News
Prof. Malavige appointed President Elect of International Society for Infectious Diseases
Professor Neelika Malavige, of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has been appointed as the President-Elect of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID). She will assume the presidency in 2027, with each term lasting two years.
Professor Malavige has made significant contributions to the field of infectious diseases, particularly in COVID-19 testing, sequencing, and identifying virus strains. Her research has been pivotal in understanding the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Sri Lanka.
In recognition of her impactful research, Professor Malavige was listed among the world’s top 2% of scientists, according to the Elsevier-Stanford rankings.
Additionally, Professor Malavige has extensively researched dengue pathogenesis, focusing on its immunopathogenesis, biomarkers, and immune correlates of protection. Her work has been instrumental in advancing clinical trials and understanding the disease’s molecular mechanisms.
This prestigious appointment not only highlights Professor Malavige’s individual achievements, but also brings significant recognition to Sri Lanka and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Her leadership role in ISID underscores the global impact of research and scholarship emerging from our institution and emphasizes the vital contributions of scientists from diverse backgrounds in addressing infectious diseases worldwide.
As President-Elect, Professor Malavige will play a crucial role in shaping ISID’s strategic initiatives, fostering international collaborations, and advancing research and education in infectious diseases. Her appointment reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of diverse perspectives in global health leadership.
“The University of Sri Jayewardenepura extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Malavige on this remarkable achievement and reaffirms its commitment to supporting groundbreaking research and leadership in the field of infectious diseases,” the University said.
A discussion with the Catholic Council was held on Thursday (21) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the co-chairmanship of Minister of Science and Technology, Chrishantha Abeysena and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions focused on administrative issues relating to Catholic schools taken over by the Government, the formulation of a structured teacher cadre system for Catholic religious education, the need to recruit Catholic nuns and priests into the teaching profession and the establishment of a mechanism to obtain the support of the Ministry of Education for the administration of Government-acquired Catholic schools.
It was also decided that discussions with the Catholic Council would be held three times annually, while Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage would serve as Secretary to the forum.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Catholic Council, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government for facilitating the discussion.
His Eminence further stated that the expectation was to ensure every student, without discrimination, is given the opportunity to learn his or her own religion and stressed the importance of resolving the prevailing issues within the education sector.
Also present at the occasion were Most Rev. Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, Most Rev. Bishop Christy Noel Emmanuel, Most Rev. Bishop Anton Ranjith, Most Rev. Bishop Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, other clergy representing the Catholic Council, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
(PMD)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to broaden the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, which was launched last year. Unlike the inaugural edition held in November 2025 that featured eight Associate teams, the second edition will comprise 10 teams, including five Test-playing nations. The tournament is scheduled to be held in November this year.
Italian Navy’s ITS GIOVANNI DELLE BANDE NERE, which arrived in Colombo (21 May 2026) on a replenishment visit, departed the island today (22 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship in compliance with naval traditions at the port of Colombo.
During her brief stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Antonio BUFIS called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
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