Ms. R. B. Janani Buddhika

M.Phil. (Peradeniya), PGD in AOC (Colombo), BPharm (USJ)

Senior Lecturer (Grade I)

Department of Pharmacy

Education

MPhil Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.     September 2019

PG.Dip (Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Organic Chemistry), University of Colombo,  Sri Lanka. September 2015

BPharm University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka,  December 2010

 

Employment History

  • Senior Lecturer (Gr-I) at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, September 2025 to date.
  • Head/ Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, August 2020 to July 2026.
  • Senior Lecturer (Gr-II) at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, September 2019 to September 2025.
  • Lecturer (Probationary) at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, February 2012 to September 2019.
  • Coordinator- BPharm Hons Programme, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, June 2011 to June 2015.
  • Lecturer (Temporary) at the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, 2011-2012.
  • Demonstrator, Pharmacy Unit, Department of Medical Education & Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2011.

Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacognosy, Drug Development

Pharmacy Practice, Drug development
  • Head/ Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, August 2020 to July 2026.

FMU4302 Pharmacognosy II

FMU5210 Research Methodology

FMU6806 Research Project

Pharmacy Practice- Medication adherence, Supply Chain Management

Drug Development

Course material published by The Open University of Sri Lanka for the second-year Bachelor of Pharmacy students.

  • 4 Chapters in FMU4302 Pharmacognosy II
  • 2 Chapters in FMU5406 Pharmaceutical Marketing, Management, and Pharmacoeconomics

 

      1. R.B.J. Buddhika, R.W.M.J.P. Jayasekera, N.D.D. Wickramasinghe, Government Hospital Pharmacists’ Perceptions, Attitudes, and Practices on Medication Counselling: A Multicentre Cross-sectional Study in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Journal of Science, Accepted 30.08.2026
      2. Janani Buddhika RB, Rathnasekara PN, Jayaweera Arachchige LA. Patient knowledge, practices, and adherence to oral anticancer medicines: Evidence from oncology clinics, National Hospital, Galle, Sri Lanka.Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice. 2026;0(0). doi:1177/10781552261474015
      3. Rajakulasooriya, R.S.R., Neluka Fernando, S., Gunasekara, T.C.P., Jayaweera, P. M., Kumarasinghe, K.G.U.R., Thabrew, H., Cha, E., Buddhika, R.B.J. Nail models in onychomycosis: current practices, challenges, and future directions for evaluating topical antifungals and medical devices. In vitro models (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44164-026-00118-w
      4. Janani Buddhika R.B., Pathirana D.P.C.K., Chathumali V.G.I., Wickraramasinghe N.D.D., Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among oncology pharmacists on cytotoxic drug reconstitution in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/10781552251361801
      5. Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika, Anura Abeysinghe Jayawardhana Yapa, Nadeesha Dilmi Dias Wickramasinghe, Chinta Abayawardana, Dedunu Dias, Rohini Fernandopulle. Availability, Stock-outs and Warehouse Facilities of Essential Medicines at Regional Medical Supplies Divisions in Sri Lanka: a Multicentre, Cross-sectional Study. Accepted for publication in Ceylon Journal of Science, Sri Lanka on 18.08.2025.
      6. Shashika R. Rajakulasooriya, S. S. Neluka Fernando, T. D. Chinthika P. Gunasekara, Pradeep M. Jayaweera, K. G. Upul R. Kumarasinghe, H. Harshani P. M. J. Thabrew, Enoch Chan, R. B. J. Buddhika, G. G. Yashoda H. Weerasinghe & K. A. A. Ureshani Karunarathna. In vivo toxicological evaluation of 3-benzylideneindolin-2-one: antifungal activity against clinical isolates of dermatophytes. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 26, 16 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-025-00850-1
      7. Dhanushi T Welideniya, Ph.D; Adeesha Saseenda Jayathilaka, BS; Anjana Delpe Acharige, BS; Upamalika Samanthi, MS; Umayangani Wanninayake, Ph.D; Shashika Sevvandi Perera, BS; Weranga Rajapaksha, BS; Chamod C Fernando, BS; Madhavi Hewadikaram, BS; Janani Buddhika, BS; Pivini Gunasekara, BS; Veranja Karunaratne, D; G. A. J. Amaratunga, PhD, “Practical and Scalable Synthesis of Beclomethasone Dipropionate”, Steroids, 2021; 108948, ISSN 0039-128X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108948

