Ms. Sambavathas Sathya

Ms. Sathya Sambavathas

Senior Lecturer (Gr II) in Pharmacy
Master of Philosophy
Bachelor of Pharmacy

sathyas@univ.jfn.ac.lk

Overview

Ms. Sathya Sambavathas is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy did her M.Phil. in chemical sciences at University of Peradeniya in 2019 and perused her BPharm degree with Second class (upper division) at University of Peradeniya in 2016. Her research career began in 2016 at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, where she served as a Research Assistant and was involved in scientific research in natural product research group under the supervision of Prof. Lalith Jayasinghe and Dr. Nilupa Amarasinghe. In 2019, she joined the University of Jaffna as a probationary Lecturer in Pharmacy, marking the beginning of her academic career in higher education. Sathya is actively engaged in teaching, research, and academic mentoring of undergraduate pharmacy students.

She contributes to the department by delivering lectures, guiding student research projects, and participating in curriculum development. Her academic and research interest includes pharmacognosy, natural product research, formulation development, drug discovery and development, and pharmacy practice research. Her research particularly focuses on natural product science, formulation development, and pharmacy practice, aiming to contribute to the discovery of bioactive compounds and the improvement of pharmaceutical care. Ms. Sathya’s scholarly work has resulted in publications in indexed journals and presentations at international conferences. She has also received several national and international awards in recognition of her academic and research achievements. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she actively contributes to administrative roles at both departmental and faculty levels, supporting the advancement of pharmacy education and research.

  • Master of Philosophy (University of Peradeniya) [2019]
  • Advance Course on Laboratory Animal Science (University of Colombo) [2023]
  • Advance Course in Organic Chemistry (University of Peradeniya) [2017]
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (University of Peradeniya) [2016]

Training and workshops

2025

  • Systemic literature review with bibliometric analysis: A way of manuscript writing with PRISMA conducted by Institute of applied statistics Sri Lanka (IASSL).
  • Workshop on Conducting Interventional Research in Sri Lanka. conducted by Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry in collaboration with the Research Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • Academic writing workshop conducted by Sri Lanka Society of Microbiology at Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna.
  • Workshop on “Supervision of undergraduate research project” conducted by Sri Lanka Society of Microbiology at Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna.

2024

  • Get Published: The Art of Scientific Writing-(1day)
  • National Clinical Pharmacy Train the Trainer Program at University of Peradeniya – 2024 (4 days)
  • Survey design and analysis workshop at Institute of Applied Statistics, Sri Lanka. (4 days)
  • Research Methodology &Mem SPSS workshop at Premier Educare institute in Sri Lanka (5 days).

 2023

  • Training on Molecular biological technique at IBMBB University of Colombo. (1 week)
  • Training on Training course in Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Drug Discovery at IBMBB University of Colombo. (1 week)

2022

  • Intense training on Advanced Analytical techniques: Basic principles and Applications for Quality Assessment of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals for Export in NIPER Mohali, India sponsored by Indian technical and economic cooperation, Government of India. (2 weeks)
  • Workshop on Leadership and Management Skills for Healthcare Professionals: CPD

2021

  • Preconference workshop on Animal Research beyond publications organized by Basic and Applied Science session of KDU-IRC 2021

2020

  • Induction Program for academic staff by Saff Development Centre, University of Jaffna.

2019

  • Curriculum revision workshop of Unit of Allied health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
  • Student counsellor of FAHS (2025-to present)
  • Member in University Publication Committee of University of Jaffna (2025-presesnt)
  • Member in Curriculum Development Revision and Monitoring Committee of FAHS (2024-present)
  • Member in Research and Higher Education FAHS (2024-present)
  • Academic counsellor (Mentor) for the students of Department of Pharmacy (2020-present).
  • E- repository coordinator of FAHS (2019- present)
  • Secretary in UBL cell-FAHS (2024-2026)
  • Member in Technical evaluation committee of FAHS (2020-2025)
  • Secretary in 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium of FAHS (2023)
  • Coordinator for 1st year Basic Sciences for the academic year 2019/20 (15th batch)- (2021- 2022)
  • Member to the Sports Advisory Board (2020-2023)
  • Secretary in Jaffna Science Association Section C (2021)
  • Faculty board representative for probationary lecturers (2020-2021)
  • Secretary in IT, Web & Library committee (2019-2021)

International Award

  • Best poster presentation award in 9th International Seminar, From Plant to Patient: Identification of New Drugs for Metabolic Disorders, University of Karachi, Pakistan, [2019].

National Awards

  • First place at the “3-Minute Thesis Competition-3MT” of the 3rd SLAYS open forum organized by Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) , [2019].
  • Three minutes thesis presentation winner in 2018 in National Institute of Fundamental Studies.

Research grant

  • University Research grant (URG Reference No. URG2025/SEIT/04) was awarded by the University of Jaffna to the project titled on “Ethnobotanical studies of medicinal plants used in Jaffna district Sri Lanka and evaluation of the pharmacological activities of the selected plants, [2025].

Travel Grant

  • Travel grant (RGB/GEN/06/2019/01/08) was awarded to participate ANRAP 9th International Seminar, From Plant to Patient: Identification of New Drugs for Metabolic Disorders, University of Karachi, Pakistan, [2019].

