Dr. Mihirini Hewavitharane

I am Mihirini Hewavitharane, a Medical Entomologist and Vector Science Specialist currently serving as an Entomologist (Class I) in the Sri Lanka Scientific Service at the Anti Malaria Campaign, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. Over the course of my career, I have developed nearly two decades of experience in malaria entomology, vector surveillance, molecular entomology, insecticide resistance monitoring, integrated vector management, and operational research. My work has focused on supporting malaria elimination efforts and preventing the re-establishment of malaria in Sri Lanka.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science Special Degree in Zoology from the University of Kelaniya in 2004, followed by a Master of Science in Molecular Medicine from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo in 2012. In 2023, I completed my PhD in Medical and Molecular Entomology at the Open University of Sri Lanka, where my research focused on malaria vectors and their ecological determinants in post-elimination settings.

Since joining the Anti Malaria Campaign in 2006, I have provided technical leadership in entomological surveillance, malaria receptivity assessments, vector-risk characterization, and operational research. My work has involved investigating mosquito ecology, vector abundance, seasonality, human-biting and resting behaviour, breeding habitats, and the influence of climatic factors on malaria transmission. I have also contributed to insecticide resistance surveillance and the evaluation of vector control interventions, including indoor residual spraying, long-lasting insecticidal nets, and larval source management programmes.

One of the most significant milestones in my career was serving as the Principal Investigator responsible for the first documented detection of Anopheles stephensi in Sri Lanka. I led the entomological investigation, including survey planning, mosquito collection and identification, molecular confirmation, ecological assessment, and scientific reporting. This work provided critical evidence for strengthening malaria surveillance and preparedness against invasive malaria vectors in Sri Lanka.

My professional experience extends beyond Sri Lanka. From 2021 to 2022, I served as Entomology Technical Manager for the PMI VectorLink Project in Cambodia, where I managed entomological surveillance activities, conducted mosquito sampling and insecticide resistance testing, and trained public health personnel in vector surveillance techniques. I am also a member of the World Health Organization Guideline Development Group for Malaria Vector Control, contributing technical expertise on vector ecology, surveillance, insecticide resistance, and integrated vector management. In addition, I have contributed to international evaluations of vector control programmes through collaborations with organizations such as WHO, APMEN, PMI VectorLink, and Unitaid.

My research interests include malaria vector ecology, molecular entomology, insecticide resistance, climate-driven vector dynamics, and surveillance strategies in malaria post-elimination settings. I have authored and co-authored several scientific publications in international journals, particularly on malaria vector surveillance, invasive vector species, and the sustainability of malaria elimination.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about mentoring and capacity building. For more than fifteen years, I have trained Health Entomology Officers and contributed to professional development programmes. I also serve as a Visiting Lecturer in the MSc Applied Entomology and Parasitology programme at the Open University of Sri Lanka.

My contributions to science and public health have been recognized through several distinctions, including the President's Awards for highly rated scientific publications in 2015 and 2019 and recognition for my contribution to the WHO certification of Sri Lanka as a malaria-free country in 2016. As a scientist and public health professional, I remain committed to advancing vector surveillance, strengthening malaria prevention strategies, and supporting evidence-based approaches to vector-borne disease control at both national and international levels.