Browsing by Author "Wickramasinghe, D."

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Acceptance and Usage of Moodle Learning Management System among Academics in the University of Kelaniya
(3rd International Conference on Library and Information Management, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Wickramasinghe, D.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.
The purpose of this research is to analyze acceptance and usage of Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) amongst academics in a selected public university. 71 academics were responded from four faculties i.e. Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce & Management Studies, and Computing and Technology in the University of Kelaniya. The printed questionnaires as well as online questionnaires were distributed among the lectures. The findings reveal that a gap between high acceptance and low actual usage. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was the framework used for this study. Finding of this research revealed the hypotheses such as academics’ attitude towards using LMS is influenced by the perceived usefulness. Academics’ behavioral intention to use LMS is influenced by their attitude towards using LMS. Academics’ acceptance of learning management system is high in University of Kelaniya. The data revealed that the academics use the LMS more for ‘assignment’. Some activities such as Mootyper, SCORM package, Workshop, Wiki, Survey, Choice and Glossary should be more utilized. The URL was the most used Moodle resource and the least resource was IMS content package. So IMS content package, label should be more utilized and need to conduct proper trainings to get a successful engagement in Moodle LMS.
The association between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and perceived stress: A countrywide study of Sri Lanka
(Public Library of Science, 2023) Wickramasinghe, N.; Thuraisingham, A.; Jayalath, A.; Wickramasinghe, D.; Samarasekara, N.; Yazaki, E.; Devanarayana, N.M.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Stress is a known associated factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the dynamics between stress and GERD are not fully studied, especially in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to assess it. METHODS: For this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1200 individuals (age ranged 18-70 years, mean 42.7 years [SD 14.4 years], 46.1% males), were recruited using stratified random cluster sampling from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included a country-validated GERD symptom screening tool, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), was used to assess GERD symptoms and stress. Probable GERD was defined as those having heartburn and/ or regurgitation at least once per week which is on par with globally accepted criteria. Those who did not fulfill these criteria were considered as controls. RESULTS: PSS score was higher in those with probable GERD (mean 13.75 [standard deviation (SD) 6.87]) than in controls (mean 10.93 [SD 6.80]), (p <0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The adjusted odds ratio for GERD symptoms was 1.96 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.50-2.55) in the moderate to high-stress level compared to the low-stress level participants. PSS score correlated significantly with the GERD screening tool score (R 0.242, p <0.001). Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, and burping were significantly frequent in those with moderate to high-stress levels (p <0.001). Those with higher stress scores were more likely to use acid-lowering drugs (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals exposed to higher levels of stress are more likely to have GERD symptoms. Therefore, stress reduction should be an important part of GERD symptom management.
A clinic-based pharmacy counselling service to improve medication adherence among diabetes out-patients
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mamunuwa, N.; Jayamanne, S.; Coombes, J.; de Silva, A.; Lynch, C.; Wickramasinghe, D.
The burden of diabetes is increasing with the rising prevalence of the disease and its complications. Medication adherence is a significant factor in the management of diabetes. Pharmacists’ role in the improvement of medication adherence is well-studied in the world. Despite the high and rising prevalence of diabetes in Sri Lanka, this is the first study to evaluate a pharmacy counselling service in a Sri Lankan diabetes population. To assess how a clinic-based pharmacy counselling service may affect patient medication adherence. 400 consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus attending outpatient medical clinics at Colombo North Teaching Hospital were randomized into either intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Patients in the IG received pharmacist counselling (verbal and written) for four consecutive monthly visits in addition to standard care at the clinic, while patients in the CG received standard care only. Adherence for both groups was measured at baseline and post intervention using ©Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (8-Items). Mean age of the participants was 61.79 ± 9.06 and 67% were female. The IG had a median score of 4 out of 8 (IQR 5-3) at baseline which increased to 7 (IQR 8-6) after intervention. The median score of the CG was not significantly changed; 5 (IQR 7-4) at baseline and 5 (IQR 7- 6.5) after intervention period. Patients in the IG had a statistically significant improvement in adherence compared to the CG, using the Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.005). The IG had a 74.15% improvement in adherence whereas the CG had an improvement of 1.78%. Pharmacist counselling in outpatient clinics can improve medication adherence of the patients with diabetes.