Book Chapters

  • Sathya, S., Amarasinghe, N.R., Jayasinghe, L. and Fujimoto, Y., 2022. 7 Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of spices and culinary herbs. Chemistry of Natural Products: Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy of Medicinal Plants, p.139.

Journal Publications

  • Sathya, L. Jayasinghe, N. R. Amarasinghe, H. Araya and Y. Fujimoto (2020). Enzyme inhibitors from the aril of Myristica fragrans. South African Journal of Botany 130, 172-176.
  • Sathya, H.M.D.R. Herath, N.R. Amarasinghe, R.K. Suraweera (2017). Formulation development of cream incorporating extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). Pharmaceutical Journal of Sri Lanka 7, 44–50.
  • Niluka, S. Sathya, S. Sivasinthujah (2024). An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by diabetes patients attending the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science 53 (4), 519-528

Abstract Publications at National and Internal Conferences

  • I. P. Janith1, P. D. Imesha, K. M. S. G. Nimesh, T. Ganakarunyan, K. Dilakshana, S. Sathya (2025) Formulation Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Gel for Bacterial Skin Infection. Proceedings of The 10th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (ICSUSL) 2025. pp 148
  • Faseeha M.F.F., Mafrina M.I.F., Mufees K.R.M., Gnanakarunyan T.J., Dilakshana K., Sathya S. (2025).  Antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Abelmoschus esculentus pods and Salvia hispanica L. seeds against Candida albicans. Proceedings of the 7th Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025 Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna. pp 3.
  • Doranegama W.M.A.P.M., Thupaksiga B., Kasthuriarachchi K.A.S.T., Gamage G.G.O.K., Gnanakarunyan T., Dilakshana K., Sathya S. (2025). Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic Extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bark and Curcuma longa Proceedings of 3rd International Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka. pp 40.
  • Fernando W.A.L., Kumarasinghe K.K.A.T.D., Madanayake M.K.A.D., Sathya S., Sivasinthujah S. (2025). Chemical Stability of Sublingual Glyceryl Trinitrate Tablets in Outpatient Settings. Proceedings of 3rd International Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka. pp 45.
  • Niluka, S. Sathya, Sivasinthujah (2023). Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus among indigenous medicine practitioners in Jaffna division. Proceedings of PGIS Research Congress, Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya. pp 104.
  • Gunarathne M.V.H.S., Sathya S., Jayasinghe L., Amarasinghe N.R. (2021). Investigation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activities of Ceylon green tea. Proceedings of 8th Ruhuna International Science & Technology Conference University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka. pp 36.
  • Sathya (October 2019). Sri Lankan Spices for Alzheimer’s, Proceedings of SLAYS International Conference, Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientist. Sri Lanka, pp 19.
  • A.K.C Jayakody, S. Sathya, L. Jayasinghe, and N.R.Amarasinghe. (October 2019). Comparative study of antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of fresh and processed pericarp of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg). Annual scientific session 2019- Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka, pp 28.
  • Sathya, L. Jayasinghe, N. R. Amarasinghe, H. Araya and Y. Fujimoto (January 2019). α-Glucosidase inhibitors from mace (Myristica fragrans). Proceedings of 9th International Seminar, From Plant to Patient: Identification of New Drugs for Metabolic Disorders, University of Karachi, Pakistan. pp 95.
  • Sathya, L. Jayasinghe, and N. R. Amarasinghe. (December 2018). Investigation of neuroprotective activity of Sri Lankan spices. Asian Symposium on Medicinal Plants. Proceedings of Asian Symposium on Medicinal Plants, Spices and Other Natural Products XVI, The Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall Colombo, Sri Lanka. pp 167.
  • N. Farook, S. Sathya, L. Jayasinghe, and N.R. Amarasinghe. (December 2018). Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activity of some vegetables. Proceedings of Asian Symposium on Medicinal Plants, Spices and Other Natural Products XVI, The Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall Colombo, Sri Lanka. pp 183
  • D.R.M Dharmadasa, S. Sathya, L. Jayasinghe, and N.R. Amarasinghe. (June 2018) Acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activity of Olax zeylanica. Annual scientific session 2018- Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka, pp 24.
  • Sathya, L. Jayasinghe, and N.R. Amarasinghe. (January 2018). Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from mace (Myristica fragrans). 1st Sri Lankan Regional ANRAP Seminar (ANRAPSL1) on Herbal Approaches in Combating Diabetes and other Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka. pp 56.
  • Sathya, M.M. Qader, L.Jayasinghe, and N.R. Amarasinghe. (September 2017). Search for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Sri Lanka spices. Proceedings of PGIS Research Congress, Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya. pp 104.
  • S. Sambavathas, H.M.D.R. Herath, N.R. Amarasinghe, R.K. Suraweera, (November 2016). Formulation, development and assessment of skin whitening efficacy of whitening cream of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). Proceedings of Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE), University of Peradeniya. pp 199.

Current:

  • Pharmacognosy I-Lecture & Practical (2019- present)
  • Pharmacognosy II- Lecture & Practical (2020-present)
  • Pharmaceutical Technology II- Lectures (2023-present)
  • Drug discovery and development- Lectures (2020-present)
  • Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics – Lectures (2024-present)

Past:

  • Hospital Pharmacy- Lectures (2021-2023)
  • Hospital Pharmacy Practice I & II (2023-2025)
  • Molecular Biology and Biotechnology- Lectures (2021-2024)