Ms Charitha Mendis

Department of Medical Laboratory Science,

Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya,
Sri Lanka.
Tel: +94716245881 (mobile), +94813999615 (office)
charithamendis85@gmail.com

 Personal Profile

Name : Balapuwaduge Charitha Gayathri Mendis

Date of Birth : 09th July 1985
Nationality : Sri Lankan
Civil Status : Married

 Education

 Zoonosis Control Expert Certification by course work and research componenet

Duration: 2 years (Effective date: 25th September 2019)
Institute: Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan.

 PhD in population genomics and molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases by course

work and research component
Duration: 4 years (Effective date: 25th September 2019)
Institute: Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan.
Dissertation title: Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from
pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Sri Lanka
Received Japanese Government MEXT scholarship in October, 2015

 M.Sc. in Applied Epidemiology by course work and research component

Duration: 1 year and 6 months (Effective date: 12th February 2016)
Institute: Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Dissertation title: Coprologic survey in monkey troops (Macaca sinica) in three selected sites
in Kandy, Sri Lanka

 B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Science (Second Class - Upper division) by course work and
research component
Duration: 4 years (Effective date: 21st August 2011)
Institute: Faculty of Allied health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Dissertation title: Quality control and comparison of CLSI method with Stokes’ method of
antibiotic susceptibility testing

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 Other academic qualifications
o Certificate course in Human Resource Management (2009)
Institute of Personnel Management (IPM) Sri Lanka
o Diploma in Pharmacy Management (2007)
Aquinas College of Higher Studies, Colombo
o G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination (2005)
Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo 05
o G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination (2001)
Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo 05

 Professional positions

 February 2013- present (on study leave since October , 2015)

Lecturer (probationary) at Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of
Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya.

Teaching :
- Conducted lectures, practical sessions and tutorials on General Microbiology,
Systematic Bacteriology, Diagnostic Bacteriology, Public Health
Microbiology, virology and Mycology, Laboratory Management and Quality
Assurance (2011- 2015).
- Course coordinator of General Microbiology, Systematic Bacteriology,
Diagnostic Bacteriology, Public Health Microbiology (2013- 2015).

 December 2011 – February 2013

Demonstrator at Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied
Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya.

 July 2011 - December 2011

Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer at Durdans Hospital, Ceylon Hospitals PLC,
Colombo 03.

 Research Publications and Presentations

Journal articles:
 Mendis C, Thevanesam V, Kumara A, Wickramasinghe S, Madagedara D, Gamage
C, Gordon SV, Suzuki Y, Ranatunga C, Nakajima C. Insight into genetic diversity of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Kandy Sri Lanka reveals predominance of the Euro-
American lineage. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, In press (Available
online 9 July 2019; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2019.07.001)

 B.C.G. Mendis and A. Dangolla., Human – monkey (Macaca sinica) conflict in Sri
Lanka., Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2016, 63 (2B), 35-37.

 G.D.B.N. Kulasooriya, P.P. Jayasekera , J.M.S.M. Wijayarathna ,

M.K.U.T.Amarasiri, B.C.G. Mendis, A. Siribaddana , A. Dangolla, R.S. Kalupahana,

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 B.R.Fernando., Screening of elephants participating in the Esala Perahera for
zoonotic and multi drug resistant bacteria., Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal, 2016.,
63 (1), 9-13.

 Baddevithana AK , Noordeen F , Mendis C , Abeykoon AMSB (2015). Immune

response to hepatitis B vaccine in a group of vaccinees in the Faculty of Allied
Health Sciences of the University of Peradeniya. Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious
Diseases 25 (1):7-12
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v5i1.7994

Conference Papers:

 C. Mendis, C. Ratnatunga, V. Thevanesam, A. Kumara, S. Wickramasinghe, D.

Madegedara, C. Gamage, C. Nakajima, Y. Suzuki., Snapshot of the genetic
diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Kandy, Sri Lanka, 6th
Sapporo Summer Seminar for One Health, 20th -21st September 2018, Graduate
School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan. (Poster presentation)

 C. Mendis, C. Ratnatunga, V. Thevanesam, A. Kumara, S. Wickramasinghe, D.

Madegedara, C. Gamage, C. Nakajima, Y. Suzuki., Diverse molecular genotypes of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates circulating in Kandy, Sri Lanka., 52nd
United States- Japan Mycobacteria Panel Meeting, 15th -16th March 2018, United
States- Japan Cooperative Medical Science Programme, Niigata University
Asahimachi Campus, Niigata , Japan. (Poster presentation)

 C. Mendis, C. Ratnatunga, V. Thevanesam, A. Kumara, S. Wickramasinghe, D.

Madegedara, C. Gamage, C. Nakajima, Y. Suzuki., Genetic diversity of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Insight into Beijing and EAI
genotypes., 5th Sapporo Summer Seminar for One Health, 20th -21st September
2017, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan. (Poster
presentation)

 C. Mendis, C. Ratnatunga, V. Thevanesam, A. Kumara, S. Wickramasinghe, D.

Madegedara, C. Gamage, C. Nakajima, Y. Suzuki., Genetic diversity of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Insight into Beijing and EAI
genotypes., 84th Hokkaido branch meeting of Japanese Society for Microbiology,
26th August 2017, Hokkaido University, Japan. (Oral presentation)

 C. Mendis, C. Ratnatunga, V. Thevanesam, A. Kumara, S. Wickramasinghe, D.

Madegedara, C. Gamage, C. Nakajima, Y. Suzuki., Molecular diversity of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Insight into Beijing
genotypes.,90th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society for Bacteriology, 19th -21st
March 2017, Sendai, Japan.

 C. Mendis, C. Ratnatunga, V. Thevanesam, A. Kumara, S. Wickramasinghe, D.

Madegedara, C. Gamage, C. Nakajima, Y. Suzuki., Genetic diversity of

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 Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Insight into Beijing and EAI
genotypes., 2nd Interdepartmental Symposium of Hokkaido University, 14th March
2017, Hokkaido, Japan.

 B.C.G. Mendis, A. Dangolla, S. Rathnayake and S. Rathgamage (2016). Private

tuition for G.C.E. (A/L) and University entrance: Findings from University of
Peradeniya - Oral presentation at Peradeniya University International Research
Sessions, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka on 4th & 5th November, 2016.

 B.C.G Mendis, A. Dangolla, H.R.N.P.K. Handagama, R.M.C. Jayathilake, R.M.H.W.

Rathnayake, Y.R.I.A. Gunarathne, A.K. Baddewithana, T.G.N.S. Gunarathne, B.M.C.
Rathnayake (2016). Diabetes mellitus and cardio vascular disease among
undergraduates, University of Peradeniya – Oral presentation at Peradeniya
University International Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka on
4th & 5th November, 2016.

 A.E.A. Rangika, B.C.G. Mendis, and R.P.V.J. Rajapakse (2016). Antimicrobial

activity of aqueous extracts of selected seaweeds against some human pathogens
- Oral presentation at Peradeniya University International Research Sessions,
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka on 4th & 5th November, 2016.

 Mendis BCG, Jayathilake RMC, Rathnayake RMHW, Gunarathna YRIA,

Baddewithana AK, Dangolla A, Rajapakse RPVJ (2016). Coprologic survey in
toque monkey troops (Macaca sinica) in three selected sites in Kandy, Sri Lanka
– Oral presentation at Research Congress of Postgraduate Institute of Science,
University of Peradeniya, Sri lanka on 7th & 8th October, 2016.

 C. Mendis, C. Ratnatunga, V. Thevanesam, A. Kumara, S. Wickramasinghe, D.

Madegedara, C. Nakajima, Y. Suzuki (2016). Genetic diversity of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis isolates from Kandy, Sri Lanka – Poster presentation at 4th Sapporo
Summer Seminar for One Health, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido
University, Japan on 20th & 21st September 2016.

 Dangolla A and Mendis BCG (2016). Human-monkey (Macaca sinica) conflict in

Sri Lanka: A narrative review –9th International Research Conference.
Professional Integration for a secure Nation. 8-9th September. Page 266

 Wickramarachchi NM, Mendis BCG, Dangolla A, Diyabalanagae RS, Chandrajith R.

(2016). Potential role of chloride ion in drinking water on chronic kidney disease
of unknown etiology (CKDu) in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. 5th International
Symposium proceedings 5-6th August. Challenges ahead-Water quality and human
health. (Eds:Illeperuma O., Priyantha N., Yatigammana S., Wijesundara C).
Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Sri Lanka. Page 16.

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 Kulasooriya GDBN, Jayasekera PP, Wijayarathna JMSM, Amarasiri MKUT, Mendis
BCG, Siribaddana A, Dangolla A, Kalupahana RS, Fernando BR (2016). Profiling of
bacterial public health hazards associated with elephants participating in the
"Esala Perehera"-Best poster presentation for the year- Proceedings of 68th annual
convention of Sri lanka Veterinary Assocation. Oak ray regency, SLVJ Suuplement,
Page 60.

 Kumara KGMP, Kulasooriya B., Fernando R., Rajapaksha RC, Siribaddana A,

Kalupahana RS, Wickramasinghe WDSG, Mendis C, Dangolla A (2015). A Clinical
case of tuberculisis in a captive elephant in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 67th annual
convention of Sri Lanka Veterinary Association. Oak ray Regency Hotel., Kandy,
SLVJ Volume 62, page 61.

