Academic Qualifications

• MBBS / 1991 / North Colombo Medical College / Sri Lanka
• Diploma in Medical Microbiology / 1996 / University of Colombo / Sri Lanka
• PhD / University College London / UK

• Microbiology

Research Interests

• Microbiology

ORCID ID

0000-0001-7551-8224

Publications and Scientific Communications

• Bacteria mediated silver nanoparticles: comparison as potent antibiofilm agents. M.Peiris, N. Fernando, Jayaweera, M. Weerasekera, C. Gunasekera Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases 2019 Vol.9(1)13-23 https://doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v9i1.8227
• Women’s Perceptions and Practices on Human Papillomavirus Infection and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Sri Lankan Community. Chinthika P Gunasekara, Irangi Karunanayake, Nirasha Premathilake, Nawashika H Senarathna, Ishanka Udayangani, Manjula M Weerasekara, Ramya Pathiraja, Neluka Fernando. Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, January-February 2019;11(1):65-69.
• Helicobacter pylori infection in sri Lanka: Past to present. S.N. Fernando. Vidyodaya Current Research. Special Edition, Sixtieth Anniversary of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Volume I (Special Issue) March 2019
• Silver Nano-Particles from Diesel Particulate Matter: An Environmental Pollutant to a Potential Antimicrobial Agent and a Photocatalyst L. Palliyagurua , M.U.S. Kulatungaa , K.G.U.R. Kumarasinghea , S.S.N. Fernando , T.D.C.P. Gunasekarab , C.D. Jayaweeraa , P.M. JayaweeraInternational Journal of Scientific and Research Publications,2019 Volume 9, Issue 5, May 2019 DOI: 10.29322/IJSRP.9.05.2019.p8992 http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.9.05.2019.p8992
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus and oral Candida colonization: Analysis of risk factors in a Sri Lankan cohortAsanga Sampath, Manjula Weerasekera, Ayomi Dilhari, Chinthika Gunasekara, Uditha Bulugahapitiya, Neluka Fernando & Lakshman SamaranayakeActa Odontologica Scandinavica ISSN: 0001-6357 (Print) 1502-3850 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/iode20ACTA ODONTOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA https://doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2019.160754
• Women’s Perceptions and Practices on Human Papillomavirus Infection and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Sri Lankan Community1 Chinthika P Gunasekara, 2 Irangi Karunanayake, 3 Nirasha Premathilake, 4 Nawashika H Senarathna, 5 Ishanka Udayangani, 6 Manjula M Weerasekara, 7 Ramya Pathiraja, 8 Neluka Fernando Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, January-February 2019;11(1):65-69. DOI:5005/jp-journals-10006-1652
• Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Garcinol Capped Silver NanoparticlesH N Fernando, U R Kumarasinghe, C P Gunasekara, S K Wijekoon, A K Ekanayaka, S P Rajapaksha, S N Fernando, P M Jayaweera J. Microbiol. Biotechnol.2019 ; 29(1):doi=10.4014/jmb.1904. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1904.04032
• Manifestations and outcomes of leptospirosis during local outbreaks in high endemic districts of Sri Lanka: A retrospective multi-center study Thilini Nisansala1 , Kanchana Bandara2 , Manjula Weerasekera1 , Chinthika Gunasekara1 , Chamil Marasinghe3 , Chandika D. Gamage4 , Neluka Fernando1 , Nilantha RanasingheAsian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine2019; 12(10): 442-449. doi: 10.4103/1995-7645.269904
• Salmonella enteric serovar Paratyphi A isolated from a hard-to-heal diabetic ulcer: a case report. Ayomi DilhariSujatha PathirageChinthika Gunasekara, Neluka Fernando, Deepaka Weerasekara, Andrew McBain, Manjula Weerasekera Journal of   Wound Care 29, No. 1 Published Online:13 Jan 2020  https://doi.org/10.12968/jowc.2020.29.1.12
• Group B Streptococcus colonisation and theirantimicrobial susceptibility among pregnantwomen attending antenatal clinics in tertiary carehospitals in the Western Province of Sri LankaG. N. Dilrukshi, J. Kottahachchi, D. M. B. T. Dissanayake, R. P. Pathiraja, J.Karunasingha, M. K. A. Sampath, U. A. Vidanage & S. N. FernandoJournal of Obstetrics and GynaecologyVolume 41, 2021 – Issue 1 2020 DOI:10.1080/01443615.2020.1716313,ISSN:0144-3615https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2020.1716313
• Circulating Micro RNA 21 Levels in Gastric Cancer Patients in SriLanka and Role of Helicobacter Pylori as a Risk for Development of Gastric Cancer Ubhayawardana DLNL, Nisansala GGT, Arachchi PS,Rajakaruna K, Wanigasekera DK , Gunasekera D , Seneviratne MB, Weerasekera D , Weerasekera MM , Fernando SSN andGunasekara TDCPJournal of DiagnosticTechniques andBiomedical Analysis2020, 9:1 https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/435656
