Thamara Amarasekara

About me

Professor Thamara Amarasekara is a distinguished scholar in the field of Nursing with over 20 years of experience in academia and research. She holds a PhD from the Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, and has been a faculty member at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura since 2006. Prof. Amarsekara’s research focuses on qualitative research, nursing practice, and education research. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles.
As an educator, Prof. Amarasekara has mentored numerous graduate and doctoral students, guiding them toward successful careers in academia and clinical practice. She has received several teaching and research awards. Prof. Amarasekara also serves on the editorial boards of leading nursing journals and has been invited to speak at international conferences. Prof. Amarasekara is recognised for her contributions to nursing practice, education, and research in Sri Lanka, earning the distinction of being the first female nursing professor in the country

Bio: Professor Thamara Amarasekara
Professor Thamara Amarasekara is a respected academic and researcher in the field of Nursing, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Her unwavering commitment to advancing nursing education, research, and practice has positioned her as a leading figure in Sri Lanka’s healthcare and academic landscape.
Prof. Amarasekara earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Faculty of Nursing at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, a prestigious institution known for its excellence in health sciences. Since joining the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2006, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the nursing curriculum and fostering a culture of research and innovation within the department. Her scholarly interests lie primarily in qualitative research methodologies, nursing practice, and education research. Through her work, she has explored the lived experiences of nurses, the dynamics of patient care, and the pedagogical strategies that enhance nursing education. Prof. Amarasekara has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals, contributing valuable insights to the global nursing community. As an educator, she is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of nursing professionals. She has guided numerous graduate and doctoral students, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in academia, clinical settings, and policy development. Her mentorship is marked by a personalized and rigorous approach that empowers students to pursue excellence and innovation.
Prof. Amarasekara’s contributions have been recognised through multiple teaching and research awards, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence and impactful scholarship. She serves on the editorial boards of several leading nursing journals, where she helps shape the discourse in contemporary nursing research. Her expertise has also been sought at international conferences, where she has delivered keynote addresses and participated in panel discussions on nursing education and practice.
In addition to her academic achievements, Prof. Amarasekara holds the historic distinction of being the first female professor of nursing in Sri Lanka. This milestone underscores her role as a trailblazer and advocate for gender equity in higher education and healthcare leadership. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of nurses and educators, and her legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and transformative impact.

Degrees:

2014
Doctorate
Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences