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.