Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 31, 2026 (BSS) - The Sixth Meeting of the SAARC Laboratory Directors' Forum (SLDF) was held in Kandy, Sri Lanka, today, bringing together veterinary laboratory directors and technical experts from SAARC member states to strengthen regional cooperation in animal disease surveillance, diagnosis and laboratory capacity development.

The meeting was organised by the SAARC Secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Animal Production and Health, Sri Lanka.

The fifth SLDF meeting was held in Bangkok in 2018.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. B.S.S. Perera, Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Sri Lanka, underscored the importance of strong veterinary laboratory systems in safeguarding animal health, public health and regional food security.

He highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration among South Asian countries to address emerging and transboundary animal diseases.

Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Programme Specialist (Livestock) at the SAARC Agriculture Centre, said the forum serves as an important platform for laboratory directors to exchange knowledge, share experiences and identify regional priorities.

Speaking on behalf of the SAARC Secretariat, Director (Agriculture, Rural Development and SAARC Development Fund) Tanvir Ahmad Torophder emphasised the significance of regional cooperation in addressing common livestock health challenges.

He said stronger laboratory networks and information-sharing mechanisms are essential for improving disease preparedness and response in SAARC member states.

Chairman of the SAARC Laboratory Directors' Forum Dr. Barun Sharma of Nepal formally opened the meeting and called for greater collaboration among national laboratories.

During the meeting, delegates reviewed key recommendations from previous SLDF and SAARC Chief Veterinary Officers' Forum meetings and assessed progress made under the implementation matrix adopted at the Fifth SLDF meeting.

Participants also discussed a draft framework for laboratory directors' capacity development and networking, proposed terms of reference for a regional laboratory technical advisory group, and country updates on laboratory capacity, diagnosis, quality assurance and bio-risk management.

The forum also explored regional priorities, emerging challenges, laboratory networking, harmonisation of diagnostic standards, capacity-building requirements and opportunities for collaboration with international partners, including WOAH and FAO.

The meeting concluded with recommendations and a roadmap aimed at strengthening regional veterinary laboratory collaboration and enhancing preparedness against animal diseases across South Asia.