The Department of Medical Microbiology participates in teaching Basic microbiology, Infectious diseases and Immunology for the undergraduate medical students during Phase 1 & Phase 2 of MBBS degree program which encompass the study of medically important microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, and the body’s immune responses against these organisms.

In addition to that, the Department participates in teaching BSc (Speech and Hearing), BSc (physiotherapy) programs of the University of Kelaniya . Also this is a recognized training center for the Diploma in Medical Microbiology, MD in Medical Microbiology organized by Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo.

The microbiology and the virology laboratories provide Undergraduates an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and develop required skills in Microbiology. It also provides laboratory services to the patients referred from the Department of Family Medicine and Colombo North Teaching Hospital by carrying out investigations in bacteriology, virology, mycology and serology. The laboratory is well equipped to carry out researches.

The main research interests of the department are Influenza and other respiratory viruses, tuberculosis, gastroenteritis viruses and allergy.