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REGISTERED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF POST QD/138/News/2021
SLMANEWS+
The Official eMagazine Of The Sri Lanka Medical Association
January 2021 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 01 ISSN : 1800 – 4016 (Printed)
www.slma.lk
2550 – 2778 (Online)
Invoking “Professional Excellence towards
blessings Holistic Healthcare”
on Dr. & Mrs E.
M. Wijerama
Page 03
Presidential
Address
Pages 05-10
“Is science
ever
enough?
Dare to play
politics”
Page 18
Call for
abstracts and
orations
Pages 20-22
Dr Palitha
Abeykoon:
Special Envoy
on COVID-19 Cover Story
for WHO
Page 26-28 Induction of the
President of the
SLMA - 2021
SLMANEWS+
ISSN : 1800 – 4016 (Printed) 2550 – 2778 (Online)
“Wijerama House”, No. 6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07, Telephone: +94 112 693 324, Email: office@slma.lk
SLMA News Editorial
Committee 2021 Contents
=Editor-in-Chief President’s Message 2
Professor Hasini Banneheke
SLMA News-in-Brief 3-4
=Editorial Committee
Dr. B.J.C. Perera Induction of the President of the SLMA-2021
Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva 5-10
Presidential Address
Professor Jennifer Perera
Professor A. Pathmeswaran Event Coverage 12-13
Professor Nirmala Wijekoon New Council 2021 14-15
Dr. Achala Balasuriya
Dr. Shehan Silva
Professor Sampath Gunawardana Feature Articles
Dr. Chathurie Suraweera History of The Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health
and HIV Medicine 16-17
=Cover photo
Anira Photo by “Is science ever enough? Dare to play politics” from Lancet 18
Mr. Amal Ranawaka
Notices
=MAGAZINE Design
Call for abstracts, guidelines and list of awards
Wasantha Siriwardena
for free papers and posters 20-21
wasantha.siriwardena@gmail.com
Call for orations 21-22
=LAYOUT
U.R. Sampath
Miscellany
=Printing and Publishing A tribute to a legendary medical teacher,
late Professor Eugene Wikramanayake 24-25
assistance
ANANDA PRESS Dr Palitha Abeykoon: Appointed Special Envoy on
T: + 94 11 277 4793 COVID-19 by the Director General of the World Health
M: + 94 777 745 389 Organisation 26-28
S: www.anandapress.lk
E: anandapress65@gmail.com
A: 277, Hokandara Road, Voice of Youth
Thalawathugoda, Sri Lanka Life at the slma: in harmony and flourishing 28
OUR ADVERTISERS
=Glaxosmithkline
SLMA President
Pharmaceuticals Ltd Dr. Padma Gunaratne
=Blue Ocean Group of Companies MBBS, MD(SL), FRCP
=Anti-Malaria Campaign (Edin, Glasg, Lond), FCCP,
=Prime Group Hon FRACP, FAAN, FWSO
President, Sri Lanka Medical
=Asset Group of Companies
Association
SLMA NEWS+ is published by the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA). The views expressed in
it are not necessarily those of the SLMA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Editor.
Permission may be sought directly from the SLMA, Wijerama House, No. 6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo
07, via telephone +94 112 693 324 or E-mail: office@slma.lk
SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 01
President’s Message
Dear Colleagues, are conducive and are able to
I
allocate a separate room and
feel honoured and a bathroom for themselves
privileged for the could possibly be managed at
opportunity to send home reducing the burden on
this message to the Intermediate Centres and ease
membership as the 127th the patient as well.
President of the Sri Lanka As a result, it is essential
Medial Association, the apex that the SLMA arranges
professional organization of training programs for doctors
the medical profession. to effectively handle home-
This is a moment where management of asymptotic
the need of the opinion of our COVID-19 patients in the
Organization and the services future.
of our profession to the day The issue of COVID-19 death
to day lives of all Sri Lankans management in Sri Lanka was
is required more than ever another important national
before. concern that created unrest
We have lived through among certain communities
an year with the COVID-19 who believe that burial is an
pandemic while trying to essential form of disposal of
transform all our activities to the dead body.
suit the “new normal”. The SLMA had a
In fact, some activities have brainstorming session on
been more successful when scientific information available
compared to the pre-COVID on this subject and established
era, while there is a lot left to be our position in this regard.
desired in other activities such We are proud that the
as organizing social activities you can participate with your release of the SLMA statement
and education. family. cleared the doubts in the minds
Distant Medical Education The COVID-19 infection is of many individuals who may
is one such activity that did still raging in Sri Lanka with have been misinformed.
much better than ever before an ever-rising number of cases Furthermore, it is important
during the COVID-19 pandemic currently exceeding 40,000 to note that quelling the unrest
in 2020. The SLMA was able and over 200 lives lost. While may improve the adherence
to develop a fully-fledged adhering to Ministry of Health to guidelines on prevention
auditorium from where we can Guidelines on prevention, the of COVID-19 infection and
now address and educate any of way forward appears to be able improve contact tracing efforts.
our members who are working to vaccinate all high-risk people Please check whether you
in the remotest regions of the groups as soon as possible. receive the SLMA alerts via
Island. I am glad that the SLMA SMS through which the SLMA
I urge you to stay tuned, was able to take it up with the disseminates key information
encourage your friends who Secretary to HE the President regarding many activities of
are not already members to and was able to convince ours and also would appreciate
become members of the SLMA, the authorities of the need the suggestions by the SLMA
follow and interact with us via to expedite the process of members to be taken up
our Facebook page, and let us purchasing vaccines. by SLMA this year for the
know your expectations so that As with the escalating betterment of the medical
we can organize and fulfil our number of cases of COVID-19, profession to improve the
obligation to keep doctors up- it appears that a good number services to the Sri Lankan
to-date. of Intermediate Centres are public.
Please plan to join our inundated with asymptomatic Thank you
Annual Scientific Sessions cases who are PCR positive.
scheduled to be held from 27th Maintaining these centres are Dr. Padma Gunaratne
– 30th in July 2021 under the prohibitively expensive for the MBBS, MD(SL), FRCP(Edin,
theme “Professional Excellence Government. Glasg, Lond), FCCP, Hon
towards Holistic Health Care”. Therefore, managing FRACP, FAAN, FWSO
There will also be many asymptomatic patients President, Sri Lanka Medical
social activities for which whose housing conditions Association
02 | January 2021
SLMANEWS+
SLMA News-in-brief
Activities in December and January 2021
30th December 2020
A religious function was held at
‘Wijerama House’ to invoke
blessings on Dr. & Mrs E. M.
Wijerama and all past Presidents
who are no more, by the President
and Council 2020/21, the staff at
SLMA office and other Colleges/
associations located at SLMA
premises.
The events unfolded
with a chanting of pirith and
almsgiving to Buddhist priests
from Ashokaramaya Temple,
Thimbirigasyaya. This was followed
by religious rituals performed by
Rev. Fr. Crispin Leo from St Peters
Church, Moulavi Abdul Sathar
from Maligawatte Islamic Centre
and S Sandhana Krishna Aiyar from
Wellawatte.
