ABSTRACT
Many countries in the SEA region report leishmaniasis at present. Complex taxonomy of divergent Leishmania parasites in Asia is of concern. Predictions suggest that Leishmania donovani transmission will continue in the Indian sub-continent even after year 2020. Many lessons in combatting leishmaniasis are available from the neighbourhood of Sri Lanka. Nearly two decades have elapsed since the detection of the current epidemic in Sri Lanka. Variant parasites can result in a variable and an unforeseen outcome in many aspects. Local outbreak of leishmaniasis presents many unique characteristics and challenges. Determinants of infection, progression, and outcome in the host, vector, and in environment, and response patterns of host to treatment and the vector to control methods can be different. Both basic and applied research is required. Research prioritization and application of resultant knowledge in practice and strengthened, monitored, and continued operation of interventions will be the key steps in leishmaniasis control in an endemic setting. Many strengths already possessed by the country are identified.
