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You are here: OUSL / Faculty of Health Sciences / Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences

Dr.K.M.H.H.Kulatunga

PhD (USJP), BSc(hons) Medical Laboratory Science (UoR)

Senior Lecturer (Grade II)

Medical Laboratory Sciences
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka
  • +94112881000, Ext: 6301
  • hiroshani.kulatunga@gmail.com

Clinical biochemistry, Pathology

My research interests span all disciplines of medical laboratory science, with a focus on molecular pathology and diagnostics, biochemical investigations including thyroid function and disorders, diagnostic accuracy, and biomarker evaluation

Lecturer at KIU (2018 -2023)

Visiting Lecturer at Asiri Academy of Health Sciences (2024-January 2026)

MDU 4209 General Pathology
MDU4303 Clinical Biochemistry II
MDU 3805 Work Based Training 1
MDU3207 Health Communication

  1. Nisansala, P.N., De Silva, P.H.D.H., Herath, H.M.D.T., Ahamed, M.H.H., Sandamali, M.K., Jayawickrama, R.G.D.R. and Kulathunga, K.M.H.H., 2025. Antibacterial assessment of antiseptic and herbal soaps available in Sri Lanka against selected skin pathogens. Ruhuna Journal of Science, 15(1).
  2.  Kulatunga, K.M.H.H., Pathirana, A.A., Fernando, S.S.N., Gamage, B.D., Sampath, M.K.A., Sosai, C., Jayakody, S. and Seneviratne, B.S., 2025. Role of ultrasound scan and fine needle aspiration cytology on pre-operative assessment of suspicious thyroid nodules in a resource-limited setting. Journal of Research in Clinical Medicine, 13(1), pp.34784-34784.
  3. M.H. H. Kulatunga, B.S. Seneviratne, S.S.N. Fernando, A.A. Pathirana, B.D. Gamage, A. Epa, M.K.A. Sampath, C. Sosai, Diagnostic utility of ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology in the pre-operative assessment of suspicious thyroid nodules. The Sri Lanka Journal of Surgery 2024; 42 (2): 19 – 23
  4. Gunarathna M.G.P.A.1 , Alwis W.L.M.1 , Minnath M.F.S.1 , Fernando R.M.S.1 , Tharindu V.D.R.1 , Fasmila M.F.F.1 , Fernando A.M.F.2 , Kulatunga K.M.H.H.3*, Sampath M.K.A.4, Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Undergraduates at KIU, Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study, International Journal of KIU, 2024, 5 (2), 44-50, DOI: https://doi.org/10.37966/ijkiu2024052053
  5. Kulatunga, H., Pathirana, A.A., Fernando, N., Gamage, B., Epa, A., Sampath, A., Sosai, C. and Seneviratne, B., Role of molecular genetics in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid tumors, IJKIU, 2023
  6. Aadel S. M.1 , Perera G. A. G.1 , Dilshani B. M.1 , Fernando W. L. L.1 , Kumari M. S. S.1 , Perera N. M. 2, Kulatunga K. M. H. H. 1* (2022). Knowledge and Attitude Towards the use of Contraceptive Methods Among Undergraduates of a Selected Higher Education Institute in Sri Lanka, International Journal of KIU. International Journal of KIU, 3(2), 136–142. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.37966/ijkiu2022032033
  7. Kulatunga, H.H., Pathirana, A.A., Fernando, N., Gamage, B., Epa, A., Sampath, A., Sosai, C. and Seneviratne, B., 2020. Cell Block Preparation for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid; Cost Effective Method in a Resource-Poor Setting. American Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 5(6), pp.167-173.
  8. Achintha, G. A.1 , Rupasena, D. S. S. D.1 , Pathum, S. M. D. I.1 , Gunasekara, C. P.1 , Dissanayake, D. M. B. T.2 , Kulathunga, M. H. H.1, Mupirocin Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in Clinical Isolates of National Hospital and in the Nasal Carriage of Healthy Undergraduates in Colombo, Sri Lanka.IJKIU

2026

  • Kulatunga KMHH1*, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Sampath MKA4, Seneviratne BS5, “A Novel Multiplex PCR Assay for Pre-operative Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis” International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, FGS, USJP, 6-7th April 2026 ( Awarded the 2nd Place in Oral Presentation)

2025

  • Kulatunga KMHH1*, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Sampath MKA4, Seneviratne BS5, “Pre-operative Diagnosis of Thyroid Malignancy Using Immunocytochemistry”, International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, FGS, USJP, 3rd April 2025 (Awarded 3rd place in oral presentation)

2024

  • Kulatunga KMHH1, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Epa A4, Sampath MKA5, Sosai C6, Seneviratne BS1*, Exploring Thyroid Tumors: A Comparative Analysis of Pre-Operative Diagnostic Techniques and Identification of Molecular Alteration , International conference on medical sciences (ICM), Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Sri Jayewardenepura , 24th -25th october 2024
  • Kulatunga KMHH1, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Epa A4, Sampath MKA5, Sosai C6, Seneviratne BS1, “Comparison of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) and Bethesda System with histology for thyroid tumour diagnosis”, International Research Conference in Health Sciences 2024, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, USJP, 2nd April 2024 (Awarded the best oral presentation)

