REGISTERED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF POST QD/138/News/2021 NEWS+ SLMAThe Official eMagazine Of The Sri Lanka Medical Association www.slma.lk January 2021 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 01 ISSN : 1800 – 4016 (Printed) 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: [email protected]

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 Presidential Address 5-10 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 [email protected] 20-21 Call for orations 21-22 =LAYOUT U.R. Sampath Miscellany = A tribute to a legendary medical teacher, Printing and Publishing 24-25 assistance late Professor Eugene Wikramanayake 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected]

SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 01 President’s Message

Dear Colleagues, are conducive and are able to 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 Imembership 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

religious function was held at A‘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 brainstorming A 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 he inaugural council meeting was held on first January 2021 at the SLMA auditorium. The Tmeeting 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

o mark the beginning of Tthe 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

team led by Dr. Padma Gunaratne, President SLMA had deliberations Aon containing the disease, vaccination, stroke care, protecting follow-up discussion on persons at elders’ homes and death management of COVID-19 infection Aprevention 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.

n update on Vaccines was the proceedings carried out by Aheld at the SLMA Auditorium Professor Ariyaranee Gnanadasan. organized by the SLMA Media The resource persons were Committee on fifth January 21.20 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 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 PAssociation, 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 Boardtreatment from these facilities for SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 09 Presidential 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

