On 5 October 2026, the Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD) had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Krishnarajah Nirantharakumar, Clinical Professor of Public Health and Health Data Science, King’s College London, for an engaging and insightful visit.
Professor Nirantharakumar is the Principal Investigator of the NIHR-funded DIGIPATHS Study – Digitally Integrated Care Pathways for Multiple Long-Term Conditions Management in Primary Care, Sri Lanka, making his visit particularly valuable in the context of strengthening research, innovation, and evidence-informed healthcare in Sri Lanka.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to share IRD’s work, exchange ideas, and explore new perspectives across health research, data science, nutrition, genetics, and research methodology.
The session commenced with an overview of IRD and its work at a broader level, led by Prof. Athula Sumathipala, highlighting the Institute’s research portfolio, multidisciplinary work, and wider contributions to health and social care at national and international levels.
The programme then featured presentations from members of the IRD team:
Janani Opatha presented the Sri Lanka First Comprehensive Cooked Food Composition Database, sharing the development of this important resource and its potential contribution to nutrition research, policy, and practice. Kavish Sirisena presented the work of the IRD Genetics Laboratory, providing insights into the laboratory’s capabilities and its contribution to advancing genetic and health research. Tharu Hewage introduced the Research Methodology Course, highlighting IRD’s efforts to strengthen research capacity and promote high-quality research skills.Professor Nirantharakumar also shared insights into his research work and experiences in public health, health data science, and applied research, leading to a rich and thought-provoking discussion with the IRD team.
The presentations led to fruitful discussions and an exchange of ideas, exploring opportunities for collaboration, innovation, digital health, and translating research and data into meaningful health outcomes.
At IRD, we value such exchanges in strengthening research networks and fostering new opportunities for collaboration.
Thank you, Professor Krishnarajah Nirantharakumar, for visiting IRD and for the valuable exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas. We look forward to the opportunities that may emerge from this engagement.
