International Conference on Health Sciences 2018
The year 2018 marked a significant milestone for the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, commemorating 25 years since its establishment. In recognition of this achievement, the Annual Academic Sessions organised by the Research Committee were elevated to an International Conference on Health Sciences 2018, attracting participation from both local and international academics. The conference was held from 7th to 9th October 2018 at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, under the theme “Beyond Borders – Towards Excellence”, and was conducted in collaboration with the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, and Base Hospital Homagama.
The inauguration ceremony took place on 7th October 2018, with the Faculty Oration delivered by Senior Professor Kumudu Wijewardene, Professor of Community Medicine. Her oration, titled “Dreams and reality”, highlighted her pioneering work in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and equity, areas that have received limited attention in the local research landscape.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Kamani Wanigasuriya on “Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology – Sri Lankan perspective”. Two plenary lectures followed, delivered by Professor Andrew McBain (University of Manchester, UK) on “Wound management consensus guidelines” and Professor Andrew Dawson on “The importance of identity and purpose in research collaboration”.
The scientific programme comprised a rich and diverse series of symposia, plenary lectures, and interactive sessions conducted over two days. The first day featured symposia on polymicrobial infections, advances in clinical practice, and excellence, governance, and ethics in health research, the latter organised jointly with the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine and the National Research Council. Speakers represented a wide range of disciplines including microbiology, neurology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, haematology, epidemiology, and public health.
The second day commenced with a highly engaging lecture on nanotechnology in health and research by Professor Ravi Silva (Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey, UK), followed by a guest lecture on leprosy and public responsibility by Dr Indira Kahavita. Additional symposia addressed pharmacology and toxicology, emerging therapeutic technologies, and the safety of herbal medicines.
A highlight of the conference was the interactive session on professionalism, which served as the culmination of the academic programme. This session brought together perspectives from medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and journalism, fostering meaningful discussion on professional values and responsibilities in contemporary healthcare.
Overall, the International Conference on Health Sciences 2018 successfully strengthened international collaboration, showcased multidisciplinary research excellence, and reinforced the Faculty’s commitment to advancing health sciences beyond national boundaries.
