Senior Lecturer
Medicine
Email : awageesha@med.sab.ac.lk
Charted Chemist (C Chem)
PhD in Biochemistry (Cancer Metabolism)
University of Colombo.
Sri Lanka
MPhil in Biochemistry (Nutritional Biochemistry)
University of Sri Jayewardenapura.
Sri Lanka
Graduateship in Chemistry
Institute of Chemistry Ceylon,
Sri Lanka
Identifying and characterization of novel anti-cancer drugs based on traditional medicine
Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutritional Biochemistry
Clinical Biochemistry
Cancer Cell Biology
Standardization, Phytochemical, and physiochemical parameters analysis and the evaluation of the effectiveness of Pun podi, a Traditional Siddha Medicine on Wound healing.
An investigation for pro – pro-antioxidant effects of (Oryza Sativa L.) Extract against cadmium (Cd) induced oxidative misbalance and cytotoxicity in kidney cells (in-vitro)
In vitro effect of atorvastatin, metformin, and, testosterone on breast cancer cells
Standardization of Kalingathy ennai and evaluation of its effectiveness in sub-fertile women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Soothaga Vaayu)
In-vitro Analysis of Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Dasapanguwa Formula
Dietary exposure to selected nephrotoxic elements and their serum concentrations of healthy adults living in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology endemic and non-endemic areas of Sri Lanka; A matched paired study between two agricultural communities.
Wageesha N.D.A, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
The Polyherbal traditional medicinal drug “Le Pana Guliya” Induces Apoptosis in Human Cancer through GSH depletion, ROS production, and mitochondrial dysfunction: An In vitro assessment. Chemistry Central Journal. 11:2 DOI 10.1186/s13065-016-0234-4
Wageesha N.D.A, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
Evaluation of antioxidant and polyphenolic content of a Sri Lankan poly herbal formulae and assessment of its in vitro antiproliferative activity on RD and MCF-7 cancer cells compared to healthy CC1 cells. Cancer Studies and Therapeutics Journal. 2 (3):1-8
Wageesha N.D.A, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
A Traditional Poly Herbal Drug-Induced Apoptosis via Caspase 3 Mediated Pathway in RD Cells but Caspase 3 Independent Pathway in MCF-7 Cells. Asian Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Medicinal Foods 4 (2): 17- 25.
Piratheepkumar Rajadurai, Nekadage Don Amal Wageesha , Sivakanesan Ramaiah, Sahayam Savariraj (2023). Standardization of Pun podi - a traditional Siddha medicine. Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine 2023;6:68-77. DOI:10.4103/jrsm.jrsm_30_23.
Piratheepkumar Rajadurai, Nekadage Don Amal Wageesha, Sivakanesan Ramaiah, Sahayam Savariraj (2024). A review of the prevalence and financial burden of various forms of wounds. GARI International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. GARI Publisher Siddha Medicine Volume: 09 Issue: 04 Article ID: IN/GARI /JOU/2022/163A | Pages: 52-61 (10) ISSN 2659-2193.
Jinadasa, A. G. R. Greshamali, Akalanka, H. M. Kasuni, Wageesha, N. D. Amal, Ekanayake, Sagarika (2024), Metformin as a Potential In Vitro Anticancer Modulator of Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase: A Review, International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2024, 1094274, 8 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1094274.
Gunawardana, J.W, Wageesha, N.D.A, Gunawardena, S.A, and C. Witharana (2024). Nutra-pharmaceutical potential of Sri Lankan rice: A Review. Discover Food 4, 147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-024-00230-4
Piratheepkumar R, Amal Wageesha ND, Sivakanesan R. (2024). Heavy metal and HPTLC fingerprint analysis of Siddha drug, Pun podi prepared from Datura metel. Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine.09 (02): 884 – 896.
