Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register (SLCPR) Project (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya - CP Register

Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register (SLCPR) is the first population-based surveillance initiative in Sri Lanka designed to systematically collect high-quality data on children with cerebral palsy. Using both hospital- and community-based surveillance, the register describes CP epidemiology, identifies risk factors, and examines diagnostic patterns, functional outcomes, and access to rehabilitation services. The evidence generated by SLCPR informs clinical practice, service planning, and policy development to improve outcomes for children with CP and their families in a low- and middle-income country setting. The project is continuously guided by an advisory board comprising an expert multidisciplinary team of specialists in cerebral palsy.

The SLCPR is a member of the Global Low- and Middle-Income Country Cerebral Palsy Register (GLM CPR) URL -(Global LMIC Cerebral Palsy Register | Our Community)  network, contributing nationally generated data to global efforts in cerebral palsy surveillance and research.

The SLCPR is a collaborative project funded by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia  URL-(Leading Global Centre for Cerebral Palsy Support | Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia) and the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF). URL- (CPLF)

For more information about this project, please visit our website. URL- (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya - CP Register)

Collaboration/Funding:

Research findings from this project have been presented at several international conferences over the years.

Present research projects and publications:

[1] Protocol for the Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register pilot study

The protocol for the Sri Lanka Cerebral Palsy Register (SLCPR) has been published.

Link to the Publication: Protocol for the Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register pilot study | BMJ Open

Investigators: Ms. Thilini Madushika Heiyanthuduwage, Prof. Samanmali P Sumanasena, Mr. Gopi Kitnasamy, Dr. Hayley Smithers Sheedy, Dr. Gulam Khandaker, Ms. Romaniya Fernando, Prof.Saraji Wijesekara, Dr. Jayatri Jagoda, Dr. Pyara Ratnayake, Prof. Jithangi Wanigasinghe, Dr. Nimisha Muttiah, Dr. Sarah Mclntyre, Dr. Shona Goldsmith, Dr. Emma Waight, Prof. Nadia Badawi, Prof. Mohammad Muhit

Using comprehensive data captured in the SLCPR database, following collaborative research studies have been completed, with others currently ongoing.

[2] Clinical profiles, risk factors, and rehabilitation service utilization among children with cerebral palsy in Sri Lanka:  a cerebral palsy register study : The manuscript in preparation for publication

This study explored the clinical profiles and rehabilitation service utilization of children with cerebral palsy in Sri Lanka using data from the Sri Lankan CP Register. Findings showed encouraging early diagnosis but highlighted gaps in equitable access to rehabilitation, quality of interventions, and inclusive education. The results emphasize the need for evidence-based, accessible, and family-centred rehabilitation services, especially for children with greater functional needs. 

Investigators: Ms. Thilini M Heiyanthuduwage, Ms. Romaniya Fernando, Dr. Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Mr. Gopi Kitnasamy, Dr. Jayatri Jagoda, Prof. Saraji Wijesekara, Dr. Pyara Ratnayake, Prof.  Jithangi Wanigasinghe, Dr. Nimisha Muttiah, Ms. G I Bandara, Dr. Emma Waight, Prof. Nadia Badawi, Prof. Samanmali P Sumanasena and The SLCPR Group: Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, Dr. Cathy Morgan, Prof. Alicia Spittle, Dr. TN Adhikari, Prof. Gulam Khandaker,  Dr. James Rice, Dr. Sarah McIntyre, Prof. Mohommad Muhit, Dr. Tasneem Karim, Mr. Rajkaran Mahendran

[3] Prevalence of cerebral palsy in Sri Lanka: a community-based surveillance study: The manuscript in preparation for publication

This community-based study provides the first estimate of the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Sri Lanka. Using door-to-door surveillance in selected districts of the Western and Eastern Provinces, the study identified and assessed children with CP as part of the Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register. The findings showed an overall prevalence of 2 per 1,000 children, with higher rates in the Western Province. The study highlights important regional differences and emphasises the need for further research and evidence-based planning to improve services for children with CP across Sri Lanka.

Investigators: Mr. Gopi Kitnasamy, Mr. Rajkaran Mahendran, Ms. Piyumi Madushani, Ms. Thilini M Heiyanthuduwage, Dr. Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Dr. Emma Waight, Prof. Nadia Badawi, Dr. Tasneem Karim, Ms. Githmi Bandara, Ms. Romaniya Fernando, Prof. Samanmali P Sumanasena

[4] 6503 Using anthropometric data to investigate the nutritional status of children included on the Sri Lankan cerebral palsy register

This study assessed the nutritional status of 768 children with cerebral palsy registered in the Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register. Findings revealed that over half of the children were underweight or stunted, with a significant risk of severe acute malnutrition in younger children. Older children showed a trend towards obesity. The results highlight the urgent need for regular monitoring, structured nutritional care plans, and interventions to support healthy growth and development in children with CP.

Link to the publication: 6503 Using anthropometric data to investigate the nutritional status of children included on the Sri Lankan cerebral palsy register | Archives of Disease in Childhood

Investigators: Prof. Samanmali P Sumanasena, Ms. Romaniya Fernando, Ms. Shalika Kurukulaarachchi, Ms. Thilini M Heiyanthuduwage, Dr. Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Prof. Saraji wijesekara, Dr. Jayathri Jagoda, Dr. Nimisha Muttaiah

[5] Nutritional status and its impact on Functional outcomes in children with Cerebral Palsy, Western Province, Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional mixed-method study. : Study being conceptualised

This ongoing study in Sri Lanka is exploring how nutritional status affects the functional abilities of children with cerebral palsy. It aims to identify the prevalence and risk factors for undernutrition, assess impacts on motor, cognitive, and social outcomes, and understand caregivers’ experiences and challenges related to feeding and nutrition.