Prof. Dilshani Dissanayake,
Professor in Physiology
Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

The Centre for Meditation Research was established as a development of the meditation research project of the University of Colombo (UOC). The findings of the multidisciplinary research project, funded by the World Bank, emphasized the potential for further discoveries about the benefits of meditation in health and behavior. The meditation research group investigated the genetic, physical, psychological and behavioral changes in experienced meditators recruited from Buddhist meditation centres in Sri Lanaka. The team developed meditation-based intervention protocols targeting diseases and the community. The interventions have promising results. The CMR-UOC aims to carry out, disseminate and promote multidisciplinary research related to meditation. The centre facilitates research and resource development related to meditation, involving institutions and researchers from all related disciplines in the UOC. The centre promotes evidence-based change to policy and practice. We facilitate research and innovations related to meditation practices that would improve and sustain human health and well-being. The CMR-UOC collaborates with national and international institutions and organizations to disseminate knowledge and practices related to mediation via training sessions, courses and projects. The main aim of the CMR-UOC is to become a center of excellence for meditation research.