Department of Pharmacology
Introduction
The main aim of the department is to teach clinical pharmacology and the therapeutic management of common diseases prevalent in the country.
Courses Involved
Undergraduate:
- MBBS - Pharmacology
- B.Sc. - Human Biology Part II and Pharmacology specialization Part III
- B.Sc. Human Biology – General Degree
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
- B.Sc Nursing (Pharmacology)
Services and Facilities
Tutorial Rooms
There is only one tutorial room in the department with seating capacity for 50 students. Hence tutorials are also conducted in rooms of lecturers and each room can accommodate about 18 students.
Library
The library is for reference. The Department of Pharmacology also has a small library for use of the academic and reference for students. This includes
Journals
- Sri Lanka Prescriber
- Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin - UK
- Australian Prescriber
Other publications
- British National Formulary
- Sri Lanka Hospital Formulary
Laboratory
Laboratory is equipped with the equipment. Most of the equipment donated as part of JICA grant. This equipment is mainly for use in Diploma & Graduate Pharmacy courses to be commenced in the future. Up to now some of this equipment has been used for research purposes.
Department Staff
Academic Staff
| Prof.Gita.H.Fernando | Professor of Pharmacology & Head of the department |  |
| Dr.Anil Goonetilleke | Senior Lecturer | |
| Dr.W.A.D.K.Gunathunga | Senior Lecturer | |
| Dr.C.A.Wanigathunga | Senior Lecturer |  |
| Dr.S.A Jayaratne | Senior Lecturer | |
| Dr.V.N.Fernando | Lecturer | |
| Dr.P.Jayawardane | Lecturer |
Non-Academic Staff
| Mrs. P. P. Samarakoon | Clerk |
| Mrs. G. O. G. S. Bimali | Technical Officer |
| Ms. M. R. M. Peiris | Technical Officer |
| Mrs. M. J. J. Munasinghe | Computer Application Assistant |
| Mr. P. A. A. S. P. Kumara | Pharmacist |
| Mr. M. G. Sirisena | Lab. Assistant |
| Mr. P. Ruwansiri | Lab. Assistant |
| Mr. M. G. S. Indunil | Labourer |
| W. A. A. R. Weerasinghe | Labourer |
Research
Research Grants
- University research grants
- IRQUE
- South Asian clinical Toxicology collaboration which is founded by welcome trust
Research Programs
| Title of the Project | Grant | Commencement | Expected Year of Completion |
| Clinical, Biochemical and electrophysiological correlations of intermediate syndrome | South Asian clinical Toxicology collaboration which is founded by welcome trust | 2004 | 2008 |
| Pharmacoeconomic modeling to develop a guideline in managing patients with acute paracetamol poisoning | South Asian clinical Toxicology collaboration which is founded by welcome trust | 2005 | 2008 |
| Study of genetic polymorphism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease in Sri Lankan population with reference to presenilin 1 mutation & Apo E | NSF | 2006 | 2009 |
| Micro array gene expression and Cortical gray matter changes in Treatment – naïve Schizophrenia patients in Sri Lanaka | IRQUE | 2007 | 2009 |
Completed Research
Prof. Geetha Fernando
Principal Investigator- “Study of prescription at Raajya Osusala outlets” (On going study of 1. Drug utilization indicator as advocated by WHO and 2. Drug interactions2001 onwards)
Supervisor in the MPhil study- Dr. S.A. Jayaratne “Efficasy of cromium in Diabetes mellitus” 2001 up to now.
Principal investigators –“Monitoring of antiepileptic drug blood levels- an audit in a clinical population of teaching hospital 2001 up to now.
Joint investigator- “ryopreservatio & in–vitro culture of microfilariae of Wucheraria Bancroft 2001 up to now.
Dr. A. K. E. Goonetilleke
Thoephylline SR Project with the state Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation completed.
Ph.D registered for Mr. Parakrama Herath (Manager RXD) thesis to be submitted.
Inhaler for Asthma.
Development of anti oxidant capsule from tea (with Dilmah) in process.
Dr. W. A. D. K. Gunathunga
Effects of Rosiglitazone on Sri Lankan Diabetic Patients.
Dr. C. A. Wanigatunga
Audit on the use of Heparin in Medical patients.
Audit in Warfarin usage in the anticoagulation at Colombo South teaching hospital (CSTH).
Knowledge on the use of Insulin by the patients attending medical and Diabetic clinics
Dr. S. A. Jayaratne
Efficasy of cromium in Diabetes mellitus 2001 up to now.
Dr. V. N. Fernando
Participated in a study titled “Theophilline Blood levels among a sample of Sri Lankan Asthmatics; A need for regular Therapeutic drug Monitoring” Done in conjunction with D A.K.E.Goonethileke, Senior lecturer, Department of Pharmacology) & Dr W.K. Balasuriya (consultant physician, NHSL)
An analysis of saccadic eye movements in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy.
Dr. P. A. P. G. Jayawardane
Clinical neurophysiological and biochemical predictors of intermediate syndrome following organophosphate poisoning.
Neurophysiological correlation in organophosphate poisoning.
Neurophysiological monitoring of the effects of pralidoxime in acute organophosphate poisoning.
A descriptive study of Attention deficit hyperactive disorder(ADHD) in the lady Ridgeway hospital for children, Colombo
Contact Details
Telephone: +94112801491, +94112712337
email: gita@sjp.ac.lk