Piratheepkumar R, Amal Wageesha ND, Sivakanesan R. (2025). Estimation of total antioxidant capacity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of Pun podi, a traditional Siddha Medicine. Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine 2024;7:111-8. DOI: 10.4103/jrsm.jrsm_3_24
Jinadasa, A. G. R. Greshamali, Akalanka, H. M. Kasuni, Wageesha, N. D. Amal, Ekanayake, Sagarika (2024), Metformin as a Potential In Vitro Anticancer Modulator of Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase: A Review, International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2024, 1094274, 8 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1094274.
Jinadasa, A. G. R. Greshamali, Akalanka, H. M. Kasuni, Wageesha, N. D. Amal, Ekanayake, Sagarika (2024), Metformin as a Potential In Vitro Anticancer Modulator of Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase: A Review, International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2024, 1094274, 8 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1094274.
Principal Supervisor – MPhil. (Completed)
Research Title:
Standardization, Phytochemical, and physiochemical parameters analysis and the evaluation of the effectiveness of Pun podi, a Traditional Siddha Medicine on Wound healing. (Ongoing project).
Co-Supervisor - MPhil/PhD
Research Title:
An investigation for pro – pro-antioxidant effects of (Oryza Sativa L.) Extract against cadmium (Cd) induced oxidative misbalance and cytotoxicity in kidney cells (in-vitro) (Ongoing project).
Co-Supervisor – MPhil.
Research Title:
In vitro effect of atorvastatin, metformin, and, testosterone on breast cancer cells (Ongoing project).
Co-Supervisor – MPhil.
Research Title:
Standardization of Kalingathy ennai and evaluation of its effectiveness in sub-fertile women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Soothaga Vaayu) (Ongoing project).
Co-Supervisor – MSc.
Research Title:
In-vitro Analysis of Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Dasapanguwa Formula (Ongoing project).
Co-Supervisor – MPhil. (Ongoing project)
Dietary exposure to selected nephrotoxic elements and their serum concentrations of healthy adults living in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology endemic and non-endemic areas of Sri Lanka; A matched paired study between two agricultural communities."
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake, S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P (2010).
“Studies on hypercarotenemia due to excessive ingestion of carrot, pumpkin, and papaw” International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09637486.2010.511164
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake, S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P (2010).
“Effect of feeding excessive carrot and papaw to Wistar rats and ICR mice to induce hypercarotenaemia” Vidyodaya Journal of Science 15: 27-35.
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake, S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P (2013).
Prevalence of hypercarotenaemia in nursery/kindergarten children in the Western province in Sri Lanka: A preliminary survey". International Food Research Journal 20(4): 1873-1875
Wageesha N.D.A, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
The Polyherbal traditional medicinal drug “Le Pana Guliya” Induces Apoptosis in Human Cancer through GSH depletion, ROS production, and mitochondrial dysfunction: An In vitro assessment. Chemistry Central Journal. 11:2 DOI 10.1186/s13065-016-0234-4
Wageesha N.D.A, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
Evaluation of antioxidant and polyphenolic content of a Sri Lankan poly herbal formulae and assessment of its in vitro antiproliferative activity on RD and MCF-7 cancer cells compared to healthy CC1 cells. Cancer Studies and Therapeutics Journal. 2 (3):1-8
Wageesha N.D.A, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
A Traditional Poly Herbal Drug-Induced Apoptosis via Caspase 3 Mediated Pathway in RD Cells but Caspase 3 Independent Pathway in MCF-7 Cells. Asian Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Medicinal Foods 4 (2): 17- 25.
Piratheepkumar Rajadurai, Nekadage Don Amal Wageesha , Sivakanesan Ramaiah, Sahayam Savariraj (2023). Standardization of Pun podi - a traditional Siddha medicine. Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine 2023;6:68-77. DOI:10.4103/jrsm.jrsm_30_23.
Piratheepkumar Rajadurai, Nekadage Don Amal Wageesha, Sivakanesan Ramaiah, Sahayam Savariraj (2024). A review of the prevalence and financial burden of various forms of wounds. GARI International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. GARI Publisher Siddha Medicine Volume: 09 Issue: 04 Article ID: IN/GARI /JOU/2022/163A | Pages: 52-61 (10) ISSN 2659-2193.
