Dr. Bonewendé Mohamed Belemlilga | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Ruwani Suraweera | Drug Delivery | Best Researcher Award

Queensland University of Technology, Australia

👨‍🎓Profiles

• ORICD Profile
• Google Scholar

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Ruwani Kaushalya Suraweera demonstrated academic excellence from the beginning of her educational journey. She graduated with honors from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, earning a B.Pharm (Honours), making her the best performer in the 2008/2009 pharmacy batch. She later pursued an M.Phil. in Chemical Sciences (2017–2022), excelling in courses like Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CHN 501) with an A+ grade. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, where her research focuses on pharmaceutical technology and advanced drug delivery systems.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

She has held significant academic roles, starting as a Temporary Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Peradeniya, in 2014. She was later appointed as a Lecturer in the same department, a position she held from November 2014 to June 2023. Her responsibilities included lecturing, mentoring, and contributing to the academic curriculum, especially for the B.Pharm degree program. Additionally, her expertise was recognized through her authorship of course materials, such as ‘Pharmaceutics 1’, for the Open University of Sri Lanka.

🌟 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research has spanned diverse areas, including formulation development, drug delivery systems, and pharmaceutical technology. Her work emphasizes nanobiotechnology and its applications in healthcare, as evidenced by her coursework and publications. She co-authored a chapter on Drug Safetyin Sri Lanka, published by Elsevier, contributing valuable insights into drug regulation and safety in developing countries. Her efforts to innovate in drug delivery systems aim to address pressing healthcare challenges globally.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Ruwani has not only contributed academically but also influenced healthcare systems through her research and teaching. Her work in drug safety and pharmaceutical education has directly impacted the healthcare landscape in Sri Lanka, promoting better practices in clinical and hospital-based pharmacy settings. As a registered pharmacist and an active member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka, her dedication to the field is evident.

📚 Academic Citations

Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through citations in prominent academic platforms, especially her chapter contributions to global discussions on drug safety. This establishes her as a credible voice in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare innovation.

🛠️ Technical Skills

She possesses a robust set of technical skills honed through both academic and professional experiences. She is proficient in ISO certification standards (ISO 9001 and 14001), first aid, and advanced analytical techniques learned under the ITEC scholarship from India. Her training extends to industrial and clinical pharmacy, including work at institutions like the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) and Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Her commitment to education has been pivotal in shaping the next generation of pharmacists. With nearly a decade of experience as a lecturer, She has been instrumental in teaching, developing course material, and mentoring students at the University of Peradeniya. Her work includes preparing comprehensive resources tailored for pharmacy education.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy lies in her ability to bridge the gap between research and practice. Her focus on nanotechnology and innovative drug delivery systems has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings. As a researcher and educator, she continues to mentor and inspire young scientists while contributing to advancements in pharmaceutical technology. Looking ahead, she is committed to leveraging her expertise to develop accessible, efficient, and safe drug delivery solutions, leaving a lasting impact on global healthcare systems.

🏅 Distinctions and Memberships

Her excellence has been recognized with several distinctions, including a distinction in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz. She is a life member of the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya’s Pharmacy Department and an active participant in professional societies. Her achievements reflect her dedication to the field of pharmacy and her ongoing pursuit of academic and professional excellence.

📖Notable Publications

Formulation and stability evaluation of ketoprofen loaded virgin coconut oil-based creamy emulsion

Authors: RK Suraweera, HGP Pasansi, H Herath, DBM Wickramaratne, ...
Journal: International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Year: 2014

Assessing the characterizations of ketoprofen loaded and unloaded virgin coconut oil-based creamy nanoemulsion

Authors: RK Suraweera, HGP Pasansi, MHF Sakeena
Journal: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
Year: 2015

Formulation development of cream incorporating extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

Authors: S Sathya, H Herath, NR Amarasinghe, RK Suraweera
Journal: Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka
Year: 2017

A study on Paracetamol consumption by undergraduate students in the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya

Authors: A Samarawickrama, RK Suraweera, C Sivayoganathan, MHF Sakeena
Journal: International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications
Year: 2014

Drug safety in Sri Lanka

Authors: D Niyangoda, D de Silva, S Vinodani, RK Suraweera, ...
Journal: Drug Safety in Developing Countries
Year: 2020

Investigation of the use of medicinal plants and natural products for COVID-19 prevention and respiratory symptoms treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka

Authors: NTP Uyangoda, TP Gamagedara, RK Suraweera, LS Nawarathna
Journal: Sri Lankan Journal of Health Sciences
Year: 2022

Formulation of optimized Dapsone skin cream for the use of Acne vulgaris

Authors: R Fathima, RK Suraweera, DBM Wickramaratne
Journal: Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
Year: 2021