Recently, the Duke Ruhuna Research team joined hands on an exciting collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) to delve deeper into a novel study; “Incidence and risk factors for gut colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Southern Sri Lanka.”

Last Friday marked a significant milestone in this collaborative endeavor as a few members of the team led by Dr. Subodha Wickramasinghe and Dr Gayani Tillekeratne set out on a visit to the SLIBTEC to explore the technologies shaping the transformative potential of biotechnological advancements in a vibrant research setting in Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival, the Duke Ruhuna team was warmly welcomed by the wonderful team at SLIBTEC, who generously introduced the activities and insights of SLIBTEC. The team consisted of Prof Nissanka De Silva, Prof N V Chandrasekaran, Dr Asanga Kottahachchige and Mr Anuradha Kaushalya. Then, lively discussions and knowledge-sharing regarding the study took place between the two research teams.

One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to witness SLIBTEC’s state-of-the-art research facility in genomics and molecular diagnostics. Next-generation sequencing platforms, advanced bioinformatics tools, precision medicine, and agricultural biotechnology, the institute’s multidisciplinary research spans a diverse array of fields, each fueled by a commitment to excellence and ingenuity.