Jinadasa, A. G. R. Greshamali, Akalanka, H. M. Kasuni, Wageesha, N. D. Amal, Ekanayake, Sagarika (2024), Metformin as a Potential In Vitro Anticancer Modulator of Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase: A Review, International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2024, 1094274, 8 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1094274.
Gunawardana, J.W, Wageesha, N.D.A, Gunawardena, S.A, and C. Witharana (2024). Nutra-pharmaceutical potential of Sri Lankan rice: A Review. Discover Food 4, 147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-024-00230-4
Piratheepkumar R, Amal Wageesha ND, Sivakanesan R. (2024). Heavy metal and HPTLC fingerprint analysis of Siddha drug, Pun podi prepared from Datura metel. Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine.09 (02): 884 – 896.
Piratheepkumar R, Amal Wageesha ND, Sivakanesan R. (2025). Estimation of total antioxidant capacity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of Pun podi, a traditional Siddha Medicine. Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine 2024;7:111-8. DOI: 10.4103/jrsm.jrsm_3_24
Jinadasa, A. G. R. Greshamali, Akalanka, H. M. Kasuni, Wageesha, N. D. Amal, Ekanayake, Sagarika (2024), Metformin as a Potential In Vitro Anticancer Modulator of Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase: A Review, International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2024, 1094274, 8 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1094274.
Wageesha, N.D.A, Jayawardene, M.I.F.P. and Ruvinkumara, N.K.V.M (2008).
“Preliminary investigation on Anti-Hypercholesterolemic effect of Olax Zeylanica on Wistar rats” First Research Sessions College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P. (2008).
“Recognition of foods responsible for Hypercarotenaemia from serum metabolic profiles” Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science 64th Annual sessions.
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P. (2008).
“A preliminary investigation on the prevalence of hypercarotenaemia among infants/children in the Western Province “The college The College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka, 35th Annual Academic Sessions.
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P. (2008).
“Fate of excess carotenoids fed to Wistar rats and ICR mice” Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science 65th Annual session.
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake, S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P. (2009). “Vitamin A mega-dosing and development of hypercarotenaemia” 50th Anniversary Academic conference, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Wageesha, N.D.A, Ekanayake, S, Jansz, E.R. and Lamabadusuriya, S.P. (2009).
Development of Hypercarotenaemia: Loss of control over absorption of pro-vitamin A Carotenoids? Annual Academic Sessions Nutrition Society 2011.
Wageesha, N.D.A, P, Soysa and AAP Keerthi (2014).
Screening of two medicinal plant extracts for Anti-Oxidant Capacity and Total phenolic Content. International Conference on Chemical Education. College of Chemical Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon.
Wageesha, N.D.A, P, Soysa AAP Keerthi, IChoudhary and M Ekanayake. (2015).
Screening of Anti-Cancer Activity of a Polyherbal drug used in traditional medicinal practice. 8th International Research Conference (IRC-8). Inculcating Professionalism for National Development. GeneralSir John Kotelawala Defense University.
Wageesha, N.D.A, P, Soysa AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2015).
Anti-proliferative activity of aqueous extract of the “Le Pana Guliya”, A scientific insight. National Conference on Indigenous Systems of Medicine Research and Innovations in Indigenous Systems of Medicine for 21st Century. Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurvedic Research Institute.
Wageesha, N.D.A, P, Soysa AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2015).
Intrinsic anti-cancer effects of aqueous extract of polyherbal drug named “Le Pana guliya” on HepG2 and RD cells. 3rd International Conference on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Traditional Medicine 2015. Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
Wageesha NDA, P, Soysa AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
Traditional anti-cancer drug “Le Pana Guliya” induced oxidative stress via depletion of Reduced Glutathione; An in vitro assessment. 4th Hamdard International Conference on Unani Medicine 2017, Karachi, Pakistan.
Wageesha NDA, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
Evaluation of anti-proliferative activity and mechanism of action of a polyherbal drug formulation used in traditional medicine for cancer therapy. 7th International Conference on Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Chinese Medicine, Munich, Germany.