The SLMA, jointly with the Sri
Lanka Association of Geriatric in Elders’ homes” to State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle as
Medicine (SLAGM) presented the of Primary Health Services, this group is at a very high risk of
guideline on protecting “Persons Pandemics and COVID Prevention, contracting COVID-19.
31st December 2020
A brainstorming
session on vaccine
roll out in the country
and compulsory
cremation of COVID-19
dead bodies was held
with the participation
of experts in relevant
fields and some council
members of SLMA.
1st January 2021
T
he inaugural council meeting
was held on first January 2021
at the SLMA auditorium. The
meeting was presided by Dr. Padma
Gunaratne, President SLMA. The
proceedings commenced with the
traditional New Year reception held
at 3.30 pm, followed by lighting
of the oil lamp of learning and
unveiling the portrait of Professor
Indika Karunathilake, President of
SLMA in 2020, by the new president.
SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 03
SLMA News-in-Brief
1st January 2021
T o mark the beginning of
the year 2021, Sri Lanka
Medical Association planted
5 native/endemic plants at
Vihara Maha Devi Park to
initiate the new concept of
developing “Urban Forests”.
The trees included Mee
(මී ජාතියේ පොහොර ගස), Neem
Tree (කොහොඹ), Indian
Beech (මගුල් කරඳ), Hora
tree (හොර) and Daly River
Satinash (බටදොඹ).
2nd January 2021 6th January 2021
A team led by Dr. Padma Gunaratne, President SLMA had deliberations
on containing the disease, vaccination, stroke care, protecting
persons at elders’ homes and death management of COVID-19 infection A follow-up discussion on
prevention of COVID
with the Dr. P. B. Jayasundara, Secretary to His Excellency the President -19 pneumonia among
of Sri Lanka. inmates of Elders’ homes
was held with Dr. Sudarshini
5th January 2021 Fernandopulle, State Minister
of Primary Health Services,
Pandemics and COVID-19
Prevention, in the presence of
representatives from SLMA,
World Bank, the Ministry
of Health and the National
Secretariat for Elders.
A n update on Vaccines was
held at the SLMA Auditorium
organized by the SLMA Media
the proceedings carried out by
Professor Ariyaranee Gnanadasan.
The resource persons were
Committee on fifth January 2021. It Dr. Chandima Jeewandara,
was conducted in Sinhala Medium Senior Lecturer, Faculty of
with the Tamil translations of Medical Sciences, University
of Sri Jayawardenapura and
Dr. Deepa Gamage, Consultant
Epidemiologist, Epidemiology Unit,
Ministry of Health. The session was
chaired by Dr. Padma Gunaratne,
President SLMA and compered
by Dr. Pamitha Mahanama. The
media seminar was attended by
media personnel representing
many media institutions.
04 | January 2021
SLMANEWS+
Presidential Address
Presidential Address - 2021
Good Evening, ladies and
gentlemen, The SLMA President - 2021
P
Dr. Padma S Gunratne, nee Government sector in 2008 and
rofessor Indika
Karunathilake, the Ranasingha, is a Board certified Thrombectomy programme
outgoing President, Neurologist with experience of in 2018. She is the founder of
Chairman and Members a specialist in Neurology over 30 the National Stroke Centre,
of the Board of Trustees years. She entered the Medical Mulleriyawa Project and the
of the Sri Lanka Medical Faculty, University of Peradeniya founder President of the Stroke
Association, Past Presidents,
Council Members and Members in 1977 and qualified MBBS with Support Organization for Sri
of the Sri Lanka Medical 2nd Class Honours in 1982. Lankans. She was instrumental
Association, Dr J. B. Peiris, my She obtained the MD (General in establishing practice of total
teacher in neurology, invitees Medicine) in 1987 and was Board risk approach for prevention of
representing Government Certified as a Neurologist in CVD in Sri Lanka.
Ministries, State Institutions,
1991. She obtained her MRCP She was a member of the
academia, UN agencies,
statutory bodies, International (UK) in 1992. Board of Directors of the
Organizations, Professional She is a Fellow of the World Stroke Organization
Colleges, Academic Colleges and, Ceylon College of Physicians, (2008 – 2015) and an executive
all other distinguished invitees, Royal College of Physicians, committee member of the Asia
I feel deeply honoured and London, College of Physicians Pacific Stroke Organization
greatly privileged to be appointed
as the 127th President of the Sri and Surgeons of Glasgow, (2011- 2014). She held the post
Lanka Medical Association. Royal College of Physicians of Chairperson, Specialty Board
The Sri Lanka Medical of Edinburgh, American in Neurology, Post Graduate
Association is the apex Association of Neurologists, Institute of Medicine, University
professional organization of Royal Australasian College of of Colombo from 2015 -2018 and
all medical professionals in
Physicians and a fellow of the she is the Chair, Specialty Board
Sri Lanka. Whether you are a
medical professional in the public World stroke Organization. for Medical Rehabilitation,
or private sector, young or old, Dr. Gunaratne worked as the PGIM, University of Colombo
practising or non-practising, Consultant Neurologist at the since 2018 to date.
graduates of local or foreign Teaching Hospital Kandy for 13 Among pestigious posts
universities, specialists or grade years and as Senior Consultant she has held, are President,
medical officers, the SLMA
brings all doctors together on Neurologist at the National Association of Sri Lankan
to a single platform, enabling Hospital of Sri Lanka for nearly Neurologist –– 2008, President,
the establishment of a centre of 15 years. During this period National Stroke Association
excellence for their continuous she pioneered introducing of of Sri Lanka, 2010, 2011, 2012,
professional development. thrombolysis for stroke patients President, Ceylon College of
The SLMA is the oldest national
at the Stroke unit in Colombo. Physicians, 2011, the Vice
professional organization of
medical doctors both in Asia and She has a special interest in President SLMA in 2015, and
Australasia. It was established as Stroke care and pioneered the President, Sri Lankan Association
the Ceylon Branch of the British thrombbolytic programme of Geriatric Medicine, 2018 and
Medical Association in December for ischemic stroke in the 2019.
1887, with Dr. P D Anthoniz as
the President, along with 65
Founding Members. Along with academic organization for doctors for the Sri Lanka Medical
the declaration of independence, for over 130 years, the SLMA’s Association, being compelled to
the Ceylon Branch of the British contribution to professional face numerous challenging health
Medical Association changed development of doctors in Sri issues related to the COVID-19
its name to the Ceylon Medical Lanka is beyond measure. pandemic that have engulfed the
Association in 1951. The current In this context, I consider whole world with no continent or
name, “The Sri Lanka Medical myself to be ever so fortunate to country being spared.
Association” was adopted in 1972, represent this prestigious Medical I take this opportunity to
with the promulgation of the new Association as the President and thank the outgoing President,
Democratic Socialist Republic of be able to support the vision and Professor Indika Karunathilaka
Sri Lanka. the mission of the association. and his Council for the
As the leading professional 2020 was a landmark year unprecedented level of advocacy
SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 05
Presidential Address
and activities that were carried of an individual, the health of in Sri Lanka. The pandemic has
out during this crucial period. the public, health related to a robbed many people of their
While transforming the SLMA particular occupation, or even a livelihood and inflicted body
to face the challenges innate to zoonotic environment. To achieve blows to every strong economy,
a pandemic, many up-to-date its objectives, the reach of the all over the world. Its economic
facilities were established for SLMA has been intentionally and social impact on Sri Lanka is
virtual communication. broadened, resulting in 18 immeasurable.
