The Medical Research Institute (MRI) is the premier centre in the country for bio-medical and applied health research. MRI conducts research in diversified areas in the fields of Virology, Bacteriology, Parasitlogy, Rabies, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Histo-Pathology, Haematology, Immunology, Entomology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Mycology, Health Informatics and Animal Studies. MRI is a major service provider for all hospitals in Sri Lanka with special and specific diagnostic laboratory tests. It also functions as a National Laboratory for Japanese encephalitis, measles, rubella and influenza and as the regional reference laboratory for poliomyelitis. . Mission The heart of our mission is to improve the health of Sri Lankans through world-class medical research so as to achieve the national health goals set by the Ministry of Health. To achieve this, we support research across the biomedical spectrum, from fundamental lab-based science to clinical trials in all major disease areas. We work closely with the Ministry of Health, and give high priority to research that is likely to make a real difference to clinical practice and the health of the population Vision Research (basic, operational and advance); surveillance programme for communicable, non communicable and emerging diseases and nutrition status in emergency settings; quality control of laboratories; monitoring and evaluation of health and nutrition interventions; Partnership, specialised laboratory tests and services; Vaccine quality assurance; Forecasting, control and prevention of outbreaks; Teaching and training (Basic, in-service and postgraduate); Providing specialist services for patient management; Supply of animals and animal blood for laboratory testing and research.