 

 

Peer Reviewed Journal Publications

  1. Shashikalal, M. P., & Buddhika, R. B. J. (2026). Drug prescribing practices in older adults’ outpatient clinic at a selected teaching hospital, Sri Lanka: Evaluation with WHO core prescribing indicators. OUSL Journal of Health Sciences, 1 (1), 33–42. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/94ousl/3943/4.%20Research%20Article%20%281%29.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y
  2. R. B. J. Buddhika, J. P. S. Rasangika, W. Pathirana, M. D. J. Wijayabandara, S. D. M. Chinthaka. Journal of Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka, 2011; 1 (1): 10-13. Pharmacopoeial Examination of Calcium Carbonate Deposits in Sri Lanka. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284162335_Pharmaceutical_Evaluation_of_Calcium_Carbonate_Deposits_in_Sri_Lanka

Oral Presentations

  1. Dissanayake D.M.N.D.K., Maddumage, L.K., Buddhika, R.B.J., Patterns and Prevalence of Off-Label Use of Psychotropic Medicines among Patients Attending the Psychiatric Clinics of Base Hospital Diyathalawa, Proceedings of the 2nd Research Conference of the Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (OuFHSRC 2026), https://drive.google.com/file/d/11NC7-UEsRoNUo6x5AeP_so_qaZCYFMz7/view
  2. Nalina, P., Wijewardhana, L.K.D.N., & Buddhika, R.B.J. Challenges in Pharmaceutical Care Provision Among Government Pharmacists and Dispensers in Northern Province, Sri Lanka: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey. Proceedings of the 1st Research Conference of the Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (OuFHSRC 2025). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MTOWdRhy5HZam2DQiIxmHHjJvL6k6f1c/view
  3. Perera K.A.G.D., Anjalee J.A.L., Maddumage, L.K., & Buddhika R.B.J., The Discrepancy Between Knowledge and Practices of Insulin Use: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Selected Divisional Hospital in Colombo District. Proceedings of the 1st Research Conference of the Faculty of Health Sciences,The Open University of Sri Lanka (OuFHSRC 2025). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MTOWdRhy5HZam2DQiIxmHHjJvL6k6f1c/view
  4. Fernando, W.Y.C., Prasadi, G.A.M., & Buddhika, R.B.J., Community Pharmacists’ Perspectives  and Practices on Providing Emergency Contraceptive Pills: A Review. Proceedings of the 1st Research Conference of the Faculty of Health Sciences,The Open University of Sri Lanka (OuFHSRC 2025). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MTOWdRhy5HZam2DQiIxmHHjJvL6k6f1c/view
  5. Srimalie M.G.A., Abeykoon A.M.A.U., Buddhika R.B.J. Patterns and prevalence of off-label use of psychotropic medicines for children and adolescents attending psychiatric clinics at National Hospital Galle. International Research Conference in Health Sciences (IRCHS) 2025. FAHS, USJ. 28th March 2025. https://health.sjp.ac.lk/rchs/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Proceedings-IRCHS-2025-ED.pdf
  6. Ekanayaka B.S., Fernando W.T.S., Buddhika R.B.J. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antiretroviral therapy (ART), among HIV patients attending the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Kalutara District. International Research Conference in Health Sciences (IRCHS) 2025. FAHS, USJ. 28th March 2025. https://health.sjp.ac.lk/rchs/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Proceedings-IRCHS-2025-ED.pdf
  7. P.C.K. Pathirana, V.G.I. Chathumali, N.D.D. Wickraramasinghe, R.B.J. Buddhika. Anticancer drug handling practices among oncology pharmacists in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study. 17th KDU International Research Conference 2024, 26th and 27th September 2024. https://irc.kdu.ac.lk/2024/publications/fahs.pdf
  8. W.M.J.P. Jayasekara, R.B.J. Buddhika, W.M. Chathurani, N.D.D. Wickramasinghe. Oral presentation, Open University Research Sessions 2023 (OURS), 10th November 2023. “Knowledge and attitudes on patient counselling among pharmacists at state hospitals in Central Province, Sri Lanka”. https://ours.ou.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/OURS-2023-Conference-Proceedings.pdf
  9. P.S.S.M. Dalpadadu, R.B.J. Buddhika, D.R. Herath, A. Nadeshkumar. Quality of a Commonly Manipulated Oral Dosage Form Given to Children. Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE) 2023. https://site.pdn.ac.lk/ipurse/2023/docs/iPURSE%20Proceedings%202023.pdf
  10. Chulani Herath, H.P.K. Amarasinghe, P.M.S.S. Kumari, K.K.D.S. De Silva, E.B.S. Samarakoon, K.A. Sriyani, D.T. Wijeratne, B.J. Buddhika, H.U.C. Nuwansala, R.G.L. Rathnayake, K.A.I. Priyangika, N. R. Kuruppu, R. S. R. Rajakulasooriya, R. A. N. Dilsha. Students’ drop-out rates in health sciences degree programmes at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Open University International Research Session (iOURS), 10th November 2022. https://ours.ou.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ID-158_STUDENTS-DROP-OUT-RATES-IN-HEALTH-SCIENCES-DEGREE-PROGRAMMES-AT-THE-OPEN-UNIVERSITY-OF-SRI-LANKA.pdf
  11. K.D.S.V., Dilsha. R.A.N., Tanuja. R.W.N., Buddhika. R.B.J., & Samarasekara. P.W.G.D.P. (2017). Government pharmacists’ perception on continuing education. Open University Research Session (OURS), 16th November 2017, 181-185. https://ours.ou.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/OURS2017-all-part-3-27-31.pdf
  12. R.B.J. Buddhika, S.S.N. Fernando and T.D.C.P Gunasekara. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotic use of a student population attending Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL): A descriptive study on undergraduate nursing students. Annual Academic Sessions 2015- The Open University of Sri Lanka. https://ours.ou.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/NS15-08-F.pdf
  13. S. K. Peiris, H. V. L. Rangika, G. M. N. K. Siriwardena, R. B. J. Buddhika and B. S. S. De Silva. Use of Contraceptives among mothers during the first year after their first delivery. Annual Academic Sessions 2014- The Open University of Sri Lanka.
  14. G. P. R. C. L. Hungampola, S. M. C. Samarakoon, D. A. C. D. Perera, H. A. M. S. Perera, B. S. S. De Silva and R. B. J. Buddhika. Factors influencing for gastritis: a preliminary study for assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among patients with gastritis. Annual Academic Sessions 2013- The Open University of Sri Lanka. https://ours.ou.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/NSC-37-Formated-checked.pdf

