CENTER FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Center for cancer research was established in July 2015 under the patronage of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge and Dean Faculty of Medical Sciences, Prof. Surangi Yasawardene. The aim of this project was to initiate, facilitate and support basic and applied scientific research related to cancer by universities and multidisciplinary collaborative research centers that address themes of national importance.

The activities of the center are mainly focused on facilitating high quality collaborative cancer research among the scientific community in Sri Lanka. Center will support numerous research, development & innovation activities/ programmes in all cancer related fields with a view to enhance the outputs and outcomes which will ultimately benefit the Sri Lankan society. The scientists are encouraged to carry out quality research and innovations which will have a direct impact on the health care system of Sri Lanka.

Vision

To promote high quality cancer research that will have a significant impact on the prevention, diagnosis and management of cancer

Mission

To reach the highest standard of scientific research and to disseminate high quality scientific information related to cancer.

Objectives

  1. Promote research in cancer diagnostics, including the molecular biology of cancer, prioritizing the development of new biomarkers and screening techniques
  2. Better understanding of causative factors of cancer to facilitate prevention
  3. Develop new and refine existing therapeutics for cancer
  4. Encourage collaborative cancer research
  5. Enable cancer research leaders of tomorrow

Director & Members

Prof. Maheeka Seneviwickrama

Director
+94 11 2881788 Ext: 4176, maheeka@sjp.ac.lk

Prof. D. H. Beneragama
+94 11 2758718, dulaniben@gmail.com
Prof. I. V. Prematilleke
+94 11 2758718, ishaprem@yahoo.com
Prof. Manjula Weerasekara
+94 11 2758643, mmweera@yahoo.com
Prof. Hemantha Amarasinghe
hemanthaamarasinghe@sjp.ac.lk
Dr. Kanchana Wijesinghe
+94 11 2758660, kanch1983@hotmail.com
Dr. Malith Nandasena
+94 11 2758660, malith1983@sjp.ac.lk

Ongoing Research

  • A scoping review on the influence of religion, religiosity and spirituality on head and neck cancer patients
  • Prognostic factors and survival analysis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka
  • Delay in diagnosis and associated factors among children with Haematological malignancies
  • Health-Related Quality of Life Among Women Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka
  • Role of gut microbiome in colorectal cancer: A comprehensive umbrella review
  • Health-seeking behaviour and their associated factors related to non-communicable disease prevention among adults working in estates in Kegalle District: a mixed methods study
  • Caregiver experience in paediatric palliative care for children with cancer in lower and lower middle-income countries: A qualitative systematic review
  • Physician perspectives on cancer overdiagnosis in a lower middle-income country: A qualitative study
  • Family caregivers’ experience in the provision of palliative care for adult cancer patients in low and lower middle-income countries: A qualitative systematic review
  • Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of Sinhala version of Patient Concerns Inventory for Head & Neck Cancer Patients (PCI -HNC)
  • Effectiveness of split- dose versus non-split-dose polyethene glycol (PEG) bowel preparation in adults scheduled for elective outpatient colonoscopy: A randomized single blind clinical trial
  • Implementation Evaluation of Breast Clinics in Sri Lanka
  • Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on information needs in adult thyroid cancer: a single-centre qualitative study at the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka.
  • Role of Candida albicans in oral carcinogenesis associated with betel quid, tobacco, and alcohol use: a scoping review
  • Role of Salivary Interleukins and Oral Candida in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Association of IL-17A and IL-23 Cytokines and Candida Species with Severity of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  • Sociodemographic and Geographic Disparities in Late-Stage Diagnosis and Survival Among Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity in Sri Lanka

