CENTRE FOR KIDNEY RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION
Kidney (renal) disease is a problem encountered throughout the world. At present Sri Lanka is faced with an increase in renal disease with Chronic Kidney Disease being the major disease. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive destruction of renal mass with irreversible sclerosis and loss of nephrons over a period of months to years, depending on the underlying aetiology. Yet unfortunately the incidence rates, aetiology, and demographic patterns of CKD in Sri Lanka are largely unknown as only few studies have been published on the topic. With the emergence of endemic CKD of unknown aetiology (CKDu) in the North Central Province in the 1990’s, a lot of research has been confined to the study of the aetiology of CKDu. Yet renal failure due to other causes which amounts to a large number has gone unnoticed. Due to rapid increase in diabetes mellitus in Sri Lanka and subsequent increase in diabetic nephropathy, it is predicted that the incidence of renal failure needing renal transplantation will further rise in the future, causing a huge burden to our economy and healthcare resources. Thus, it is crucial to carry out research in determining diagnostic, risk and prognostic factors as well as effective treatment modalities.
One of the greatest challenges of chronic renal disease faced in Sri Lanka is early diagnosis which could help in limiting the need for dialysis and renal transplantation, both entities being costly for the individual concerned as well as the country. Thus early detection of disease will help the individuals to be treated and managed before they go into ESRD and the country would also benefit from the monetary burden that they have to incur. This necessitates research on novel drugs which could stop or slow down the progression of kidney disease.
Research and technology development has been the key factor in development of economies such as South Korea and Singapore. Although, in Sri Lanka, there are individuals capable of carrying out highly scientific research, which would help in reducing the burden due to many diseases and policy making, funding for research has almost been non-existent in the past years. Therefore, in order to finding long lasting solutions to the increasing incidence of renal disease, novel drugs for halting disease progression and formation of policies based on scientific evidence, it would be crucial to establish a dedicated centre for research on kidney disease.
Center for kidney research was established in 2015 under the patronage of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge and Dean Faculty of Medical Sciences, Prof. Surangi Yasawardene.
The aim of the centre is to initiate, facilitate and support basic and applied scientific research related to kidney disease by universities and conduct multidisciplinary collaborative research address themes of national importance. The centre will support numerous research, development & innovation activities/ programmes in the field of kidney disease to enhance the outputs and outcomes which will benefit the Sri Lankan society in the long run.
OPPORTUNITY
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura has many academics who are very research oriented and are committed to carrying out research on renal disease and function.
VISION, MISSION & OBJECTIVES
VISION
To carry out highly scientific, multidisciplinary research, in order to find out novel diagnostic markers
and treatment methods for kidney disease and thereby contributing to early detection, prevention
and effective treatment of patients with kidney disease in Sri Lanka.
MISSION
To contribute to the vision by providing independent, objective, and expert scientific and medical research
in the fields of biochemistry, pathology, medicine, pharmacy, environment and social factors.
To conduct high quality research on kidney disease to promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary
collaborative work with National and International Research Centers.
To create a critical mass within the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in the field of kidney disease research.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the diagnostic value of novel markers of kidney disease in Sri Lankans and determine the,
biochemical and nutritional parameters that are associated with occurrence,
progression and severity of chronic kidney disease.
To investigate the factors which lead to progression of chronic kidney disease in Sri Lankans
and determine new treatment modalities and explore traditional and Ayurvedic treatment modalities
that are effective in treating renal disease and isolation of active ingredients
RESEARCH PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH CKDR
Study on biochemical markers in CKDU funded through University research grant leading to a PhD degree.
Proposed research projects funded through CKDR
- Investigating the diagnostic value of novel markers of CKD factors in Sri Lankans and determining the biochemical and nutritional parameters that are associated with occurrence, progression and severity of CKD.
- A feasibility study to carry out clinical trials using Ayurvedic medicinal products for Kidney disease leading to a M.Phil/PhD degree program.
- In the process of formulating a proposal to detect Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in Sri Lankans with the aim of validating eGFR measurements in Sri Lankan population.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL
Patron
 |
Prof. Sampath Amaratunga Vice Chancellor |
 |
Prof. Surangi G. Yasawardena Dean |
Acting Director
 |
Prof. Hemantha Peiris Senior Professor |
Members
 |
Prof. Pathmalal Manage Director / Research Centres |
 |
Dr. Pradeepa Jayawardene Chairperson / Research Committee |
 |
Prof. Kamani Wanigasuriya Professor |
 |
Prof. Sugandika Suresh Professor in Biochemistry |
 |
Dr. Rasika Perera Senior Lecturer |
 |
Dr. Mangala Bopagoda Department of Pathology |
 |
Dr. Banukie Jayasuriya Senior Lecturer |
 |
Miss. Nadeeka Ranasinghe Co-opted Member |
