Fonds LK-NA/249 - Veterinary Research Institute

The Veterinary Research Laboratory was established at Peradeniya in 1933. It provided the necessary diagnostic and research service so necessary to combat livestock diseases and provided all biological techniques used in the control of diseases in the Island. The Veterinary Hospital and the Veterinary Dispensaries in the ranges provided treatment services to both Agriculture and Non-Agricultural animals and served as training centres for the students of the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Ceylon, the students of the School of Agriculture and the Field Staff. In the year 1938, Eleven Cows in close proximity to the Veterinary Laboratory were inseminated artificially on an experimental basis, The year 1943 represents a milestone in Animal Health research when the production of AntRinderpest serum was undertaken by the Department. During tile year 1953 four farms in Narahenpita, Welisara, Undugoda and Ambepussa came under the control of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Division and another notable event during this year was the setting up of a parasitology Unit in the Veterinary Research Laboratory The production of a vaccine for use against Haemorihagic Septicemia was also undertaken in 1954. Another milestone in Veterinary research was the introduction of Salmonellosis Caccine in 1960. In 1962 the Animals Act was brought into force, This Act replaced the Cattle Treopan Ordinance, Cattle Breeding Ordinance and the Buffaloe Protection Ordinance. The Central Artificial Insemenation Station was removed from the premises of the Veterinary Laboratory at Peradeniya to its present site at Kundasale where sufficient space is available for its expansion.
A new type of Tissue Culture vaccine against foot and Mouth Disease was produced in 1965. In 1967/68 the Division or the Animal Production and Health (in the Department of Agriculture) was divided into three sections. One dealing with Animal Production, the second with Investigation, Research and Vaccine Production and the Third with Animal Health and Extension services, in order to discharge its functions effectively.
ID Dairy Development Project anti FAA/SDI Dairy Improvement Project were commenced. The former Project was designed to provide credit facilities for, on-farm development of small Dairy Farms. The Dairy Improvements Project assisted in expanding artificial insemination services and also strengthening the Veterinary Research Institutes, Veterinary Investigation Centres and Veterinary Vaccine Production.