 

Posters

 

  1. Karunarathna H.M.R.P., Buddhika R.B.J., Impact of Polypharmacy on Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review., Proceedings of the 2nd Research Conference of the Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (OuFHSRC 2026), https://drive.google.com/file/d/11NC7-UEsRoNUo6x5AeP_so_qaZCYFMz7/view
  2. Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika, P.N. Rathnasekara, J.A.L. Anjalee, “Knowledge and adherence to oral anticancer medicines among oncology patients: insights from the National Hospital, Galle, Sri Lanka”. 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 August to 3 September 2025. Social and Administrative Pharmacy- Pharmacy Education (2025) 25(4) 9. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.254.saps.175
  3. Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika, Liyana Lekamalage Kaumudie Satheeka Jayasiri, Chinta Abayawardana, Jayaweera Arachchige Lakshika Anjalee. “From dispensing to direct patient care: Hospital pharmacists’ perspectives on clinical pharmacy transition in Sri Lanka: A study protocol”. 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 August to 3 September 2025. Hospital pharmacy- Pharmacy Education (2025) 25(4) 80. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.254.hps.1121
  4. Wickramasinghe Mudhiyanselage Sobhan Indika Kumara Wickramasinghe, Liyana Lekamalage Kaumudie Satheeka Jayasiri, Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika, Sakeena Hameem. “Patient practices and attitudes toward disposal of unused pharmaceuticals: A cross-sectional study at District General Hospital, Kegalle, Sri Lanka”. 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 August to 3 September 2025. Pharmacy practice research- Pharmacy Education (2025) 25(4) 50. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.254.ppr.1108
  5. Liyana Lekamalage Kaumudie Satheeka Jayasiri, Nadeesha Dilmi Dias Wickramasinghe, Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika. “Unveiling job satisfaction among state hospital pharmacists: Insights from selected teaching hospitals in Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A study protocol”. 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 August to 3 September 2025. Hospital pharmacy- Pharmacy Education (2025) 25(4) 55 – 56. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.254.hps.1121
  6. N.F Ashka, Nanayakkara Muhandiramalaya Yasa Kalum Bagyawantha, Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika. “Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists on patient counselling: A cross-sectional study in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka: A study protocol”. 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 August to 3 September 2025. Pharmacy practice research- Pharmacy Education (2025) 25(4) 48. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.254.ppr.1108
  7. Piratheepan Nalina, L. K. D. N. Wijewardhana, Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika.“Knowledge and practices of government pharmacists and dispensers regarding pharmaceutical care in Northern Province, Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study”. 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 August to 3 September 2025. Pharmacy practice research- Pharmacy Education (2025) 25(4) 48- 49. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.254.ppr.1108
  8. Samadhi Uthpala Getamurutha, Janani Buddhika Rathnaweera Bopage, Nadeesha Dilmi Dias Wickramasinghe. “Do demographic factors affect medication knowledge and adherence among bipolar disorder patients? Insights from outreach clinics conducted by National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka”. 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 August to 3 September 2025. Pharmacy practice research- Pharmacy Education (2025) 25(4) 107. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.254.ppr.1108
  9. Ujithasiri K.P.T., Chathumali V.G.I., Buddhika R.B.J. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the use of insulin among patients attending the diabetes clinic of Police Hospital Colombo. International Research Conference in Health Sciences (IRCHS) 2025. FAHS, USJ. 28th March 2025. https://health.sjp.ac.lk/rchs/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Proceedings-IRCHS-2025-ED.pdf
  10. Rajakulasooriya R.S.R., Gunasekara T.D.C.P., Fernando S.S.N., Jayaweera P.M., Kumarasinghe K.G.U.R., Thabrew H.H.P.M.J., Buddhika R.B.J., Chan E. In-vitro antifungal activity of 3-benzylidene-indolin-2-one: A preliminary investigation International Conference on Medical Sciences 2024. 24th & 25th October 2024, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QBMoQW1EySVs4Dwti2VvkDyn594R4lvW/view
