Conference Proceedings

IDEANet one health forum

Exploring the World of Pathogens

The First International Conference on Unravelling Pathogen Lifecycles and Advancing Diagnostics in the One Health Era

Date & Time:

Inauguration on Nov 10th, 2025 – From 2:00 PM onwards

Conference on Nov 11th, 2025 – From 8:00 AM onwards

Venue:

SSC Conference Hall (5th Floor), Faculty of Science, University of Colombo

Our Forum will include panel discussions on three key areas: Advances in molecular detection and lessons from global outbreaks in the identification of emerging agents; Integration of molecular tools into outbreak response and strengthening of health systems in diagnostics and public health; and One Health approaches, regional collaboration, and preparedness for future biological threats in prevention and surveillance.

Pre-conference workshop

Conference Proceedings

Chief Guest

**Dr. Anil Jasinghe** – *Secretary, Ministry of Health Sri Lanka*

Guest of Honour

German Ambassador to Sri Lanka

Vice Chancellor of University of Colombo

Keynote Speaker of the day

**Prof. Neelika Malavige** – *Professor at the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka*

Professor Neelika Malavige is a globally recognized immunologist whose research has significantly advanced the understanding of dengue, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. As Head of Immunology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and an academic at the University of Oxford, her work spans immunopathogenesis, vaccine responses, and biomarkers for severe disease. She has made exceptional contributions through research, mentorship, and science communication, earning numerous national and international honors, including her appointment as President-Elect of the International Society for Infectious Diseases in 2025.

Guest Speakers

Dr. Rohitha Muthugala – Consultant Medical Virologist, Medical Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

Dr. Rohitha Muthugala is a Consultant Medical Virologist at the Medical Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. His expertise lies in molecular virology, with research focusing on influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other emerging viral pathogens. He has contributed to genomic surveillance and national responses to infectious disease outbreaks, while also mentoring postgraduate trainees in microbiology and virology.

Dr. Andreas Puyskens – Research Scientist (Postdoc) at ZBS1

Dr. Andreas Puyskens is a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, specializing in highly pathogenic viruses within the Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens. With expertise in immunology and molecular diagnostics, he develops and evaluates diagnostic tools such as rapid antigen and PCR assays for emerging infectious diseases. His work advances global health security through the German Biosecurity and Global Health Protection Programmes, leading international initiatives to strengthen laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, and pandemic response capacities worldwide.

Professor Saminda Fernando – Professor, Zoology Department of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Professor Saminda Fernando is a leading expert in evolutionary biology, parasitology, biodiversity assessment, and biogeography. His research spans diverse species—from fish and reptiles to birds, bats, rodents, and elephants—revealing how organisms adapt to environmental change and human impact. Beyond his scientific work, he is deeply committed to advancing zoological research and mentoring emerging scientists in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Priyantha Athapattu – Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services), Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

Dr. Priyantha Lakmini Athapattu is the Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services) and Director of Tertiary Care Services at the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, with over 27 years of experience across preventive and curative health sectors. He has held several key administrative roles and earned national recognition for his scientific contributions, including the President’s Award for Scientific Publication and NRC Merit Awards. Currently, he serves as Sri Lanka’s National Focal Point for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and for Biosafety and Biosecurity.

Dr. Janine Michel – Deputy Head, ZBS1 Highly Pathogenic Viruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin

Dr. Janine Michel is a virologist and Deputy Head of the Highly Pathogenic Viruses group at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), where she leads research and diagnostics within the reference laboratory for poxviruses. With over 80 publications, her work spans molecular virology, diagnostic assay development, and emerging infectious diseases. She has been instrumental in expanding PCR testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing diagnostic evaluation for monkeypox and other orthopoxviruses, contributing significantly to outbreak preparedness and global health security.

Dr Hamsananthy Jeevatharan – Consultant Community Physician (DDGLS), Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

Dr. Hamsananthy Jeevatharan is a Consultant Community Physician at the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, specializing in public health and epidemiology. She has been a key contributor to national initiatives on infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, and health policy, including the National Strategic Plan for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (2023–2028). Alongside her policy work, she supports academic and ethical review activities at the University of Kelaniya, strengthening the link between research and public health practice.

Dr. Hasitha Tissera – Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka

Dr. Hasitha Tissera is a leading Medical Epidemiologist at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, internationally recognized for his expertise in dengue surveillance, prevention, and control. As National Dengue Control Programme Manager from 2013 to 2019, he shaped national strategies, clinical management, and public health interventions to curb dengue transmission. Through collaborations with the World Health Organization and global research networks, Dr. Tissera has advanced vaccine development, vector control, and evidence-based policy, positioning him as a key figure in global arboviral disease control.

Dr. Tharaka Prasad – Director, Wildlife Health at the Department of Wildlife Conservation

Dr. Tharaka Prasad has been serving as the Director of Wildlife Health for more than 29 years and Secretariat Chair of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). His expertise spans from investigating disease outbreaks in wildlife populations to developing strategies for mitigating human–wildlife conflict. Dr. Tharaka has also represented Sri Lanka in regional and international forums on wildlife health, contributing to collaborative efforts in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience.

Dr. Lukas Murajda – Medical Doctor & Health Protection Expert

Dr. Lukas Murajda is a medical doctor and public health professional with extensive experience in epidemiology, health protection, and outbreak response. He has held leadership roles including Deputy Head of a health authority and Head of health protection functions, and has been actively involved with the Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN). At the Robert Koch Institute, he contributes to outbreak investigations, infectious disease policy development, and capacity-building, with recent research focusing on public health response strategies, digital inclusion, and invasive disease management.