The Joseph Fraser Memorial Hospital Trust (JFMH Trust), a registered non-profit charity in Sri Lanka, has pledged its support to strengthen and modernize histopathology services at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, marking a significant step forward for patient care, medical education, and research in the country.

The Histopathology Unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura currently reports on approximately 3,800 to 4,000 specimens annually from the Professorial Unit of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila. Of these, around 500 to 600 cases are breast cancer specimens, which require hormone receptor testing to guide appropriate clinical management. Until now, these essential tests were not available within the University laboratory, necessitating the transfer of specimens to external laboratories for processing.

Phase 1: Establishment of Immunohistochemistry Testing Facilities

As part of Phase 1 of this initiative, the Histopathology Unit will be equipped with the necessary facilities to conduct hormone receptor testing within its Immunohistochemistry (IHC) laboratory. The JFMH Trust has fully pledged funding for this phase as a donation, and the first tranche has already been disbursed, enabling commencement of the work.

The laboratory premises for this phase have already been allocated, and completion is expected within the coming months. Phase 1 will also include the provision of all required reagents for testing, along with training for laboratory staff, ensuring sustainability and quality assurance from the outset.

The formal pledge letter was handed over by the JFMH Trust, represented by Chairman Dr. Manil Fernando and Most Senior Trustee Mr. Thomas Daeitwyler. It was officially accepted at the Dean’s Office of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura by:

• Professor Manori Gamage, Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Professor Bimalka Seneviratne, Professor in Pathology
• Dr. Charisma Shahi Fernando, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Histopathologist

Also present at the meeting were Mr. Manilal Fernando, Management Trustee, and Mr. William, Secretary of the Trust.

Phases 2 and 3: Toward a Cutting-Edge Histopathology Laboratory

During discussions, the JFMH Trust and the University also explored Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project, which focus on comprehensive laboratory restructuring and modernization. Proposed developments include:

• A modern grossing station
• Automated machines for routine grossing and immunohistochemistry
• A multi-header microscope system with screens for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, multidisciplinary team meetings, and inter-specialty collaboration
• Establishment of computerized laboratory reporting software, allowing clinicians instant access to pathology reports

These advancements would position the Histopathology Laboratory of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to deliver cutting-edge diagnostic services to patients while significantly enhancing medical education, digital reporting, and research collaboration. Importantly, it would also enable partnerships with foreign university departments in reporting, teaching, and research through digital pathology platforms.

The JFMH Trust has pledged its continued support to collaborate with the University in completing Phases 2 and 3. In response, the Histopathology Department has agreed to prepare a detailed project proposal for these phases and submit it to the Trust for further consideration.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment between the Joseph Fraser Memorial Hospital Trust and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to elevate diagnostic pathology services in Sri Lanka. By improving access to essential cancer diagnostics and modern laboratory infrastructure, the initiative promises lasting benefits for patients, clinicians, students, and the wider medical community.