These communication Expert Committees as well as 56 Covid-19 is highly infectious
platforms have now become a specialties under the umbrella and has severe consequences
blessing in disguise in that they of the SLMA Intercollegiate particularly in the elderly
could be used to propagate distant Committee. population, and in people with
medical education to all medical Out of the many activities multiple co-morbidities. As at
professionals, even in the most that the Council of SLMA intends present, the management of
remote regions of Sri Lanka. As to embark on in the year 20 21 COVID-19 is symptomatic, and
a result, the SLMA is currently under the theme “Professional measures of prevention is the key
able to promote distant medical Excellence towards Holistic to control the outbreak. In this
education more than ever before. Health Care”, there are several regard, the implied hopes of people
Medicine is a dynamic and that represent areas of interest on vaccination is understood and
an evolving field that sees daily to me that I believe this august acknowledged while all efforts
developments due to the latest audience should be made aware to vaccinate people at high-risk,
research and advancement in of. Let me present them to you at an affordable cost, must be
technology. under the heading “A Drop, prioritized.
While I appreciate that the out of the Ocean of Medical Along with the vaccination,
primary objective of the SLMA is Rehabilitation”. other measures such as wearing
the professional development of A Drop, out of the Ocean of a face mask, physical distancing,
doctors with a focus on promoting Medical Rehabilitation and frequent hand washing,
physical, psychological, social, combined with lockdowns for
and spiritual wellbeing to our The Covid-19 pandemic has highly infected communities, will
nation, it is important that we been the worst global pandemic have to be in place long-term,
understand that professional within my lifetime. So far It to keep a surge under control.
development includes the has infected over 90 million Measures taken to minimize
implementation of advanced (90,077,446) individuals with infection among healthcare
knowledge, ensuring high a mortality of more than 1.9 staff are absolutely essential.
ethical standards of practice. The million (1,934,813) globally. While continuing with economic
SLMA holds a keen interest in Hitherto, there has been 46780 development, living in this
health, whether it is the health diagnosed cases, with 222 deaths “new normal” will have to be
06 | January 2021
SLMANEWS+
Presidential Address
encouraged long-term. a wide range of rehabilitation Education on Medical
In terms of individual health, measures are offered to all those Rehabilitation
COVID-19 impacts the physical, affected in various ways following Upon inquiry, it was revealed
mental, social, and spiritual the outbreak. There are certain that many medical schools
wellbeing of people. While the steps that have already been are short of a comprehensive
physical and mental impact of implemented by the Government and adequate education on
Covid-19 may remain for longer to reduce the economic impact rehabilitation for their graduates.
than one would envisage, the of COVID-19. In terms of health, However, patients under a
psychological consequences of while realizing that there is vast range of specialties including
some others are a result of loss of room for improvement from Neurology, Rheumatology,
their loved ones or of economic health care to humanitarian care, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery,
losses. the contribution that has already Geriatrics, Ophthalmology,
Research shows that COVID-19 been made by the healthcare ENT and Paediatrics, require
has caused an increase in family professionals, along with the tri- rehabilitation services. Within
disputes and it is likely that other forces and the police, is nothing these specialties, stroke, spinal
non-communicable diseases may but praiseworthy. cord injury, cerebral palsy,
also show an increase owing to It is in this perspective that cerebral infections, musculo-
the unhealthy lifestyle brought I am talking about Medical skeletal disorders, visual
on with the restrictions imposed Rehabilitation. Medical handicaps and impaired hearing
on the movement of people. In Rehabilitation is a specialty are common entities that need
addition, Covid-19 convinced relevant to a range of disabilities medical rehabilitation.
us how it could affect spiritual originating from any form of A research study was carried
wellbeing of individuals. Certain physical or mental disorder. out, with my hospital team, to
communities were disturbed by The hallmark of successful learn the practices carried out
the policy of essential cremation rehabilitation is multi- by varying levels of medical
for all COVID -19 deaths. disciplinary team care. professionals with regard to
On the other hand, the While appreciating the stroke rehabilitation.
projected economic growth for significant contributions made The study included 110
Sri Lanka is 3.4% in 2021. As by the Sri Lankan tri-forces and medical professionals made up
responsible health professionals, the Specialists in Rheumatology of Interns, Medical Officers,
it has to be emphasized that the and Rehabilitation in the field Registrars, Physicians, and
physical, mental, social, and of rehabilitation of the disabled Neurologists, in equal numbers.
spiritual wellbeing of people over the past several decades, I Their practices in regard to the
should be essential for the healthy see, Medical Rehabilitation as a varying components of stroke
economic growth of the country. Specialty that is still in an evolving rehabilitation were inquired
Therefore, it is imperative that state of flux in Sri Lanka. into. The findings revealed that
SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 07
Presidential Address
all doctors believed that a multi- proposal submitted by me, with the Association of Sri Lankan
disciplinary team care approach the SLMA initiated the Expert Neurologists, to the Ministry
was useful in stroke rehabilitation Committee for Rehabilitation of Health, the result has been
and more than 80% paid special of Disabilities as another step significant improvements in
attention to nursing and the forward in the development of stroke services.
physiotherapy components of Medical Rehabilitation. Based Our achievements over last two
rehabilitation in more than 75% on deliberations from this decades are substantial. 99.8%
of their patients. However, only committee, we intend to take of stroke patients in Sri Lanka
about 50% paid attention on all Medical Rehabilitation to its undergo CT scanning of brain
aspects of rehabilitation in more greatest heights possible in Sri for diagnosis and management.
than 75% of their patients. Lanka. We intend to carry out As the Consultant Neurologist
The attention paid on SLMA based skills development at the National Hospital of Sri
occupational therapy, speech programmes for multidisciplinary Lanka, I was able to commence
therapy, counselling, and the team members in this year. the very first Thrombolytic
need for social services were Rehabilitation of Stroke Programme at the NHSL in
considerably lower. The study victims 2008. Since then, the Ministry of
further revealed that 65% of Health has made thrombolytic,
general physicians and 85% of Cardiovascular diseases that Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen
neurologists would check for all include Stroke, is currently the Activator (rtPA) acute treatment
aspects of the multi-disciplinary leading cause of death in Sri for ischemic stroke available
team care on more than 75% Lanka. Stroke which was the third uninterruptedly.
of their patients while the leading cause of hospital deaths As at present, there are 17
perspective was present in less in 2013 ranked 7th in the year thrombolytic centres right across
than 40% of junior grade doctors. 2017. Stroke is the leading cause the country. However, there are
The implication of these of adult disability and an ageing only 62 dedicated stroke beds.
figures suggested that Medical population further increases the Dedicated beds for stroke patients
Rehabilitation was considered to prevalence of stroke, as well as are essential since, as known
be more a postgraduate subject disability in the community. to all medical professionals in
in the medical profession and There are approximately 1100 this audience, stroke patients
that there was significant room stroke admissions per year to the sacrifice their beds, together
for improvement of practices in National Hospital of Sri Lanka with their chances of recovery, to
rehabilitation. and this figure is about 1500 at many other conditions in medical
The SLMA’s contribution to the the Teaching Hospital, Kandy. wards.
