Dinesha Ambagaspitiya

Dinesha Ambagaspitiya

PhD Student

School of Science and the Environment

Research Degree Students

Contact Details

email: ambd1_26@uni.worc.ac.uk

Dinesha is a part-time PhD student in the School of Science and the Environment at the University of Worcester. Her PhD supervisor team comprises Dr Allain Bueno, Prof Kay Mohanna and Dr David Wilson.

Dinesha’s primary research interests lie in nutrition and metabolic health. Her PhD focuses on investigating whether commonly used non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic tools can be served as indicators of fatty acid composition, which may provide an early indication of cardiovascular risk in patients with non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and fatty liver disease.

Prior to commencing her PhD studies at the University of Worcester, Dinesha obtained her MBBS and MPhil degrees at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her MPhil research, titled “Evaluation of Maternal Nutritional Status and Its Impact on Pregnancy Outcome in a Cohort of Pregnant Women in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka” involved anthropometric assessment, dietary analysis, biochemical investigations, statistical analysis, and interpretation of clinical data.

She also worked as a research assistant in the Cardiology Unit, Teaching Hospital Kandy where she was involved in a Hypertension & Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Study and a Post-PCI Pharmacological Adherence Study. Her research experience includes epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, academic writing and laboratory techniques such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry and cell culture.

Dinesha had successfully completed her medical internship and qualified as a registered medical practitioner in Sri Lanka. She then joined the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, a Lecturer in Biochemistry, where she served for more than eight years. Her academic responsibilities included delivering lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, conducting undergraduate medical examinations, contributing to postgraduate teaching and participating in faculty administrative activities. She also served as a visiting lecturer in the Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya.

Qualifications

  • MBBS, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • MPhil, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Teaching Interests

  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Human nutrition

Research Interests

  • Nutrition and metabolic health
  • Aetiology of Noncommunicable diseases
  • Micronutrient metabolism

Publications

International Peer Reviewed Publications:

Disease awareness, pharmacological adherence, and knowledge on further advanced therapeutic option among medically managed post myocardial infarction patients: Experience from a Sri Lankan tertiary care cardiac centre., H.G.W.A.P.L. Bandara, U.I. Hewarathna, T. Kogulan, R.M.S.P. Karunarathne, N.W. Kodithuwakku, A. Jegavanthan, A.W.D.T. Ambagaspitiya, D.M.J.M.H. Ambagammana, R. Tennakoon, S. R. Jayawickreme, S.N.B. Dolapihilla, G. Weerakoon., Journal of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology. 2018; 7:40-8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4103/JCPC.JCPC_28_17

 

Presentations at international scientific meetings published as full papers:

TCT-743 Safety and Effectiveness of Transcatheter Closure of Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Using Atrial Septal Occluder Device Without Balloon Sizing or Invasive Echocardiogram in Low Health Resource Setting., Uditha I. Hewarathna, Naradha W. Kodithuwakku, Shanike P. Karunaratne, HGWAPL Bandara, Thangarajah Kogulan, Gnanamoorthy Mayurathan, Gamini Weerakoon, Ajith I. Kularatne, Dinesha T. Ambagaspitiya. Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2015), 66(15): B303. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2015.08.766

Local Peer Reviewed Publications:

Circadian blood pressure profile and comparison with clinic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension on treatment; experience from a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathne UI, Karunarathne RMSP, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Jegavanthan A, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Jayawickreme SR , Hathlahawatte C, Weerakoon G, Dolapihilla SNB, Kularatne A, Sirisena T, Ralapanawa U (2017). Journal of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine. 2017. 4(2), pp.E58 1–E5811. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jpgim.8150

