Our History

The Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit was established with a vision to expand the scope of Medical Research and Clinical Services in the fast developing field of Immunology in Sri Lanka

The 3 main objectives of the unit are;

1. To enhance Allergy, Immunology and Molecular Medicine education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
2. To improve research in the areas of Allergy, Immunology and Molecular Medicine
3. To establish excellent patient care services for those with allergic and autoimmune diseases.

The establishment process began at the budget proposal call in the year 2018 when a proposal was submitted to establish a state of the art research laboratory at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The University Grants Commission approved this in May of 2019 and Rs. 600 million was received as initial funding. In the year 2019/2020 all necessary equipment was procured.

Unfortunately due to the pandemic the building was delayed and we hope it will be completed in the near future. However as equipment had been procured, the unit was well equipped to detect the first cases of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka and to successfully support the COVID-19 response in the country.

In June 2020 following a cabinet memorandum (no 20/0761/215/039) as approval of the cabinet paper submitted, the Unit was established with Prof. Chandima Jeewandara as the Inaugural Director of Operations and Clinical services and Prof. Neelika Malavige as the Inaugural Director Research and Development. To enhance services of the Unit the following cadre positions were approved – 2 medical officers, 1 nursing officer, 2 technical officers and 1 management assistant. To enhance research activities 2 academic cadre positions were approved.

The unit is now functioning performing cutting edge research and providing excellent patient care while also conducting teaching for several degree programs.