International Conference on Medical Sciences 2026
The International Conference on Medical Sciences 2026 (ICM 2026), organised by the Research Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was successfully held on 9 and 10 September 2026 at the Golden Rose, Boralesgamuwa, under the theme “Spectrum of Medical Sciences: Integrating Research, Innovation and Global Health.” The conference brought together more than 200 academics, clinicians, researchers, postgraduate trainees and students for two days of scientific exchange, research dissemination and collaboration with a dedicated ICM 2026 website developed to provide convenient access to conference information, including the scientific programme , book of proceedings, and other important updates.
The Inauguration Ceremony, held on the evening of 9 September, was graced by Senior Prof Upul Subasinghe, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, as the Chief Guest, and Prof Mahenderan Appukutty, President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, as the Guest of Honour. Prof Manori Gamage, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and Prof Chandima Kulathilake, Chairperson of the Research Committee, also addressed the gathering. A key highlight of the evening was the Faculty of Medical Sciences Oration 2026, delivered by Prof Nilanka Perera on “Severe Leptospirosis in Sri Lanka: Unravelling Clinical Phenotypes, Improving Diagnosis and Exploring Disease Mechanisms.” The evening concluded with a cultural performance by the Arts Circle of the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
The main scientific programme was held on 10 September 2026, featuring distinguished international and local experts across a diverse range of contemporary medical and health sciences topics. Prof O. C. Abraham of Christian Medical College, Vellore, India, delivered the keynote lecture, “Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection: A Modern-Day Medical Miracle,” while Dr Mevan Wijetunga of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, USA, delivered the plenary lecture, “Themes of Defying Death.”
Two focused scientific symposia formed key components of the programme. The symposium on “Dermatology in Primary Care” featured Prof Susanne Alexander Pulimood, Dr Indira Kahawita and Dr Primali Jayasekera, with presentations addressing cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy and superficial mycoses. The symposium on “Nutrition and Metabolic Health in Practice” brought together Prof Mahenderan Appukutty, Prof Ranil Jayawardena and Prof Anoma Chandrasekara, with presentations exploring precision nutrition and metabolic health, nutrition for strength and endurance, and functional foods for health and disease prevention.
ICM 2026 also provided an important platform for researchers to disseminate their work, with 12 oral presentations and 56 poster presentations showcasing research across a broad spectrum of medical sciences. In addition, five participants competed in the Rapid Pitch Thesis Challenge, which encouraged emerging researchers to communicate their research clearly, concisely and effectively to a broader audience. Outstanding research presentations at ICM 2026 were recognised through a series of awards, celebrating scientific merit, excellence in presentation and effective research communication, while highlighting the breadth and quality of research showcased at the conference. The Best Oral Presentation was awarded to I. Shakiththiya et. al. for the free paper entitled “Development of a tannic acid-based spectrophotometric assay for iron detection: preliminary analytical performance evaluation.” The Best Poster Presentation was awarded to J.B.G. Arachchi et. al. for “Biotechnological potential of epiphytic yeasts from lovi fruit (Flacourtia inermis) in fermented beverage production.” K.M.T.D. Weerasekara et. al. were awarded First Runner-up in the Poster Presentation category for “Haplogroup identity of repatriated Vedda skeletal remains based on mitochondrial DNA sequencing,” while I.M.F. Zaireen et. al. received the Second Runner-up award for “Knowledge and factors associated with barriers to insulin self-administration among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in a selected clinic in the Colombo District.” The Best Presentation in the Rapid Pitch Thesis Challenge was awarded to L.P.S. Vinodani et. al. for “Standardisation and development of tablet dosage form from Amurthashtaka kwatha by bioactivity-based scientific validation.
The scientific programme was accredited by the Education, Training & Research Unit of the Ministry of Health, with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points awarded to eligible participants and presenters.
The successful conduct of ICM 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts of the Research Committee, Organising Committee, invited speakers, abstract reviewers, session chairpersons, judges, presenters, academic and non-academic staff, students, sponsors and supporting organisations. The conference marked another significant milestone in the Faculty’s efforts to foster a vibrant research culture, facilitate the dissemination of high-quality research, and strengthen interdisciplinary and international scientific collaboration.
Image Gallery
Inauguration Ceremony
Scientific Programme
