The Society for Health Research and Innovation was established with the vision in:
- Promoting scientific research and research collaborations
- Improving standards of professional practice and promoting ethics & morals among Medical Practitioners and Health care staff members
- Promoting medical innovations
- Promoting research culture among medical officers and other health care staff members
Currently the following programmes are being coordinated by the Society for Health Research and Innovation.
- Tamil training programme for the Medical officers
- Skills programmes
- Good intern programme
- Continuous medical education (CME) programmes
- Diagnosis card writing programme for pre intern doctors
- Hand on skills for Emergency medicine unit doctors
- Research workshops
- E bar programme for Medical Officers
- Online CPD programme for Medical officers
- Online litigation programme for MOH doctors
In order to achieve these goals we wish to collaborate with both local and international agencies. Please visit the relevant sections of our activities for more information.
Visit us
Executive Committee

President
Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya
DCH, MD (Paediatrics), Board Certification in Paediatric Neurology and distinguished healthcare leader with a proven track record in policy development, public health advocacy, and crisis management, brings a wealth of expertise to the workshop.

General Secretary
Dr. Dineshan Ranasinghe
Dr. J.M.S.D. Ranasinghe Registrar in Community Medicine currently temporarily attached to the Community Medicine Stream, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Dr. J.M.S.D. Ranasinghe is currently temporarily attached to the Community Medicine Stream at the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. He holds a Diploma in Family Medicine and a Master of Science (MSc) in Community Medicine.
He is a Council Member of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and the College of Palliative Medicine of Sri Lanka. Dr. Ranasinghe is also a member of the National Communication Council for Health and has developed extensive communication skills through various training programs, serving as a trainer in communication skills.
Since 2016, he has served as the Secretary of the Society for Research and Innovation, actively contributing to the promotion of health research and innovation.

Assistant Secretary,
Dr. Thathsara Weerathunge,
A Registrar in Community Medicine and an alumna of the Colombo Medical Faculty, Dr. Weerathunge brings fresh insight and energy to SHRI.
A skilled communicator and experienced compere with a strong passion for public health and a keen interest in research, she excels in translating complex ideas into impactful messages.
Her dynamic presence and commitment make her a valuable contributor to advancing health innovation and community-focused research.

Editor
Dr. Sumal Nandasena
A Specialist in Community Medicine and Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, brings extensive academic and practical experience to the initiative.
With expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and exposure science, along with a background in preventive health and global initiatives, he aligns well with the workshop’s focus on the climate-health nexus in South and Southeast Asia.

Administrative Officer
Ms. Dinukshi Balasuriya
Diplomas in Psychology and Counseling, and Graphic Design. Experienced event coordinator with strong skills in communication, documentation, and design.
Effectively balances creative and administrative tasks, making a valuable contribution to workshops and organizational events.
Units

Training and Administrative Unit
Head of the unit – Dr. Dineshan Ranasinghe
Dr. J.M.S.D. Ranasinghe Registrar in Community Medicine currently temporarily attached to the Community Medicine Stream, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Dr. J.M.S.D. Ranasinghe is currently temporarily attached to the Community Medicine Stream at the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. He holds a Diploma in Family Medicine and a Master of Science (MSc) in Community Medicine.
He is a Council Member of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and the College of Palliative Medicine of Sri Lanka. Dr. Ranasinghe is also a member of the National Communication Council for Health and has developed extensive communication skills through various training programs, serving as a trainer in communication skills.
Since 2016, he has served as the Secretary of the Society for Research and Innovation, actively contributing to the promotion of health research and innovation.

Special Programme Unit
Head of the unit – Dr. Prasad Colambage
Medical Officer, National Eye Hospital of Sri Lanka

Collaborations and welfare unit
Head of the unit – Dr. Thathsara Weerathunga
A Registrar in Community Medicine and an alumna of the Colombo Medical Faculty, Dr. Weerathunge brings fresh insight and energy to SHRI.
A skilled communicator and experienced compere with a strong passion for public health and a keen interest in research, she excels in translating complex ideas into impactful messages.
Her dynamic presence and commitment make her a valuable contributor to advancing health innovation and community-focused research.

Media Unit
Head of the unit – Dr. Udayi Gunawardhana
As a current MD Trainee in Community Medicine and former Deputy Regional Director of Health Services in Kalutara, I bring extensive experience in coordinating internationally funded projects, including collaborations with the Government of Sri Lanka and the World Health Organization.
My prior responsibilities included leading training and advocacy initiatives, as well as designing in-service training programs and IEC materials for public health staff. This background positions me as a key contributor to workshops and technical discussions aimed at strengthening public health systems.

Research Unit
Head of the unit – Dr. Sumal Nandasena
A Specialist in Community Medicine and Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, brings extensive academic and practical experience to the initiative.
With expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and exposure science, along with a background in preventive health and global initiatives, he aligns well with the workshop’s focus on the climate-health nexus in South and Southeast Asia.

Innovation Unit
Head of the unit – Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya
