On Day 07 of the multi-centred research project, "Building a Reference Population to Aid in Forensic Identification of Sri Lanka’s Missing Persons," activities were highlighted by an informative dissemination session on forensic anthropology, conducted by Dr. Kelly Kamnikar for undergraduate dental students of the Faculty of Dental Sciences.
The session provided valuable insights into the role and applications of forensic anthropology in human identification. Following the session, the research team continued data collection in accordance with the approved research methodology and ethical framework, further advancing the project's objective of strengthening forensic identification capacity in Sri Lanka.
On Day 06 of the multi-centred research project, "Building a Reference Population to Aid in Forensic Identification of Sri Lanka’s Missing Persons," activities were highlighted by a sensitization session on community engagement in forensic services, conducted by Mr. Thiveegabalan Chanthirakumar of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The session emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with communities in humanitarian and forensic contexts.
On Day 03 of the multi-centred research project, "Building a Reference Population to Aid in Forensic Identification of Sri Lanka’s Missing Persons," activities were highlighted by a sensitization session on Data and Information Management Systems in Post-Mortem Examination.
The session, conducted by Mr. Juan Manuel Guerrero, Forensic Specialist of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), focused on strengthening data management practices in forensic investigations.
Following the session, the research team continued data collection in accordance with the approved research methodology and ethical framework, further reinforcing the project's commitment to enhancing forensic identification capacity in Sri Lanka.
The Centre for Forensic Odontology (CFO), Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, continued the second day of the multi-centred research project, "Building a Reference Population to Aid in Forensic Identification of Sri Lanka’s Missing Persons," with a refresher session for the research team on TADA software.
This session revisited key concepts and applications introduced during the 2025 workshop in Jaffna, followed by the continuation of data collection activities carried out in accordance with the approved research methodology and ethics framework.
The day’s programme was conducted with the support of international consultants Dr. Amber Plemons and Dr. Kelly Kamnikar, whose continued guidance contributes to strengthening the technical capacity of the project and advancing forensic identification efforts in Sri Lanka.
The Centre for Forensic Odontology (CFO), Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, inaugurated the multi-centred research project, "Building a Reference Population to Aid in Forensic Identification of Sri Lanka's Missing Persons," with Professor Terrance Madhujith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, serving as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), national and international collaborators, forensic experts, academics, and students.
The project, led by the Centre for Forensic Odontology in collaboration with the ICRC, California State University, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (USA), aims to develop a scientifically validated dental reference population to strengthen the forensic identification of missing persons in Sri Lanka.
In his welcome address, Professor A.K.S. Arambawatta, Director of the Centre for Forensic Odontology, highlighted the Centre's commitment to advancing forensic odontology through research, education, professional services, and international collaboration. The initiative represents an important milestone in strengthening Sri Lanka's forensic identification capacity while supporting humanitarian efforts to identify missing persons.
We are pleased to announce that the Centre for Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, received a valuable donation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on 20th March 2026.
This donation was made in support of humanitarian activities and forensic capacity enhancement, particularly for research related to the forensic identification of missing persons in Sri Lanka. Items received include:
- Inch scale
- 10 cm scale
- L-shaped scales (5-inch and 8-inch)
- Plastic storage boxes with lids
- Iscan rib cast
- Suchey cast (male and female)
- Large measuring tape
These materials will further strengthen the academic, research, and practical work carried out by the Centre. We sincerely appreciate the support extended by the ICRC towards advancing forensic and humanitarian initiatives.
The Pre-MD Forensic Medicine – Forensic Odontology (CBT) for the 2023 batch was successfully conducted on 16th January 2026 by the Centre for Forensic Odontology (CFOD), Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya.
Resource Persons & Topics:
- Prof. A. K. S. Arambawatta - Introduction to Forensic Odontology, Dental Notation Systems, and Dental Recording.
- Prof. H. R. D. Peiris - Evolution of Dental Age Estimation Methods in Adults.
- Prof. R. D. Jayasinghe - Identification of Victims in Mass Disasters: Dental Perspectives.
- Dr. R.M.S.H.B. Medawela - Maxillofacial aspects of Forensic Medicine.
Hands-on Practical Training:
- Prof. A. K. S. Arambawatta
- Prof. H. R. D. Peiris
- Prof. R. D. Jayasinghe
- Prof. B. G. T. L. Nandasena
Technical Assistance:
- R.G.A.P. Abeysundara
- A.M.S.C. Alahakoon
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A delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), led by Dr. Angelique, Head of Delegation, and Dr. Yarimar Ruiz, Forensic Coordinator, visited the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, to explore potential collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Forensic Odontology (CFOD).
The delegation was received by Prof. B.M.H.S.K. Banneheka, Dean of the Faculty; Prof. A.K.S. Arambawatta, Director of CFOD; Prof. H.R.D. Peiris, Secretary; along with members of the Faculty Management Committee, technical officers, and staff.
The programme included a welcome by the Director of CFOD, an address by the Dean, and a presentation on the Centre’s activities, services, teaching, and future plans. The ICRC representatives expressed their appreciation of the work carried out by the Centre. The delegation also visited the CFOD office, forensic odontology room museum, and the Comparative Human Biology Laboratory.
Discussions were held on possible future support and collaboration, and a draft MoU was formally handed over to the ICRC delegation for further consideration. The visit marked a positive step towards strengthening collaboration between the Faculty of Dental Sciences / CFOD and the ICRC.
The Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the successful completion of the first batch of dental surgeons from the Ministry of Health on a short course of Forensic Odontology was held on 18th November 2025 at the Faculty of Dental Sciences.
The Acting Dean, the Director of the Centre for Forensic Odontology, Prof. AKS Arambawatta, and the Secretary, Prof. HRD Peiris graced the event. Resource persons Prof. BGTL Nandasena and Prof. Ruwan Jayasinghe were also in attendance.
The following technical and administrative staff members were present at the occasion:
- Mr. Sandeep Alahakoon – Technical Officer
- Mr. Anushka Abeysundara – Technical Officer
- Ms. Piumi Hendeniya – Management Assistant
The ceremony marked an important milestone for the Centre for Forensic Odontology and the Faculty, reflecting the successful training and capacity-building initiative conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
