Harsha Dissanayake

Dr. Harsha A. Dissanayake graduated with First Class Honours from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo in 2013. He completed his MD in Medicine in 2019, achieving first place in national merit, and has been serving as a Lecturer in Endocrinology since joining the Department of Clinical Medicine in 2020.

As a clinician–academic specializing in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Medicine, Dr. Dissanayake is currently pursuing a DPhil in Medical Sciences at the University of Oxford. Based at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, his research focuses on mechanisms underlying metabolic health, including safe fat storage in humans. He holds Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) and has specialist accreditation in Diabetes and Endocrinology.

His academic journey is distinguished by numerous accolades, including multiple distinctions and gold medals in clinical medicine and related fields, along with national merit rankings, university commendations, and competitive international scholarships.

Dr. Dissanayake’s clinical training began with extensive internal medicine experience, followed by advanced endocrinology training. His clinical roles include appointments at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka and specialist clinical and academic positions in the United Kingdom. Presently, he serves as an Honorary Senior Clinical Fellow in Endocrinology and Diabetes at Oxford, contributing to both patient care and research in a premier international academic setting.

He has built an impressive research portfolio with numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals. His work encompasses clinical research, epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing on diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic disorders. His research has enhanced understanding of metabolic diseases locally and globally and has been recognized with multiple national and international awards, including honors for scientific research and presentations at major conferences.

In addition to research, Dr. Dissanayake is deeply involved in medical education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, contributing to curriculum delivery, bedside teaching, student assessment, and postgraduate research supervision. His dedication to teaching excellence has earned formal awards and ongoing roles in faculty development programs.

Beyond academia, he has contributed to national clinical guidelines, academic publications, and professional organizations, demonstrating a broad commitment to advancing clinical practice, research, and medical education. His work continues to integrate clinical medicine with translational research to improve outcomes for patients with endocrine and metabolic diseases.