A newly upgraded Lung Function Laboratory was officially opened by the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, on the 10^th of February 2025 at the department premises. The event marked a significant milestone in the enhancement of respiratory healthcare and research in the region. The upgraded facility, which is the only one in the Gampaha District capable of providing full lung function and respiratory muscle strength assessments, was developed with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Department of Physiology itself.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof. Anita Simonds, Professor Emeritus in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK and Prof. Asoka Dissanayake, Former Chair Professor of the Department of Physiology, University of Kelaniya, as the chief guests. Other esteemed guests included: Prof. Madhawa Chandrathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Janaki Hewavisenthi, Former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Ranil Fernando, Former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Shirmila Withana, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, UK; Dr. Jaymin Morjaria, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, UK; Prof. Dushantha Medagedara and Dr. Bandu Gunasena, Senior Respiratory Consultants; and all academic staff of the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Physiology, including senior professors, senior lecturers, and lecturers.

Dr. Dilesha Wadasinghe, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physiology, played a central role in the establishment of the upgraded laboratory. Her dedication to improving patient care, advancing research, and enhancing student education has been pivotal in realizing this project. In her address, Dr. Wadasinghe expressed deep appreciation for the generous contributions made by the ADB, as well as the continued support from the members of the department, faculty members and well-wishers. Dr. Wadasinghe also took the opportunity to recognize the invaluable efforts of Prof. Lakmali Amarasiri Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, who had originally developed the Lung Function Laboratory. Prof. Amarasiri’s pioneering work laid the foundation for the facility, and the recent upgrades built upon her legacy to create a state-of-the-art respiratory assessment center.

The laboratory, designed to provide comprehensive lung function assessments for both public and private sector patients, will play a key role in improving respiratory healthcare in the region. Dr. Wadasinghe emphasized the laboratory’s future plans to expand its services, with an aim to include cardiopulmonary exercise testing and further elevate the facility's capabilities.

She extended her gratitude to Prof. Janaki Hewavisenthi, whose efforts were instrumental in securing the necessary funding for the project, and to Prof. James Hull, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, UK, for providing her with specialized training in cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Dr. Wadasinghe also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, who played a significant role in ensuring the success of the project. Additionally, Dr. Wadasinghe expressed her heartfelt thanks to all her trainers, colleagues, non-academic staff, and everyone who supported her in bringing this project to life.