The inauguration of the first-ever Master of Medical Statistics program in Sri Lanka, organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the University of Kelaniya was held on the 25th of August 2024, at the prestigious “Cosmic by Citrus, Lotus Tower" in Colombo.

The Master of Medical Statistics program, developed by the Board of Study in Multidisciplinary Studies, addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare data analysis and interpretation. The curriculum is meticulously aligned with the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF Level 09) and International Education Standards (IES), ensuring graduates are well-prepared to excel in both local and global healthcare environments. Approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka in 2023, the program is designed to meet the highest academic standards.

Dr. Anura Karunarathne, Chairman of the Board of Study in Multidisciplinary Studies, warmly welcomed the gathering. Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, presided as the Chief Guest, reaffirming the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation, while Senior Professor Kapila Senaviratne, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, participated as the Guest of Honor, further emphasizing the significance of the event.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, who emphasized the historical significance and evolution of medical statistics, highlighting its vital role in the healthcare sector. Dr. Mahipala also described the launch of this program as a landmark moment in Sri Lanka's medical history. Drawing on his global expertise, he expressed pride in witnessing the commencement of such a groundbreaking initiative in the country. He extended his thoughts on utilization of medical statistics as tool in the policymaking and reliable decision making, at the level of administration of the healthcare sector.

Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Ministry of Health, followed with an insightful speech that set an engaging tone for the evening. Senior Professor Chrishantha Abeysena from the Department of Public Health, a leading advocate for establishing the Board of Study in Multidisciplinary Studies and Master of Medical Statistics Degree program, provided valuable insights into the program. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. U.P. Liyanage, Academic Coordinator of the Master of Medical Statistics Program.

Among the distinguished attendees were Senior Professor Sudath Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, and Senior Professor Ariyarathne Jayamaha, former Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, who played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for this initiative.

Also present at the occasion were Professor C. Pathirawasam, Director of the Quality Assurance Cell (QAC); Mr. K. B. S. L. Wijeratne, Secretary of the Board of Study in Multidisciplinary Studies and Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; professors and other academic staff members of the university; distinguished gathering of academics, officials from the ministry of health; healthcare professionals; supportive staff of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and the new batch of students of the Master of Medical Statistics Program.

 The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) at the University of Kelaniya successfully hosted the Training Workshop on Development of Skills of Postgraduate Students (PhD/MPhil) in Research, Presentation and Leadership on August 4, 2024 at the Staff Development Centre, University of Kelaniya. The program attracted over 80 participants, including 10 who joined remotely, among them both national and international students.This workshop is a significant component of the Skills Development Program at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, reflecting the institution’s commitment to equipping its students with vital skills for their future endeavors.

The workshop comprehensively covered several key areas, including the Skills Development Program Evaluation Process, Information Searching and Referencing in Postgraduate Studies, Commercialization of Research and Professional Development, Research Presentation Guidelines and Techniques, Academic Writing Techniques and Publishing Research Findings, and Administrative Issues. These critical topics were expertly addressed by distinguished resource persons from the University of Kelaniya: Prof. Jeewantha Premaratne (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science), Dr. Priyanwada Wanigasooriya (Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences), Prof. Ravi Dissanayake (Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies), Senior Prof. Kapila Seneviratne (Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies), Prof. Nimanthi Jayathilaka, Program Coordinator (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science), and Mr. K.B.S.L. Wijeratne, Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS). Their collective expertise significantly contributed to the participants' understanding and skill development in these essential areas, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees.

This Training Workshop on Development of Skills of Postgraduate Students (PhD/MPhil) not only enhanced the academic and professional capabilities of the participants but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the diverse group of students. The Faculty of Graduate Studies remains dedicated to providing such impactful programs that align with their mission of fostering excellence and innovation in postgraduate education. The success of this workshop underscores the University of Kelaniya's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, skilled graduates ready to make significant contributions to their fields.