Department of Community Medicine, FMAS, RUSL

21/10/2024

🎉 Huge Congratulations to Dr. Janith N Warnasekara 🎉

We are immensely proud to announce that Dr. Janith Warnasekara from the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka has been awarded as a Young Physician Leader at the prestigious World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany! 🌍

Dr. Janith Warnasekara represented Sri Lanka, after a highly competitive selection process, where only 20 young physicians from around the world were chosen by the European School of Management and Technology, Berlin, Germany.

They had a unique opportunity to address the summit on the important topic of the responsibility of young physicians in bridging the gap between research interest and disease burden.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Janith Warnasekara and wish continued success in making an impact on global health!

Read more about the event here: https://www.interacademies.org/news/meet-next-generation-iap-young-physician-leaders-2024-cohort-here?fbclid=IwY2xjawGDX8JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYfgTB8wg-tQDLjOWh9cnP26s3uW4ANAvxYsOZAwTxl3G9v09Ar3IiuBQQ_aem_Ew6vLr3f6223ZQd_5q-95w

27/09/2024

🌟 Congratulations to Our World-Class Scientists! 🌟

We are incredibly proud to announce that two esteemed members of the Department of Community Medicine Family—Prof. Suneth Buddhika Agampodi and Prof. Nuwan Darshana Wickramasinghe—have been recognized as part of the top 2% of scientists in the world, according to a global ranking compiled by researchers from Stanford University and published by Elsevier! 🎉

This prestigious acknowledgment is based on an extensive analysis of scientific productivity, citation impact, and other key metrics that reflect their outstanding contributions to research and their global influence. Being among the top 2% means they have made significant advancements in their respective fields, earning recognition on an international scale.

Their dedication and relentless pursuit of knowledge have brought great honor to Sri Lanka. We celebrate their remarkable achievements and are inspired by their commitment to advancing public health and medical research.

20/07/2024

07/07/2024

Training Risk Communication for Medical Students!!!

18/06/2024

Opportunity for a graduate MLT to engage in Infectious disease researches.

14/04/2024

Screening stands as one of the foremost public health principles, crucial for the early detection of diseases and the subsequent reduction of morbidity, mortality, suffering, costs, and clinical workload. Recognizing the significance of training future physicians in these programs, the Department of Community Medicine (DoCM) prioritizes their inclusion in undergraduate teaching.

Students of academic year 2019/20, embarked on a large-scale breast cancer screening initiative across multiple institutes in Anuradhapura, screening over 300 females. Suspected lesions identified were promptly referred for clinical care. A noteworthy aspect of the program is its focus on a population with limited time to access routine screening, such as well-woman clinics.

This commendable effort was received from the Leo Club Anuradhapura, as part of their "Apesksha" program for Cancer Awareness Month, as well as the ECLIPSE project, DoCM. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Vathsal Bandaranayake (Consultant Onco-surgeon - THA) for the technical support provided despite the extremely busy schedule, and to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for their unwavering support.

Interestingly, a similar program was conducted a decade ago by the 2009/10 batch (5th), and it's worth noting that the principal student coordinator at the time is now a staff member in the DoCM.

21/03/2024

ECLIPSE Project of Department of Community Medicine Call for Proposals: Rapid Evaluation of Disease Awareness in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

ECLIPSE (Empowering People with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Intervention Programme to Improve Patient Journey and Reduce Stigma through Community Education) is a multi-country global health project aimed at providing services to deprived communities with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

ECLIPSE Sri Lanka invites proposals for a rapid evaluation of awareness of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in three selected communities in Anuradhapura.

Essentials:

Focus:
Rapid community-based assessment of disease awareness.

Eligibility:
10+ years of public health research experience in Anuradhapura or similar rural area

10+ years of experience in fieldwork preferably with community engagement

Representing a registered organization with track records in an energetic workforce

Submission Requirements:

1-2 page expression of interest (EOI) including,
organization details

Contact information

A brief description of the organization’s strength
proposed rapid assessment methodology
preliminary budget

Process:

Collaborate with the project lead post-selection for a detailed proposal.

How to Apply:
Submit your EOI via email to [eclipseofficesl@gmail.com], with "Rapid Evaluation EOI" as the subject, by 4th April 2024.

This rapid evaluation is a critical step towards empowering communities against cutaneous leishmaniasis. We look forward to your innovative approaches.

For queries
Contact-0713181238 Dr. Y.P.J.N.Warnasekara
Head, Department of Community Medicine

Email -eclipseofficesl@gmail.com

02/02/2024

Embarking on an ambitious journey, the ECLIPSE project, a collaborative venture involving the UK, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Sri Lanka, seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding cutaneous leishmaniasis. Recently, the Sri Lankan leg, orchestrated by the Department of Community Medicine at Rajarata University, played host to ECLIPSE's Annual Scientific Meeting from December 7th to 13th, 2023. This historic event marked the first face-to-face gathering of ECLIPSE members in Sri Lanka, uniting representatives from the UK, Brazil, and Ethiopia. Over five days, participants engaged in discussions, explored Sri Lankan communities, and gained insights into the local healthcare system and institutions.

Cultural events, including traditional dances and street dramas, adorned the meeting, along with launches of educational materials. ECLIPSE members immersed themselves in rural communities, gaining insights into their culture and traditions. Visits to health offices and the main treatment center for cutaneous leishmaniasis provided a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka's public health system.

Discussions revolved around each country's progress, intercountry learning, and shared experiences. Future plans, including visits, were deliberated, and ECLIPSE was showcased at the National Science Foundation in Colombo. The final day featured interactions with the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University, culminating in a vibrant photographic exhibition capturing the ECLIPSE journey in Sri Lanka.

For ECLIPSE researchers, this meeting was a unique and invaluable experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange as they explore not only the social determinants but also the various hidden and untouched areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

14/01/2024

We are pleased to announce the Department of Community Medicine's recent accolades, solidifying our commitment to excellence. Our department has received several prestigious awards, including the distinction of being recognized as the Best Department for research within the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences.

Acknowledging individual excellence, we extend our congratulations to Prof. Nuwan Wickramasinghe, awarded as the Most Outstanding Senior Researcher of Rajarata University, and Dr. Janith Warnasekara, recognized as the Most Outstanding Junior Researcher of Rajarata University. Furthermore, we are thrilled to share that the department secured an impressive total of 20 awards at the Rajarata University Research Excellence Awards 2023.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member, past and present, who contributed to our success. We express our sincere gratitude to all those who have played a role in this remarkable journey.

Your commitment to excellence has not only elevated our department but has also contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge and research. We look forward to continuing this journey of excellence and furthering our impact in the field of Community Medicine.

14/01/2024

Delighted to announce that the Public Health Research Laboratory of the Department of Community Medicine has received accreditation from the International Leptospirosis Society for conducting the Microscopic Agglutination Test. This recognition is a testament to our hard work and dedication. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us!

We are committed to providing diagnostic services for patients suspected of having leptospirosis and are eager to engage in active research collaborations to explore various aspects of this infectious disease.

04/01/2024

All seats full. However, we made an alternative arrangement. Please call Sahan and Manojika for more details.

Only 10 per group. Register before 4th January.