2023

  • KMHH Kulatunga1, AA Pathirana2, SSN Fernando2, BD Gamage2, A Epa3, MKA Sampath4, C Sosai5, and BS Senevirathna2, Diagnostic Utility of Ultrasound Scanning in the Preoperative Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules, 16th International Research Conference, Kothalawala Defense University, Sri Lanka 8th September 2023 (Poster session- Medicine)
  • MAF Hafsa1, RADH Sandalika1, RID De Silva1, BKHJ Rodrigo1, KMGGMS Kulasekara1, KMHH Kulathunga1, MD Goni2, and GGT Nisansala2, Intestinal Parasitosis : Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices among Parents, of Children aged 1-5 years in Hanwella Medical Office of Health Area, Sri Lanka, 16 th International Research Conference, Kothalawala Defense University, Sri Lanka 8th September 2023 (Poster session- AHS)
  • Alwis WLM1, Minnath MFS1, Gunarathne MGPA1, Tharindu VDR1, Fernando RMS1, Fasmila MFF1, Kulathunga KMHH1*, Sampath MKA2. ,” knowledge and attitudes towards sexually transmitted diseases among undergraduates of KAATSU International University (KIU), Sri Lanka” International Research Conference in Health Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 31.03.2023

2022

  • MFF Fasmila, MGPA Gunarathne, WLM Alwis, MFS Minnath, VDR Tharindu, MKA Sampath, KMHH Kulatunga, “Knowledge towards sexually transmitted diseases among undergraduates of Kaatsu International University, Sri Lanka: Cross sectional study” 15th International Research Conference, Kothalawala Defense University, Sri Lanka, 30th September 2022 (Oral session)
  • HGG Rathnamali, MVN Gunawardhana, MH Mohamed, KMWML Meerigama, SWSS Jayalath, H Kulatunga, DLNL Ubhayawardana, “Stress Level and Associated Factors among undergraduates of KIU during covid-19 pandemic” 15th International Research Conference, Kothalawala Defense University, Sri Lanka 30th September 2022 (Poster session)
  • T.R.Wickramasinghe, M.A.Dhananjani, D.C.Pathirage, E.A.M.Ransika, B.A.S.Yuwanthika, H.Kulathunga, D.L.N.L.Ubhayawardana, “Consumer Attitude towards Genetically Modified Foods of a Selected Community in a Grama Niladhari Division of Kalutara District, Sri Lanka.” 1st International Nursing Conference, Faculty of Nursing, University of Colombo, 20th October 2022 ( Best poster presentation award)
  • T.R.Wickramasinghe, M.A.Dhananjani, D.C.Pathirage, E.A.M.Ransika, B.A.S.Yuwanthika, H.Kulathunga, D.L.N.L.Ubhayawardana, “Consumer Knowledge regarding Genetically modified foods and Artificial Food Additives in a Suburban area in Kalutara, Sri Lanka” Young Sceintists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR 2022), 10th November 2022
  • MFS Minnath , MGPA Gunarathne , WLM Alwis , MFF Fasmila , RMS Fernando , VDR Tharindu ,MKA Sampath and KMHH Kulathunga, “Study on the Attitudes Toward Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Undergraduates of KIU, Sri Lanka”, 4th research conference Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR) 2022, 10th November 2022
  • MVN Gunawardhana, HGG Rathnamali, MH Mohamed, KMWML Meerigama, SWSS Jayalath, KMHH Kulatunga, DLNL Ubhayawardana, “Association of Environmental stress and Perceived stress of Undergraduates:A Cross sectional Study” 4th research conference Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research (YSCMR) 2022, 10th November 2022
2021
  • Kulatunga KMHH1, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Epa A4, Sampath MKA5, Sosai C6, Seneviratne BS7*, “Diagnostic Utility of Ultrasound Scanning, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Cell Block Technique in the Pre-operative Diagnosis of Suspicious Thyroid Nodules” ,Annual academic session of the college of pathologists of Sri Lanka 2021, 13th – 14th October 2021 (Awarded 3rd place in oral presentation)
  • Kulatunga KMHH1, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Epa A4, Sampath MKA5, Sosai C6, Senevirathna BS7 , Application of cell block technique in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms; An institutional study , Research Conference in Health Sciences 2021, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 31st March 2021
  • Kulatunga KMHH1, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD4, Epa A5, Sampath MKA6, Sosai C7, Seneviratne BS8, Correlation between ultrasound based TIRADS and fine needle aspiration cytology findings of suspicious thyroid nodules: an institutional experience, International Conference on Health Sciences, USJP, 15th October 2021
2020
  • Premawasha BAGK1, Gamage KGS1, Kulatunga KMHH1, Kottahachchi , A Study on Detection of ESBL Production in Coliforms from Clinical Isolates, International Conference on Health Sciences, 17th -18th Oct 2020
  • GA Achintha1*, DSSD Rupasena1, SMDI Pathum1, CP Gunasekara1, H Kulathunga1, DMBT Dissanayake2., Mupirocin resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in clinical isolates and nasal carriage isolates, 9th Annual Conference and Scientific Session, Sri Lanka Society of Microbiology, 23rd Oct 2020
2019
  • Kulathunga K.M.H.H., Weerasinghe N.P., Identifying the factors affecting the efficacy of Povidone Iodine and comparison of one antiseptic agent Vs two antiseptic agents, Annual Academic Session Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 8th – 9th August 2019
  • Kulathunga K.M.H.H., Weerasinghe P.W., Comparison of one antiseptic agent Vs two antiseptic agents in skin antisepsis, 1st International Conference on Public Health and Well-being, 4th – 5th April 2019
  • Kulathunga K.M.H.H., Weerasingha N.P., Comparison of effectiveness of Povidone Iodine and Ethyl Alcohol followed by Povidone Iodine in skin antisepsis, 3rd Annual Academic Sessions, Sri Lanka College of Internal Medicine, 7th – 9th November 2019

