Parasitology (from Greek parasitos, “one who eats at the table of another”; and -logia, “study”) is defined as the scientific study of parasites, their hosts, and the vectors that transmit them. Medical parasitology, which continues to evolve constantly, comprises the study of medically important helminths, protozoa, and arthropod vectors, along with the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitic diseases. In the present era, there is an essential requirement for medical students to be competent in the field of parasitic infections, envenomation, and their prevention and management.

The Department of Parasitology of the Faculty of Medicine, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka was established in [Insert Year]. It is housed in [Insert location, e.g., the Paraclinical building]. At present, the department conducts teaching activities for medical undergraduates. With the expansion of

available facilities, resources, and expertise, the department hopes to accommodate postgraduate students for Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the future.

We aim to provide our medical undergraduates with a solid foundation in parasitology, entomology, and envenomation, enabling them to recognize, diagnose, and manage parasitic diseases and snakebite cases effectively in their future medical practice. The department is committed to advancing knowledge through research on parasitic diseases, vector biology, and snakebite envenomation, while actively contributing to community health by offering diagnostic support and educational initiatives on the prevention of parasitic infections and snakebite management.