Joint 20th Congress of the International Society for Twin Studies (ISTS), and the 8th World Congress on Twin Pregnancy
A media briefing on the upcoming international twins congress — scheduled to be held on August 10, 11, and 12, 2025, at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, was held on the 19th of May at the premises of the Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social care in Battaramulla.
It was highlighted that hosting such an international scientific congress in Sri Lanka serves not only as a testament to the country’s scientific capabilities but also as a significant opportunity to build global connections. This event positions Sri Lanka as an attractive venue for international scientific conferences, while also contributing to the strengthening of the tourism sector and supporting the national economy.
‘Twin research’ is a valuable tool for identifying genetic and environmental influences on human life. Based on studies of both monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins, this field contributes significantly to disciplines such as medicine, genetics, psychology, and social sciences by improving our understanding of diseases, behavioral patterns, and health-related issues.
Across more than 66 countries — including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Guinea, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Iran, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Siberia, Spain, Sweden, and the United States — twin registries have been established, most of which are affiliated with universities or research institutions. Researchers, scientists, medical professionals, and related experts from these countries will travel to Sri Lanka to attend the congress. This provides local scientists with valuable learning opportunities regarding international research collaboration, emerging technologies, treatment methods, and global health trends.
Support has also been extended by several professional organizations, including the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The congress is jointly organized by the Sri Lankan Twin Registry and the Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care. For over 25 years, these institutions have played a vital role in nurturing the research culture in Sri Lanka and enhancing the nation’s scientific capabilities.
Alongside the congress, a “Cultural Showcase of Talents by Twin Children” will be held on June 16, 2025, at the Ape Gama premises in Battaramulla. It was announced that talented twin children will be awarded and also given the opportunity to present their talents in front of the international audience during the congress.
Remarks at the media briefing were made by Professor Athula Sumathipala, Director of the Institute for Research and Development and Secretary General of the International Society for Twin Studies, Ms. Chamali Jayasinghe, Ms. Janani Opatha, and Dr. Risitha Vakishta Arachchi, Dr. Sunil de Alwis, Additional Secretary (Health Services) of the Ministry of Health, and Ms. Inoka Wijesinghe, a parent of twins, also shared their personal experiences.
Media Unit – Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care
