Dr. Harsha Perera is currently working as an Head of The Department / Senior Lecturer Grade I in the Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Kelaniya, Srilanka. His Research Interests are Ecology and evolution of influenza viruses, and emerging viral infections. National Responsibilities : Member: Board of Study in Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Sri Lanka Medical faculty Responsibilities : Member Curriculum Committee Co-Chair/Secretary - Neurosciences Module Ongoing Research Studies : Ecology and evolution of swine and avian influenza in Sri Lanka and zoonotic potential of animal influenza viruses among poultry and swine workers in Sri Lanka. Isolation and characterization of influenza viruses circulating among avian, swine and human populations in Sri Lanka. Identification of novel astro viruses in birds Sri Lanka Identification of novel coronaviruses in bats in Sri Lanka. Case‐control study to assess the potential risk factors related to human illness caused by Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) on Sri Lankans employed in Middle East Membership in Learned Societies: Registered with Sri Lanka Medical Council (Registration No: 13787) Board Certified Specialist in Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Sri Lanka Life Member, Sri Lanka College of Microbiologist Life Member, Peradeniya Medical School Alumni Association Member International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases ((isirv)

Ecology and evolution of influenza viruses, and emerging viral infections