development of Rehabilitation In a setting where we discuss the The mean duration of hospital
Medicine throughout its existence ethics of equity to a greater extent, stay for the stroke unit patient
has been remarkable, with the burning question is whether is 21 days while it is just 3 to 5
the most recent significant these patients get their fair share days in the medical wards. About
contribution being the “Report of our free health service, when 9% die in the acute stage and
on Disabilities” prepared by the compared to other patient groups. another 16% die of preventable
Working Group headed by the Up until early 1990s, there complications over the next three
then SLMA President Professor were no separate Stroke Services months following premature
Lalitha Mendis in 2008. Much in existence all over the world. discharge.
later, and very much based on However, along with the Stroke This knowledge led me, as
this report, the MOH published Unit Titlists’ Systematic Review the President of the National
the National Guidelines for published in 1993, which revealed Stroke Association of Sri Lanka,
Rehabilitation Services from 2014 the benefits of multi-disciplinary to pressurize the Government
– 2018. team care in stroke units, stroke to establish Stroke Units for
The PGIM initiated the MD rehabilitation started improving patients. As a result, the project on
in Rehabilitation Medicine globally. the construction of the National
programme for Postgraduates In keeping with the Stroke Centre at Mulleriyawa
in 2018 and has so far enrolled developments of the rest of the was born and it is comforting to
8 trainees. The first MD world, the very first Stroke Unit note that upon completion of the
qualified specialist in Medical in Sri Lanka was established in construction of this project, the
Rehabilitation is expected to be 1998. Since then, the constant demand for dedicated stroke beds
Board Certified in 2023. lobbying by the National Stroke in the Colombo District is likely to
In 2020, based on a Association of Sri Lanka, along become somewhat eased.
08 | January 2021
SLMANEWS+Presidential Address
Along with this project, the in the dependent population. Certification for a Specialist in
Government decided to establish According to the Department of Geriatric Medicine will occur in
10 more Stroke Units in 10 Census and Statistics, the window 2024.
different districts. of opportunity for Sri Lanka is The programme for the MD
Considering the rising elderly expected to last for about 40 years in Old Age Psychiatry, which
population and the increasing starting in the early 1990s. commenced in 2017, and with
number of strokes, there is a As such, it is prudent that four trainees as of today, will
compelling need to expedite the the Healthcare System is able complement the team of medical
establishment of these Stroke to anticipate an increase in the professionals dedicated to the
Units. In keeping with the elderly population and address care of elderly. As such, there is
objectives of the Government of the challenges that would become considerable room left for the
Sri Lanka, in being concerned a problem to the community, well SLMA for advocacy and training
on equity of services, there is a in advance. for the benefit of elders in Sri
vast need for the development Have we been concerned on Lanka.
of stroke services country-wide. providing a reasonable service The National Council for Elders
Accordingly, the SLMA Council for the increasing elderly is the national body established to
will be paying special attention population? Is the medical ensure the independence, care,
to improving stroke care in Sri fraternity adequately trained in participation, and protection of
Lanka in 2021. delivering Geriatric services? the rights of elders in Sri Lanka.
Geriatric Services Is the infrastructure available, The SLMA intends to work
sufficient to face these challenges? closely with the National Council
The longevity experienced Majority of the problems for Elders and the Sri Lankan
by all of us is an outcome of the faced by the elderly are unique Association of Geriatric Medicine
improving health services in Sri to them. Some of the difficulties to provide advocacy for the
Lanka. Better healthcare, along encountered by them include benefit of elders in Sri Lanka.
with the reduction in birth rate, mental health issues such as Rehabi litation of
has made Sri Lanka to be one of depression and dementia, as Psychoactive substance users
the fastest ageing nations in the well as falls, musculo-skeletal
region. problems, nutrition issues, As per National Dangerous
The elderly, defined as incontinence, hearing problems, Drug Control Board of the
those over 60 years of age in Sri and visual handicaps. Unless Ministry of Defence, there have
Lanka, stood at 6.6% of the total there are well trained multi- been 89,321 drug related arrests
population in 1981 and rose to disciplinary teams of healthcare in 2019. The figures are likely
12.4% in 2012, which is a one professionals to take care of the to be much higher in today’s
hundred per cent rise over 30 issues of elders, we could become context. Cannabis, heroin,
years. It is projected that this the victims of the consequences methamphetamines, and hashish
figure will increase by another of poorly trained and under- are the commonly used psycho-
two fold to 25% by 2040. prepared systems. active substances. Out of all
When a country is with less Similar to rehabilitation, do arrests, 51% were related to
than 45% of dependents (that is students learn Geriatric Care Cannabis and 46% were related to
30% below 15 years and less than as an undergraduate subject? Heroin in 2019.
15% above 65 years) the United Upon inquiry, it revealed that The Government and Non-
Nations Population Department the undergraduates are either Governmental Organizations
defines that country to be in a not exposed or are exposed only are providing residential care
demographic window. to one or two didactic lectures in treatment and rehabilitation
Sri Lanka currently is in Geriatrics. services for drug dependents in
this “window of opportunity” In 2013, the Post Graduate Sri Lanka.
or in other words, has the Institute of Medicine commenced There are four residential
“demographic dividend” to a Diploma in Elderly Medicine treatment and rehabilitation
achieve a rapid economic and it has up to now produced centres as outreach programmes
growth with a larger working- 105 trained diploma holders. The for drug dependants under
age population compared to the MD in Geriatrics was commenced the purview of the National
population in the non-working in 2018 and there are 12 trainees Dangerous Drug Control Board.
age. An ageing population will in the training programme, as at The total number of reported
result in a decline in the working- present. drug users who had received
age population and an increase The very first Board treatment from these facilities for
SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 09Presidential Address
the year 2019 was 3,613. Heroin multi-disciplinary team care Strengthening health
remains the main drug type for professionals for their services economics, consolidation of
which people receive treatment without which rehabilitating primary healthcare, establishing
in the country. disabilities become impractical. a back-referral system,
All of them need weaning off Lack of priority, particularly automation of health records,
of psycho-active substances and in allocation of nurses and and the Networking of Health
rehabilitation. The SLMA wishes allied health professionals for Records with unique National
to work in closer liaison with the rehabilitation, is a challenge faced Identity Numbers are some of the
National Dangerous Drug Control by clinicians. There is vast room areas of improvement to increase
Board to overcome the drug for expansion of training to fulfil the accountability of staff of all
menace in Sri Lanka in 2021. the need of these professionals in grades. It is worth considering.
