A new step towards making health research more meaningful through Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI)
The afternoon session was held under the leadership of Hon. Prof. Susiripala Manawadu, Governor of the Southern Province.
Prof. Athula Sumathipala spoke about Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI), how it can be effectively integrated into research, and the importance of Implementation Science.
Ms. Janani Opatha shared practical experiences of implementing CEI, while Dr. Oshini Jayasinghe presented on the THRIVE Project and Dr. Risitha Wakishta Arachchi presented on the TRANSLATE Project.
In his remarks, the Governor of the Southern Province emphasised the importance of meaningfully engaging communities in research and expressed his full support for this initiative.
The event was also attended by Dr. Rumi Ruban, Consultant Psychiatrist at the National Hospital, Galle, and Co-Principal Investigator of the TRANSLATE Project; Prof. Harshini Rajapakse, Professor of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna; Dr. Prasad Ranaweera, Regional Director of Health Services, Galle; and Dr. K. T. Samararatne, Deputy Regional Director of Health Services, Galle, who also shared their perspectives.
The session was further enriched by the participation of academics, clinicians, public health professionals and CEI members, including Prof. Thyagi Ponnamperuma, Prof. Champa Wijesinghe, Dr. Vishari de Silva and Dr. Prabath Nanayakkara.
IRD extends its sincere appreciation to the Governor of the Southern Province, provincial and regional health authorities, academic and clinical collaborators, and everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.
The THRIVE Project is supported through a Direct Aid Program (DAP) Grant from the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
The TRANSLATE Project is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), UK.
