Professor Nayana Gunathilaka in World’s Top 2% Scientists

Professor Nayana Gunathilaka of the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, has been honored with inclusion in the World’s Top 2% Scientists list compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier (August 2025 update). This prestigious recognition, based on the Science-wide Author Databases for citation impact, underscores his exceptional scholarly contributions and global leadership in parasitology, clinical medicine, and vector-borne diseases.

Professor Gunathilaka’s research spans a wide spectrum of infectious and parasitic diseases, with particular emphasis on malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis. His pioneering work in molecular parasitology and molecular diagnostics has advanced the detection and management of parasitic infections. Notably, he has been ranked among the Top 0.5% of researchers worldwide for leishmaniasis research (2019–2024), reflecting his sustained excellence in tackling neglected tropical diseases.

In the 2025 Stanford/Elsevier global list, 53 Sri Lankan scientists were recognized, and Professor Nayana Gunathilaka is placed at rank 33 nationally, highlighting his strong citation impact and visibility. This achievement brings distinction to the University of Kelaniya and scientific community in Sri Lanka.