The International Conference on Medical Sciences 2026 (ICM 2026), organised by the Research Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was successfully held on 9 and 10 September 2026 at Golden Rose, Boralesgamuwa, under the theme “Spectrum of Medical Sciences: Integrating Research, Innovation and Global Health.” The conference brought together more than 200 academics, clinicians, researchers, postgraduate trainees and students for two days of scientific exchange, research dissemination and collaboration.
The Inauguration Ceremony, held on the evening of 9 September, was graced by Senior Prof Upul Subasinghe, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, as the Chief Guest, and Prof Mahenderan Appukutty, President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, as the Guest of Honour. Prof Manori Gamage, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and Prof Chandima Kulathilake, Chairperson of the Research Committee, also addressed the gathering. A highlight of the evening was the Faculty of Medical Sciences Oration 2026, delivered by Prof Nilanka Perera on “Severe Leptospirosis in Sri Lanka: Unravelling Clinical Phenotypes, Improving Diagnosis and Exploring Disease Mechanisms.” The ceremony concluded with a cultural performance by the Arts Circle of the Faculty.
The main scientific programme was conducted on 10 September 2026 and featured distinguished international and local experts. Prof O. C. Abraham of Christian Medical College, Vellore, India, delivered the keynote lecture, “Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection: A Modern-Day Medical Miracle,” while Dr Mevan Wijetunga of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, USA, delivered the plenary lecture, “Themes of Defying Death.” Two focused scientific symposia formed key components of the programme. The symposium on “Dermatology in Primary Care” featured Prof Susanne Alexander Pulimood, Dr Indira Kahawita and Dr Primali Jayasekera, addressing cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy and superficial mycoses. The symposium on “Nutrition and Metabolic Health in Practice” brought together Prof Mahenderan Appukutty, Prof Ranil Jayawardena and Prof Anoma Chandrasekara, with presentations covering precision nutrition and metabolic health, nutrition for strength and endurance, and functional foods for health and disease prevention.
The conference also provided a platform for researchers to disseminate their work through Oral and Poster presentations, while the Rapid Pitch Thesis Challenge encouraged emerging researchers to communicate their research concisely and effectively to a broader audience. The scientific programme was accredited by the Education, Training & Research Unit of the Ministry of Health, with CPD points awarded to eligible participants and presenters.
The successful conduct of ICM 2026 reflected the collective efforts of the Research Committee, Organising Committee, invited speakers, abstract reviewers, session chairpersons, judges, presenters, academic and non-academic staff, students, sponsors and supporting organisations. The conference further strengthened the Faculty’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture and promoting interdisciplinary and international scientific collaboration.