Knowledge, attitude and practice on physical and psychosexual well-being in a cohort of post MI patents in a Sri Lankan tertiary care cardiac center. H.G.W.A.P.L. Bandara, U.I. Hewarathna, T. Kogulan, R.M.S.P. Karunarathne, N.W. Kodithuwakku, A. Jegavanthan, A.W.D.T. Ambagaspitiya, D.M.J.M.H. Ambagammana, R. Tennakoon, S. R. Jayawickreme, S.N.B. Dolapihilla, G. Weerakoon., Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine (2017). 26(1), pp.4–12. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljm.v26i1.25

The prevalence of anxiety, depression and sexual maladjustments in post myocardial infarction patients: an uncovered aspect of follow-up care. N.W. Kodithuwakku, H.G.W.A.P.L. Bandara, T. Kogulan, R.M.S.P. Karunaratne, U.I. Hewarathna, A. Jegavanthan, A.W.D.T. Ambagaspitiya, S.N.B. Dolapihila., Journal of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine 2016 3; Supplement: E 1 DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jpgim.8104

Medication adherence and patient satisfaction following percutaneous coronary intervention: experience of a tertiary care cardiac center in Sri Lanka. Hewarathna, U.I., Bandara, H.G.W.A.P.L., Kogulan, T., Karunarathne, R.M.S.P., Kodithuwakku, N.W., Dolapihilla, S.N.B., Weerakoon, G., Mayurathan, G., Ambagaspitiya, D.T. and Siribaddana, M.A.H., 2017. Journal of the Ceylon College of Physicians, 48(1), p.26-33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/jccp.v48i1.7809

Multiple right ventricular thrombi formation following acute myocardial infarction: a case report. U.I. Hewarathna, H.G.W.A.P.L. Bandara, R.M.S.P. Karunarathne, T. Kogulan, N.W. Kodithuwakku, R. Thennakoon, S.R. Jayawickreme, S.N.B. Dolapihilla, G.Mayurathan and D.T. Ambagaspitiya., Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine (2016). 25(1), pp.36–40. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljm.v25i1.17

 

Abstract publications:

Presentations at International scientific meetings:

Maternal risk factors for macrosomia: findings from a tertiary care setting in the Kandy district. Abewardhana, M.G.D. K, Ambagaspitiya, A.W.D.T, Tennakoon, S, Ratnayake, R.M.C.J., Alles, C.N.R.A., International Annual Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya (iPURSE), Sri Lanka (2025) – Oral Presentation

Maternal Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Results from a Tertiary Care Cohort from Kandy District, Sri Lanka. Ambagaspitiya D, Tennakoon S, Ratnayake RMCJ, Alles CNRA and Ranasinghe JGS. 2nd International Conference on Recent Innovations in Biological, Chemical & Clinical Sciences 2025 (RIBCCS), Malaysia. (2025) – Oral Presentation

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Versus Maternal Serum Copper and Zinc Levels: Results from A Case Control Analysis. Ambagaspitiya D, Ratnayake C, Tennakoon S, Alles N and Ranasinghe S. 5th International conference on Food, Nutrition, Health and Lifestyle, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Page 70 (2023) – Oral Presentation

Effect Of Energy and Macronutrient Intake During Early Pregnancy on Large-For Gestational Age Babies. D Ambagaspitiya, N Alles. Sri Lanka- Japan Collaborative Research (SLJCR) Conference 2023. – Oral Presentation

Predictors of Delivering Large-for-Gestational Age Babies: Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index Versus Gestational Weight Gain. D. Ambagaspitiya, S. Tennakoon, D.T. Ranasinghe, N. Alles, J.G.S. Ranasinghe. International Annual Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya (iPURSE), Sri Lanka (2023) – Oral Presentation

The relationship of the determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy to dynamic blood pressure variables. Bandara HGWAPL, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Hewarathna UI, Karunaratne RMSP, Jegavanthan A, Jayawickreme SR, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. SLMA 129th Anniversary International Medical Congress, 2016 – Poster presentation

