah hostel.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Research and Publications
- Ethics and professionalism
- Work-life balance
- Assessments and Examinations
BAMS, MD (Ayur), PGD (Com Dev)
Faculty of Indigenous Medicine,
UoC
ipitakaduwa@iim.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization:She is a senior lecturer, Grade I who is specialized in Ayurveda. She is qualified with B.A.M.S(1st class Hon),PGD in community development, M.D.(Ayu).
Research interests: Specialization Ayurveda Samhita and Basic Principles of Ayurveda Medical education, Human body typing.
Teaching & Learning Experience: Over 20 years of UG teaching and PG teaching.
Admin. Experience: Sectional head and department head for six years Student counselor for three years.
Other: Attending for SlIHEE conferences and presenting paper
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Leadership skills
- Assessments and Examinations
- Ethics and professionalism
- Research and Publications
PhD, Attorney-at-law, CTHE, ASTHE
Department of Plant Sciences,
Faculty of Science, UoC
iroja@pts.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I am a Commonwealth Scholar (split-site PhD program) and an Attorney-at-law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. I completed the CTHE and ASTHE (Accreditation of Senior Teachers in Higher Education) courses, receiving SEDA accreditation. My area of specialization is in plant responses to the environment. In 2020, I was selected to the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort (Association of Commonwealth Universities) as one out of 26 global researchers in
climate change and environment.
Research interests: Plant responses to environmental changes with a focus on climate change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Teaching & Learning Experience: I conduct courses related to environmental science, environmental law and biostatistics. I am interested in topics related to staff development and higher education with a particular interest in developing higher order thinking skills by using student centered learning methodologies in my classroom.
Admin. Experience: I am the Chairperson of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the Faculty of Science (2022 to date) and was the Deputy Director of the OTS-AHEAD project (ELTA-ELSE activities) of the University of Colombo (2021/2022). I am a member of the Board of Management of the Centre for Mathematics and Science Education and the Career Guidance Committee of the Faculty of Science. I served as the President of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka (2019/2020) and am the current President (2022-2024) of the Sri Lanka Association for Improving Higher Education Effectiveness (SLAIHEE).
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Handling stress
- Leadership skills
- Work-life balance
- Ethics and professionalism
BAMS(hons.), MD(Ayu.)
Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, UoC
kaumadi@iim.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Senior Lecturer Grade 1 since year 2016 in unit of Prasuthithantra Kaumarabrithya, IIM. Graduated from IIM in 2005 with a first class at the BAMS final exam with Distinctions in Kayachikitsa and Deshiya chikitsa and was awarded the Dr.Jayantha Edirisinghe prize for highest average in all 05 academic years. Completed Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (Stee roga Prasuthithantra) in Gujarath Ayurveda University, India.
Research interests: Subfertility, antenatal care, uterine fibroids and other gynaecological disorders.
Teaching & Learning Experience: Currently involved in being a medical educator, supervisor, lead trainer, and chair of the speciality board Stree roga Prasuthithantra of Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo and has publications in index, peer reviewed journals and authored many book chapters on Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Admin. Experience: Head of unit of Prasuthithantra Kaumarabrithya for 6 consecutive years (2012-2018), warden, Girls Hostel, secretory Ethics Review committee, IIM and now holds the post of secretory, Ayurveda Sectional committee, IIM.
Others: Honorary Consultant Ayurveda Obstetrician & Gynecologist attached to the National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella. An active member of Sir Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Section A, appointed as Secretory (year 2019, 2020) and vice president in 2021.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Assessments and Examinations
- Clinical training
- Research and Publications
BUMS, PGDHD (UoC), MPhil (UoC), MD (India)
Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, UoC
hafeel@iim.cmb.ac.lk
Qualifications and areas of specialization: I am a senior lecturer attached to the Department of Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (Preventive and Social Medicine / Unani) of the Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo. I joining the IIM, University as an academic after obtaining First Class Honours in 2006. I have obtained postgraduate qualifications: PG Diploma in Health Development from the faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and M Phil in Unani from the University of Colombo; MD in Unani from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India. I am specialized in Unani Clinical Medicine.
Research interests: Community Medicine and Clinical Medicine in Unani
Teaching & Learning Experience: I possess fifteen years of experience in teaching, research and training Indigenous medical undergraduates. I am a self-motivated, highly disciplined, good team player with good communication skills and willing to take challenges. I am creative and enthusiastic to learn, and adaptable for any working environment.