Peer Reviewed Journal Publications

2026

  • Vinuji Fonseka, Hemsith Adithya Meepage, Sumudu Avanthi Hewage, Manjula Manoji Weerasekera, Maheeka Seneviwickrama. Candida species colonisation as an independent or synergistic risk factor for oral cancer among betel quid, tobacco, and/or alcohol users: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Systematic Reviews 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-026-03281-z
  • Karunarathna, K., Uduwela, V.R., Godage, G., Isuruni, Y., Seneviwickrama, M. Family caregivers’ experience in the provision of palliative care for adult cancer patients in low-income and lower-middle-income countries: a qualitative systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2026; 16(5). DOI: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/16/5/e107759
  • Sachintha Dilhani Weerasinghe Navarathnage, Surangi Jayakody, Sashini Shehana Denagamagei, Sashiprabha Nawaratne, Maheeka Seneviwickrama. Dietary habits and breast cancer in South Asian females: a systematic review. BMC Cancer 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-026-16923-1
  • Christine Sampatha Evangeline Goonewardena, Chamalika Kanthini Manawadu, Maheeka Seneviwickrama, Situm Manjika, Ganga Kithmini Wijewickrama, Chamara Visanka Senaratna. Cancer-related fatigue and its associated factors among breast cancer survivors in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study. Considerations in Medicine 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/conmed-2026-000072

2025

  • Nawaratne, S., Navarathnage, S.D.W., Denagamagei, S.S.,  Seneviwickrama, M. Palliative care experience among primary caregivers of children with cancer in low and lower middle-income countries: A qualitative systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2025; 15:e112045. DOI: https://doi.org/:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-112045
  • Malawaraarachchi, B.P., Abeysinghe, C., Seneviwickrama, M., Ranasinghe, S. Body image concerns among women diagnosed with breast cancer in a South Asian setting: A phenomenology approach. BMC Cancer 2025; 25(1819). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-15288-1
  • Seneviwickrama, M., Gunasekera, K., Gamage, K., Gonapaladeniya, M, Ranasinghe, S. Role of Gut Microbiome in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Umbrella Review Protocol. BMJ Open 2025 15:e104450. DOI:  http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-104450
  • Gunasekera, K., Seneviwickrama, M., Ranasinghe, S., Gamage, K., Gonapaladeniya, M. Early and late biomarkers as predictors of severe dengue: A comprehensive umbrella review protocol. BMJ Open 202515:e109186. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-109186
  • Gunathilaka I.D.C., Walpola G.Y., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D. Knowledge and attitudes on cancer pain management among nurses at National Cancer Institute Sri Lanka. BMC Nursing 2025; doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03474-2
  • Seneviwickrama, M., Jayasinghe, R., Kanmodi, K.K., Rogers, S.N., Keill, S., Ratnapreya, S., Ranasinghe, S., Denagamagei, S.S., Perera, I. (2025). Influence of religion and spirituality on head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers:  a protocol for a scoping review. BMC Systematic Reviews 28;14(1):27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02768-5
  • Seneviwickrama, M., Denagamagei, S., Jayakody, S., Gunasekera, S., Liyanage, G. (2025). Availability and accessibility of cytotoxic medicines in the WHO model list of essential medicines for childhood cancer in low and lower-middle- income countries: a systematic review. BMC Cancer 25, 181 doi:. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-13586-2
  • Seneviwickrama, M., Navarathnage, S.D.W., Jayakody, S., Denagamagei, S.S., Nawaratne, S. (2025). Dietary habits and breast cancer in South Asian females: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2025;15:e087661. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087661
  • Edirisinghe NP, Makuloluwa PTR, Amarasekara AATD, Goonewardena CSE (2025) ‘‘Mitigating cancer pain: What else matters?”: A qualitative study into the needs and concerns of cancer patients in Sri Lanka. PLoS ONE 20(1):e0302615. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302615