• Evaluation of in-vivo and in-vitro microbiological methods for testing the efficacy of parenteral antibiotics: A Review BAG Chathuranga, DMBT Dissanayake, SSN Fernando, CA Wanigatunge Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases 2020 Vol.10(2):86-97DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v10i2.8275
• Cell Block Preparation for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid; Cost Effective Method in a Resource Poor Setting. Hiroshani Hansamali Kulatunga1 , Ajith Aloka Pathirana2 , Neluka Fernando3, Bawantha Gamage2 , Apsara Epa4 , Asanga Sampath5 , Cherine Sosai6 , Bimalka Seneviratne7,*American Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2020; 5(6): 167-173 doi:10.11648/j.ajlm.20200506.13
• Prebiotics, Probiotics and personalized nutrition in modification of gut microbiota D L N L Ubhayawardana, S S N Fernando, T D C P Gunasekara & D D Weerasekara IPMA Journal 2020 14(10)49-52.
• Pyrin Gene Polymorphisms and H. pylori-associated Dyspepsia: A Sri Lankan Study.Yashodha Weerasinghe Chinthika Gunasekara, Manjula Weerasekera, Surangi Jayakody, Bimalka Seneviratne, Deepaka Weerasekara, Chaturika Jayasinghe, Navoda Perera, Thilini Gamage, Neluka Fernando, American  journal of Laboratory  Medicine 2021; 6(1): 1-7http: //www.sciencepublishing group.com/j/ajlm doi: 10.11648/j.ajlm.20210601.11 DOI: 11648/j.ajlm.20210601.11
• One-Pot Reducing Agent-Free Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles/Nitrocellulose Composite Surface Coating with Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities K. G. U. R. Kumarasinghe , 1 W. C. H. Silva , 1 M. D. A. Fernando,1 L. Palliyaguru , 1 P. S. Jayawardena , 2 M. Shimomura , 2 S. S. N. Fernando , 3 T. D. C. P. Gunasekara , 3 and P. M. Jayaweera BioMed Research International Volume 2021, Article ID 6666642,16 pages| https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6666642
• Human stomach microbiota: Effects on health and disease. DLNL Ubhayawardana1, SSN Fernando2, TDCP Gunasekara2, GGYH Weerasinghe2, MM Weerasekera2, DD Weerasekara3. Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021 Vol.11(1):3-12. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v11i1.8331
• Legionella pneumonia as a cause of atypical pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Kottahachchi J1 *, Dissanayake D.M.B.T1,, Athukorala D1,2, Kottahachchi S.P3, Fernando S.S.N1, Weerasekara M.M1 Gunasekara C1, Nalaka M.J1,4, Sudusinghe D5, Marasinghe C5. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (IJMS) Volume 8, Issue 1, 2021 DOI:4038/ijms.v8i1.135
• Importance of KIM-1 and MCP-1 in Determining the Leptospirosis-Associated AKI: A Sri Lankan Study Thilini Nisansala Manjula Weerasekera Nilantha Ranasinghe Chamil Marasinghe Chandika Gamage Neluka Fernando and Chinthika Gunasekara  BioMed Research InternationalVolume 2021, Article ID 1752904, 11 pages DOI: 1155/2021/1752904
• Biofilm prevalence and microbial characterisation in chronic wounds in a Sri Lankan cohort A. Dilhari,M. Weerasekera,C. Gunasekara,S. Pathirage,N. Fernando,D. Weerasekara,A.J. McBain, Letters in applied Microbiology Vol 73 issue 4 2021 pp475-488 https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.13532
• Appropriateness of the Empirical Antibiotics Prescribed and Their Concordance with Nationa Guidelines for Three Selected Infections among Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre in Sri Lanka Gayashan Chathuranga, Thushari Dissanayake, Neluka Fernando ,and Chandanie Wanigatunge International Journal of Microbiology Volume 2021, Article ID 7572215, 7 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7572215
• One-Pot Reducing Agent-Free Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles/Nitrocellulose Composite Surface Coating with Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities K. G. U. R. Kumarasinghe , W. C. H. Silva ,M.D.  Fernando, L. Palliyaguru ,P. S. Jayawardena ,M. Shimomura ,S. S. N. Fernando,,   T.D.C.P.  Gunasekara ,and P. M. Jayaweera BioMed Research International  Volume 2021, Article ID 6666642, 16 pages  https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6666642
• The genotypes and virulence attributes of C. albicans isolates from oral leukoplakia Manjula Manoji Weerasekera Gayan Kanchana Wijesinghe Asanga Sampath  Ayomi Dilhari Thilina Madhumal  Rasika Dilrukshi Rajitha Willaddara Sunil Karunathilaka Chinthika Gunasekara Neluka Fernando, .Lakshman Samaranayake Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2021 Nov 1;26 (6):e786-94 doi:10.4317/medoral.24748
