This Is Public Health Jaffna

https://med.jfn.ac.lk/2026/06/16/tiph-podcast-interviews-highlight-key-public-health-success-stories-in-sri-lanka/

TIPH Podcast Interviews Highlight Key Public Health Success Stories in Sri Lanka – Faculty of Medicine As part of the This is Public Health (TIPH) Project’s ongoing podcast series on Sri Lanka’s public health achievements, two expert interviews were conducted in April 2026, focusing on major milestones in communicable disease control and maternal health.

TIPH Podcast Interviews Highlight Key Public Health Success Stories in Sri Lanka

As part of the This is Public Health (TIPH) Project's ongoing podcast series on Sri Lanka’s public health achievements, two expert interviews were conducted in April 2026, focusing on major milestones in communicable disease control and maternal health.

On 2nd April 2026, an interview was held under the theme “Prevention & Control of Communicable Diseases”, with a focus on Leprosy Control in Sri Lanka.

The discussion featured Dr. Indira Kahawita, Consultant Dermatologist, who shared valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s progress in leprosy prevention, surveillance, treatment, and public health interventions. The session was hosted by Dr. Sivaganesh Suganja, Student Ambassador of the TIPH Project and Lecturer, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.

A second interview explored the topic “Successful Achievement in Maternal Health”, featuring Dr. Chithramali De Silva, a public health specialist with nearly 40 years of distinguished service in Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health, and former Director of Maternal and Child Health.

The discussion highlighted the key policies, health system strengthening efforts, and community-based interventions that contributed to Sri Lanka’s internationally recognized achievements in maternal health. The session was also hosted by Dr. Sivaganesh Suganja.

The video and audio production for both interviews was carried out by Ms. Mathavy Umasuthasarma, Project Fellow of the TIPH Project, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.

These interviews contribute to the TIPH Project’s mission of documenting and disseminating Sri Lanka’s public health success stories while providing valuable learning resources for students, academics, public health professionals, and the wider community.

https://med.jfn.ac.lk/2026/06/11/tiph-podcast-explores-sri-lankas-success-in-controlling-soil-transmitted-helminth-infections/

TIPH Podcast Explores Sri Lanka’s Success in Controlling Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections – Faculty of Medicine In January 2026, the This Is Public Health (TIPH) Project had the privilege of recording an insightful podcast featuring Prof. Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya and a globally recognized expert in parasitology and soil-transmitted helminth infections.

We are excited to share that we had the privilege of recording a powerful and insightful podcast episode this March with Dr. (Mrs.) Sujatha Samarakoon, a leading expert in HIV/AIDS prevention and sexual health in Sri Lanka.

From addressing stigma and strengthening STI awareness to discussing gender equality and public health strategies, this conversation brings forward critical perspectives that matter now more than ever.

🎙️ Stay tuned for this upcoming episode as we dive deep into HIV prevention, sexual health education, and building a more informed and equitable society.

📢 Coming soon — don’t miss it!

Part 2 | Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri Lanka | TIPH Jaffna Project

📌 Note: Tamil & Sinhala subtitles are available.

Episode Theme: Eradication & Control of Communicable Diseases
Focus: Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri Lanka
Guest: Prof. Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.
Host: Dr. P. A. D Coonghe, Senior Lecturer, DCFM, Faculty of Medicine, UOJ
Video & audio: Mathavy Umasuthasarma, Project Fellow, TIPH Project, FOM, UOJ

✨ https://youtu.be/4FE2Md24gPw

[01:00–02:57] Remaining High-Risk Populations
[04:06–06:15] School-Based Deworming & Safety
[08:15–10:11] WASH, Footwear & Occupational Risk
[12:00–14:10] Team Approach & Field-Level Collaboration
[17:03–18:56] Misinformation & Community Trust
[21:16–21:49] Climate Change & Future Risks
[22:19–25:10] Sri Lanka’s Global Contribution
[25:10–26:20] Closing Reflections

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Part 2 | Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri Lanka | TIPH Jaffna Project Episode Theme: Eradication & Control of Communicable DiseasesFocus: Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri LankaGuest: Prof. Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, V...

Part 1 | Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri Lanka | TIPH Jaffna Project

Link: https://youtu.be/9FAzhIh3Uvc

Episode Theme: Eradication & Control of Communicable Diseases
Focus: Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri Lanka
Guest: Prof. Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.
Host: Dr. P. A. D Coonghe, Senior Lecturer, DCFM, Faculty of Medicine, UOJ

Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Faculty of Medicine, UOJ

Part 1 | Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri Lanka | TIPH Jaffna Project Episode Theme: Eradication & Control of Communicable DiseasesFocus: Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri LankaGuest: Prof. Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, V...

🎙️ Podcast Episode Coming Soon!

In January 2026, we had the privilege of recording an insightful podcast with Prof Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya and a globally recognized expert in parasitology and soil-transmitted helminth infections.

📌 Episode Theme: Eradication & Control of Communicable Diseases
🔍 Focus: Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Sri Lanka
🎤 Host: Dr P. A. D. Coonghe, Project Lead – TIPH & Senior Lecturer, Department of Community & Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.

This podcast was recorded as part of the TIPH Project under the RIEGELMAN – This Is Public Health Global Grant Programme, which aims to document and share Sri Lanka’s public health experiences and achievements for future generations and the global public health community.

💡 Some key insights shared by Prof. Nilanthi R. de Silva:

• Early surveys in the 1920s reported over 90% prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Sri Lanka.
• Through nearly a century of sustained public health efforts, the prevalence has been reduced to less than 1% today.
• Mass deworming programmes and preventive chemotherapy, supported by effective medicines such as mebendazole and albendazole, played a major role.
• Improved sanitation, safe waste disposal, and public awareness were critical in interrupting transmission.
• Education — especially women’s education — significantly influenced child health and infection prevention.

✨ As Sri Lanka celebrates 100 years of public health achievements in 2026, this conversation highlights how long-term commitment, research, and community collaboration can transform public health outcomes.

🎥 Full podcast video coming soon — stay tuned!



Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Department of Community and Family Medicine - Jaffna This is Public Health Faculty of Medicine, UOJ University of Kelaniya

🎙️ Podcast Episode Coming Soon!

In January 2026, we had the honour of recording a special episode with Ananda Rajitha Wickremasinghe, former Chair of the Cadre and Senior Professor of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, and a key contributor to Sri Lanka’s success in eliminating malaria.

The interview was hosted by P. A. Dinesh Coonghe, Project Lead of the TIPH Project and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Community & Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.

This episode is part of the TIPH Project’s Public Health Global series, which aims to document and share Sri Lanka’s remarkable public health achievements with future generations and the global community through digital storytelling.

💡 Some key insights from the discussion:
• Sri Lanka eliminated indigenous malaria transmission and was certified malaria-free in 2016.
• Strong surveillance systems and rapid diagnosis played a major role in controlling malaria.
• Multisectoral collaboration and sustained government commitment were crucial to success.
• Even after elimination, continuous vigilance is essential to prevent reintroduction.

As Sri Lanka marks 100 years of public health achievements in 2026, this conversation captures valuable lessons from one of the country’s leading public health experts.

🎥 Full podcast video coming soon — stay tuned!


Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Faculty of Medicine, UOJ This is Public Health