2024

  • Goonewardena, C.S.E., Manawadu, M.C.K., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D., Senaratna, B.C.V., Wijewickrama, G.K., Manjika, M.S., Kumarasinghe, R.D.K.K. Fatigue and associated factors among female breast cancer survivors attending the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka. BMJ Open 2024  (Accepted for publication)
  • Edirisinghe, N.P., Makuloluwa, P.T.R., Amarasekara, A.A.T.D. and Goonewardena, C.S.E. (2024). Coping with cancer pain: a qualitative study to explore pain perception and self-­coping strategies of patients with cancer in Sri Lanka. BMJ Open, 14:e085510. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085510
  • Edirisinghe, N.P., Makuloluwa, P.T.R., Amarasekara, A.A.T.D. and Goonewardena, C.S.E. (2024). Severity, interference, qualities, and correlates of severe pain: Descriptive cross-sectional study on pain experience of cancer patients in Sri Lanka. Chronic illness, [online] 20(3), pp.515-526. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/17423953231221845.
  • Alles, P.S., Alagiyawanna, D., Seneviwickrama, M., Nanayakkara, S., Kariyawasam, M. and Pathirana, A (2024). Brief psychological intervention to reduce psychological distress among pre-operative cancer patients: A randomized, single-blind, two arm, parallel group-controlled trial in a selected tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry, 14(2), pp.40-48. doi: https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8492.
  • Wijesinghe K., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Jeyakumaran N., De Silva G., Chamara Y., Gamage H., Heiyanthuduwa W. R. (2024). Patient factors that lead to presentation delay in breast cancer among Sri Lankan women: A cross sectional study.  Asian Journal of Medical Sciences. 15(9) pp 83-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v15i9.65492

2023

  • Seneviwickrama, M., Gunasekera, S., Liyanage, G., Heiyanthuduwa, W. and Jayakody, S. (2023). Availability of cytotoxic medicines in the WHO essential medicine list used in treating childhood malignancies in low-income and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open, [online] 13(6), p.e071988. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071988
  • Edirisinghe, S.T., Devmini, T., Pathmaperuma, S., Weerasekera, M., De Silva, K., Liyanage, I., Niluka, M., Madushika, K., Deegodagamage, S., Wijesundara, C., Rich, A., De Silva, H., Hussaini, H., De Silva, D.K. and Yasawardena, S. (2023). Risk Assessment of Alcohol Consumption for Oral Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Patients Attending the National Cancer Institute (Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama) of Sri Lanka. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention: Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, [online] 24(4), pp.1181-1185. doi: https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.4.1181.
  • Edirisinghe, S.T., Weerasekera, M., De Silva, D.K., Devmini, M.T., Pathmaperuma, S., Wijesinghe, G.K., Nisansala, T., Maddumage, A., Huzaini, H., Rich, A.M., De Silva, H., Trudy, M., Goonesinghe, R., De Silva,K., Yasawardene, S. (2023). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) as Potential Biomarkers for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Sri Lankan Study. Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, [online] 24(1), pp.267-274. doi: https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.1.267

 