• Biofilm prevalence and microbial characterisation in chronic wounds in a Sri Lankan cohort A Dilhari, M Weerasekera, C Gunasekara , S Pathirage , N Fernando , D Weerasekara , A J McBain  Letters in Applied Microbiology 2021 Oct;73(4):477-485. doi: 10.1111/lam.13532
• Ayurvedic herbal extracts suppress Candidal biofilms in vitro G K Wijesinghea,*, T A Jayarathnab K A A Dilhari C Gunasekara N Fernando N Kottegodad,L P Samaranayakeg & M M Weerasekera Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol 21(3), July 2022, pp 499-504 http://op.niscpr.res.in/index.php/IJTK/article/viewFile/46000/465480824
• Implementing therapeutic community as a rehabilitation intervention for the imprisoned narcotic drug offenders with substance use disorder: special reference to Sri Lanka A. R. Jayamaha, H. M. N. D. M. Herath, H. N. N. D. Dharmarathna, N. D. K. Ranadeva, P. N. Amarabandu, B. Senanayake, A. T. Darshana, A. N. Renuka, K. L. Samarasinghe & S. S. N. Fernando Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Volume 61, 2022 – Issue 4 https://doi.org/10.1080/10509674.2022.2062519
• The Pattern of Substance Use and Characteristics of the Individuals Enrolled in Residential Treatment at Selected Rehabilitation Centers in Sri Lanka: A Descriptive Cross Sectional study Akila R Jayamaha, Nishadi D Dharmarathna, Nimesha DM Herath, Nadeeka DK Ranadeva, Medhavi M Fernando, Kerstin L Samarasinghe, Priyangi N Amarabandu, Badhrani Senanayake, Thamara Darshana, Nilani Renuka, Iyanthimala H Rajapakse, Chinthika P Gunasekara, Lalitha Meegoda, Neluka Fernando https://doi.org/10.1177%2F11782218221100823
• The diagnostic utility of ultrasound scanning, fine needle aspiration cytology and cell block technique in the pre-operative diagnosis of suspicious thyroid nodules Authors: K. M. H. H. Kulatunga , A. A. Pathirana, S. S. N. Fernando, B. D. Gamage, A. Epa, M. K. A. Sampath, C. Sosai, B. S. Seneviratne Journal of Diagnostic Pathology, 16(2), p.52.   DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jdp.v16i2.7808
• Is Stomach a Sterile Environment? Amarasekara, U. P. K. Fernando, S. S. N. Weerasinghe, G. G. Y. H. International Journal of KIU, 2022, 3 (2), 81-89 https://doi.org/10.37966/ijkiu2022032027.
• Health‑related quality of life in patients with substance use disorders enrolled to the residential treatment in Sri Lanka: a retrospective cross‑sectional study Akila R. Jayamaha Nimesha D. M. Herath.Nishadi D. Dharmarathna.Hasini S. Sandakumari,·Nadeeka D. K. Ranadeva .Medhavi M. Fernando. Nirmani A. W. Samarakoon.Priyangi N. Amarabandu.Bhadrani Senanayake.Thamara Darshan.Nilani Renuka. Kerstin L. Samarasinghe. Neluka Fernando Quality of Life Research Octorber 2022 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-022-03270-4
• Solvent-free synthesis and antifungal activity of 3-alkenyl oxindole derivatives Shyamali Wijekoon  1Chinthika Gunasekara  2, 3Lalinda Palliyaguru  1Neluka Fernando  2Pradeep Jayaweera  1Upul Kumarasinghe   1 Asian Journal of Green Chemistry 6 (2022) 297-319 DOI: 10.22034/ajgc.2022.4.
• Antibiotic Sensitivity of Group B Streptococcus from Pregnant Mothers and Its Association with resistance Genes   Niluka Dilrukshia, b Jananie Kottahachchia Thushari Dissanayakea   Neluka Fernando. Med Princ Pract 2023   doi: 10.1159/000530525
• Perceived effectiveness of therapeutic community model as a rehabilitation approach for Sri Lankan individuals with substance use disorder. Nishadi Dharsha Dharmarathna, Akila Randika Jayamaha, Nadeeka Dimuthu Kumari Ranadva, Hershini Rajapaksha, Chinthika Gunasekera, Neluka Fernando and Lalitha Meegoda Therapeutic Communities: the International Journal for Therapeutic and Supportive Organizations 44(14) March 2023 DOI:1108/TC-06-2022-0007
• Is adherence to national guidelines for parentera; empiric antibiotic therapy effective? Experience from a Sri Lankan center Chathuranga G, Dissanayake T, Fernando N, Wanigatunge CA (2023) The Journal of infection in Developing Countries Experience from a Sri Lankan center. J Infect Dev Ctries 17:500–506. doi:10.3855/jidc.16994 Role of molecular genetics in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid tumors. Kulatunga K. M. H. H., Pathirana A. A., Fernando S. S. N., Gamage B. D., Sampath M. K.A., Sosai C., Seneviratne B.S. International Journal of KIU, 2023, 4 (1), 25-32 Journal home page: https://ij.kiu.ac.lk/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.37966/ijkiu2023041039