Use of Novel Psychoactive Sri Lanka. Achieving Goals of SLMA
substances and legislation of old There is a need to improve
psychoactive substances are other infrastructure facilities for all of The goals of the SLMA cannot
upcoming challenges in this field. the previously discussed fields, be achieved without teamwork
Novel psychoactive substances namely Medical Rehabilitation, and collaboration. The council
are compounds designed to mimic Stroke Care and Geriatric Services. appointed for 2021 is multifaceted,
existing established recreational One may question whether Sri enthusiastic and committed.
drugs. SLMA would be alert Lanka can afford this much of I am looking forward to
on all developments related to infrastructure development at working in collaboration with
psychoactive substances. the same time in all these fields? government ministries and
Services for Rehabilitation Are we demanding the impossible state institutions, UN agencies,
from the Ministry of Health? statutory bodies, international
As highlighted, patients for Could we expect such a rapid organizations, professional
rehabilitation have a range of transformation from a country colleges and associations, trade
disabilities and need the services like Sri Lanka with a GDP per unions and also the general
of multi-disciplinary teams of capita of US Dollars 3852 (2019) public.
professionals. and a 3.6 % of Gross Domestic Let me conclude my
Irrespective of the disability, Product allocation for health, presentation by humbly pledging
a well rehabilitated person could compared to an 8 to 10 per cent of once again, that I will be
contribute to the economic allocation seen in many developed committed to serve you in my
development of our country and countries. fullest capacity as the President of
would become an asset to the Has the Ministry of Health, the Sri Lanka Medical Association
nation. As such, giving priority with 157,000 employees, provided to take the association to greater
to the allocation of resources for us with the best possible facilities heights of achievement and
rehabilitation would indeed pay to perform? recognition.
off. As an experienced clinician I will be fervently committed
Over last several decades, who worked in the Ministry of to the motto of the Sri Lanka
keeping with the expansion of Health for over three decades, Medical Association “ලංකා දීපස්ස
the medical specialties, there had my personal opinion is that කිචෙචසු මා පමාජී” which translates
been an improvement in numbers streamlining many areas in the to “Work for the good of Sri Lanka
and the standard of nursing and Ministry of Health would save without delay”.
allied health specialties. adequate resources to fulfil all
I take this opportunity to salute these needs.
References
1. World report on ageing and health. World Health Organization (2015). https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/186463
2. Rehabilitation. World report on disability 2011 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241564182
3. Gupta N, Castillo-Laborde C, Landry MD. Health-related rehabilitation services: assessing the global supply of and need for human
resources. MBC Health Service Research 2011, 11 :276 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/11/276
4. National guidelines for rehabilitation services in Sri Lanka (2014 – 2018), Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka
5. Statistical report on drug dependents reported from treatment agencies. Drug abuse monitoring system annual report, NDDCB (2019) 115
http://www.nddcb.gov.lk/Docs/research/Annual%20Report%202019.pd
10 | January 2021
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REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION FACILITIES MANAGMENT
Holiday Home Located Condo Condo
Cities Projects Units
Investment Property
www.blueocean.lk
SL - +94 777 546 546 SL - +94 777 121 924
SL - +94 777 121 914 SL - +94 770 022 040Event Coverage: President Induction 2021
Induction of the President
of the SLMA - 2021
Induction of Dr. Padma S Gunaratne, Senior Consultant
Neurologist, as the 127th President of SLMA was ceremonially
conducted at the BMICH on 23rd January 2021. This event was
attended by more than 200 guests strictly adhering to the Covid
19 Quarantine regulations. Among the special invitees were Prof.
Arjuna Aluvihare, retired Consultant surgeon representing the
medical teachers and Mrs. Pradeepa Samarasingha Principal
of Devi Balika Vidyalaya Colombo, alma mater of the incoming
President.
12 | January 2021
SLMANEWS+Event Coverage: President Induction 2021
SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 13President Immediate Past President
THE SLMA CO President Elect
Dr. Padma S. Gunaratne
President Professor
Immediate Past Indika
President Professor
President Elect Samath D.
MBBS, MD (SL),S.
Dr. Padma FRCP
Gunaratne Karunathilake
Professor Indika Dharmaratne
Professor Samath D.
(Edin, Glasg, Lond), MBBS (Col.), DMedEd (Dundee), MMEdEd
MBBS, MD (SL), FRCPFCCP, Karunathilake MBBS, MSc (Com Med), MD (Com Med)
Dharmaratne
(Dundee), FHEA (UK), (Dundee),
FCGP (SL),MMEdEd
FCME (SL), Chair
Hon. FRACP,
(Edin, Glasg,FAAN,
Lond), FCCP, MBBS (Col.),
FRCP
DMedEd
(Edin.)FHEA
Head, Department MBBS,Professor
MSc (Com of Med),
Community Medicine
MD (Com Med) and
FWSOFRACP,
Consultant (Dundee), (UK), FCGP (SL),ofFCME
Medical
(SL), Head of the Department Faculty of Medicine,
Hon. FAAN,Neurologist Education, Chair Professor of Community Medicine and
FRCP (Edin.)Faculty
Head, of Medicine, University
Department of Medicalof University
Head of theofDepartment
Peradeniya Faculty of Medicine,
FWSO Consultant Neurologist Colombo
Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of University of Peradeniya
Colombo
Hony. Assistant Secretary Hony. Assistant Secretary / Hony. Assistant Secretary
Dr. Achala
Hony. Balasuriya
Assistant Secretary Editor - SLMA newsletter
Hony. Assistant Secretary / Dr.
Hony.Pramil Liyanage
Assistant Secretary
MBBS, MD (Medicine),
Dr. Achala FRCP (Edin)
Balasuriya Professor
Editor - SLMAB. M. Hasini
newsletter MBBSPramil
Dr. (Colombo), MSc (Biomedical
Liyanage
MSc(UK),
MBBS, MDPG(Medicine),
Diploma diabetes(UK)
FRCP (Edin) A. Banneheke
Professor B. M. Hasini Informatics),
MBBS PG Cert.