Wageesha NDA, P, Soysa, AAP Keerthi, I Choudhary and M Ekanayake (2017).
Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of a polyherbal drug formulation used in traditional medicine for cancer therapy. 10th Annual World Cancer Congress (WCC-2017), Barcelona, Spain.
Wageesha N.D.A, P, Soysa, AAP, Keerthi, I, Choudhary and M, Ekanayake (2017). Evaluation of antioxidant and polyphenolic content of a Sri Lankan poly herbal formulae and assessment of its in vitro antiproliferative activity and mechanism of action on RD and MCF- 7 cancer cells compared to healthy CC1 cells. 3rd International Conference and Expo on Herbal and Alternative Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
K N Nilmini and Wageesha NDA (2020)
Levels of Physical Activity and Its Relation to Academic Performance of the First Batch (2017/18) of Students of the Faculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 10th Annual Research Session of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
Ariyarathna NRS, Wageesha NDA and Mahawithanage S (2021)
Development of Microorganism Diverting and Clearing Device to Mitigate the Risks Involved in Ambu Ventilating Patient Diagnosed with or Suspected to have a Contagious Respiratory Tract Infection, Including COVID-19. National Conference on COVID-19: Impact, Mitigation, Opportunities and Building Resilience. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16133.99040
Jinadasa AGRG, Akalanka HMK, Wageesha NDA, Ekanayake S (2021)
Statins as a potential anticancer agent in breast cancer: a systematic review of BC cell line studies. The NZBCS-2021: The Virtual NZ Breast Cancer Symposium. 19th November 2021. Pp 102.
MTSM Perera, GA Samaraweera, WSR Fernando, Wageesha NDA, Nimanthi Jayathilaka, N De Silva, PDVM Perera (2022).
Preliminary study on the antibacterial efficacy of local hand rubs with different ingredients in Sri Lanka. 11th Annual Conference and Scientific Sessions of Sri Lanka Society for Microbiology.
Madhushanka L.W.N, Lakshman G.V.C.P, Sameera A.W.G.M, Dharmaratne A.W.N.U, Samaranayake
W.A.M.P and Wageesha N.D.A. (2022)
Molecular Evidence of Other Viral and Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in SARS Cov-2 Suspected Patients in District Rathnapura in Sri Lanka. 12th Annual Research Sessions of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka – 2022.
Lakshman GVCP, Madhushanka LWN, Rasangani AWP, Wageesha NDA (2022)
Preliminary study on phytochemical analysis and GC-MS fingerprints of Sri Lankan traditional polyherbal drug “Panu”. Third International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research For Sustainable.Development in the Post Genomic Era. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - University of Colombo 2022.
Madhushanka LWN, Lakshman GVCP, Ratnayake RMCG , Ariyawansha HA, Wageesha NDA
(2022). Scientific investigation on Sri Lankan polyherbal drug “Neelagiri Padmana’’ for its antioxidant activity, polyphenol content and GC-MS analysis. Third International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research For Sustainable.Development in the Post-Genomic Era. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - University of Colombo 2022.
Gunawardana JW, Gunawardena SA, Perera IC, Wageesha NDA, Witharana C (2023).
Total Phenolics and Total Flavanoid contents in crude boiled broth of commercially available Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, Proceedings of the International Research Conference in Health Sciences 2023-FAHS, USJ, University of Sri Jayawardenapura Sri Lanka, 31st March, pp 139.
G.V.C.P Lakshman, L.W.N Madhushanka, and N.D.A Wageesha. (2023)
Phytochemical screening and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and biological activities on Sri Lankan polyherbal drug “Neelagiri Padmana". International Conference on Applied Sciences Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka ICAPS - SUSL 2023.
Gunawardana WDJW, Gunawardena SA, Wageesha NDA, Perera IC, Witahrana C., (2023)
Impact of Domestic Cooking process on Total Phenolic and Total Flavanoid contents in selected commercially available rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties in Sri Lanka, 16th International Research Conference (KDU IRC-2023), Sir John Kotalawala Defence University of Sri Lanka, 07th - 08th September. pp 10.