Awards

2000

• Helicobacter pylori in school  children from the Western Province of Sri Lanka- Fernando S S N, Perera N, Holton  J, Jayawardena K.- 9^th Annual academic session College of Microbiologist  Sri Lanka June 2^nd-3^rd  (5) 2000.- Awarded 3^rd price for oral presentation

2001

• Recipient  of the presidential awards for year 2001 –  for Helicobacter pylori in school  children from the western province of Sri Lanka- N  FernandoHelicobacter May 2001:6(2) 1113-7

2002

• Helicobacter pylori serology in the Western province of Sri Lanka. N Fernando, N. J . Holton, S. Fernando, N P M Liyanage. Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 11th Annual academic sessions 7-9^th June 2002 PP5. Awarded the Best poster. 
• Recipient of the presidential awards for year 2002 – Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori  in Sri Lanka as determined by PCR. N. Fernando, Journal of Clinical Microbiology July 2002 :40(7) 2675-2676.

2006

• Association of  selected  sexually transmitted infections in women with unexplained and tubal factor infertility in the Western  province.  Wijesinghe  Y .S.,  Fernando  N,  Sivayogan  S.,  Peelawattage  M,  Fernandopulle  R.   Annual sessions of the College  of Microbiologist September  2006. Awarded the Best poster.
• A study of vancomycin  resistant enterococci ( VRE)  among clinical isolates at high risk wards of Sri Jayewardenepura  general  hospital.  Perera,S. Meegoda, R ,  Janapriya, R.  Fernando, N.  Meedin   D F D . Annual sessions of the College  of Microbiologist September  2006- Awarded the 3rd  best  oral  presentation.

2007

• L M V Attayagalle  awardComparison of three skin disinfectant solutions used for skin preparation prior to spinal and epidural anaesthetic procedures in parturients at De soyza maternity hospital and castle street hospital for women.P.Kudavidanage, T.D.C.P.Gunasekara, S.S.N.Fernando, D.F.d.Meedin,  Abayadeera  23^rd   Annual scientific sessions of the college of anaesthesiologists of  Sri Lanka- Awarded the  best  paper.

2009

• Antibiotic associated diarrhea due to clostridium difficile in three tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka.  Scientific sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologist 2009  Awarded the  best poster 1^st prize

2010

• Recipient of the presidential awards for year 2010- certificate of recognition for highly rated scientific research in year 2010.

2011

• Recipient of the presidential awards for year 2011- certificate of recognition for highly rated scientific research in year 2011.

2012

• Aetiology of superficial fungal infections among cleaning staff at university of Sri Jayawardenapura. Rajakulasooriya RSR, Perera WPSSS, Weerasekera MM kottachchi J, Fernando SSN  Bogahawatte LBAE . Scientific session 2012 Facutly of medical Science, University of Sri yayewardenapura  Runner up Poster  presentation.
• NRC Merit Award for Scientific Publication – 2012

2013

• Support Scheme for supervision of Research Degree (SUSRED)2013 From National Science Foundation “role of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis”  Prof Neluka Fernando 02^nd July, 2013.
• Proporation of fungal feet infections in patients with type & diabetes at a tertiary care Hospital Wijesuriya TM, Weerasekara MM, Kottahachchi J, Dissanayake MSS, Prathapan S, Gunasekara TDCP, Nagahawatte A, Guruge LD, Bulugahapitiya U, Fernando SSN. 3rd Prize 22nd Annual Scientific Sessions 24-26th July 2013 The Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists.

2014

• Evaluation of bacterial effect of three antiserptics on bacteria  isolated from wounds  Kottahachchi J, Kumar DUA, Dissanayake DMBT, Athukorala GIDDAD, Chandrasiri NS, Damayanthi KWN, Hemaratne MHSL, Fernando SSN. Perris H., Pathirana  The Sri Lnaka College of Microbiologists 23^rd Annual Scientific Sessions 13-15 August, 2014 2^nd Prize
• University of Sri Jayewardenepura Research Awards – 2014 18^th November, 2015.

2015

• Knowledge attitudes and practices on infection control among funeral industry workers in selected provinces in Sri Lanka.Best Poster presentation at the Scientific Sessions, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Abeykoon AI, Gunasekara TDCP, Weerasekara MM, Fernando SSN. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Scientific Sessions 2015.
• Research Award for In recognition of achieving the highest h-index in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJP at the Research Awards ceremony held on 29^th 2016
• Research Awards for In recognition of publishing research papers in indexed (SCI/SSCI/AHCI) journals at the Research Awards ceremony held on 29^th 2016
• Research Award for achieving the highest citations in the FMS, USJP at the Research Awards ceremony held on 29^th 2016
• Recipient of the presidential awards for year 2015- certificate of recognition for highly rated scientific research in year 2011.
• Recipient of the presidential awards for year 2015- certificate of recognition for highly rated scientific research in year 2015.  Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 2015, Vol. 33,Iss 3, pp374-377 Memorials do INSTITUTO OSWALDA CRUZ 2015 Vol 110, Iss4 pp 485-491 Journal of wound care 215, Vol. 24, Iss 1, pp 5-10

2016

• Evaluation of a simple and rapid microscopy technique for detection Sumaiha MHF, Damayanthi MKS, Weerasekara MM, Fernando SSN, Gunasekera TDCP 1^st runner – poster presentation Scientific sessions 2016, Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJP
• NRC Merit Award for Scientific Publication – 2016 by National Research Council. BMC infectious Diseases 2016 , Vol 16, Art No.446. ACTA Odontologica Scandinavica 2016, Vol 74, Iss 7, pp 565-569. Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2016, Vol 111, Iss 11 pp697-702

2017

• Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using different bacteria: do the synthesized nanoparticles differ in their antimicrobial activity? Peiris MMK , Gunsekera  TDCP, Arachchi NDH, Jayaweera PPM,  Fernando SS N  Third place  Oral presentation, Scientific Sessions 2017, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura in collaboration with Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Base Hospital Homagama.
• Support Scheme for supervision of Research Degree (SUSRED)2017 From National Science Foundation Serology and molecular markers of leptospirosis: a case study in selected hospitals in western and Southern provinces in Sri Lanka. In recognition of the supervision of the PhD
• Support Scheme for supervision of Research Degree (SUSRED)2017 From National Science Foundation Detection of clarithromycin resistant genes on Helicobacter pylori and histological assessment of gastric biopsies of patients with dyspepsia. In recognition of the supervision of the M,Phil

2018

• Absolute quantification method to detect bacterial load in leptospirosis : EvaGreen ® Chemistry based quantitative PCR assay  Gamage GGIN Gunasekera TDCP, Weerasekera MM Gamage CD, Ranasinghe KNP, Marasinghe MGCP, Fernando SSN, Chandrasekharan NV  Second place  KDU- MAYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE February 2018 .
• Support Scheme for supervision of Research Degree (SUSRED)2018 From National Science Foundation. The association of HLA alleles, cytokines and selected host factors with Pylori infection and disease severity of the supervision of the M,Phil

2019

• Maternal Colonization rate and antibiotic susceptibility for Group is Streptococcus by culture and real time PCR.Dilrukshi GN, Kottahachchi J, Dissanayake T, Fernando N. National, Health Research symposium 22^nd& 23^rd October, 2019

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