Areas identified for scientific research between US, Lanka

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, USA, continuing its efforts to foster mutually beneficial relations with a broad segment of US institutions, had extensive discussions with the University of Kentucky (the UK) to initiate formal academic partnerships between Sri Lankan and US scientists.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador in the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya visited the University of Kentucky in Lexington to facilitate academic affiliation among the University of Kentucky, University of Peradeniya and the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka.President Eli Capilouto welcomed Ambassador Wickramasuriya and Ms. Priyanga Wickramasuriya.

Established in 1865, the University of Kentucky has been a national leader in academic and scientific research in the USA.During the visit to the University, Ambassador Wickramasuriya and University officials had in depth discussions to explore further collaboration on the proposed joint cancer research project that would be undertaken in Sri Lanka.

A memorandum of understanding was also discussed on moving the project forward expeditiously. On the occasion, Ambassador Wickramasuriya pledged his fullest support to this important project and thanked the University officials for their continued engagement in bringing the project to fruition.

The proposed project would primarily focus its study on the prevalence of oral and cervical cancers in Sri Lanka. Both the US and Sri Lankan scientists are to analyse data related to oral and cervical cancers with the aim of building Sri Lanka's capacity to fight them.