 

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU Study on Knowledge, Awareness and Perception about Covid-19 pandemic and infection control, and impact of lockdown on daily life of KIU undergraduates and staff

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Bio Biomedical Science, KIU Knowledge and practice towards home remedies for ARTIs among a cohort of undergraduates in Sri Lanka

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU: Knowledge and Attitude Towards Family Planning Methods Among Undergraduates in KIU

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU Identification of the factors affecting the stress levels of undergraduate students of KIU and to determination of the association between stress levels and associated factors

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Genetically Modified Foods and Artificial Food Additives of a selected community in Kalutara, Sri Lanka

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU, Study on the Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Undergraduates of KIU, Sri Lanka

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU Comparison of Internal Quality Control methods based on Westgard Rules, Total Error and Six Sigma Metrics in selected Biochemical Parameters

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU Assessment of standard specifications of selected commercially available hand sanitizers and the determination of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the use of hand sanitizers among BMS Undergraduates in KIU

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on fast foods among a selected group of undergraduates at KIU and its association with obesity and diabetes

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU, Antimicrobial effects of Ayurvedic plants and cosmetic products against acne-inducing bacteria

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU Antibacterial assessment of antiseptic and herbal soaps available in Sri Lanka against selected skin pathogens

• Supervisor for thesis submitted for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, KIU: Determination of common bacterial species and major risk factors for Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infection in pregnant women in Thalangama MOH Clinic

Senior Lecturer (Grade 11)

Department of Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty of Health Sciences

The Open University of Sri Lanka

2026

Kulatunga KMHH1*, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Sampath MKA4, Seneviratne BS5, “A Novel Multiplex PCR Assay for Pre-operative Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis” International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, FGS, USJP, 6-7th April 2026 ( Awarded the 2nd Place in Oral Presentation)

2025

  • Kulatunga KMHH1*, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Sampath MKA4, Seneviratne BS5, “Pre-operative Diagnosis of Thyroid Malignancy Using Immunocytochemistry”, International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, FGS, USJP, 3rd April 2025 (Awarded 3rd place in oral presentation)

2024

  • Kulatunga KMHH1, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Epa A4, Sampath MKA5, Sosai C6, Seneviratne BS1, “Comparison of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) and Bethesda System with histology for thyroid tumour diagnosis”, International Research Conference in Health Sciences 2024, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, USJP, 2nd April 2024 (Awarded the best oral presentation)

2022

  • T.R.Wickramasinghe, M.A.Dhananjani, D.C.Pathirage, E.A.M.Ransika, B.A.S.Yuwanthika, H.Kulathunga, D.L.N.L.Ubhayawardana, “Consumer Attitude towards Genetically Modified Foods of a Selected Community in a Grama Niladhari Division of Kalutara District, Sri Lanka.” 1st International Nursing Conference, Faculty of Nursing, University of Colombo, 20th October 2022 ( Best poster presentation award)

2021

  • Kulatunga KMHH1, Pathirana AA2, Fernando SSN3, Gamage BD2, Epa A4, Sampath MKA5, Sosai C6, Seneviratne BS7*, “Diagnostic Utility of Ultrasound Scanning, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Cell Block Technique in the Pre- operative Diagnosis of Suspicious Thyroid Nodules” ,Annual academic session of the college of pathologists of Sri Lanka 2021, 13th – 14th October 2021 (Awarded 3rd place in oral presentation)

Registered Medical Laboratory Technologist – Ceylon Medical College Council and Sri Lanka Medical Council, Registration number – 3920