University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

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Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

Determinants of Multimorbidity among the Ageing Population in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka
(South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 2026) Nuskiya, M.H.F.; Ruzaik, Fareena
Multimorbidity, the presence of two or more chronic conditions, is a growing public health problem in the context of ageing populations. There is a high level of multimorbidity in Sri Lanka, with a rapid demographic ageing trend, but the community-level evidence on the factors underlying multimorbidity is scarce. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity and to investigate the demographic and socioeconomic factors of the older people in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. The research was conducted by cross-sectional studies on 220 older adults (age ≥ 60) selected by multi-stage cluster sampling, in the community. Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Multimorbidity was defined as having ≥ 2 chronic disease conditions, and sensitivity analysis was performed with ≥ 3 chronic disease conditions. Analytical tools, such as Python, were used for descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. There was a high prevalence of multimorbidity (57.7%), and 28.6% reported having 3 or more of the chronic conditions. Hypertension, diabetes and arthritis were the most prevalent conditions. Multivariate analysis revealed age and living condition as key independent demographic factors; those aged ≥80 years had greater odds of multimorbidity, and those who lived alone had higher odds. There were no statistically significant associations with socioeconomic status factors such as education, wealth, pension status or place of residence after adjustment. The results were similar in sensitivity analyses based on an alternative definition of multimorbidity (defined as ≥3 conditions). The study suggests that there is a high level of multimorbidity among older adults in Kurunegala District, which is mainly due to their biological ageing and social vulnerability, and not to socioeconomic factors. The results highlight the value of a multi-sector community support network and the importance of primary healthcare being integrated and person-centred, especially for older people who feel socially isolated.
A critical review of pharmacodynamics properties of ingredients of Patola vishvadi kashaya for treating Amlapitta (Gastritis)
(Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2024) Nishan, S.P.A.S.; Molligoda, S.P.; Weerasekara, K.R.
Gastritis is an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of gastritis was around 1.8-2.1 million cases annually in 2012. In Ayurveda, gastritis can be correlated with Amlapitta, which is caused by vitiated Agni and Pachakapitta. This high prevalence underscores the need to explore diverse treatment options, including traditional remedies like Ayurveda decoctions. This study aims to critically review the pharmacodynamics properties of the ingredients in Patola vishvadi kashaya, focusing on their effects on Amlapitta. The medicinal prescription was selected from Cakradatta, Chikithsa Sangraha, and pharmacodynamics properties collected from authentic texts, previous research, journal articles, and websites. The ingredients include Dummella (Tricosanthus cucumerina), Dry Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Rasakinda (Tinospora cordifolia), and Katukarosana (Picrohiza kurroa). The Rasa of Kashaya contains 50% Tikta, 33% Katu, and 17% Kashaya. Among the Guna, 50% are Laghu, 38% Ruksha, and 12% Snigdha. Additionally, 75% of the drugs have Ushna Veerya, while 25% have Sheetha Veerya.
Physico-chemical analysis of Valu kashaya (decoction prepared by using sand) used in Suthika roga (Complication of post-partum)
(Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2023) Wickramasinghe, B.H.L.G.; Molligoda, S.P.; Nawarathne, T.; Bogoda, A.I.
Valu decoction is a classical formulation mentioned in authentic Traditional textbooks. It predominantly categorized into two types, namely Valu decoction I and Valu decoction Il. \-V11ile the method of preparation remains consistent tor both methods, the ingredients employed differ. The decoction is primarily utilized to address post-partum complications. It consists of twelve plant-based ingredients and sand of river or stream. The present study primarily focuses to lay clown analytical standards for Valli decoction L The selection of quality and correct ingredients was the first step in standardizing herbal decoction. The relevant plant species were identified, and their validity confirmed using phytochemical investigation. The study was conducted to reveal the variations ill organoleptic parameters (color, odor, and taste), physico-chemical parameters (pH, specific gravity- refractive index and brix value). Refractive index evaluates purity of preparation was found to be 1.33. pH value which evaluates the quality of the chug was found to be 5.18, Alkaline pH favors high microbial contamination of the herbal preparations, but it is slightly acidic in nature. Brix value use for evaluation of how much dissolved sugar IS in a liquid solution was found to be 1.23. Foaming ability index was used to determine the foaming ability of aqueous decoction of herbal material was found -to bel .36. Specific gravity is an evaluation parameter affirming wt/ml should always be more than carrier solvent (water). Notably, the majority of phytochemical constituents, including saponins. alkaloids. flavonoids. tannins, and steroids. were present in significant quantities across the samples.
Study on traditional tools used for feeding in Kshirapa Period
(Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2021) Dissanayake, K.L.; Molligoda, S.P.; Senadeera, H.M.; Kalawana, O.T.M.R.K.S.B.
Total life span of a person classified into several age groups considering various factors in Ayurvedic texts. According to Sushruta and Kashyapa Samhita, Kshirapa is the period up to one year of age, after the birth of a baby. In the Kshirapa period breast milk was the only compatible and wholesome food for infants. Breast milk contains all nutrients and antibodies a baby needs in the first 6 months of life, with right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby's changing needs. The mother should be in good physical and mental health, though she has sufficient breast milk to feed, and also the baby should be able to suck breast milk. When the baby cannot suck the breast milk directly or in absence of breast milk, expressed breast milk or supplements should be given to the baby using various tools. Main objective of this study was collecting and analyzing data about strategies which were used in ancient times in Sri Lanka. This research project was conducted as a qualitative study. Data was collected and compiled from Indigenous medical text, Ola leaves, relevant lexicons, different web sites and discussions with Ayurveda and indigenous physicians.
An analytical study of Ratha Thaila with special reference to the Traditional Medical System in Sri Lanka
(Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2021) Senarath, S.H.A.P.B.; Molligoda, S.P.; Senadeera, H.M.
Ratha roga or Ratha gaya is a very noteworthy disease in childhood especially in neonates. There were many different types of Ratha rogas such as, Ratha gaya, Ratha gedi, Le ratha, Panu ratha, Gal ratha, Na ratha, Duwana panina ratha, Wada mal wan rafha, Mandam ratha and so more. All these types were mainly related with Raktha dhathu and the location is skin. Ratha thaila is one of the main treatments for Ratha rogas in ancient traditional practice which is mentioned with different types of recipes. Though it is not a much common practice in present, gathering information about this valuable medicine is a necessity. Therefore, this research was conducted to collect different recipes used in traditional medicine and analyze those different types. Data was collected from texts related to traditional medicine and from the practitioners' inherited traditional knowledge of medicine and analyzed. Twenty-eight types of Ratha thaila recipes were found in this research work. They were different from one to another with names, ingredients, preparation methods, indications, and effect on doshas. Nomenclature of those recipes were done based on ingredients, disease conditions, according to the effect, duration of the childhood, method of preparation etc.