(Colombo), MSc(MedEd), MD
(Biomedical
Consultant
MSc(UK), PGPhysician,
Diploma diabetes(UK) MBBS,
A. Dip Med Micro, MD (Med
Banneheke (Health Informatics),
Informatics), PG Cert.MRSPH (UK),
(MedEd), MD
Hemas Hospital,
Consultant Wattala
Physician, Parasit)Dip
MBBS, Faculty
Med of Medical
Micro, Sciences,
MD (Med IMFCI
(Health(UK) Health Informatician,
Informatics), MRSPH (UK),
Hemas Hospital, Wattala University
Parasit) of SriofJayewardenepura
Faculty Medical Sciences, Ministry
IMFCI (UK)of Health
Health Informatician,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura Ministry of Health
Public Relations Officer Social Secretary Social Secretary
Dr. Kalyani
Public Guruge
Relations Officer Dr. M.Secretary
Social L. Christo Fernando Dr. Pramilla
Social SecretarySenanayake,
MBBS (Ceylon), Guruge
Dr. Kalyani MBBS,
Dr. M.MACEP, Dipl HospFernando
L. Christo Admin, MBA MBBS, PhD, FRCOG,
Dr. Pramilla FACOG, FSLCOG
Senanayake,
MD (Paediatrics)
MBBS (Ceylon), Chairman, New Philip Hospitals
MBBS, MACEP, Dipl Hosp Admin, MBA Medical Consultant
MBBS, PhD, FRCOG, FACOG, FSLCOG
Consultant
MD Paediatrician
(Paediatrics) (Pvt) Ltd, Kalutara
Chairman, South
New Philip Hospitals Reproductive Health
Medical Consultant
Consultant Paediatrician (Pvt) Ltd, Kalutara South Reproductive Health
Dr. Chandana Atapattu Dr. Iyanthi Dr. Sarath Gamini Dr. Inuka Kishara
MBBS (Colombo), MScAtapattu
Dr. Chandana (Food Abeyewickreme
Dr. Iyanthi De Silva Gamini
Dr. Sarath Gooneratne
Dr. Inuka Kishara
and
MBBSNutrition),
(Colombo),MCGP
MSc (Food MBBS, Dip Ven, MSc, MD, FCVSL
Abeyewickreme MBBS (Col), LRCP(Lon),
De Silva MBBS (Col.), MD (Col)
Gooneratne
Colombo
and SouthMCGP
Nutrition), Teaching Consultant
MBBS, Venereologist
Dip Ven, MSc, MD, FCVSL MRCS(Eng),
MBBS MD(Col),
(Col), LRCP(Lon), Constant
MBBS Neurologist,
(Col.), MD (Col)
Hospital
Colombo South Teaching Hon. SeniorVenereologist
Consultant Fellow, Post Graduate FRCP(Lon),
MRCS(Eng),FRACP(Hony.),
MD(Col), FCCP DGH, Hambantota
Constant Neurologist,
Kalubowila
Hospital Institute of Medicine,
Hon. Senior University
Fellow, Post Graduate Consultant Physician Colombo
FRCP(Lon), FRACP(Hony.), FCCP DGH, Hambantota
Kalubowila of Colombo
Institute of Medicine, University Consultant Physician Colombo
of Colombo
Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya Dr. Peethambaram Dr. Dushantha
MBBS (Cey), DTPHJayasuriya
(Lond), FCMA,
Dr. Pramitha
Dr. Lucian Jeepara Madegedara
Dr. Dushantha Mahanama
FSLCoSHH, Dr. Peethambaram Dr. Pramitha
MBBS (Cey),Hony.DTPHFCGP
(Lond), FCMA, MBBS, MS, FRCS, FCSSL MBBS, MD, FCCP (SL),
Madegedara MBBS (SJP), Dip. in
Hony. SeniorHony.
Fellow Postgraduate Jeepara Mahanama
FSLCoSHH, FCGP Consultant FCCP
MBBS,(USA), FRCP(SL),
(Edin)
Institute of Medicine (PGIM),
Hony. Senior Fellow Postgraduate MBBS, MS, General Surgeon
FRCS, FCSSL MD, FCCP World (SJP),
MBBS AffairsDip.
andin
Teaching Hospital Consultant Respiratory
FCCP (USA), FRCP (Edin) Diplomacy,
Founder
Institute &ofPatron
MedicineVaccine & Infectious
(PGIM), Consultant General Surgeon
Physician, Respiratory World AffairsMedical
and officer,
Diseases
Founder &Forum
PatronofVaccine
Sri Lanka, Founder
& Infectious
Batticaloa
Teaching Hospital Consultant RespiratoryDisease Asiri Surgical Hospitals,
Diplomacy, Medical officer,
President Sri Lanka College of Sexual Treatment Unit
Physician, Respiratory Disease Colombo
Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka, Founder Batticaloa Asiri Surgical Hospitals,
Health andSriHIV
President Medicine
Lanka College of Sexual
&Treatment
National Unit
Hospital, Kandy
Colombo
Health and HIV Medicine & National Hospital, Kandy
Dr. Surantha Perera Deshamanya Vidya Dr. Sankha Randenikumara Dr. Udayangani
MBBS(Col) DCH(SL) MD
Dr. Surantha Perera Jyothi Dr. J. B.Vidya
Deshamanya Peiris MBBS (SJP), PDAR (Kel), PgDTox ( Ramadasa
Dr. Sankha Randenikumara Dr. Udayangani
Paed(SL)
MBBS(Col)DCH(UK)
DCH(SL)FRCP(Edin) MD, FRCP Col),
MD Jyothi Dr. J. B. Peiris MBBSMCGP
(SJP),(SL),
PDARFPallCare (IPM) (
(Kel), PgDTox MBBS, MD(Medicine), FCCP,
Ramadasa
FRCPCH(UK), Consultant Consultant
MD, FRCP Neurologist, Family Physician - The Family
Paed(SL) DCH(UK) FRCP(Edin) Col), MCGP (SL), FPallCare (IPM) Dip PallMD(Medicine),
MBBS, Med(Clinical) (RACP
FCCP,
Nawaloka Health Clinic; Medical
- The Officer
Paediatrician &
FRCPCH(UK), Consultant ConsultantHospital, Colombo
Neurologist, Family Physician Family Consultant Physician (RACP
Dip Pall Med(Clinical)
Neonatologist Past President-SLMA -Health
Planning, Base Hospital
Paediatrician &Castle Street Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo Clinic;
Panadura;
Medical Officer Teaching Hospital
Consultant Physician
Hospital for Women
Neonatologist Castle Street Past President-SLMA - Planning,Regional Chair - WONCA
Base Hospital Ratnapura
Young Doctors’
Panadura; Movement,
Regional South Asia
Chair - WONCA Teaching Hospital
Hospital for Women Young Doctors’ Movement, South Asia Ratnapura
Professor Gitanjali Dr. Sashika Dr. Asitha Koshala Dr. Bhanuja
Sathiadas Sandaruwani
Dr. Sashika Thanippuli Arachchi S. Wijayatilaka
Professor Gitanjali MBBS (Colombo) Dr. Asitha Koshala Dr. Bhanuja
MBChB, DCH, MD, MRCPCH,
Sathiadas Sandaruwani MBBS (Col)
Thanippuli Arachchi MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med
S. Wijayatilaka
Pg
MBBSDip(Colombo)
in Healthcare Quality and
PGDipMedEd
MBChB, DCH, MD, MRCPCH, Safety Medical officer-Mental Health,
MBBS (Col) Consultant
MBBS, MSc,Community
MD(Com Med
Professor in Paediatrics Pg Dip (Colombo) Medical
in Healthcare Quality and Base Hospital, KekirawaHealth, Physician
PGDipMedEd officer-Technical
Safety (Colombo)Evaluation
Medical Medical officer-Mental Consultant Community
Faculty ofinMedicine,
Professor Paediatrics Committee Coordinating Unit, Base Hospital, Kekirawa Ministry of Health, Sri Lan
Physician
officer-Technical Evaluation
University of Jaffna
Faculty of Medicine, Ministry
Committee of Health
Coordinating Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lan
University of Jaffna Ministry of Health
14 | January 2021
SLMANEWS+OUNCIL - 2021
Vice President Vice President Honorary Secretary
Professor
Vice President Sudharshani Dr. Manilka
Vice President Sumanatilleke Dr. Sumithra
Honorary Tissera
Secretary
Wasalathanthri
Professor Sudharshani MBBS, MD(Col), MRCP(Lon),
Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke MBBS (Col), PG Dip
Dr. Sumithra Tisserain Health
MBBS, PhD
Wasalathanthri MRCP-Diab & Endo(UK),
MBBS, MD(Col), MRCP(Lon),FRCP(Edin), Development,
MBBS (Col), PGMSc
Dip (London)
in Health
Professor
MBBS, PhDin Physiology, Department of FACE(USA), FSLCE(SL)
MRCP-Diab & Endo(UK), FRCP(Edin), Vindana Reproductive
Development, Health Centre
MSc (London)
Physiology,
Professor in Faculty of Medicine,
Physiology, Department of Consultant Endocrinologist
FACE(USA), FSLCE(SL) Vindana Reproductive Health Centre
University
Physiology,ofFaculty
Colomboof Medicine, National Hospital
Consultant of Sri Lanka
Endocrinologist
University of Colombo National Hospital of Sri Lanka
Hony. Assistant Secretary Honorary Treasurer Honorary Assistant Treasurer
Dr.
