Kosala Weerakoon

Kosala Weerakoon is Professor of Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, and a leading researcher in global health parasitology and infectious diseases. His academic career has been rooted in the study of neglected tropical diseases, with a particular focus on soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomiasis, and leishmaniasis, conditions that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities in endemic regions. His research further extends to rickettsial infections, dengue, snakebite, and kidney diseases, reflecting a broad and integrated approach to addressing the major infectious and non-communicable health burdens in South and Southeast Asia.

Kosala’s work is characterised by its balance of innovation and applicability: advancing molecular and immunological tools for diagnosis and surveillance, while grounding research in the practical realities of health systems and communities. He has built strong interdisciplinary collaborations across Asia, Australia, and Europe, bridging laboratory science, epidemiology, and public health.

He has led and contributed to major international projects, secured competitive research funding, and published widely in high-impact journals. His academic output spans peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and policy-focused papers that have directly informed national control programmes and regional health strategies.

Equally committed to education and capacity building, Kosala has mentored the next generation of medical community, parasitologists and global health researchers, strengthening both national and international networks of expertise. Deeply engaged with both local and global health challenges, his work is guided by a strong belief in equity and in the value of science that is closely connected with the needs of communities.

Email:  kosalagadw83@gmail.com

Affiliation: Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka