Award for Developing Nation Investigator
Dr. Karunanayake earned his degree at the University of Kelaniya and is currently conducting research in the Department of Physiology at the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka.
He is primarily interested in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in Sri Lanka.
His previous work in the area examined the prevalence of these conditions in the pediatric population and explored possible risk factors for their development and their impact in terms of health care seeking behavior, health-related quality of life, and family burden.
Dr. Karunanayake’s current research activities include exploring the epidemiology of FGIDs in different communities in Sri Lanka and the assessment of autonomic functions and pain-related behaviors.
Additionally, he is working to start an autonomic function laboratory attached to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ruhuna with the aim of improving care for patients with autonomic dysfunctions in Southern Sri Lanka.
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