On August 20, 2024, the Sri Lanka One Health University Network (SLOHUN) held its inaugural in-person meeting at the Mirage Hotel in Wellawatte. This gathering marked a significant step forward in collaborating among Sri Lankan universities to address pressing challenges at the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of experts including Prof. Champika Bodinayake (Chairperson, SLOHUN), Prof. Ajith Nagahawatte, Dr. Subodha Wickramasinghe and Dr. Ruvini Kurukulasooriya from the Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna; Prof. Rajendra Surenthirakumaran from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna; Prof. Ruwani Kalupahana & Dr. Thusitha Karunarathne from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Peradeniya; and Prof. Indika Gawarammana from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya.
Also, Mr. U. H. B. Y. Dilshan, Ms. Madureka Premamali, Ms. Kavindya Wickramasekara Duke-Ruhuna Collaboration and Ms. Deepthi Liyanage - Project Manager, One Health Project, UOP joined this meeting.
Prof. Gayani Tillekeratne from the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI), USA joined the meeting via Zoom.
Representing various faculties from universities across the island, these professionals were united by their commitment to the One Health research—a strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The meeting provided a platform for participants to share their ongoing and completed research on One Health-related projects
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the formalization of SLOHUN. To expand the network, invitations will be extended to all Sri Lankan universities, particularly targeting faculties of Medicine, Science, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, and Engineering.
The meeting also identified key research areas for SLOHUN, including zoonotic disease transmission and prevention, food safety, AMR, biodiversity, disease surveillance, and the impact of climate change on environmental sustainability. The network aims to contribute to education, capacity building, resarch, training, and policy changes, with a focus on infrastructure development such as laboratory facilities.