Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre

𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐒. 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

We are proud to share Dr. Subodha Wickramasinghe delivered a poster presentation at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).
Her presentation, “National Point-Prevalence Survey of Antibacterial Use in Public Hospitals in Sri Lanka: Findings and Implications” showcased important national data on antibiotic use across public hospitals in Sri Lanka.
This study highlights critical opportunities to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, improve diagnostics, and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Congratulations to Dr. Wickramasinghe and the collaborative research team on this outstanding achievement!

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐤𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

We are proud to share that Prof. C. Lakmal Fonseka delivered an oral presentation at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), the world’s leading conference in tropical medicine and global health.
His presentation, “Performance of a Rapid Molecular Diagnostic Platform at Differentiating Dengue and Leptospirosis in a Tropical Setting” highlighted innovative research using a rapid host-response molecular assay to improve accurate and timely diagnosis of these key tropical infections.
This study was conducted through the Duke–Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre by an international team of investigators; C. Lakmal Fonseka, Ilya Zhbannikov, Rachel Myers, Champika K. Bodinayake, Ajith Nagahawatte, Ruvini Kurukulasooriya, Jack Anderson, Alana Brown, Bradly P. Nicholson, Thomas W. Burke, Micah T. McClain, L. Gayani Tillekeratne and Christopher W. Woods.
We warmly congratulate Prof. Fonseka and the entire research team on this outstanding achievement!

𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐃 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Dr. Dhammika Palangasinghe recently delivered a virtual poster presentation at ID Week 2025, highlighting the perspectives of Sri Lankan physicians on diagnosing and managing lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).
The study, “Perspectives from Sri Lankan Physicians on Current and Future Tools for Diagnosing and Managing Lower Respiratory Tract Infections,” examined current clinical practices, including the use of guidelines, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and clinical decision support tools (CDSTs), as well as the potential of electronic CDSTs (eCDSTs) to improve patient care.
The research highlighted that physicians primarily rely on clinical judgment, using guidelines as a supportive framework. While RDTs are appreciated for their diagnostic value, cost remains a limiting factor. CDSTs and eCDSTs were recognized for their ability to support evidence-based decision-making, improve efficiency, and standardize care, though challenges such as internet access and local applicability must be addressed for effective implementation.
We warmly congratulate Dr. Palangasinghe and the Duke–Ruhuna research team on this important contribution to enhancing LRTI management in Sri Lanka.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q82lKCYJF7CnYUjk_DwJc41H9z32Imnh/view?usp=sharing

𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞 -𝐑𝐮𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞, 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐮𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐚

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the post of Research Assistant at Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭-𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 (𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞) – 𝟎𝟏 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲

Minimum Qualifications Required:

· BSc in Microbiology, BSc in MLS, BSc in Nursing (Pending results will be considered)

· Excellent in Communication Skills

· Having research experience will be an added advantage

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Collecting Clinical and demographic data using a standardized questionnaire

· Collecting specimens from the patients (clinical samples) / laboratories

· Other related activities of the research study and the Collaboration

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 -𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 (𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞) – 𝟎𝟏 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲

Minimum Qualifications Required:

· Diploma, BA, MA, BSc

· Good computer literacy

· Attention to detail and accuracy in data handling

· Previous experience in data entry or research data management will be an added advantage

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Enter, verify, and maintain data accurately

· Maintaining databases

· Support data cleaning and quality assurance activities

Application Procedure

Please send the curriculum vitae to [email protected] on or before 18th October 2025.

Contact: Project Manager - +94 91 2234801 (Ext. 429), +94 71 3328798

𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞 -𝐑𝐮𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞, 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐮𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐚

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the post of Research Assistant at Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre

Post of Research Assistant-Temporary (Full Time) – 03 vacancies

Minimum qualifications required:
• MBBS, BSc in Nursing, BSc in MLT (Pending results will be considered)
• Excellent in Communication Skills
• Having research experience will be an added advantage

Duties and responsibilities:
• Collecting Clinical and demographic data using a standardized questionnaire
• Collecting specimens from the patients (clinical samples) / laboratories
• Other related activities of the research study and the Collaboration

Application Procedure
Please send the curriculum vitae to [email protected] on or before 21st September 2025.
Contact: Project Manager - 091 22 34 801 Ext. 429

New Publication Alert!
We are proud to share that the Duke–Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre has published a new article in Global Health Action:
📖 “Academic global health collaboration: the Ruhuna–Duke partnership”
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2543603
This article reflects on 20 years of collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka) and Duke University (USA), beginning after the 2004 tsunami. It highlights:
✅ How the partnership has grown through education & research
✅ Lessons learned in building sustainable collaborations
✅ Future directions for equitable global health partnerships
We are excited to see this milestone published and to continue strengthening our journey in global health.
👉 Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2543603