  11. S.S. De Silva, L.K.D.N. Wijewardhana, W.M. Chathurani, N.D.D. Wickramasinghe, R.B.J. Buddhika. Antibiotics utilization patterns of neonates in the pediatric baby care unit at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Sri Lanka. 17th KDU International Research Conference 2024, 26th and 27th September 2024. https://irc.kdu.ac.lk/2024/publications/fahs.pdf
  12. R.B.J. Buddhika, Safeer NM, N.D.D. Wickramasinghe, Chinta Abayawardena, Rohini Fernandopulle, “Pharmaceutical Inventory Management Practices across Different Levels of Government Health Care Institutions (GHCIs) in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka”. 82nd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 01st to 04th September 2024. 82nd FIP World Congress 2024, South Africa, Social and Administrative Pharmacy- https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/3046/1958
  13. Nanlath Gamage H.D., Buddhika R.B.J., International Research Conference in Health Sciences (IRCHS) 2024. “Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacists on cold chain management of vaccines at Regional Medical Supplies Divisions (RMSDs) of Sri Lanka”. http://health.sjp.ac.lk/rchs/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IRCHS-2024.pdf
  14. Safeer N.M., Wickramasinghe N.D.D., Buddhika R.B.J., International Research Conference in Health Sciences (IRCHS) 2024. “Availability and stock levels of essential medicines in government healthcare institutions in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka”. http://health.sjp.ac.lk/rchs/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IRCHS-2024.pdf
  15. Getamurutha G.G.S.U., Buddhika R.B.J., Wickramasinghe N.D.D., International Research Conference in Health Sciences (IRCHS) 2024. “Relationship between medication knowledge and medication adherence in patients with bipolar disorder. Evidence from an observational study from outreach clinics conducted by National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka”. http://health.sjp.ac.lk/rchs/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IRCHS-2024.pdf
  16. Bandara W.E.W.M.R.T.W., Buddhika R.B.J., Wickramasinghe N.D.D., International Research Conference in Health Sciences (IRCHS) 2024. “Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on insulin therapy and number of experienced hypoglycemic episodes during past month among insulin users attending diabetic clinic, Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya”. http://health.sjp.ac.lk/rchs/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IRCHS-2024.pdf
  17. Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika, Ms. Walabaduge Mahesha Chathurani, Ms. Jayasekera R.W.M.J.P., Ms. Wickramasinghe N.D.D., Hospital pharmacists counselling practices in Sri Lanka: Do pharmacists need institutional support?, 81st FIP World Congress 2023, Brisbane, Australia. Pharmacy Education (2023)23(6)158-191, https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2023.236.158191
  18. Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika, Mr. Yapa A.A.J., Ms. Wickramasinghe N.D.D., Ms. Chinta Abayawardana, Prof. Rohini Fernandopulle. A Comparative Study of Pharmaceutical Storage Facilities and Stock Levels of Essential Medicines in Government Healthcare Institutions of Different Settings in a Rural District in Sri Lanka: Study Protocol. 81st FIP World Congress 2023, Brisbane, Australia. Pharmacy Education (2023)23(6)435-509, https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2023.236.435509
  19. Wickramasinghe N.D.D., Ms. Bandara W.E.W.M.R.T.W., Ms.  Jayasundara M., Ms. Samarakoon S.M.S.,  Ms.  Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika. Does insulin-related hypoglycemia depend on the level of the hospital? A study protocol from three government hospitals in Sri Lanka. 81st FIP World Congress 2023, Brisbane, Australia. Pharmacy Education (2023)23(6)350-423, https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2023.236.350423
  20. Samarakoon D.D.N.W., Kumara R.S., Buddhika R.B.J., Jayasuriya J.A.B.N., Pharmacognostical evaluation and antibacterial activity of the flowers of Impatiens balsamina. L (Kudalu) Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Sessions 2021, Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka., September 25, 2021
  21. Janani Buddhika, Gayan Priyadarshana, Dhanushi Welideniya, Nedra Karunaratne and Veranja Karunaratne, Eutectic compositions of resveratrol for oral administration. Asian Symposium on Medicinal Plants, Spices and Other Natural Products 2018, p239.