Are We Recognizing the Correct State of Blood Pressure Control of Our Patients in Outpatient Setting? Bandara HGWAPL, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Hewarathna UI, Karunaratne RMSP, Jegavanthan A, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. SLMA 129th Anniversary International Medical Congress, 2016 – Oral presentation

Efficiency and suitability of Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) in Sri Lanka. Hewarathna UI, Karunaratne RMSP, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Bandara HGWAPL, Mayurathan G, Arulnithy K, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. SLMA –128th International Medical Congress, 2015 July – Oral presentation

Outcome of transcatheter closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect using atrial septal occluder device. Kodithuwakku NW, Hewarathna UI, Karunaratne RMSP, Kogulan T, Bandara HGWAPL, Mayurathan G, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. SLMA - 128th International Medical Congress, 2015 July – Oral presentation

 

 

Presentations at Local scientific meetings:

Double Burden of Maternal Malnutrition in a Cohort of Pregnant Mothers from Kandy District: Impact for Birthweight. Abewardhana MGDK, Ambagaspitiya D, Alles A. . 47th Annual scientific sessions of Kandy Society of Medicine (KSM), Sri Lanka, 2024 – Oral Presentation

Maternal Copper Deficiency: A Hidden Risk Factor of Low Birth Weight. Ambagaspitiya D, Tennakoon S, Alles A, Ranasinghe JGS. 46th Annual scientific sessions of Kandy Society of Medicine (KSM), Sri Lanka, 2024 – Oral Presentation

Body Mass Index: a Factor that Determines Maternal Serum Calcium and Copper Levels in Pregnancy. Ambagaspitiya D, Tennakoon S, Ratnayake RMCJ, Alles A, Ranasinghe JGS. 4th Conference of the College of Biochemists of Sri Lanka. Page 23 (July 2023) – Oral Presentation

Short term Efficacy of Local Tetracycline Delivery Devices in Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy: A Meta-Analysis. Soysa NS, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Prasangika H, Alles CNRA, 45th Annual scientific sessions of Kandy Society of Medicine (KSM), Sri Lanka, 2023 – Oral Presentation

Does Locally Delivered Minocycline Adjunct to Subgingival Debridement Ameliorate Chronic Periodontitis in Smoker and Non-Smoker Patients? Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Alles CNRA, Soysa NS (2023). 45th Annual scientific sessions of Kandy Society of Medicine (KSM), Sri Lanka, 2023 – Oral Presentation

Meta Analysis of Short-Term Adjunctive Effects of Doxycycline on Chronic Periodontitis Therapy. Alles CNRA, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Soysa NS, 45th Annual scientific sessions of Kandy Society of Medicine (KSM), Sri Lanka, 2023 – Oral Presentation

Body Mass Index (BMI): A Factor Associated with the Energy Status in Pregnancy. Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Tennakoon S, Ratnayake RMCJ, Alles CNRA, Ranasinghe JGS. 45th Annual academic sessions of Kandy Society of Medicine, Sri Lanka. Page 39 (2023) – Oral Presentation

Macronutrient Intake in a Cohort of Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinics at The Teaching Hospital Peradeniya. Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Tennakoon S, Ratnayake RMCJ, Alles CNRA, Ranasinghe JGS. 45th Annual academic sessions of Kandy Society of Medicine, Sri Lanka. Page 41 (2023) – Oral presentation

Coronary Lesion Patterns in Diabetic Patients: A Sri Lankan Tertiary Cardiac Center Experience. Karunaratne RMSP, Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathna UI, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Dolapihilla SNB, Weerakoon WMG, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 – Oral presentation

Evaluation of Anxiety and Depression Among Post Myocardial Infarction Patients. Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathna UI, Kogulan T, Karunarathne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Abegunawardane MASP, Weerakoon WMG, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Herath HMGKNK. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 – Oral presentation

Sexual Life Adjustment After Post Myocardial Infarction; An Undiscussed Aspect of Follow Up Care. Hewarathna UI, Bandara HGWAPL, Kogulan T, Karunarathne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Dissanayake DMSJ, Dolapihilla SNB, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Herath HMGKNK. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 – Oral presentation

