Dr. Maduka de Lanerolle Dias

Dr Maduka de Lanerolle Dias holds a BSc Special (first class honours) in Biochemistry and a PhD (Colombo) in nutrition. She has a certificate of teaching in higher education (CTHE, UoC) and is a SEDA (UK) accredited teacher in higher education. Her strengths are in teaching and student welfare, having been awarded the excellence in teaching award for 2022, and playing an active role as a student counselor. Her involvement in student welfare is also evidence by her being Senior Treasurer, Catholic Students Movement and  as a Co-Organiser of the Inter batch general knowledge quiz (COMSAA Quiz).

Her strengths are also in leadership, planning and organising as evidenced by her efficient execution of activities as  Co-Organiser Cochrane systematic review workshop, Faculty of Medicine, Organizing committee, University Research Symposium, and currently Colombo Medical Congress Organizing committee, Museum curator, UCFM Museum, Faculty of Medicine. She has also held the roles of chairperson, and convenor Endocrine and Metabolism module, Chairperson, International Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Convener of Nutrition, Growth and Development module.

Her research interests are in body composition using stable isotopes and micronutrients, obtaining grants as both principal and co-grantee from the National Science Foundation and the International Atomic Energy Agency. She supervisors MSc and PhD students and has received 8 awards for research excellence. She has received training in supporting advocacy and policy work through attending the WHO/Cochrane/Cornell University Summer Institute for Systematic Reviews in Nutrition for Global Policy Making, and is currently a member of a Cochrane working group. She has undertaken advocacy work through the World Health Organization both nationally and within the South East Asia region. She contributes to national advocacy through the ministry of health and is currently a member of the NMRA.