Temporary Lecturer
University of Peradeniya
Dates: 2019/04/03 to 2021/04/03
Department: Psychology
Visiting Lecturer
Open University, Sri Lanka
Dates: 2022/11/08 – 2024.01.01
Department: Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Health Sciences
Open University, Sri Lanka
Dates: 2023/07/01 – Present
Department: Social Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Sri Lanka Foundation Institute
Dates: 2022/09/24 – Present
Program: Diploma in Counseling
Lincoln University College, Sri Lanka Branch
Dates: 2023/03/05 – Present
Program: Bachelor of Psychology
University of Peradeniya
Dates: 2019/02/05 – 2019/08/04
Program: Certificate Course in Psychology and Basic Counseling Skills
Research Assistant
University of Colombo
Dates: 2022/07/18 – 2024/03/31
Supervisor: Dr. Santushi Amarasuriya, Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Humanities
University of Peradeniya
Dates: January to February 2019
Supervisor: Prof. Shamala Kumar, Senior Lecturer (Business Psychology), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
PLU3311- Cognitive Psychology
PLU5311- Psychology and Law
PLU6308- Psychology of Human Sexuality
PLU3303- Motivation and Emotions
PLU4304- Brain and Behavior
PLU5310- Neuropsychology
Perera, P. Y. O. (2022). Pirimi kawruda warade nobadena. Godage Publications. ISBN 978-624-00-0681-1.
Schwartz, P., & Kempner, M. (2015). 50 great myths of human sexuality (P. Y. O. Perera, Trans.). Samudra Publications. (in press)
Bulathwatta, A., Dissanayake, G., Gunawardena, T., Nirmani, U., Perera, O., Rathnayake, R., & Hettiarachchi, N. (2021). Perceptual and behavioral response to COVID-19 pandemic among Sri Lankan undergraduates. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 23(3), 17–27.
Gunawardena, T. J., Dissanayake, G. R. K., Bulathwatte, A., Perera, P. Y. O., Rathnayake, R. M., Nirmani, P. M. G. U., & Hettiarachchi, N. (2021). The impact of personality dimensions and associated factors on COVID-19 pandemic-related risk perception and adherence behavior among university undergraduates. In COVID-19: Impact, Mitigation, Opportunities and Building Resilience From Adversity to Serendipity Perspectives of global relevance based on research, experience, and successes in combating COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka (NCAS, 2021).
Perera, P. Y. O. (2021). Vulnerability factors and pathways to sex work: An exploratory study of childhood experiences of abuse among female sex workers in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities (SICASH 2021).
Perera, P. Y. O., Hettiarachchi, N., Gunawardena, T. J., & Rajapakse, O. A. (2021). Emotion recognition, gender, and face mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paper presented at the Open University Research Sessions (OURS 2021).
Hettiarachchi, N., Gunawardena, T. J., Dissanayake, G. R. K., Perera, P. Y. O., Rathnayake, R. M., Nirmani, P. M. G. U., & Bulathwatta, A. (2021). The role of risk perception and socio-demographic characteristics in determining COVID-19-related stress among university undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the 3rd International Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities: Advances in Social Sciences and Humanities—Challenges and Opportunities (IRSSSH 2020).
Gunawardena, T. J., Dissanayake, G. R. K., Bulathwatta, A., Perera, P. Y. O., Rathnayake, R. M., Nirmani, P. M. G. U., & Hettiarachchi, N. (2021). Impact of external locus of control and risk perception on COVID-19-related stress among undergraduates. Paper presented at the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE 2021).
Perera, P. Y. O., Hettiarachchi, N., Gunawardena, T. J., & Rajapakse, O. A. (2022). Studying the relationships among emotion recognition, emotional intelligence, gender, and face mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paper presented at the 4th International Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (IRSSSH 2022).
Perera, P. Y. O., & Nirnanjan, N. (2023). Philosophical analysis of the challenge of integrating Buddhism with a humanistic perspective on psychology: Regarding the concept of voluntarism and determinism. Paper presented at the 3rd Biennial International Conference of the Indian Association for South Asian Studies (IASAS 2023).
Perera, P. Y. O. (2023). Unlocking the secrets: A content analysis of the representation of women’s sexual fantasies in Sri Lankan pornographic videos. Paper presented at the International Open University Research Session (iOURS 2022).
Perera, P. Y. O. (2023). Unveiling the unspoken: A content analysis of ‘school girl’ Sri Lankan online pornography. Paper presented at the 4th SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities (SICASH 2023).
Perera, P. Y. O. (2021). Utilizing “sexual nostalgia” to address repressed sexual desires: An analysis of sexual nostalgic elements in the Sri Lankan Yak Thovil ceremony held for Kalukumara Dosa as mechanisms for sexual enhancement. Paper presented at the 4th International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH 2023).
Amarasuriya, S. D., & Perera, P. Y. O. (2024). Reflective journaling as a tool to enhance happiness: User perceptions about a seven-week happiness journal intervention. Paper presented at the Colombo Medical Congress 2024.
Perera, P. Y. O., Dilhani, E. D. C., & Rajapaksha, R. W. M. S. P. K. (2024). The missing pieces: A scientific exploration of curriculum deficiencies in Sri Lankan sexuality education. Paper presented at the International Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Perera, P. Y. O., Dilhani, E. D. C., & Rajapaksha, R. W. M. S. P. K. (2024). Unveiling the gaps: A content analysis of gender roles, language, and cultural norms in Sri Lankan sexuality education. Paper presented at the SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities (SICASH 2024).
Volunteering (Workshops/ Guest Talks/ Awareness)
(Best Paper Award) Perera, P. Y. O., Dilhani, E. D. C., & Rajapaksha, R. W. M. S. P. K. (2024). Unveiling the gaps: A content analysis of gender roles, language, and cultural norms in Sri Lankan sexuality education. Paper presented at the SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities (SICASH 2024).