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: 𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞-𝐑𝐮𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞-𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬
On August 7, 2025, Prof. Ruklanthi De Alwis, Deputy Director of the Centre for Outbreak Preparedness at Duke-NUS Medical School, met with the Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre team (Prof. Ajith Nagahawatte, Prof. Truls Ostbye, Dr. Subodha Wickramasinghe, Dr. Ruvini Kurukulasooriya, and Ms. Anuththara Kariyawasam) to advance collaboration under the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative. Prof. De Alwis emphasized her strong commitment to partnering with Duke-Ruhuna to enhance pathogen genome sequencing capabilities, with a special focus on the Chikungunya virus.
This partnership aims to strengthen the molecular laboratory at Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre through technical training and knowledge exchange, building Sri Lanka’s capacity in infectious disease research and diagnostics. Discussions also explored research opportunities on leptospirosis, hantavirus, and broader pathogen genomics, underscoring a shared dedication to tackling emerging infectious diseases.
We look forward to continued collaboration and innovation as Duke-Ruhuna and Duke-NUS work together to improve health outcomes locally and globally.

𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬

Congratulations to Dr. Subodha Wickramasinghe, who recently presented a collaborative research abstract at the 34th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, held from 28th to 30th July 2025 at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenepura.

The abstract, titled “Use of the rapid, multiplex PCR panel for the identification of respiratory pathogens and the resistance genes among patients admitted with lower respiratory tract infections to a tertiary care hospital in Southern Province, Sri Lanka,” was part of this year’s conference theme: “Advancing Infectious Disease Diagnosis, Management, and AMR: Integrating Genomics and One Health Approaches.”

Dr. Wickramasinghe led the writing and presenting the abstract, which was the result of a group effort focused on improving how lower respiratory infections are diagnosed and managed in hospital settings. The study explored the use of rapid, multiplex PCR panels to identify both pathogens and resistance genes in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). These tools are becoming increasingly valuable for guiding timely treatment decisions and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Prof. Ajith De Silva Nagahawatte also participated in the event, representing the collaborative team. It was wonderful to see this collaborative work presented at one of the most important annual gatherings of microbiologists in Sri Lanka, and to see Dr. Wickramasinghe represent the team.

Congratulations, Dr. Wickramasinghe!

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 - 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

With the end of the FMAS 2025 proceedings, a series of meetings were held between the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, and visiting delegates from Duke University on 29th May 2025, aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts in research, and infrastructure development under the collaboration.

The day began with the Advisory Board Meeting of the Ruhuna-Duke Centre for Infectious Diseases (RDCID) in the Skills Lab from, bringing together a distinguished panel of international and local experts. The meeting included Advisory Board members Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Prof. Dharshan De Silva, and Prof. Duane Gubler. Dr. Wijewickrama was also invited but had not confirmed attendance. From the Duke-Ruhuna side, Prof. Chris Woods, Dr. Tim Veldman, Dr. Brad Nicholson, Mr. Jack Anderson, Prof. Champica Bodinayake, Prof. Ajith Nagahawatte, Prof. Gayani Tillekeratne, Dr. Ruvini Kurukulasooriya, Mr. U.H.B.Y. Dilshan, Ms. Senali Weerasinghe, Ms Jayani Gamage and Ms. Anuththara Kariyawasam were present. The discussions centered on ongoing and future initiatives tied to research capacity building, curriculum enhancement, and clinical-translational research.

Afterwards, the delegation met with Prof. T.P. Weerarathne, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, to discuss strategies about the laboratory development. This meeting, held at the Dean’s Office, included Professors Woods, Veldman, Dharshan De Silva, Tillekeratne, along with Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Veldman, Mr. Anderson, and the local leadership.

Following this, a site visit to the the 3rd floor of the new building took place, where lab development plans were reviewed. The delegation had the opportunity to observe the ongoing infrastructure enhancements aimed at creating state-of-the-art laboratory spaces to support advanced research. Participants included Professors Woods and De Silva, along with Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Veldman, Mr. Anderson, Prof. Bodinayake, Prof. Nagahawatte, Prof. Tillekeratne, Dr. Subhodha Wickramasinghe, Dr. Kurukulasooriya and Ms Kariyawasam.

Next, a Laboratory Development Meeting was convened, focusing on the design and future operation of the planned research labs. The session included improving the laboratory plan and addressing needs. Participants in this session included Prof. Chris, Dr. Tim, Dr. Brad, Mr. Jack, Prof. Nagahawatte, Prof. Tillekeratne, Dr. Kurukulasooriya, Mr. U.H.B.Y. Dilshan, and Ms. Kariyawasam.

These meetings highlighted the mutual commitment to strengthening academic partnerships between Duke University and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna.