Pioneering Pathogen Genomics for Public Health and Surveillance in Sri Lanka
Last month, the Centre for Pathogen Genomics Training Hub supported the training of 30 staff members from the Medical Research Institute, Sri Lanka (MRI) as part of the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) catalytic grant collaborative project to pilot the application of pathogen genomics for public health and surveillance of foodborne diseases in Sri Lanka.
MRI was among one of the first awardees of the IPSN Catalytic Grant awarded in 2024. This Salmonella and Shigella focused project will be the first nationally representative genomics project to assess and investigate the feasibility of pathogen genomics for surveillance and characterisation of antimicrobial resistance in Sri Lanka. The outcomes of the project will contribute to the ongoing policy development for food safety in the country.
CPG is proud to be supporting the capacity and surveillance strategy building activities of the program, contributing expertise across microbiology, genomic epidemiology, bioinformatics and governance and building on the expertise and knowledge within Sri Lanka.
This first half of the in-country visit was in-depth whole genome sequencing training of four research assistants and medical officers who will carry forward the sequencing for the project and a full day workshop covering the foundations of pathogen genomics, participated by over 25 experts including microbiologists, virologists, bacteriologists, bioinformaticians and scientists from hospitals and laboratories across Sri Lanka.
Image 1. Dr Louise Judd delivering the training of whole genome sequencing to research assistant and medical officers in MRI, Sri Lanka (April 2025).
Image 2. Over 25 participants participated in a full day workshop covering the basis of pathogen genomics and its utility across public health and clinical settings. Pictured is a real-time demonstration of sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology.
The second half of the visit comprised of site visits and strategic meetings with the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Epidemiology Unit and referral site visits to the Colombo North Teaching Hospital and Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, to discuss surveillance strategies and national action planning.
As this project unfolds, it will generate valuable insights and data that will inform the development of genomics enabled surveillance strategies and national action plans.
We sincerely thank the team at MRI for their incredible hospitality throughout the visit and we look forward to progressing the next stages of the project together.
Image 3. This project contributes to collaborative partnership between the Medical Research Institute, Sri Lanka and the Centre for Pathogen Genomics, Melbourne, Australia in laboratory and public health strengthening.
The Centre for Pathogen Genomics Training Hub
This training program was supported by the International Pathogen Surveillance Program Catalytic Grant Fund.