Conference Proceedings

2026

  • Yenuli Mulleriyawa, Gayashani Prabodhya, Maheeka Seneviwickrama, Sriyani Ranasinghe. Information Needs and Communication Preferences of Adult Thyroid Cancer Patients: Experience from a Lower Middle-Income Country in South Asia. 14th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR), 16th September 2026.
  • Gayashani Prabodhya, Maheeka Seneviwickrama, Ruwan Jayasinghe, Sriyani Ranasinghe, Sakuntha Ratnapreya, Sashini Shehana Denagamagei, Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi, Simon N Rogers, Su Keill, Irosha Perera. Multidimensional Influence of Religiosity and Spirituality on Head and Neck Cancer Patients and their Caregivers: A Scoping Review. 14th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR), 16th September 2026.
  • Gayashani Prabodhya, Manori Gamage, Sriyani Ranasinghe, Sashini Shehana Denagamagei, Mahendra Somathilaka, Maheeka Seneviwickrama. Diagnostic Delays in Childhood Haematological Malignancies: Experience from a Lower-Middle-Income Country. 14th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR), 16th September 2026.
  • Wijerathne L.R.I.P.K., Kumarasinghe R.D.K.K., Pushpapriya U., Periyasamy N., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Ranasinghe R.D.S., Goonewardena C.S.E. Health-seeking behaviour and associated factors related to non-communicable disease prevention among estate adults in a selected district, Sri Lanka: a preliminary analysis. Abstract and poster presentation at International Conference on Medical Sciences 2026 (ICM 2026). 10 September 2026.
  • Fonseka, H.V.V., Meepage, H.A., Hewage, S.A., Weerasekera, M.M., K.L.M.D., Seneviwickrama. Candida species colonisation and its independent or synergistic contribution to oral cancer risk in betel quid, tobacco, and/or alcohol users: A systematic review. Abstract and poster presentation at International Conference on Medical Sciences 2026 (ICM 2026). 10 September 2026.
  • Prabodhya, C.D.G., Ranasinghe, R.D.S., Weerathunga C, Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D. Health-Related Quality of Life Among Women Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka: A Preliminary Study Findings. Abstract and poster presentation at Public Health Summit & 31st Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka. 22-24 July 2026.
  • Murage L.R, Siyad A.A.M., Dissanayake D.V.M., Ediriweera E.M.S., Jayawardena G.A.D.S.S., Wanniarachchi N., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D. Mental Wellbeing among Cancer Patients Receiving Treatment at a Tertiary Cancer Referral Centre in Sri Lanka. Abstract and poster presentation at Public Health Summit & 31st Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka. 22-24 July 2026.
  • Pathirana S.P.H.E.S., Niwarthana N., Akshaiyaa S., Rajapaksha R.J.S., Wattegedara B.M.H.K.B., Weerasekera M.M., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D. Cervical cancer awareness among adult women attending the outpatient department of a selected tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Abstract and poster presentation at Public Health Summit & 31st Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka. 22-24 July 2026.
  • Ziya Z.D.Z.H., Chandraratne N.H., Perera P.R.K., Marasinghe M.T.N., De Silva A.I.A.,.Vidanapathirana D.M., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D. Quality of Life among Female Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Cancer Referral Centre in Sri Lanka. Abstract and poster presentation at Public Health Summit & 31st Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka. 22-24 July 2026.
  • Nawaratne S.D., Navarathnage S.D.W., Prabodhya C.D.G., Denagamagei S.S., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D. Caregiver’s Experience in Paediatric Palliative Care for Children with Cancer in Lower and Lower Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Abstract and poster presentation at Public Health Summit & 31st Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka. 22-24 July 2026.
  • Fernando S.C..J, Fernando I.S.I.P., Premadasa M.G.T.W., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Dilanthi H.W., Jayawardana R.D.P., Vidanapathirana D.M. Effectiveness of an intervention to improve knowledge on pre-analytical phase in clinical chemistry in a cohort of pre-intern medical graduates in Sri Lanka. Abstract and poster presentation at 11th Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka 2026
  • Fernando S.C..J, Fernando I.S.I.P., Premadasa M.G.T.W., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Dilanthi H.W., Jayawardana R.D.P., Vidanapathirana D.M. Knowledge on preanalytical phase in clinical chemistry in a cohort of pre-intern medical graduates in Sri Lanka. Abstract and poster presentation at 139th Anniversary International Medical Congress of Sri Lanka Medical Association. 22-25 July 2026.
  • Ziya Z.D.Z.H., Chandraratne N.H., Perera P.R.K., Marasinghe M.T.N., De Silva A.I.A., Vidanapathirana D.M., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D. Factors Associated with Quality of Life Among Female Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Cancer Referral Centre in Sri Lanka. Abstract and poster presentation at 139th Anniversary International Medical Congress of Sri Lanka Medical Association. 22-25 July 2026.
  • Wijerathne L.R.I.P.K., Kumarasinghe R.D.K.K., Pushpapriya U., Periyasamy N., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Ranasinghe R.D.S., Goonewardena C.S.E. .
  • Wijerathne L.R.I.P.K., Kumarasinghe R.D.K.K., Pushpapriya U., Periyasamy N., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Ranasinghe R.D.S., Goonewardena C.S.E. Knowledge on Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Associated Factors among Estate Adults in a selected District, Sri Lanka: A preliminary Analysis. Abstract and poster presentation at 139th Anniversary International Medical Congress of Sri Lanka Medical Association. 22-25 July 2026.
  • Gunathilaka N.R.Y.R., Weerasinghe K.D.I.A., Kalpani K.P.A., Jasinge E., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Vidanapathirana D.M. Impact of reusable sample cups on serum phosphate levels. Abstract and poster presentation at International Research Conference in Health Sciences 2026 (IRCHS 2026). 16 July 2026.