Undergraduate

MPhil

 

  • Registered Pharmacist (Sri Lanka Medical Council)
  • Member of the Borderline Product Evaluation Committee- National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Sri Lanka. 2024 to date.
  • Member of Subject Benchmark Statements – Allied Health Science, UGC Committee- 2022 to date.
  • Member of Pharmacist Expert Panel – Ceylon Medical College Council- 2022 to date.
  • FIP/ SAPS ( International Pharmaceutical Federation/ Social and Administrative Pharmacy Section) Research Grant, Role: Principle Investigator, 2025- 2026
  • Faculty Research Fund/ Faculty of Health Sciences, Role: Co-Investigator, Period: 2024 – 2025
  • Faculty Research Fund/ Faculty of Health Sciences, Role: Principle Investigator, Period: 2023 – 2024
  • Faculty Research Fund/ Faculty of Health Sciences, Role: Principle Investigator, Period: 2020 – 2022
  • Faculty Research Fund/ Faculty of Health Sciences, Role: Principle Investigator, Period: 2016 – 2017
  • Faculty Research Fund/ Faculty of Health Sciences, Role: Co-Investigator, Period: 2016 – 2017
  • National Science Foundation, Title: Overseas Special Training Scholarship Period: 2018
  • National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Japan Title: NIMS Internship Program Fellowship
  • Member, International Pharmaceutical Federation
  • Council member and Life member- Sri Lanka College of Pharmacy Professionals
  • Life member, Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka
  • Member of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka- 2013/ 2014