G. A. Samaraweera, V. H. N. M. Gunathilaka, M. A. S. N. Perera, P. D. V. M. Perera, N. D. A. Wageesha
and C.C. Kadigamuwa (2023). Antimicrobial activity of poly-herbal formula “Dasapanguwa” against several Gram’s Gram- positive bacteria and Gram’s Gram-negative bacteria. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON APPLIED AND PURE SCIENCES ICAPS 2023 – Kelaniya, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 13th October 2023.
Samaraweera G.A., PereraP.D.V.M., Wageesha N.D.A and Kadigamuwa C.C. (2023)
In-vitro Analysis of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity of Dasapanguwa Formula. 9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL). Advancing Multi- Disciplinary Approaches for a Sustainable and Resilient Future. 6-8 December 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Samaraweera G.A., Perera M.T.S.M., De Silva N., Perera P.D.V.M. and Wageesha N.D.A. (2023) Biofilm Formation and Antimicrobial Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacilli from Clinical Isolates in Sri Lanka. 9th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL). Advancing Multi-Disciplinary Approaches for a Sustainable and Resilient Future. 6-8 December 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Jinadasa AGRG, Akalanka HMK, Wageesha NDA, Samarakoon SR and Ekanayake S (2023).
Metformin as a Potential Anti-Cancer Agent in Breast Cancer: - Lethality and in vitro Study. International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches -2023, organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Sri Lanka.
Jinadasa AGRG, Akalanka HMK, Wageesha NDA, Samarakoon SR and Ekanayake S (2024).
Impact of atorvastatin on triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells in vitro study. International Research Conference in Health Sciences-2024, by the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. 2nd April 2024.
Jinadasa AGRG, Akalanka HMK, Wageesha NDA, Samarakoon SR and Ekanayake S (2024). Potential Anticancer Effects of Metformin in Breast Cancer: an in vitro Study. WONCA-2024 South Asian Regional Conference.
A.M.S.S. Amarapathi, N.M. Liyanawahunge, G.V.C.P. Lakshman, N.D.A. Wageesha, and A.A.P. Keerthi (2024).
Analysis of Different Cinnamon Varieties Present in Local Ayurvedic Medicinal Product, Khadirarishta. International Research Symposium on Traditional Medicine (AyurEx Colombo– 2024) UCFM Tower, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
R. Piratheepkumar, N.D. Amal Wageesha, R. Sivakanesan, and S.C. Sahayam (2024)
HPTLC fingerprint analysis and heavy metal content of Siddha drug - Pun podi. International Research Symposium on Traditional Medicine (AyurEx Colombo– 2024) UCFM Tower, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
A.M.S.S. Amarapathi, N.M. Liyanawahunge, G.V.C.P. Lakshman, N.D.A. Wageesha, and A.A.P. Keerthi (2024).
Analysis of different Cinnamon varieties present in local ayurvedic medicinal products Dhathryarishtam. 2nd international conference on frontiers in chemical technology Colombo, Sri Lanka.
R. Piratheepkumar, N.D. Amal Wageesha, R. Sivakanesan, and S.C. Sahayam (2024).
Effectiveness of Pun Podi on wound healing- Experimental animal study. 28th Annual Technological Advances in Science, Medicine and Engineering (TASME 2024) conference, Toronto, Canada. July 6-7th.
A.G.R.G. Jinadasa, H.M.K. Akalanka, N.D.A. Wageesha, S.R. Samarakoon, S. Ekanayake (2024).
Comparison of Anti-cancer Effects of Atorvastatin on Hormone Receptor-Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancers: An in-vitro Study. PERADENIYA UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EXPOSITION (I PURSE 2024). 29th and 30th August 2024.
Dean/Acting Dean Appointments (2019 to 2023)
· Head of the Department Appointments (2019 to 2023)
4. Non-Academic Administrative Experience:
Technical Skills