German Embassy supports Faculty of Medicine in University of Kelaniya

Tuesday, 24 April 2018 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The German Embassy is happy to support the research work of the University of Kelaniya by donating a fluorescence microscope, worth Rs. 2,500,000 with the funds provided by the German Foreign Office. 

On 20 April, German Ambassador Jörn Rohde formally handed over the fluorescence microscope to Prof. Ranjan Premaratne who is the Head of the Rickettsial Disease Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, in support of the Kelaniya University’s Faculty of Medicine re-location and re-establishment of its Rickettsial Disease Diagnostics and Research Laboratory.

Rickettsial Disease, which carries a high mortality, is spread by ticks, mites, fleas and body lice and is present in both urban and rural areas.

The Rickettsial Disease Diagnostics and Research Laboratory has in the past supported the diagnosis and treatment of nearly 6,000 patients islandwide. As the lab had to be moved from one department to another for logistical reasons it was deprived of the use of valuable technical and human resources.

The microscope was purchased from ZEISS, one of Germany’s best manufacturers of optical systems, industrial measurements and medical devices.

To conclude the ceremony Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine handed over a token of appreciation to Ambassador Rohde for the support extended to the University of Kelaniya.

The Embassy hopes that the purchase of this microscope will help the University of Kelaniya to re-establish its lab capacity soon.

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