Dr. Pushpa Kulanatha is a distinguished academic and practitioner in the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine at the University of Colombo. Her career is characterized by a deep commitment to Ayurveda, its education, research, and practice.
Academic and Professional Journey
Dr. Kulanatha’s journey in Indigenous Medicine began in 1996 as a medical officer in the Department of Ayurveda. She quickly rose through the ranks at the National Institute for Traditional Medicine (NITM), where she actively contributed to the field by sharing ancestral Ayurveda practices, lecturing in the “Ayurveda Shastrie” program, and authoring the handbook “Dina Charya” for school students. She further extended her passion for Ayurveda education by conducting impactful school programs to foster awareness among students in the Colombo district.
Her academic pursuits showcase a commitment to continuous learning. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development (2000) and has conducted research on increasing urban awareness of indigenous medicine. Since 1999, she has been a dedicated lecturer at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, earning accreditation as a teacher in higher education (2000).
In her pursuit of advanced knowledge, Dr. Kulanatha obtained a Doctor of Medicine from the prestigious Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) of India (2006). She also holds specializations in Ayurveda Samhita, Sanskrit, and Yoga instruction from BHU.
A pioneer in her field, Dr. Kulanatha was the first grantee to complete her postgraduate program under the NCAS grant.This achievement led to her serving as Orator at the 2008 NCAS inauguration and a valued resource person in the NCAS PhD Training programs. Her expertise is internationally recognized, evidenced by her role as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Traditional Medicine.
Contributions to Administration and the Wider Community
Dr. Kulanatha’s contributions extend beyond academics. She has held various administrative positions at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine, including department head, chief student counselor, and sectional head, and has served on numerous official boards. She actively participates in international seminars, steering committees, and scientific sessions,and also serves as a scientific paper reviewer.
Her dedication to educational excellence is demonstrated by her recent ISO 21001 certification for educational management systems and her active involvement in conducting workshops on student-centered teaching and learning.
Beyond the university, Dr. Kulanatha has actively served the broader community through her roles on the Executive Committees of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka Branch, the Population Association of Sri Lanka, and SLAIHEE (Sri Lanka Association for Improving Higher Education Effectiveness). She also served as a Board Member of the Sri Lanka Ayurveda Medical Council.
Dr. Pushpa Kulanatha’s illustrious career exemplifies a lifelong dedication to Ayurveda. Her passion for education,research, and community service has significantly contributed to the advancement of Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka and beyond.