Seven University of Kelaniya Academics Recognised Among 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists

Seven medical academics from the University of Kelaniya have been recognised in the 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists database, compiled by Stanford University, USA, and published through the Elsevier Data Repository.

The updated global database, released on 7 October 2026, recognises researchers based on scientific impact and citation performance. Its assessment uses standardised Scopus citation indicators, including citation metrics, h-index scores, co-authorship adjustments and composite research scores across various scientific disciplines.

Six academics from the university’s Faculty of Medicine were included in the Single-Year (2025) Publications Database, which recognises researchers for their recent scientific contributions and research influence.

Those recognised are Professor Sachith Mettananda of the Department of Paediatrics; Emeritus Professor Janaka de Silva; Emeritus Professor Rajitha Wickramasinghe; Senior Professor Asita de Silva of the Department of Pharmacology; Professor Anuradhani Kasturiratne, Head of the Department of Public Health; and Professor Nayana Gunathilaka of the Department of Parasitology.

Their inclusion reflects the international visibility and research contributions of the Faculty of Medicine, particularly in advancing medical knowledge and addressing important healthcare challenges.

Meanwhile, three senior academics from the university were featured in the Career-Wide Publications Database, which recognises sustained research contributions and scientific impact throughout an academic career.

The career-wide list includes Emeritus Professor Janaka de Silva, Professor Anuradhani Kasturiratne and Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva of the Department of Parasitology.

Professor Janaka de Silva and Professor Anuradhani Kasturiratne were recognised in both the single-year and career-wide databases, highlighting their contributions across recent research output and long-term scientific impact.

The recognition underscores the University of Kelaniya’s continued contribution to medical research and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, healthcare innovation and solutions to local and global health challenges.

The achievements of the seven academics also highlight the growing international presence of Sri Lankan researchers and the contribution of the country’s higher education sector to global scientific advancement.