Professor Kaumadi Karunagoda is a distinguished academic and medical professional in the field of Ayurveda, currently serving as the Professor and Head of the Department of Prasuthithantra Kaumarabrithya (2023–2026) at the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo. She is also the Faculty Coordinator for the International Office of the University and has previously held numerous leadership positions within the institution.
Prof. Karunagoda graduated with First Class Honors from the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (IIM), University of Colombo in 2005, earning distinctions in Kayachikitsa and Deshiya Chikitsa. She was recognized with the Dr. Jayantha Edirisinghe Prize for best student performance in every academic year during her undergraduate studies.
She pursued her postgraduate studies at Gujarat Ayurveda University, India, earning a Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (Stree Roga & Prasuthitantra) in 2010. Furthering her academic journey, she obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Colombo in 2021.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic leadership and institutional development. From 2012 to 2018, she served as the Head of the Unit of Prasuthithantra Kaumarabrithya. She also held key roles such as Warden of the Girls’ Hostel, Secretary of the Ethics Review Committee, and Secretary of the Ayurveda Sectional Committee at IIM.
With the transition of IIM into the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, Prof. Karunagoda was appointed the founding Head of the Department of Ayurveda Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, and Gynaecology Obstetrics and Paediatrics.
In addition to her academic roles, she has contributed extensively to clinical practice and postgraduate education. Since 2011, she has been working as an Honorary Consultant Ayurveda Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella. She is also a Medical Educator, Supervisor, Lead Trainer, and Chair of the Speciality Board in Stree Roga Prasuthithantra at the Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo.
Prof. Karunagoda has played a significant role in professional organizations. She served as the President of the Teachers’ Association at IIM in 2022 and has been an active member of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), Section A, where she held the positions of Secretary (2019–2020), Vice President (2021), Council Member, and President (2022).
Her special interests include subfertility, antenatal care, uterine fibroids, and gynaecological disorders. With a deep commitment to women’s health, she continues to work as a researcher, Clinician, and educator with a vision to ensure respectful and comprehensive medical care for women throughout their lives.