Prof. Champica K. Bodinayake, the Head of the Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre, Professor in Medicine, faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna,  and an adjunct professor at DGHI, Duke University, delivered the Ruhuna Clinical Society Oration on the topic “Changing Landscape of Acute Febrile Illnesses in Southern Sri Lanka”. This highly relevant and timely oration captivated the audience and covered the changing epidemiology of acute febrile illnesses like dengue and leptospirosis, acute respiratory infections, and antimicrobial-resistant infections in southern Sri Lanka over the past 15 years.

The RCS Inauguration Ceremony took place at Sanaya Mansion, Matara, on the 12th and 24th of December 2024. The Chief Guest was Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary of Health, Sri Lanka, while the Guest of Honour was Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, President of SLMA. Dr. Lasantha Ganewatta, the President of Ruhuna Clinical Society, along with the Council members, also graced the occasion.

Among the distinguished attendees were Prof. Ajith Nagahawatta and Prof. Gayani Tillekeratne (Co-directors of the Ruhuna Duke Centre for Infectious Diseases), Dr. Ruvini Kurukulasooriya, Dr. Thilini Wickramatunga, and Mr. Buddhika Dilshan from the Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre, as well as Dr. Lana Abusalem from Duke University.

Heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Champica K. Bodinayake for delivering such an exceptional oration!