Dean’s Awards on Research Poster Winners - Batch 32

Dean's Awards of Excellence and Merit were awarded for undergraduate research poster presentation winners of Batch 32 in the Faculty Board Meeting held on 3^rd October 2024.

Undergraduate research projects of the MBBS study programme span over two years in its Phase II, under the Community Health Strand. It is coordinated and implemented by the Department of Public Health with the support of the other faculty members who dedicate their time and efforts to mentor, support and develop young researchers of the future medical professionals graduating from our faculty.

Winners after obtaining their certificates posed for group photographs with the Dean, Prof. Madawa Chandrathilake. Department of Public Health would like to congratulate the winners for the efforts and enthusiasm which culminated in the form of the first ever research award in their life, and the rest of the research teams for doing their best to benefit from this learning opportunity. We would also like to extend our utmost gratitude to all the research supervisors who had supported and developed these undergraduate researchers in the initiation of their journey as researchers.

1^st Place - Dean’s Award of Excellence

The research project titled Factors that influence the selection and continuation of MBBS degree programme in Sri Lanka: Perspectives of current medical students conducted by the Group C.2.5. The team members were Ranasinghe W R A C N, Ranathunga A U M, Ranathunga R M I P, Randunu S V S, Rathmaldoowa R B M W and was supervised by Dr. Thusitha Wickremasinge.

2^nd Place - Dean’s Award of Excellence

The research project titled Health implications of an open solid waste dump site in the Northwestern Province of Sri Lanka on a population living within a 1km radius conducted by the Group A.1.3. The team members were Akeel M N M, Anathiriyan V, Amarathunga P G U S, Amarasinghe K G C, Anuradha P L A and Amarakoon M P V D and was supervised by Dr. Lathika Athauda.

3^rd Place - Dean’s Award of Excellence

The research project titled Knowledge, attitudes and practices and factors associated with using stories to stimulate child development among mothers attending Child Welfare Clinics of Ragama Medical Officer of Health Area conducted by Group C.2.1. The team members were Perera P A D S, Perera K N N R, Perera L P D, Perera M L K and Perera M V N L and was supervised by Dr. Manuja Perera.

4^th Place - Dean’s Award of Merit

The research project titled Exploring the impact of social media usage on the mental wellbeing of undergraduates at the University of Kelaniya conducted by Group C.1.1. The team members were Mahdi M S M S, Manathunga H M R D, Mandahasini R D A, Mayumi S A T, Menike A H M C S and Midipolawatta M K S P and was supervised by Dr. Thilina Roshan Fernando.

5^th Place - Dean’s Award of Merit

The research project titled Knowledge of clinical characteristics, risk factors, prevention and the prevalence of clinical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome among 20-24 year old females in the Ragama MOH area conducted by Group B.2.1. The team members were Jayathilake J H A N P, Jayasinghe  J A R C , Jayasinghe Y P I U, Jayasundara N H A S K, Kahatagahawatta Y I L and Jayasinghe J A O K and was supervised by Prof. Anuradhini Kasthurirathne.

6^th Place - Dean’s Award of Merit

The research project titled Knowledge, attitudes and willingness to perform bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) among first-year undergraduates of University of Kelaniya conducted by the Group A.2.4. The team members were Ekanayake E A K G L, Eranga D D C J, Faber S P, Farwes M M and Fathima M M S and supervised by Dr. Kaumudee Kodikara.