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Anselm Stanley Dissanaike (1925–2015) was an eminent parasitologist. In recognition of his contributions to the field of science and research, the University of London recognised him with the award of the higher doctorate of DSC in 1966. Stanley had the distinction of having two parasite species named after him. One a trematode (a fluke) Bilorchis dissanaikei, and the other a malarial parasite of parakeets, Plasmodium dissanaikei, discovered by his former student in London.

Early life and education

Stanley was born on 29 October 1925. He had his schooling at Richmond College, Galle and St. Peter's College, Colombo. He then entered the University of Ceylon and pursued a BSc Special Zoology degree with parasitology as the special subject, obtaining first-class honors.

He continued his academic journey in medicine, graduating with several first-class honors and medals—including a distinction in medicine—from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ceylon.  In 1954, he earned his PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, under the supervision of Professor Cyril Garnham FRS.

Academic and professional career

Stanley served as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ceylon (Colombo) from 1967 to 1970 and held the chair in Parasitology from 1964 to 1972. He later joined the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur as Chair in Parasitology.

His research identified several parasites of zoonotic importance to humans and elucidated numerous life cycles of parasites in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. His work emphasized the significance of parasitic organisms crossing species barriers, a concept relevant to modern infectious disease research.

In 1978, he was selected for the World Health Organization's Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in Geneva. After retirement, he continued to contribute as a member of the WHO Expert Committee on General Parasitology.

Recognition and honors

In 1977, Stanley was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK). In 1995, he was conferred the title of professor emeritus by the University of Colombo. The University of London awarded him a Doctor of Science (DSC) in 1966 for his scientific contributions.

Stanley had two parasite species named in his honor: Bilorchis dissanaikei (a trematode) and Plasmodium dissanaikei (a malarial parasite of parakeets).

Personal life

Stanley's elder brother, Ben Dissanaike, was a former President of the Institute of Chemistry in Sri Lanka and Head of the Government Analysts' Department. His younger brother, Professor George Dissanaike, was a noted physicist.

References

1. "Distinguished physicist was a great teacher and complete gentleman". Sunday Times. 5 October 2008. Retrieved 21 May 2010.

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