2025

  • Ashfak, A.M., Perera, M.R.H., Abayawickrama, P.A.S., Ekanayake, E.M.M.C., Panagoda, S.I., Nandasena, R.G.M.S., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D. Informed and involved: Sisatisfaction on obtaining consent before major surgery in a tertiary care setting. Abstract and oral presentation at the National Health Research Symposium 2025, 26th November 2025.
  • Peiris, W.J.S., Binovin, J.M.Y., Alwis, M.P.L., Fernando, C.P.K.R., Edirisinghe, D.D.N., Seneviratne, B., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D. Clinicopathological links in breast cancer: A Sri Lankan study. Abstract and oral presentation at the National Health Research Symposium 2025, 26th November 2025.
  • Somaweera, U.K.R.G., Maduranga, A.A.K., Kiriella, K.D.G.R., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D. Pre-chemotherapy systemic immune-inflammation index and its associated factors among adult female breast cancer patients at the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka. Abstract and oral presentation at the National Health Research Symposium 2025, 26th November 2025
  • Nandasena, M., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D., Rabel, M.D.N., Gamage, H., Pathirana, A., Denagamagei, S.S. Clinicopathological Profile of Pancreatic Cancer Patients in a Lower Middle-Income Country: A Single Centre Study. Abstract and oral presentation at the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research (ASGCR), 16th September 2025. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1 December 2025; 34 (12_Supplement): 1. https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7755.ASGCR25-Abstract-1
  • Denagamagei, S.S., Pathirana, T., Pickles, K., Seneviwickrama, M. Physicians’ perspectives on cancer overdiagnosis in a lower-middle income country: A qualitative study. Abstract and poster presentation at the ​​10th International Preventing Overdiagnosis Conference in Oxford UK, 03rd – 05th September 2025. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine 2025;30:A50
  • Malawaraarachchi, B.P., Abeysinghe, A.A.C.C., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D., Ranasinghe, R.D.S. Body image concerns among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Sri Lanka: A phenomenological approach. Abstract and oral presentation at the Global Public Health Summit 2025 and 30th Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 13th – 16th July 2025.
  • Denagamagei, S.S., Nawaratne, S., Dilhani, W.N.S., Jayakody, S., Seneviwickrama, M. Dietary Habits and Breast Cancer in South Asian Women: A Systematic Review. Abstract and poster presentation at the Global Public Health Summit 2025 and 30th Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 13th – 16th July 2025.
  • Pakthagunanathan, N., Abeysinghe, A.A.C.C., Welgama, W.D.P., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D., Niranjala, A.M.S., Wijegoonewardene, M.N.Y.F., Nawarathne, G.G.N.M.G.S.K., Ranasinghe, R.D.S. Coverage and timeliness of pap smear reports at a selected well woman clinic in a Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area in Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A clinical audit. Abstract and poster presentation at the Global Public Health Summit 2025 and 30th Annual Academic Sessions of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 13th – 16th July 2025.
  • Denagamagei SS, Seneviwickrama M,Jayakody S, Gunasekera S, Liyanage G. (2025). Availability and Accessibility of Cytotoxic Medicines in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Childhood Cancer in Low and Lower-Middle- Income Countries: A Systematic Review. 27th Annual Scientific Conference organized by the Sri Lanka College of
  • De Silve G, Heiyanthuduwa W, Yohan Chanara, Somawickrama N, Seneviwickrama M, Wijesinghe K. (2025). Factors associated with delay in detecting breast cancer in two tertiary care centers. 50th Annual Academic session, College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka.
  • Denagamagei SS, Nawaratne S, Weerasinghe SN, Jayakody S, Seneviwickrama M. (2025). Dietary Habits and Breast Cancer in South Asian Women: A Systematic Review. Global Public Health Summit 2025 & 30th Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Community Physicians Sri Lanka.
  • Malawaraarachchi BP, Abeysinghe AACC, Seneviwickrama KLMD, Ranasinghe RDS. (2025). Body image concerns among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Sri Lanka: A phenomenological approach. Global Public Health Summit 2025 & 30th Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Community Physicians Sri Lanka.
  • Pakthagunanathan N, Abeysinghe AACC, Welgama WDP, SeneviwickramaKLMD, Niranjala AMS, Wijegoonewardene MNYF, Nawarathne GGNMGSK, Ranasinghe RDS. (2025). Attendance and timeliness of pap smear reports at a selected well woman clinic in a Medical Officer of Health area in Colombo district, Sri Lanka: A clinical audit. Global Public Health Summit 2025 & 30th Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Community Physicians Sri Lanka.
  • Denagamagei SS, Nandasena M, Seneviwickrama KLMD, Gamage H, Pathirana A. (2025). Clinicopathological Profile of Pancreatic Cancer Patients in a Lower Middle-Income Country: A Single Centre Study. 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research.

