
By
Dr. Lilani Karunanayake, Consultant Clinical Microbiologist,
Medical Research Institute
The Department of Bacteriology at the Medical Research Institute (MRI) has expanded with the introduction of revolutionary facilities and techniques in clinical microbiology.
2016 is a landmark year, with the commencement of automated bacterial identification with antibiotic susceptibility and serology testing, and the establishment of a molecular biology unit for the diagnosis of infectious bacterial diseases in Sri Lanka.
National External Quality Assessment Scheme in Bacteriology (NEQAS)
We are the sole organizer of the National External Quality Assessment Scheme in Bacteriology (NEQAS) in Sri Lanka. The program was enhanced by introducing lyophilized bacterial cultures and gram stain slides in the examination panel and by making laboratory visits to the participant laboratories for the monitoring of Internal Quality Control (IQC) on site. We visited 5 hospitals in the Uva Province this year.
In November 2016, we held a one-day program on Quality Assurance in Bacteriology for Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) of microbiology laboratories in both state- and private- sector institutions participating in NEQAS, MRI.
Achievements in Research
We have had 3 research publications and 7 presentations in several academic sessions. We won 3 research awards and completed 4 research projects in 2016.
Contact Details
Dr Danister de Silva Mawatha • Colombo 8 • Sri Lanka
Phone: 94-11-2693532-5 fax: 94-11-2691495
Ext: 336 Clinical microbiology -
344 Reference Laboratory for Leptospira –
353 Quality Control and Media preparation