COLOMBO : Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG attended an opening ceremony recently of the commencement of the MSc. in Immunology program and BSc (Hons) in Human Biology with Specialization in Immunology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
For the first time in Sri Lanka, a Masters programme in immunology was introduced and funded by the Ministry of Education of Korea as a part of the leading university project for international cooperation, and based on the MoU signed between SungKyunKwan University (SKKU) and the University of Sri Jayawardenapura.
The Korean Ambassador, Santhush Woonjin JEONG attended the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest. Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Chairman, University Grants Commission, Prof. Jaeheon Kang, Project Leader, Prof. Taejin Kim, Prof. Kyeongkyu Kim and Prof. Jinhyun Ahn from the SKKU graced the event as special guests. Representing the University of Jayawardenapura, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chandima Jeewandara, Prof. Neelika Malavige and Prof. Hiran Amarasekara were also present at the opening ceremony.
On this momentous occasion, the Korean Envoy Santhush delievered his congratulatory remarks and stated, ‘Today, for the first time in the history of higher education in Sri Lanka, a Masters programme in Immunology is introduced at this prestigious university. I take this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulations on the inauguration of the Master of Science Degree in Immunology by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine. I’m pleased to note that the results of the education and development cooperation shared by Korea and Sri Lanka have yielded successful results. As a part of International cooperation and a project for Official Development Assistance, the SungKyunKwan University established the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine in University of Jayawardenapura in 2020. This collaboration and valuable investment by Korea’s Ministry of Education, shows the continuous commitment by Korea to ensure that Sri Lanka achieve its desired healthcare goals and strengthen the capacity building of healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka. The Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine is working as pioneers in pandemic-related researches and has accomplished exceptionally in the past few years.’
The Project Leader of this initiative, Prof. Jaeheon Kang appreciated all institutions and people who contributed to successfully commence the Masters programme in Immunology at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the interest and importance of research in immunology have exponentially risen and this project initiated in 2019, was a very timely and meaningful education programme. Prof. Jaeheon Kang stated that the SungKyunKwan University will support this programme with the latest knowledge and comprehensive research on immunology. He also hoped to see the students of Sri Lanka excel in the area of immunology by following this programme. Prof. Jaeheon Kang assured the fullest cooperation of SungKyunKwan University to complete the programme successfully.
Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Chairman of the University Grants Commission delivered his congratulations on this remarkable occasion and expressed his thankfulness to Korea for the assistance to develop education institutions in Sri Lanka. He extended his sincere appreciation to everyone who assisted this project, in particular the SungKyunKwan University of Korea. The support extended in these times will never be forgotten by Sri Lankans. He also encouraged all students to pursue the master’s programme in immunology well and become assets to the country.
The launching of the Sinhala translation of “Your Amazing Immune System” also took place at the same event. This book was translated by Prof. Chandima Jeewandara, Prof. Neelika Malavige, and Prof. Hiran Amarasekara. The Ministry of Education, the Republic of Korea, funded the publication of this book as a community project.