2024

  • Dinethra M.W.T., Gammanpila N.T., Hiranya K.M., Pathivila S.V., Chinthanie D.L.J., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Wijesighe M.S.D., Vidanapathirana D.M. (2024). Factors associated with knowledge on Pap smear screening among women aged 35- 60 years, attending the outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Annual academic session 2024 of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists.
  • Goonewardena C.S.E., Manawadu M.C.K., Wijewickrama G.K., Manjika M.S., Kumarasinghe R.D.K.K., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Senaratna B.C.V. (2024). Fatigue and associated factors among female breast cancer survivors attending the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka. Annual academic sessions of the College of Community Physicians 2024
  • Dinethra M.W.T., Gammanpila N.T., Hiranya K.M., Pathivila S.V., Chinthanie D.L.J., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Wijesighe M.S.D., Vidanapathirana D.M. (2024). Knowledge, attitude and practices related to Pap smear screening among women aged 35- 60 years attending the outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Medical Sciences 2024. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • Gunathilaka I.D.C., Walpola G.Y., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D. (2024). Knowledge and Attitudes on Cancer Pain Management Among Nurses at the National Cancer Institute in Sri Lanka. International Conference on Medical Sciences 2024. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Goonewardena C.S.E., Kumarasinghe R.D.K.K., Denagamagei SS, Manjika M.S., Wijewickrama G.K., Senaratna B.C.V. (2024). Socio-demographic and economic determinants of health outcome of breast cancer survivors in a lower-middle income country. International conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2024.Pg 142.