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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 | 13 THE SLMA COUNCIL - 2021 President Immediate Past President President Elect Vice President Vice President Honorary Secretary PresidentDr. Padma S. Gunaratne ImmediateProfessor Past Indika President PresidentProfessor Elect Samath D. ViceProfessor President Sudharshani ViceDr. ManilkaPresident Sumanatilleke HonoraryDr. Sumithra Secretary Tissera Dr.MBBS, Padma MD (SL), S. FRCP Gunaratne ProfessorKarunathilake Indika ProfessorDharmaratne Samath D. ProfessorWasalathanthri Sudharshani Dr.MBBS, Manilka MD(Col), MRCP(Lon), Sumanatilleke Dr.MBBS Sumithra (Col), PG Dip Tissera in Health MBBS,(Edin, Glasg, MD (SL), Lond), FRCP FCCP, KarunathilakeMBBS (Col.), DMedEd (Dundee), MMEdEd DharmaratneMBBS, MSc (Com Med), MD (Com Med) WasalathanthriMBBS, PhD MRCP-Diab & Endo(UK), FRCP(Edin), MBBSDevelopment, (Col), PG MSc Dip (London)in Health (Dundee), FHEA (UK), FCGP (SL), FCME (SL), MBBS, MD(Col), MRCP(Lon), (Edin,Hon. FRACP, Glasg, FAAN, Lond), FCCP, MBBS (Col.), DMedEd (Dundee), MMEdEd ChairMBBS, Professor MSc (Com of Med),Community MD (Com Medicine Med) and MBBS,Professor PhD in Physiology, Department of FACE(USA), FSLCE(SL) Development,Vindana Reproductive MSc (London) Health Centre FRCP (Edin.) Head, Department of Medical Head of the Department Faculty of Medicine, MRCP-Diab & Endo(UK), FRCP(Edin), Hon.FWSO FRACP, Consultant FAAN, Neurologist (Dundee), FHEA (UK), FCGP (SL), FCME (SL), Chair Professor of Community Medicine and ProfessorPhysiology, in FacultyPhysiology, of Medicine, Department of Consultant Endocrinologist Vindana Reproductive Health Centre FRCPEducation, (Edin.) Faculty Head, ofDepartment Medicine, Universityof Medical of University of Peradeniya FACE(USA), FSLCE(SL) FWSO Consultant Neurologist Colombo Head of the Department Faculty of Medicine, Physiology,University of Faculty Colombo of Medicine, ConsultantNational Hospital Endocrinologist of Sri Lanka Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of University of Peradeniya Colombo University of Colombo National Hospital of Sri Lanka Hony. Assistant Secretary Hony. Assistant Secretary / Hony. Assistant Secretary Hony. Assistant Secretary Honorary Treasurer Honorary Assistant Treasurer Dr.Hony. Achala Assistant Balasuriya Secretary Hony.Editor Assistant- SLMA newsletter Secretary / Hony.Dr. Pramil Assistant Liyanage Secretary Dr.Hony. F. AssistantH. D. Shehan Secretary Silva HonoraryProfessor Treasurer Asela Olupeliyawa HonoraryDr. E. A. SajithAssistant T. Treasurer Edirisinghe MBBS,Dr. Achala MD (Medicine), Balasuriya FRCP (Edin) EditorProfessor - SLMA B. newsletter M. Hasini Dr.MBBS Pramil (Colombo), Liyanage MSc (Biomedical MBBSDr. F. (SJP) H. D. MD Shehan (Col) MRCP Silva (Lon) MRCPE ProfessorMBBS(Colombo), Asela PG.Cert.Med.Ed Olupeliyawa Dr.MBBS, E. MSc A. (ClinicalSajith Genetics), T. Edirisinghe MSc(UK),MBBS, MD PG (Medicine), Diploma diabetes(UK) FRCP (Edin) ProfessorA. Banneheke B. M. Hasini MBBSInformatics), (Colombo), PG Cert. MSc (MedEd), (Biomedical MD (Edin)MBBS Dip (SJP) MedPract MD (Col) (LSTM MRCP UK) (Lon)MRCP (DiabetesMRCPE MBBS(Colombo),(Dundee), PhD. (UNSW) PG.Cert.Med.Ed MBBS,MSc (Health MSc (Clinical Administration) Genetics), and Endocrinology) MRCP (Geriatrics) IFME ConsultantMSc(UK), PG Physician, Diploma diabetes(UK) A.MBBS, Banneheke Dip Med Micro, MD (Med Informatics),(Health Informatics), PG Cert. MRSPH(MedEd), (UK), MD (Edin) Dip MedPract (LSTM UK) MRCP (Diabetes (Dundee),Department PhD. of Medical(UNSW) Education, MScLecturer (Health and Administration)Clinical Geneticist, Department (Cantab), AFHEA (UK) Senior Lecturer in of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, HemasConsultant Hospital, Physician, Wattala MBBS,Parasit) Dip Faculty Med ofMicro, Medical MD (MedSciences, (HealthIMFCI (UK) Informatics), Health Informatician, MRSPH (UK), and Endocrinology) MRCP (Geriatrics) IFME DepartmentFaculty of Medicine, of Medical University Education, of Lecturer and Clinical Geneticist, Department University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Cantab),Medicine &AFHEA Consultant (UK) Senior Physician Lecturer Faculty in of University of Sri Jayewardenepura Hemas Hospital, Wattala Parasit) Faculty of Medical Sciences, IMFCIMinistry (UK) of Health Informatician, Medical Sciences, University of Sri J.pura FacultyColombo of Medicine, University of of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Medicine & Consultant Physician Faculty of University of Sri Jayewardenepura Ministry of Health Medical Sciences, University of Sri J.pura Colombo Public Relations O cer Social Secretary Social Secretary Past Presidents’ Representative Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal) Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal) PublicDr. Kalyani Relations Guruge O cer SocialDr. M. Secretary L. Christo Fernando SocialDr. Pramilla Secretary Senanayake, PastDr. Lakshman Presidents’ Representative Ranasinghe Co-EditorProfessor (Ceylon A. Pathmeswaran Medical Journal) Co-EditorProfessor (Ceylon Senaka Medical Rajapakse Journal) Dr.MBBS Kalyani (Ceylon), Guruge Dr.MBBS, M. MACEP, L. Christo Dipl Hosp Fernando Admin, MBA Dr.MBBS, Pramilla PhD, FRCOG, Senanayake, FACOG, FSLCOG Dr.FRCP(Edin), Lakshman FCCP, DCH Ranasinghe (Lond), FCGP ProfessorMBBS, MD A. Pathmeswaran ProfessorMBBS, MD, FRCP, Senaka FCCP, FACP Rajapakse MBBSMD (Paediatrics) (Ceylon), MBBS,Chairman, MACEP, New Dipl Philip Hosp Hospitals Admin, MBA MBBS,Medical PhD, Consultant FRCOG, FACOG, FSLCOG FRCP(Edin),Founder President FCCP, DCH Sri Lanka (Lond), College FCGP MBBS,Senior Professor,MD Department of MBBS,Professor MD, in FRCP, Medicine FCCP, FACP MDConsultant (Paediatrics) Paediatrician Chairman,(Pvt) Ltd, Kalutara New Philip South Hospitals MedicalReproductive Consultant Health Founderof Dermatologists President Sri Lanka College SeniorPublic Health,Professor, Faculty Department of Medicine of ProfessorConsultant in Physician Medicine Consultant Paediatrician (Pvt) Ltd, Kalutara South Reproductive Health of Dermatologists PublicUniversity Health, of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine ConsultantDirector, PGIM Physician University of Kelaniya Director, PGIM

