Sri Lanka Marks Key Milestones in Preventive Brain Health with KDU Brain Health Week 2024 and the 10th ARCH Conference

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, delivering a keynote address at the KDU

December 16–20, 2024 | General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) & Hotel Galadhari, Colombo

Sri Lanka took a monumental step forward in advancing preventive brain health through two interlinked events: Preventive Brain Health Week 2024 at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and the 10th ARCH Conference 2024 in Colombo.

Preventive Brain Health Week 2024 at KDU (December 16–20, 2024)

The inaugural Preventive Brain Health Week 2024 commenced at KDU on December 16 and concluded on December 20 with remarkable success in education and awareness. Over 110 newly trained Brain Health Ambassadors participated in intensive sessions grounded in Life’s Ten Principles of preventive brain health, focusing on critical topics such as smoking cessation, blood sugar management, healthy abdominal circumference, blood pressure control, and more.

Dr. Prasanna Herath, Chair of the program, welcomed attendees and set the event’s proactive tone. Prof. Tissa Wijeratne, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of World Brain Day and Trustee of the World Federation of Neurology, the master mind behind the program  underscored the global importance of safeguarding brain health and quality neurology.

The Honourable Minister for Health, Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, delivered a keynote address, praising KDU’s leadership and pledging strong national support for future brain health initiatives.

Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara (VSV, USP, psc), Vice Chancellor of KDU, emphasised the impact of robust preventive measures on national development.

A series of expert presentations highlighted evidence-based strategies in neurology and preventive care, reinforcing the long-term benefits of investing in brain health across the lifespan.

10th ARCH Conference 2024 (December 18, 2024)

Midway through the Brain Health Week, the 10th ARCH Conference 2024 convened at the Hotel Galadhari in Colombo. Held under the leadership of Dr. Gamini Pathirana and Prof. Tissa Wijeratne, the conference spotlighted the theme, “Migraine and Preventative Brain Health,” welcoming leading experts from around the world.

A high-profile delegation from KDU attended, including: Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of KDU, Dr. Prasanna Herath, Chair of Brain Health Week at KDU .Dr. Lalindra  Katthiriarchchi, Brain Health Week Secretary, Deans Prof. Ayindral Balasuriya and Dr. Ranga Perera, Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Saman Pasupakumara, Brain Health Week secretaries Ms. A.D.P. Perera, Ms. Maheshi Laxman, and Ms. Hansika Gunawardana

Renowned international speakers delved into migraine management, innovative research, and patient empowerment strategies. Prof. Alan Rapoport discussed medication overuse in headache treatment, while Ms. Clarinda Cerejo explored advocacy methods for migraine patients. During a  packed media session with all national media outlets , Prof. Tissa Wijeratne (Co-Founder and Co-Chair of World Brain Day, Trustee of WFN) announced a landmark accolade: KDU and its hospital would be recognized as the world’s first Brain Health-Friendly Institutes. This pioneering achievement elevates KDU’s global standing in brain health education, research, and advocacy.