Drought risk reduction by small tank cascade systems and isolated small tanks in the dry zone of Sri Lanka: an ecosystem based approach
(Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2021) Prematilaka, L. A.; Wickramasinghe, D.; Vidanage, S.
Sri Lanka is a proud owner of a flamboyant irrigation based history with a wide array of tanks. A cascade of water tanks (Small Tank Cascade System -STCS) which recycles water to help paddy cultivation, act as the backbone of the dry zone irrigation. The STCS are gaining attention not only as a water source but also as a resource to reduce drought risk in the dry zone. Droughts have been recognized as a major disaster in the Sri Lankan context. Owing to various anthropogenic influences, the occurrence of droughts in the dry zone of Sri Lanka is now rapidly exacerbating. The aim of this study was to investigate how tanks in a STCS and isolated reservoirs contribute to retain water during the dry season. This investigation was carried upon two selected tanks of the Kapiriggama STCS and two selected individual isolated small tanks in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. The cascade tanks were compared with the isolated tanks to determine whether the two systems differ in minimizing the drought risk in the dry zone. The present study adopted the use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The analysis was conducted using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the years 2006, 2014 and 2018. The NDVI images for the study sites were processed and analyzed for the two driest months of the selected years. The results revealed that the tanks in the STCS contribute more than the isolated small tanks to reduce the risk of droughts by retaining more water during the dry season. During April 2014, the two cascade tanks retained a water extent of 2.14% and 22.92% while the two isolated tanks retained a water extent of only 0%. In addition, during May 2018, two cascade tanks retained a water extent of 0.36% and 0.54% while the two isolated tanks retained a water extent of only 0% and 0.12%. Further, the present study highlights the significance of sustainable management and operation of both cascade and isolated tanks, since a growing body of evidence indicates that both tank systems are under heavy anthropogenic pressure. In addition, our study indicates the successful use of NDVI as a tool to assess water availability in reservoirs which can be beneficial in decision making related to water management.
Drug related problems among patients with diabetes; a descriptive analysis of data from an urban hospital in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mamunuwa, N.; Jayamanne, S.; Coombes, J.; de Silva, A.; Lynch, C.; Wickramasinghe, D.
Drug related problems (DRPs) result in reduced quality of care and even morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency and nature of DRPs and their causes among patients with diabetes attending an outpatient clinic. The prospective study was conducted in medical clinics of Colombo North teaching hospital and included 400 outpatients with diabetes. The identified DRPs were classified according to Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe tool (PCNE V6.2). A total of 151 DRPs were detected. The highest number of DRPs (61.58%) related to treatment effectiveness while 21.19% related to treatment costs, 9.93% related to adverse effects and 7.28% related to other non-classified problems. The most common DRP identified was ‘effect of drug treatment not optimal’ (39.73%) followed by ‘unnecessary drug treatment’ (16.55%) and ‘untreated indication’ (12.58%). Half (50.33%) of the DRPs detected were caused by the way patients use the medicines, in spite of proper prescribing and instructions. This included ‘deliberate under-use of the drug’ (61.84%), ‘drug not taken at all’ (15.78%), ‘inability to use the drug as directed’ (9.21%) and ‘drug overuse’ (6.57%). 31.12% of the DRPs were related to selection of drugs including ‘inappropriate drug’ (40.42%), ‘drug required not given’ (23.4%) and ‘duplications’ (21.27%). DRPs are frequent among diabetes outpatients. Early detection and addressing the causes of the actual and potential DRPs may improve the quality use of medicines and ensure safe, appropriate and cost-effective out-patient care.
