Ramesh, B.Sc. Bot. (Madras University), M.Sc. Microbial. (GBPUAT, Pant Nagar) a Senior Research Officer (Retd.), Medical Research Institute began the research career at the Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy (now the National Institute of Fundamental Studies – NIFS), focusing on Biological Nitrogen Fixation, specifically studying Rhizobium living in the nodules of legumes. This foundational work paved the way for a career in scientific research.
Later, joined the Medical Research Institute (MRI) as a Research Officer under the Sri Lanka Scientific Service. Received advanced training in Diagnostic Molecular Biology at Niigata School of Medicine and the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University all of Japan. Upon returning to Sri Lanka, established the Molecular Biology Section at MRI, a central facility that addressed the longstanding need for molecular biology-based diagnostic capabilities in the country.
Over a career spanning 32 years at MRI, played a pivotal role in establishing research and diagnostic services for several critical diseases, including Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya, Listeria, Haemophilia, Human Papillomavirus caused cervical cancer, and Herpes Simplex Virus induced encephalitis. In addition to the diagnostic contributions, introduced advanced techniques such as Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), used as an epidemiological tool, and Real-Time PCR, which revolutionized diagnostic practices in the region.
Served as a Member of the MRI Research and Ethics Committees, contributing to the ethical and scientific direction of medical research in Sri Lanka.