Admin. Experience: I have served as HOD of Tahafuuzi wa Samaji Tib, PG Diploma Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator and Coordinator for Soft Skills development under HETC project and secretary to department committee etc.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Leadership skills
- Clinical Training
- Ethics and professionalism
- Assessments and Examinations
- Handling stress
- Research and Publications
- Time management
- Overseas exposure
PhD in lntercultural Communication, MPhil in Mass Communication
BA (Honors) in Mass Communication
Department of Mass Media, Sri Palee Campus, UoC
sugath@ spc.cmb.ac.lk, sugathsena rath @ hotmail.com
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Media with PhD in lntercultural Communication, MPhil in Mass Communication, BA (Honors) in Mass Communication and a part-time researcher at Centre for Studies of Media Development of Wuhan University.
Research interests: Mass communication, mindful communication and lntercultural Communication.
Teaching & Learning Experience: I have published 12 books on mass communication in English and Sinhala. Some of my book chapters have been translated to Chinese, Russian and Thai languages. I am a regular presenter of my research locally and offshore. Meanwhile, I have been working as a guest lecturer in Mass Communication at local and foreign universities including Huazhong Agricultural University of China, Wuhan University, China and Beijing Foreign Studies University, China. I have been serving as a mentor in the Sri Palee Campus since 2016.
Admin. Experience: Co-Chair and panel chair of the Annual Research Symposium on Contemporary Trends in Media and Arts for Sustainable Development in 2019, Co-Chair of the National Summit for Media Reforms in Sri Lanka in 2015 and Grant coordinator for HETC/IDAS project, Sri Palee Campus in 2014.
Mentoring offered in:
- Career development / planning
- Quality Assurance
- Time management
- lnterpersonal relationship
- Goal setting
- public relations
Qualifications and areas of specialization: She is a senior lecturer who Graduated with first degree honours from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo in 2004. She started postgraduate training in Paediatrics in 2007. She obtained Board certification as a Paediatric Endocrinologist in 2015. Further, she completed a doctoral degree on the “Effects of antenatal exercise in overweight and obese women on maternal and offspring outcomes” at the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand. She received a President’s Award for Scientific Publication for 2016, and New Investigator Award at the International Conference on Children’s’ Bone Health, Austria in 2019. She is keenly interested in improving the care for children with Paediatric endocrine diseases, with a special interest in children with disorders/differences of sexual development (DSD).
Research interests: Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), Developmental origins of health and adult disease/ Fetal programming, Rare diseases and patient registries, Childhood body composition and bone health, Childhood obesity prevention and management, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Long term endocrine complications in paediatric cancer survivors, Growth and pubertal disorders
Teaching & Learning Experience: She joined the Department of Paediatrics as a Lecturer in 2010. She was promoted to a Senior Lecturer post in 2015. She teaches in undergraduate and post graduate courses such as involving in ward-based clinical teaching in Paediatrics, integrated ward classes and clinical lecturer demonstrations in the Clinical Science Stream and involved in the MD part 1 MCQ course in Paediatrics conducted by the Sri Lanka College of Pediatricians, MD Paediatrics.
Admin. Experience: She played a key role in initiating the Postgraduate Research Communication Day (Bus stop talks) of the Research and Higher Degrees Committee in 2019 and 2020. She is the lead coordinator of the school health component of the Sri Lanka Diabetes and Cardiovascular Initiative (SLDCi).
BAMS (Hons), MPhil (CMB), PhD (USJ)
Faculty of Indigenous Medicine,
UoC
dr.sarojaweerakoon@iim.cmb.ac.lk, sarojaweerakoon@yahoo.com
Qualifications and areas of specialization: Grade I , Senior Lecturer in Ayurveda Pediatrics, Institute of Indigenous Medicine (IIM), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and Ayurvedic Consultant Pediatrician in National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka. She has completed her Master Degree in Ayurveda Pediatrics, IIM, University of Colombo and PhD Degree in Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She completed her postgraduate studies; Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in 2010. She was accredited as a teacher in Higher Education by Staff Educational Development Association (SEDA), United Kingdom.
Research interests: Bioactivities of indigenous medicines and Pediatric related disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Attention deficit Hyperactive disorders and Muscular dystrophies.
Teaching & Learning Experience: Dr. Weerakoon joined as an academic member of the Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo in 2008. Dr.Weerakoon has teaching experience of 13 years. She has trained undergraduate and postgraduate scholars. She has experience as a Mentor for undergraduates’ students. She has served as a student counselor and is serving as the institutional Medical Officer at present.
Admin. Experience: She has experiences as a member of the Curriculum Development and Evaluation Committee, Ethics Review Committee (ERC-IIM), Animal Research and welfare Sub Committee (ARWSC), Domain Coordinator for of Institutional Review, as a post of course coordinator for Post graduate Diploma in Maternal and Child nutrition, Member of the Career Guidance Unit and member of Research Management and Higher Degree Committee.
Mentoring offered in:
- Teaching and learning
- Clinical Training
- Ethics and professionalism
- Work-life balance
- Research and Publications