Hony.F.Assistant
H. D. Shehan
SecretarySilva Professor Asela Olupeliyawa
Honorary Treasurer Dr. E. A. Sajith
Honorary AssistantT.Treasurer
Edirisinghe
MBBS
Dr. F.(SJP)
H. D.MDShehan
(Col) MRCPSilva
(Lon) MRCPE MBBS(Colombo),
Professor PG.Cert.Med.Ed
Asela Olupeliyawa MBBS,
Dr. E.MSc
A. (Clinical
SajithGenetics),
T. Edirisinghe
(Edin)
MBBSDip MedPract
(SJP) (LSTM
MD (Col) UK) (Lon)
MRCP MRCP (Diabetes
MRCPE (Dundee), PhD. (UNSW)
MBBS(Colombo), PG.Cert.Med.Ed MSc
MBBS,(Health Administration)
MSc (Clinical Genetics),
and Endocrinology)
Dip MedPractMRCP
(LSTM(Geriatrics) IFME Department of Medical Lecturer and Clinical Geneticist, Department
(Edin)
(Cantab), AFHEA (UK)MRCP
UK) MRCP (Diabetes
Senior Lecturer IFME
in (Dundee), PhD. (UNSW)Education, MSc (Health Administration)
and Endocrinology) (Geriatrics) Faculty of Medicine, University of of Anatomy,
Lecturer andFaculty
ClinicalofGeneticist,
Medical Sciences,
Department
Medicine Department of Medical Education,
(Cantab), &AFHEA
Consultant Physician
(UK) Senior Faculty
Lecturer in of Colombo University
of Anatomy,ofFaculty
Sri Jayewardenepura
of Medical Sciences,
Medical Sciences, University of Sri J.pura
Medicine & Consultant Physician Faculty of Faculty of Medicine, University of
Colombo University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Medical Sciences, University of Sri J.pura
Past Presidents’ Representative Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal) Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal)
Dr. Lakshman
Past Ranasinghe
Presidents’ Representative Professor
Co-Editor A. Pathmeswaran
(Ceylon Medical Journal) Professor
Co-Editor Senaka
(Ceylon MedicalRajapakse
Journal)
FRCP(Edin), FCCP, DCH
Dr. Lakshman Ranasinghe(Lond), FCGP MBBS, MD A. Pathmeswaran
Professor MBBS, MD, FRCP,
Professor FCCP, FACP
Senaka Rajapakse
Founder President
FRCP(Edin), Sri Lanka
FCCP, DCH (Lond),College
FCGP Senior Professor,
MBBS, MD Department of Professor
MBBS, MD,inFRCP,
Medicine
FCCP, FACP
of Dermatologists
Founder President Sri Lanka College Public Health, Faculty of Medicine
Senior Professor, Department of Consultant Physician
Professor in Medicine
of Dermatologists University of Kelaniya
Public Health, Faculty of Medicine Director, PGIM
Consultant Physician
University of Kelaniya Director, PGIM
Professor Sampath Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa Dr. Kapila Jayaratne
Gunawardena
Professor Sampath MBBS, DFM, MSc,Haniffa
Dr. Ruvaiz MD, FCGP, MBBS, MSc, DCH,Jayaratne
Dr. Kapila MD (Com Med)
MBBS, PhD PgDip, Consultant
MBBS, MSc,Community
Gunawardena MBBS, MRCGP
DFM, MSc, MD, FCGP, Physician
DCH, MD (Com Med)
Professor
MBBS, PhDof Physiology Senior lecturer,
PgDip, MRCGP ConsultantNational Programme
Community
Manager
Physician-National
MaternalProgramme
& Child
Department of Physiology
Professor of Physiology Family Medicine Unit, Faculty of
Senior lecturer, Morbidity & Mortality
Manager - Maternal & Child
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Physiology Medicine, University
Family Medicine Unit,ofFaculty
Colombo
of Surveillance, Family Health
University of Ruhuna Past President-SLMA-2018 Morbidity & Mortality
Faculty of Medicine Medicine, University of Colombo Bureau, Ministry
Surveillance, of Health
Family Health
University of Ruhuna Past President-SLMA-2018 Bureau, Ministry of Health
Dr. B. J. C. Perera Professor Jennifer Perera
Prof. R. M. Mudiyanse MBBS(Cey),
MBBS, Dr. B. J.DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD
C. Perera MBBS, MD Microbiology
Professor Jennifer(Colombo),
Perera
Prof.DCH, MD,Mudiyanse
R. M. MRCP (UK), (Paed), MRCP(UK),
MBBS(Cey), FRCP(Edin),
DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD DipMedED (Dundee), DipWomen's
FAIMERDCH,
Fellow MBBS, MD Microbiology (Colombo),
MBBS, MD,(USA)
MRCP (UK), FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, Studies
Professor in Paediatrics
(Paed), MRCP(UK),
FCCP,
FRCP(Edin), DipMedED (Dundee),MBA
(Colombo), (Wales),
DipWomen's
FAIMER Fellow (USA) FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), Hon.
Hony FRCPCH(UK), FCGP(SL)
FSLCPaed, FNASSL, FSLCM MBA (Wales),
Studies (Colombo),
Department of Paediatrics
Professor in Paediatrics Founder President, Sri Lanka College
FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hon. FCGP(SL) Professor of Microbiology
ofFounder
Paediatricians;Past FNASSL, FSLCM
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics President, SriPresident SLMA
Lanka College University
Professor ofofMicrobiology
Colombo
University of Peradeniya Year 2013; Consultant Paediatrician
of Paediatricians;Past President SLMA Past President-SLMA-2015
Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo
University of Peradeniya Year 2013; Consultant Paediatrician Past President-SLMA-2015
Dr. S. B. Anuruddhika Dr. Sunil Seneviratne Epa Dr. Chathurie Suraweera
MBBS (Col), MD (Psychiatry),
Dr. Chathurie Suraweera
S.M.
Dr. S.Rathnayake
B. Anuruddhika MBBS MD MRCP
Dr. Sunil UK
Seneviratne Epa MRCPsych
MBBS (Col),(UK)
MDConsultant
(Psychiatry),
P, MBBS FRCP LONDON,
MD MRCPFCCP
UK (SL)
S.M.(Pera), MSc (Com Med),
Rathnayake MBBS Psychiatrist,
MRCPsych (UK) Senior Lecturer in
Consultant
P,P) FRSPH(UK) Consultant Physician,
FRCP LONDON, Matara
FCCP (SL) Psychiatry Department of in
MBBS (Pera), MSc (Com Med), Psychiatrist, Senior Lecturer
Nursing Home, Matara Psychiatry
P) Department
FRSPH(UK) of Community Consultant Physician, Matara Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine,
Department of
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Past President-SLMA
Nursing Home, Matara University
Psychiatry of Colombo
Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Community
University Faculty
of Peradeniya Past President-SLMA Consultant
University ofPsychiatrist,
Colombo
Medicine, of Medicine, National Hospital of Sri Lanka
University of Peradeniya Consultant Psychiatrist,
National Hospital of Sri Lanka
Professor C. Nirmala Dr. Dakshitha Professor M. C.
