The Department of Parasitology at the University of Peradeniya is a key academic unit focused on the study of parasites and their impact on health. It offers undergraduate courses for medical and allied health science students and advanced postgraduate programs (M.Sc , MD , Diploma.) with a focus on research in molecular parasitology, epidemiology, and parasitic diseases.

The department is equipped with modern laboratories for teaching and research, and provides diagnostic services for parasitic infections. It also organizes workshops and outreach programs for schools to raise awareness about parasitic diseases. Additionally, the department houses a museum displaying a variety of parasitological specimens and venomous snakes of Sri Lanka. serving as an educational resource.

The Department was established in 1963 and the teaching programme started as a para-clinical subject for the first batch of students who entered the faculty in 1962. Prof. V Sivalingam, Professor of Parasitology of the Colombo Medical School privileged to become the first head of the department in June 1964. He had the distinction of being the first Professor of Parasitology of the University of Ceylon. The initial technical officers were Mr. Romaldo Jayasooriya, Mr. Bandarawatta and Mr. Mavilmada. Mr. Witharana and Mr. Amarasinghe were recruited as attendants.

Following the visions of pioneers, both the academics and the supporting staff members have immensely contributed for the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, clinical services for the public and for the development of the department itself….

• Prof. V. Sivalingam
• Dr. Pathmadevi Nelson
• Dr. Manel S. Wijesundara
• Dr. Sarath Edirisinghe
• Prof. Devika Iddawela
• Prof. Susiji Wickramasinghe
• Dr. Rumala Morel
• Dr. Dhilma Atapattu