The retirement ceremony of Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, a Consultant Physician who has served at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases for over twenty years, was a momentous occasion. Dr. Wijewickrama joined our hospital in 2003 and has made significant contributions to both the advancement of the hospital and the care of patients. He has successfully treated thousands of patients and played a key role in initiating and conducting training programs on dengue disease management for healthcare workers across Sri Lanka in collaboration with the National Dengue Control Unit.

Dr. Wijewickrama also took the initial steps to provide auditorium facilities for training programs and to establish the National Institute of Infectious Diseases as a collaborative training center with the World Health Organization.

This grand retirement ceremony was held on January 25, 2025, under the theme “A Legacy of a Legend,” and was attended by all hospital staff, officials from the Ministry of Health, and representatives from affiliated institutions.

A week-long training program on managing dengue disease for Bangladeshi doctors and nurses took place in July 2024. This event was organized by the National Dengue Control Unit, the Sri Lanka Medical Council, and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

The workshop featured interactive sessions focused on dengue management, observations of disease management units, and case discussions. Skilled doctors from the National Dengue Control Unit, along with the director of the NIID and other medical staff, including consultants and special grade nursing officers, conducted the training. This program equipped participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage dengue cases.

The two-story lounge for specialists and doctors, addressing a previous shortcoming at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, was completed and officially opened on November 7, 2024, thanks to the generous donation from Venerable Nakulugamuwe Sumana Thero. This fully equipped building, located adjacent to Ward No. 2, also includes restrooms for all employees on duty in that ward.

A musical evening was held on December 19, 2024, in conjunction with the Christmas Day celebration, featuring Brother Charles Thomas. This event, organized by the Hospital Quality Management Unit, aimed to provide hospital staff members with a chance to break away from their routine and refresh their minds. Brother Charles Thomas and his team conducted this program as a part of their social service efforts at the hospital.

The Clinical Society was established through the collaborative efforts of all consultants and medical staff at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, spearheaded by former Director Dr. Dinesh Koggalage. Its primary aim is to enhance the knowledge and skills of the medical professionals working at the institute.