The year 2023 ended with the visit of prof. Truls Ostbye, the Co-Director of the Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre. Several successful meetings and discussions were held regarding ongoing activities of the collaboration.

His meetings with Prof. C. K. Bodinayake, Prof. Ajith Nagahawatte, Ms. Ruvini Kurukulasooriya and Ms. Madureka Premamali included; Applying for external funding sources such as competitive grants, possibilities of offering research fellowships mainly based in Sri Lanka, Duke students’ clinical rotation in Sri Lanka, post graduate opportunities for Ruhuna members, and creating opportunities for new collaborators by connecting them with Duke researchers.

Prof. Ostbye further met with Prof. Vijitha de Silva, Dr. Achala Liyanage, Dr. Vishari de Silva, and Dr. Nirmala Rathnayake. During the meeting, new research ideas were expressed with the intention of seeking the feasibility of conducting different studies by developing new research proposals.

Another discussion was held with Prof. Thyagi Ponnamperuma and Prof. Shehan Williams regarding a research paper and renewal of the Medical Resident Rotation program.” 

He also met with the Duke Ruhuna office staff, discussed about the progress of the ongoing studies, noted information on their respective job roles, and possible opportunities for them to assist with the collaborative studies.