The Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, successfully hosted AUDCON 2025, the first-ever international audiology conference in Sri Lanka, on 30^th November and 1^st December 2025 at Vistara Auditorium at the Faculty of Medicine.

This was organized by the Department of Disability Studies and this historic event marked a significant milestone in advancing audiology, hearing sciences, and communication health in the country. With the theme ‘From Sound to Science: Elevating Audiology in Sri Lanka’, the conference celebrated the growth of the profession and paved the way for future innovations.

AUDCON 2025 brought together audiologists, ENT specialists, speech-language therapists, researchers, educators, industry partners, students, and experts in the field from across Sri Lanka and around the world. Over the two days, participants engaged in a comprehensive program featuring keynote lectures, invited talks, scientific presentations, and interactive discussions spanning audiology, otology, vestibular sciences, and hearing technology.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Senior Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; and Dr Dinushee Atapattu-Bakmeewewa, Head, Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, along with senior academics, international scholars, clinicians, practicing audiologists, and students. Their presence underscored the national importance of strengthening audiology education and research capacity. Insightful keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Wayne Wilson from University of Queensland on the ‘importance of behavioral assessments for infants and children’, and by Prof. Vidya Ramkumar from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, India on ‘telepractice applications in audiology’.

Day 1 of AUDCON 2025 featured a strong lineup of guest speakers who addressed essential areas in pediatric audiology, cultural safety, technology, and mental health. Dr Banumathy Nagamani, Additional Professor, Department of ENT, PGIMER, Chandigarh discussed early intervention strategies for pediatric cochlear implant users, while Dr Helena Niu, Psychiatrist, Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists highlighted the importance of decolonizing healthcare and promoting cultural safety in clinical practice. Dr M. T. D. Lakshan, Consultant ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon, Nawaloka Hospital briefed on how artificial intelligence can elevate audiology services in Sri Lanka. From Australia, Pediatric Audiologist Ms Rangi Rodrigo presented practical approaches to behavioral diagnostic assessments for children with neurodevelopmental considerations. Ms Dumini de Silva, Senior Lecturer & Audiologist, University of Kelaniya spoke on social determinants and ethnic inequities in Australian hearing health, and Ms Lasanthika Madushani, Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist, University of Kelaniya provided an introduction to CBT counselling relevant to audiology and patient care.

Day 2 continued with insightful presentations spanning hearing screening, cochlear implants, adult audiology, vestibular science, and emerging clinical needs. Prof. Asitha Jayawardhana, Pediatric otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgeon, Children’s Minnesota, United States spoke on integrating patient-centered care into school-based hearing screening through technology, followed by Adjunct Professor Dona Jayakody from University of Western Australia who discussed the impact of age-related hearing loss in older adults. Dr Ajimsha K. M., Manager, Advanced Bionics, South East Asia outlined current and future developments in cochlear implant technology, complemented by a session from Ms Janani Jayeraman who is the consumer Excellence and Rehabilitation Manager, Advanced Bionics – South East Asia on early LSL strategies and school readiness for children with hearing loss. Dr Cathy Sucher Audiology Coordinator, Perth Children’s Hospital, highlighted key considerations in managing adult cochlear implant candidates. Prof. Prashanth Prabhu from All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore addressed the role of audiologists in assessing and managing misophonia, while Dr Papathanasiou S. Eleftherios who is a Clinical Neurophysiologist and Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology, explained the clinical applications of VEMP testing. The day concluded with a session from Dr Bimantha Perera who is a Consultant ENT Surgeon at University Hospital, Kothalawala Defence University on the audiologist’s role in the complex and often overlooked area of vertigo management.

In addition to the invited lectures, AUDCON 2025 featured a strong research component with abstracts submitted by both local and international delegates, highlighting contemporary research findings, clinical innovations, and case-based applications in audiology. Owing to extreme weather conditions and travel-related challenges, the final research session proceeded with six oral presentations, ensuring that the conference’s academic contribution remained robust and impactful.  A special panel discussion featuring Sri Lankan audiologists currently practicing in Canada and Australia provided valuable international perspectives and highlighted emerging opportunities for professional growth.

The conference was generously supported by its sponsors, with Sama Hearing as the Main Sponsor, Vision Care Pvt Ltd as the Gold Sponsor, Emar Pharma (Pvt) Ltd as the Silver Sponsor, and Medica Pvt Ltd as the Bronze Sponsor, along with guest speaker sponsorships from Medcon Pvt Ltd and Advanced Bionics. The event concluded with a fellowship dinner at Jetwing Colombo 7, celebrating the success of the conference and the collective dedication of everyone involved.

AUDCON 2025 received overwhelming participation and highly positive feedback, reflecting the growing national commitment to evidence-based practice, innovation, and research-driven development in audiology. This inaugural conference has laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and advancement in the field, reaffirming audiology’s vital role in improving communication health and quality of life of people in Sri Lanka.