Damitha Liyanaarachchi
Bioinformatics Scientist at Genelabs Medical, working across NGS analysis, clinical variant interpretation, and applied machine learning for genetic diagnostics. I also lecture MSc students in genomic data science and pathway analysis, and my research includes a Q1 journal publication and a national award-winning software product.
From medicine to Bioinformatics
I trained in medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, before taking a career pathway shift towards computer science driven by a long-term passion. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Studies and went on to complete a Master of Information Technology with Distinction - earning the JICA Award for best performance. That path now shapes how I work, where I combine my understanding of medicine and human biology with computational approaches.
Master of Information Technology (MIT)
Sept 2021 - Apr 2024University of Colombo School of Computing
Distinction | GPA 3.68/4.25 | JICA Award for the Best Student in MIT
Bachelor of Health Studies
Nov 2014 - Aug 2019Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (enrolled for MBBS)
G.C.E. Advanced Level - Biology Stream
2013Royal College, Colombo 07
2 A passes (Physics, Chemistry), 1 B pass (Biology) · Z-Score: 2.1630
National ICT Awards (NBQSA) - Best Student Research Project of the Year
September 2026BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka
National ICT Awards (NBQSA) - Silver Award
September 2026BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka
JICA Award for the Best Performance in Master of Information Technology
December 2024University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
National ICT Awards (NBQSA) - Merit Award
October 2024BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka
ROYEX Science Exhibition - 2nd Place
2012Royal College, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
View detailsProvincial Software Competition - 2nd Place
2010Ministry of Education & Microsoft Sri Lanka
View detailsWhere I work & have worked
Bioinformatics Scientist
February 2025 - PresentGenelabs Medical (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka
- Lead bioinformatics research and development in genomic data analysis, molecular diagnostics, and clinical interpretation of NGS data.
- Perform end-to-end analysis of WES, WGS, blended genome-exome, and amplicon-based targeted panel (AmpliSeq) sequencing, including variant annotation and curation following ACMG/AMP guidelines.
- Develop and apply machine learning and AI-based models to improve diagnostic accuracy for inherited and complex genetic disorders, including ongoing work on NIPT for fetal sex determination and chromosomal aneuploidy detection.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary clinical and research teams to integrate bioinformatics workflows into routine medical diagnostics and translational research in Sri Lanka.
- Contribute to institution-funded research projects and national/international academic-clinical collaborations.
- Supervise and mentor laboratory and bioinformatics staff, and provide training in NGS data analysis.
Associate Member
August 2025 - PresentHuman Pangenome Reference Consortium
- Serve as a representative from Sri Lanka in the international Human Pangenome Reference Consortium.
- Contribute to a global collaborative initiative advancing comprehensive human pangenome reference resources for genomics research and precision medicine.
- Engage with an international network of researchers, clinicians, and bioinformaticians to promote pangenome-based approaches in genomic analysis.
Visiting Lecturer
February 2025 - PresentInstitute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IBMBB), University of Colombo
- Conduct lectures for the MSc in Bioinformatics programme on Systems Biology and Pathway Analysis, Genomic Data Science, and NGS Data Analysis Tools.
Researcher
December 2023 - PresentBioinformatics Research Group, University of Colombo School of Computing
- Developed a deep learning-assisted automated screening system for thalassemia, integrating peripheral blood smear image analysis with red blood cell indices - published in a Q1 peer-reviewed journal.
- Served on the organising committee for the Embassy Science Fellow Workshop for Bioinformatics, a collaboration between the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, NHGRI, and Genelabs Medical.
- Guest speaker at 'Advancing Next-Generation Sequencing in the South Asian Region' (SLIBTEC & ICGEB, May 2024).
- Proficient in developing NGS pipelines using cloud-based platforms such as Galaxy and Orange Data Mining tools.
Browser Automation Developer (Freelance)
March 2020 - February 2025Fiverr.com
- Design and build custom browser-automation scripts in Python and JavaScript for international clients to streamline repetitive workflows.
Project Manager
March 2020 - August 2023Dream Stream, LLC. USA
- Data management and server synchronization using FTP/SCTP/Mega Sync.
- Implemented security measures such as port restrictions and custom firewall rules.
- Server diagnostics and setup using rescue mode and IPKVM; network troubleshooting and HTTPS/SOCKS5 proxy implementation.
- Web automation using Browser Automation Studio and UiPath; trained and managed a small team of virtual assistants.
Teaching & Mentorship
Alongside clinical bioinformatics work, I teach postgraduate students and mentor the next generation of bioinformaticians.
Research & Publications
Peer-reviewed and applied research at the intersection of genomics, machine learning, and clinical diagnostics.
Research Interests
- Bioinformatics
- Machine Learning and AI in Healthcare
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Rare Disease Diagnosis
- Clinical & Genomic Medicine
- Pharmacogenomics
- Health & Clinical Informatics
- Connectomics
Professional Development
Courses, workshops, and training programmes I've completed alongside my research and clinical work.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
View certificateAsia Pacific Pediatric Association (APPA) & Sri Lankan College of Paediatricians (SLCP)
View certificateEastern Chapter, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS)
View certificateThe Human Genome Organisation (HUGO)
View certificateCentre of Bioinformatics Research and Technology
View certificateDiscovery Boulevard
View certificateDeepLearning.AI & Stanford University
World Health Organization (OpenWHO.org)
View certificateDeepLearning.AI & Stanford University
View certificatePostman Inc.
Academic & Community Service
Volunteering, committee work, and outreach alongside my research and clinical work.
Resource Person - Genetics Forum at ECU Sri Lanka
March 2026Edith Cowan University (ECU) Sri Lanka
Scientific Committee Member - Galaxy and Bioconductor Community Conference (GBCC)
March 2025 - June 2025Galaxy and Bioconductor Community Conference (GBCC) 2025
Resource Person - U.S. Embassy Science Fellow Program
December 2024 - January 2025U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka & Genelabs Medical
Guest Speaker - Advancing Next Generation Sequencing
April 2024 - May 2024SLIBTEC & ICGEB
President - Medical Faculty Students' Union
2018Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Organising Committee & Performer - Ninnada: The Grand Talent Show of Faculty of Medicine
2019Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Social Involvement
- Faculty Board Representative - Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo · 2018
- Member, Photographic Society - Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo · 2015 - 2018
- Member, Red Cross Unit - Royal College, Colombo · 2007 - 2012
- Member, Science Association - Royal College, Colombo · 2008 - 2012
What others say
In my twenty-plus years of genomic data science research, Damitha is among the most exceptionally talented scientists I have ever come across. Over much of 2024, he and I collaborated to host an international workshop for clinical genome informatics organized by the US Embassy in Colombo, and at every stage of the planning and execution process, I was repeatedly impressed by both the depth of his technical knowledge, as well as his attention to detail. On top of all of this, during the workshop itself, I found that he has a spectacular knowledge for teaching and is a calm and empathetic instructor. Among the most unique traits that Damitha possesses is a very uncommon blend of training in both medicine and bioinformatics, which gives him a fantastic perspective for communicating with both doctors and computer scientists to find the quickest cure for patients with genomic diseases (this skill will be especially crucial in his new role at Genelabs Medical). In summary, as genomic medicine becomes more widely practiced in Sri Lanka, I am confident that with individuals like Damitha leading the next generation of researchers, the field is in good hands. I recommend him in the highest possible terms and am confident that he will be a future leader in Sri Lankan science.
Selected projects
Clinical bioinformatics systems built at Genelabs Medical - from sample management to AI-assisted variant interpretation.
Things I'm learning
A running notebook of genomics, bioinformatics, Linux, and programming notes - written so future-me (or you) can learn from them too.