Department of Parasitology
Introduction
The Department of Parasitology commenced its teaching activities in July 1995, for the first batch of medical students. In 2001 the Department of Parasitology was shifted into the first floor of the newly constructed building. The Department was provided with fully equipped laboratories for student teaching and research.
Parasitic diseases represent an important cause of human morbidity and mortality. Knowledge and skills in this area will enable medical graduates to practice medicine successfully and scientists to pursue a carrier in the discipline of Parasitology or health sciences.
Courses Involved
Undergraduate:
- MBBS
- B.Sc. (Special) Human Biology
- B.Sc. Nursing
- B. Sc in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Postgraduate:
- Diploma in microbiology
- MD in Parasitology
Services and Facilities
Free Diagnostic Services
The Department Provides free laboratory diagnosis of parasitic diseases including malaria, filariasis, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, leishmaniasis and diseases due to intestinal parasites. These services are offered to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, University Medical Centre and Family Practice Centre at the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
Student’s laboratory
The parasitology student’s laboratory can accommodate 80 students. It is fully equipped with microscopes and a CCTV system.
Seminar Room
The department has an air conditioned seminar room which can accommodate 36. The seminar room also has a CCTV system and multimedia. This room is utilized for student activities as well as other faculty activities.
Research Laboratory
Several research projects are currently being carried out in the department, where culturing of parasites, identification of parasites through serology is being done.
Department Staff
Academic Staff
| Prof. Sriyani Ekanayake B.Sc. (Special),M.Sc.,Ph.D. (USA) | Professor of Parasitology |  |
| Dr. D. Renu Wickremasinghe BS (USA), PhD (Colombo) | Head of the Department/ Associate Professor |  |
| Dr. P.H.I.K.Shalindra Ranasinghe MBBS (Colombo), M.Phill (Keele) | Senior Lecturer |  |
| Dr.B.M.Hasini Anupama Banneheke MBBS (SJP), Diploma in Medical Microbiology (Colombo), MD | Lecturer |  |
Lecturers on leave
- Dr. D.M.D.E.A. Gunawardene
MBBS (Colombo), Diploma in Medical Microbiology (Colombo)
Non-Academic Staff
| Mr. Dassana Tilakaratne | Technical Officer |  |
| Ms. Gayani De Silva | Technical Officer |  |
| Ms. Indira Athauda | Technical Officer |  |
| Ms. Hemanthi Pattividane | Clerk |  |
| Mr. Sampath Silva | Laboratory Assistant |  |
| Mr. R.D. Thushara | Labourer |  |
| Mr. S.A.Duminda Kumara | Labourer |  |
Research
Research Grants
- University Grant
- WHO NSF
Research Programs
| Title of the Project | Grant | Commencement | Expected Year of Completion |
| Prevalence of sand flies in an endemic focus for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka | University Grant | 2008 | |
| Comparative study of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Cryptosporidium parvum infectons in the healthy and immunocompromised | University Grant | 2006 | April 2008 |
| Evaluation techniques for determination of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in two selected groups of individuals | University Grant | 2006 | 2008 |
Contact Details
Telephone: +94112801028
email: renuwick@sltnet.lk