 Dassanayake DLB, Pathirathne H, Athukorala GP, Wickramasekera K, Dangalla A,

Mendis BCG, Siribaddana AD (2014). Prevalence of Tuberculosis in employees of
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Proceedings of 2nd Annual Scientific Sessions of
Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology.

 Baddevithana AK, Noordeen F, Mendis BCG and Abeykoon AMSB (2014).

Immune response to hepatitis b surface antigen vaccine in allied health sciences
students after completing the course of vaccination. Proceedings of 2nd Annual
Scientific Sessions of Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology.

 Mendis BCG, Pathirathna H, Jayasinghe M, Athukorala GP, Wickramasekara K,

Rajapaksha C, Siribaddana A and Dangolla A (2014). Prevalence of tuberculosis
and its risk factors among employees of pinnawala elephant orphanage, Sri
lanka: a preliminary analysis. Proceedings of One Health International Conference,
University of Peradeniya. ISBN978-955-589-185-1

 Mendis BCG, Lenadora D, Dilshani KWW, Irshad MHM, Gunarathne TGNS,

Rathnayaka BMC and Dangolla A, (2014).Fasting blood Glucose level in a group
of undergraduates,University of Peradeniya.Proceedings of Peradeniya University
Research Sessions (iPURSE).Volume 18: 377.

 Mendis BCG, Thevanesam V and Ekanayake WMA (2011). Quality control of

CLSI and Stokes’ method of antibiotic susceptibility testing – a preliminary
study. The Bulletin of The Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists; 9: 15-16.

 Education / Training Events

Contribution as a resource person

 Public speech on “Private tuition- Are we directing our school children in correct path?”
at St. Sylvester's College, Kandy, Sri Lanka - 2015

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 Workshop on Laboratory Management and safety organized by Institute for Continuing
Education, Department of Animal Production and Health, Sri Lanka – 2014 & 2015
 Workshop on Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing organized by Sri Lankan Society for
Microbiology – 2014

Participation (selected)
University Teaching
 Workshop on “Student Centered Learning” organized by curriculum Development
Committee, Faculty of Science, university of Peradeniya in collaboration with Staff
Development centre, University of Peradeniya – 2014
 Induction programme for academic staff organized by Staff Development Center,
University of Peradeniya – 2013
 Workshop on “ Student Assessment Methods” conducted by The Allied Health Sciences
Education Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya – 2013

Laboratory Quality Assurance and Accreditaion

 Technical Seminar on “Measurement , Traceability and Calibration in Laboratory
testing” organized by Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment -
2013
 Training on “Quality Management, Calibration and Measurement Uncertainty for
Medical / Clinical Laboratories as per ISO 15189; 2007” conducted by Sri Lanka
Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment – 2013
 Training programme on “ISO 15189:2007 Internal Auditing of Laboratory Management
Systems” conducted by Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment - 2010

 Membership in Professional Associations

 Secretary of Sri Lankan Society for Microbiology (SSM) (2011- 2015)

 Life Member of Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science
 Life Member of Allergy and Immunology Society of Sri Lanka.
 Registered Medical Laboratory Technologist in Sri Lanka Medical Council.
 Registered Pharmacist in Sri Lanka Medical Council.

 Professional and University Service Activities

 Volunteer Assistant Deputy Proctor, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of

Peradeniya (January - September 2015)

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 Senior Academic Sub- Warden of Hilda Obeysekara Hall, University of Peradeniya ( January
- Septemberr 2015)
 Editorial Assistant of the Editorial Board , Bulletin of Allied Health Sciences published by
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (2014- 2015)
 Convener of the Time Table Committee of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (June 2013 –
September 2015)
 Member of Organizing Committee of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Annual Scientific Sessions of Sri
Lankan Society for Microbiology (2012-2014)
 Member of production team of SSM newsletter published by Sri Lankan Society for
Microbiology (2012-2014)
 Academic Sub- Warden of Hilda Obeysekara Hall, University of Peradeniya (January 2013-
December 2014)
 Member of the Orientation Committee of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (2013 and 2014).
 Member of the organizing committee of the Exhibition -2008, held on par with the South
Asian Symposium on making the disable person a differently able person at the Faculty of
Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya.

 Referees

Professor Yasuhiko Suzuki

Director
Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control
Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku,
Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
Tel +81-11-706-9503
Fax 011-706-7310
suzuki@czc.hokudai.ac.jp

Dr. Malka Mudalige

Head of the Department
Department of Medical Laboratory Science
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka.
Tel (Office): +94813999615
(Mobile): +94726702628
malka.mudalige@gmail.com
malkapsm@yahoo.co.uk