Wijekoon
Professor C. Nirmala Weerasinghe
MBBS, MD, MRCP(UK), FRCP
Wickramasinghe
Dr. Dakshitha Professor M. C.
d) Wijekoon MBBS, MD(Surgery) DM MRCSEd, MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med)
Weerasinghe
(London),
MBBS, MD,FRCP (Edinburgh),
FRCP FCCP
Wickramasinghe Consultant
Professor
MRCP(UK), PGCertMedEd FMAS DM MRCSEd,
MBBS, MD(Surgery) MBBS, MSc,Community
MD(Com Med) Physician,
d) (London), FRCP (Edinburgh),and
in Pharmacology FCCP Lecturer in Surgery Professor
Consultantand Head, Department
Physician,of
Specialist Physician Facultyand
of PGCertMedEd FMASand Honorary Community
Community
Medicine, Faculty of of
Professor in Pharmacology Consultant Surgeonand
University Surgical Professor and Head, Department
Medical Lecturer in Surgery Honorary
nka Specialist Physician Faculty of Sri
Sciences University of
Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Medicine,
CommunityUniversity
Medicine,ofFaculty
Colomboof
Jayewardenepura Consultant Surgeon University Surgical
nka Medical Sciences University of Sri Medicine, University of Colombo
Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka
Jayewardenepura
SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 15Feature Article HISTORY
1995 The first set of office bearers of the
History of the college of Genitourinary Physicians of Sri
Lanka was elected on 7th October.
1996 First Annual Academic Sessions of the
Sri Lanka College of College of Venereologists of Sri Lanka was
held.
1998 The name of the college was changed
Sexual Health and
to the college of Venereologists of Sri Lanka.
2001 Board of study in Venereology was
formed under the PGIM, University of Colombo
HIV Medicine
on 1st October.
2002 The postgraduate Diploma in
Venereology (Pg Dip Ven) course commenced
on 19th July.
T
he Sri Lanka College of were recognized as part-qualified 2015
1995.Name
The ofinfant
the Sri Lanka Journal of
College was kept
2002 Dr & Mrs Lucian Jayasuriya award for Venereology was changed to Sri Lanka Journal
Sexual Health and HIV the best performance
specialists in Diploma in The MD
in venereology. active
of Sexualdue toand
Health theHIVefforts
Medicineof(JoSHH).
a small
Venereology was started.
Medicine celebrates her or MRCP was the requirement for a groupSriofLanka
2015 doctors atofthe
College NSACP lead
Venereologists
Silver Jubilee this year 2020. It 2003 qualified
fully MD Venereology course was started.
specialist. by Dr.
officially Iyanthi
networked Abeyewickreme,
with Australasian Society for
was inaugurated as the College of 2003WithWebpage
the ofadvent
the Sri Lanka College of
of HIV/AIDS HIV
who Medicine
was (ASHM) and through that,
ably supported by Dr.
Venereologists created. networked with 42 Asia Pacific Professional
Genitourinary Physicians of Sri in the early 1980’s, the Anti- Thiloma
Societies. Munasinghe and late Dr.
2007 First MD Venereology exam was held in
Lanka on 7th October 1995, and was VD Campaign
collaboration with the PGIM.was renamed Sarojini
2016 Perera.
Online version of the JoSHH with online
renamed as the Sri Lanka College the
2008 National
The college wasSTD/AIDS Control
named Sri Lanka review system was established with
The objectives of the College
of Venereologists (SLCoV) in 1998. Programme (NSACP)
College of Venereologists in 1985, and
in October. international network for availability of scientific
were: (INASP) and National Science
publications
Its present name was adopted as it more
2007 Sri attention
Lanka Journal was given to was
of Venereology the Foundation (NSF).
aligns itself better with the global started and first publication
prevention of HIV was anddone in
provision i. To advance the knowledge,
December. 2016 The first satellite symposium was held on
recognition of the need for holistic of treatment and care for people 14thpromote
July. research and
2012 Patient support fund of the Sri Lanka
sexual health services. infected with HIV. postgraduate education in
College of Venereologists started. 2016 The name of the Sri Lanka College of
Following the establishment From 1980, the Ministry of venereology
2013 Dr Iyanthi Abeyewickrema award for 2016 Venereologists was changed to Sri
of the Anti-Venereal Diseases Health decidedin MDto
the best performance recognize
in Venereology ii. ToCollege
Lanka act as the authentic
of Sexual body in
Health and HIV
campaign in 1952, venereology started.
only postgraduate qualifications Medicine (Sri Lanka CoSHH).
venereology
was recognized as a public health awarded by the Postgraduate iii. To promote fellowship
specialty by the Ministry of Health. Institute of Medicine (PGIM). The among those engaged in
The Central Venereal Diseases postgraduate qualification to be a the practice and research in
Clinic (CVDC) was established venereologist was not clearly laid venereology.
in Colombo while out-patients down. The MSc and MD Community Dr Lucian Jayasuriya was
departments of provincial hospitals Medicine with a dissertation/thesis elected Founder President and
had rooms demarcated for the VD on sexually transmitted diseases the Founder Member Dr Iyanthi
clinic with separate access. A new were recognized as the qualification Abeyewickreme was elected the
separate cadre of venereologists to be a venereologist. Founder Secretary.
was created to provide specialised Although there were many The First Annual Academic
services. professional colleges and Sessions of the College was
For a career in venereology, associations dedicated to the inaugurated on 17 August 1996, with
applications were called from development of their specialty, the Hon. A H M Fowzie, Minister
medical officers who had at least including community medicine, of Health as the Chief Guest.
two years of service as a Medical there was no such college or Due to the efforts of Dr Iyanthi
Officer of Health. association for venereology. Abeyewickreme, the Chief Guest
Following a selection interview Dr Iyanthi Abeyewickreme took at the Second Annual Academic
chaired by the Director General the initiative to form a college as she Sessions in 1997 was Dr. George
of Health Services, successful felt that such an organization was Robert Kinghorn, Consultant
applicants were trained for three necessary to develop venereology Genitourinary Physician and
months at the CVDC and appointed as a separate specialty rather than Clinical Director, Department of
to head the VD clinics at the as a subsidiary of community Genitourinary Medicine, Royal
Provincial hospitals. medicine. Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield,
After two years of service, they After much discussions with UK.
were sent abroad for the Diploma the consultants and medical The MSc and MD Community
in Public Health or equivalent to the officers at the NSACP, the College Medicine provided knowledge
UK or USA, and further training in of Genitourinary Physicians and training in public health but
venereology at a centre or centres was founded by Dr. Iyanthi the SLCoV did not consider these
of excellence. On their return they Abeyewickreme on 7th October as adequate for practicing as a
16 | January 2021
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