The Behaviour of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variables Among Patients on Treatment for Long Standing Essential Hypertension. Hewarathna UI, Bandara HGWAPL, Kogulan T, Karunaratne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 – Oral presentation

Left Ventricular Mass; How Does It Associate with Specific Constituents of Diurnal Blood Pressure Variables? Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathna UI, Kogulan T, Karunaratne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 – Poster presentation

ECG Driven Left Ventricular Hypertrophy; How Does It Correlate with Echocardiographic Findings in Hypertensive Patients? Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathna UI, Kogulan T, Karunaratne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 – Oral presentation

How Does Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index Derived From 24-‐Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Link with Circadian Blood Pressure Variability? Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathna UI, Kogulan T, Karunaratne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 – Poster presentation

How are we treating our hypertensive patients? A guideline based single centre evaluation. Hewarathna UI, Bandara HGWAPL, Kogulan T, Karunaratne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Javawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, KSM Annual Academic session 2016 – Oral presentation

How does the day-night variability of blood pressure change in patients on antihypertensive therapy for chronic essential hypertension? Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathna UI, Kogulan T, Karunaratne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, KSM Annual Academic session 2016 – Oral presentation

Reliability of clinic blood pressure versus ambulatory blood pressure in patients on antihypertensive therapy for chronic essential hypertension; a single centre experience. Kogulan T, Hewarathna UI, Bandara HGWAPL, Karunaratne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Jayawickreme SR, Hathalahawatta C, Ralapanawa DMPUK, Jayawickreme KP, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, KSM Annual Academic session 2016 – Oral presentation

Knowledge and Practices Related to Management of Hypertension Among Patients Attending Cardiology Clinic at General Hospital Kandy. Karunaratne RMSP, Hewarathna UI, Amarasinghe PVNP, Senavirathne GDWK, Ranaweera KKDSB, Tennakoon R, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 - Poster presentation

Pattern of Self-Reported Medication Non-‐Adherence and Drug Adverse Effects in A Sample of Post Myocardial Infarction Patients. Kogulan T, Hewarathna UI, Bandara HGWAPL, Karunarathne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Abegunawardane MASP, Weerakoon WMG, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Herath MHGKNK. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 - Poster presentation

Health Related Quality of Life in Post-myocardial Infarction Patients; Frequently Un Noticed Health Burden. Bandara HGWAPL, Hewarathna UI, Kogulan T, Karunarathne RMSP, Kodithuwakku NW, Abegunawardane MASP, Weerakoon WMG, Ambagaspitiya AWDT, Herath HMGKNK. KSM Annual Academic Sessions 2016 - Poster presentation

Pharmacological Adherence and Patient Satisfaction Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Teaching Hospital Kandy, Sri Lanka. Hewarathna UI, Karunaratne RMSP, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Bandara HGWAPL, Mayurathan G, Dolapihilla S N B, Weerakoon G, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. Ceylon College of Physicians – 48th Annual Academic Sessions 2015 September – Oral presentation

Safety and Effectiveness of Transcatheter Closure of Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Using Atrial Septal Occluder Device without Balloon Sizing or Invasive Echocardiogram in Sri Lanka. Hewarathna UI, Karunaratne RMSP, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Bandara HGWAPL, Mayurathan G, Dolapihilla S N B, Weerakoon G, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. Ceylon College of Physicians – 48th Annual Academic Sessions 2015 September – Oral presentation

Immediate and Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy as a Minimal Invasive Treatment Option for Mitral Stenosis in Sri Lanka. Hewarathna UI, Karunaratne RMSP, Kogulan T, Kodithuwakku NW, Bandara HGWAPL, Mayurathan G, Arulnithy K, Ambagaspitiya AWDT. Ceylon College of Physicians – 48th Annual Academic Sessions 2015 September – Poster presentation