2023

  • Samaraweera PCU, Malhasi IWGAL, Beneragama DH., (2023). An ovarian carcinoid in a mature cystic teratoma; a rare occurrence. International Conference on Medical Sciences 2023. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • de Silva, G., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D., Heiyanthuduwa, W., Somawickrama, N., Chamara, Y., Gamage, H., Nandasena, M., Wijesinghe, K., (2023). Delays in the presentation and diagnosis of breast cancer in Sri Lanka: A retrospective observational study.  52nd Sri Lanka Surgical Congress. 14-16th September 2023.
  • Goonewardena, C.S.E., Fernando, C.S., Manjika, S., Wijewickrama, G.K., Senaratna, B.C.V., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D., Somawickrama, D.N.M., de Silva, K.G.B. (2023). Histological types, treatment, and associated factors among female breast cancer survivors followed up at Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, Sri Lanka. 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association 25-28th July 2023. Ceylon Medical Journal 68 (Suppl) p168-69
  • de Silva, G., Seneviwickrama, K.L.M.D., Heiyanthuduwa, W., Somawickrama, N., Chamara, Y., Gamage, H., Nandasena, M., Wijesinghe, K (2023). Knowledge and attitudes on breast cancer among female patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Sri Lanka. 52nd Sri Lanka Surgical Congress. 14-16th September 2023.
  • De Silva K.G.B., Seneviwickrama K.L.M.D., Heiyanthuduwa W., Somawickrama D.N.M., Gamage H.M., Chamara K.A.Y., Manjika S., Nandasena M., Wijesinghe K. (2023). Knowledge and practices of breast cancer screening and its associated factors among female patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Sri Lanka. Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Oncologists. 13th – 15th October 2023
  • Samaraweera PCU, Piyamalika HKU, Beneragama DH, Nandasena M,Pathirana A (2023) Peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis mimicking pancreatic cystic Neoplasm. International Conference on Medical Sciences 2023. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • Kosgallana EW, Wijetunge S, Malaviarachchi SL, Prathapan S, Prematilleke I (2023). Tumour Budding as a Predictor for Lymphovascular Invasion in Colorectal cancer. 136th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association 25-28th July 2023. Ceylon Medical Journal 68 (Suppl) p168-69

2022

  • Seneviwickrama KLMD, Heiyanthuduwa WR, Wijewickrama GK,Manjika S, Senaratna BCV, Jeyakumaran N, Goonewardena CSE., (2022). Psychological distress among female breast cancer survivors followed up at National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka. 17th SAARC Federation of Oncologists (SFO) International Cancer Conference & Sri Lanka College of Oncologists Annual Academic Sessions 2022
  • Goonewardena CSE, Palihawadana R, Ekanayake M, Pabasara SAD, Wijerathne B, Jeyakumaran N, Gunasekera D, Manjika S, Wijewickrama GK, Seneviwickrama KLMD 1, Senaratna BCV. (2022). Sleep quality among post-surgical female breast cancer survivors followed up at Apeksha hospital, Maharagama, Sri Lanka. 17th SAARC Federation of Oncologists (SFO) International Cancer Conference & Sri Lanka College of Oncologists Annual Academic Sessions 2022

Recent Activities

Visit by Professor Amr Soliman and Dr. Nancy Sohler to Strengthen International Research Collaboration

The Centre for Cancer Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, had the privilege of hosting delegates from City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine, USA: Professor Amr Soliman, Professor of Epidemiology; Dr. Nancy Sohler, Associate Professor of Epidemiology; and doctoral student Andrew Shanilka Perera, as part of an initiative to strengthen international research collaboration. 

Prof. Soliman is the director of the Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) program, an NIH-funded program that supports public health students in conducting mentored cancer research in global settings.

On 13 July 2026, Professor Amr Soliman and Dr. Nancy Sohler visited the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), Sri Lanka, where they discussed potential collaborative research opportunities using the country’s existing cancer and public health databases.

On 14 July 2026, the delegation visited the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama (Apeksha Hospital), and met with Dr. Mahendra Somathilaka, a consultant pediatric oncologist. The discussions focused on the clinical aspects of cancer care in Sri Lanka and explored opportunities for future collaborative clinical and epidemiological research.

Later the same day, Professor Amr Soliman and Dr. Nancy Sohler visited the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where they met with Professor Manori Gamage, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences; Professor Maheeka Seneviwickrama, Director of the Centre for Cancer Research; and other academic researchers with a special interest in cancer research. The meeting focused on strengthening the existing partnership and identifying future opportunities for collaborative research, academic exchange, and capacity building.

These discussions were held in line with the proposed Agreement of Cooperation between the City University of New York School of Medicine, the Faculty of Medical Sciences, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. The agreement aims to foster long-term collaboration through student research training, exchange of academic staff and faculty, joint research projects, exchange of scientific publications and academic resources, and other mutually beneficial academic activities.

The visit marks an important milestone in expanding international partnerships and promoting collaborative cancer research that will benefit both institutions and help advance cancer research and public health in Sri Lanka.