A functional approach to translation or translatology
(University of Kelaniya, 2009) Wickramasinghe, D.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Sri Lanka: An island-wide epidemiological survey assessing the prevalence and associated factors
(Public Library of Science, 2024) Wickramasinghe, N.; Thuraisingham, A.; Jayalath, A.; Wickramasinghe, D.; Samarasekera, D.N.; Yazaki, E.; Devanarayana, N.M.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly encountered in clinical practice in Sri Lanka. However, its prevalence in Sri Lanka is unknown. Our objective was to study the island-wide prevalence of GERD symptoms in Sri Lanka and its associated factors. A total of 1200 individuals aged 18-70 years (male: female 1: 1.16, mean age 42.7 years [SD 14.4 years]). were recruited from all 25 districts of the country, using stratified random sampling. An interviewer-administered, country-validated questionnaire was used to assess the GERD symptom prevalence and associated factors. Weight, height, waist, and hip circumference were measured. Heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once a week, an internationally used criterion for probable GERD was used to diagnose GERD. In this study, GERD symptom prevalence was 25.3% (male 42.1% and female 57.9%). Factors independently associated with GERD were inadequate sleep, snacking at midnight, sleeping within two hours of consuming a meal, skipping breakfast, increased mental stress, and certain medications used such as statins, and antihypertensive medications (p<0.001, univariate and logistic regression analysis). 38.4% of the study population have been using medication for heartburn and regurgitation in the past 3 months and 19.8% were on proton pump inhibitors. To conclude, the prevalence of GERD symptoms in Sri Lanka (25.3%) is higher than its estimated global prevalence of 13.8%. Several meal-related lifestyle habits, mental stress, and the use of some medications are significantly associated with GERD, indicating the importance of lifestyle modification and stress reduction in its management.
Hantavirus infection with pulmonary symptoms in north central part of Sri Lanka
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Muthugala, R.; Dheerasekara, K.; Harischandra, N.; Wickramasinghe, D.; Abeykoon, M.; Dasanayake, D.; Manamperi, A.; Gunasena, S.; Galagoda, G.
BACKGROUND: Classical hantavirus infections present as haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Euro-Asia and as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in America. Mixed clinical features have been reported from certain novel hantavirus infections. In the north-central part of Sri Lanka, clusters of patients with fever and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema have been reported in recent years.OBJECTIVES: To detect hantavirus infection among clinically suspected patients and to describe clinical and demographic features of hantavirus infection in north-central Sri Lanka. STUDY DESIGN: Clinically suspected patients with HFRS and HPS like illness admitted to two leading hospitals in the north-central part of the country from December 2013 to November 2015 and from March 2016 to February 2018 were included in the study. Acute phase blood samples were tested for the presence of anti-hantavirus IgM. Convalescent blood samples were taken from available cases and both acute and convalescent sera were subjected to IgG titre detection. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included in the study. Twenty-nine (40.28%) were positive for hantavirus IgM. Of them, 20 (68.97%) presented with pulmonary symptoms with no or mild nephritis. Five (17.24%) had pulmonary symptoms with prominent nephritis and 04 (13.79%) had classic features of HFRS. CONCLUSION: In the north-central part of Sri Lanka, most hantavirus infection was associated with pulmonary symptoms complicated with non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, which was different from clinical presentation reported previously from other parts of the country. HPS like hantavirus infection in the study area could be due to a Puumala-like virus or a novel virus.
Minimal Paris in Sri Lankan sign language
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2001) Wickramasinghe, D.
Passivization in Sinhalese
(University of Kelaniya, 1989) Wickramasinghe, D.
Sinhalese and English Phonetic Features: A Contrastive Study of the Sinhalese and English Phonetic Features
(University of Kelaniya, 1987) Wickramasinghe, D.
Transitivity and Voice in Sinhalese
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Wickramasinghe, D.; Bynon, T.
ගණක පද: විවිධ භාෂාවන්හි යෙදෙන ආකාරය පිළිබඳ තුලනාත්මක අධ්‍යයනයක්
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2008) Wickramasinghe, D.; Wijesekara, G.J.S.
ළදරු භාෂාවේ වාක්‍ය සංස්ථිති උද්ග්‍රහණය
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 1999) Wickramasinghe, D.