Dr. Chandana Atapattu Dr. Iyanthi Dr. Sarath Gamini Dr. Inuka Kishara Professor Sampath Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa Dr. Kapila Jayaratne Dr.MBBS Chandana (Colombo), MSc Atapattu (Food Dr.Abeyewickreme Iyanthi Dr.De SarathSilva Gamini Dr.Gooneratne Inuka Kishara ProfessorGunawardena Sampath Dr.MBBS, Ruvaiz DFM, MSc, Haniffa MD, FCGP, Dr.MBBS, Kapila MSc, DCH, Jayaratne MD (Com Med) Consultant Community MBBSand Nutrition), (Colombo), MCGP MSc (Food AbeyewickremeMBBS, Dip Ven, MSc, MD, FCVSL DeMBBS Silva (Col), LRCP(Lon), GooneratneMBBS (Col.), MD (Col) GunawardenaMBBS, PhD MBBS,PgDip, MRCGPDFM, MSc, MD, FCGP, MBBS, MSc, DCH, MD (Com Med) Colombo South Teaching Consultant Venereologist MRCS(Eng), MD(Col), Constant Neurologist, Professor of Physiology Senior lecturer, ConsultantPhysician National Community Programme and Nutrition), MCGP MBBS, Dip Ven, MSc, MD, FCVSL MBBS (Col), LRCP(Lon), MBBS (Col.), MD (Col) MBBS, PhD PgDip, MRCGP Manager - Maternal & Child ColomboHospital South Teaching ConsultantHon. Senior Venereologist Fellow, Post Graduate MRCS(Eng),FRCP(Lon), FRACP(Hony.), MD(Col), FCCP ConstantDGH, Hambantota Neurologist, ProfessorDepartment of Physiology of Physiology SeniorFamily lecturer,Medicine Unit, Faculty of Physician National Programme ManagerMorbidity - & Maternal Mortality & Child HospitalKalubowila Hon.Institute Senior of Medicine,Fellow, Post University Graduate FRCP(Lon),Consultant PhysicianFRACP(Hony.), Colombo FCCP DGH, Hambantota DepartmentFaculty of Medicine of Physiology FamilyMedicine, Medicine University Unit, of Faculty Colombo of Surveillance, Family Health of Colombo University of Ruhuna Past President-SLMA-2018 Morbidity & Mortality Kalubowila Institute of Medicine, University Consultant Physician Colombo Faculty of Medicine Medicine, University of Colombo Surveillance,Bureau, Ministry Family of HealthHealth of Colombo University of Ruhuna Past President-SLMA-2018 Bureau, Ministry of Health

Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya Dr. Peethambaram Dr. Dushantha Dr. B. J. C. Perera Professor Jennifer Perera Dr. Pramitha Prof. R. M. Mudiyanse MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD Dr.MBBS Lucian (Cey), DTPH Jayasuriya (Lond), FCMA, Jeepara Dr.Madegedara Dushantha Dr. B. J. C. Perera ProfessorMBBS, MD Microbiology Jennifer (Colombo), Perera FSLCoSHH, Hony. FCGP Dr. Peethambaram Dr.Mahanama Pramitha Prof.MBBS, DCH, R. M. MD, Mudiyanse MRCP (UK), (Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), MBBS (Cey), DTPH (Lond), FCMA, MBBS, MD, FCCP (SL), MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD MBBS,DipMedED MD Microbiology(Dundee), DipWomen's (Colombo), Hony. Senior Fellow Postgraduate JeeparaMBBS, MS, FRCS, FCSSL Madegedara MBBS (SJP), Dip. in MBBS,FAIMER DCH, Fellow MD, (USA) MRCP (UK), FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, FSLCoSHH, Hony. FCGP FCCP (USA), FRCP (Edin) Mahanama (Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), DipMedEDStudies (Colombo), (Dundee), MBA DipWomen's (Wales), Institute of Medicine (PGIM), MBBS,Consultant MS, GeneralFRCS, FCSSL Surgeon MBBS, MD, FCCP (SL), World A airs and Professor in Paediatrics FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hon. FCGP(SL) Hony. Senior Fellow Postgraduate MBBS (SJP), Dip. in FAIMER Fellow (USA) FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, StudiesFNASSL, (Colombo), FSLCM MBA (Wales), Founder & Patron Vaccine & Infectious Teaching Hospital FCCPConsultant (USA), Respiratory FRCP (Edin) Diplomacy, Medical ocer, Department of Paediatrics Founder President, Sri Lanka College Institute of Medicine (PGIM), Consultant General Surgeon World A airs and Professor in Paediatrics FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hon. FCGP(SL) FNASSL,Professor FSLCM of Microbiology Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka, Founder Batticaloa ConsultantPhysician, Respiratory Respiratory Disease of Paediatricians;Past President SLMA Founder & Patron Vaccine & Infectious Teaching Hospital Diplomacy,Asiri Surgical Medical Hospitals, ocer, DepartmentFaculty of Medicine of Paediatrics Founder President, Sri Lanka College ProfessorUniversity of of Microbiology Colombo President Sri Lanka College of Sexual Treatment Unit Year 2013; Consultant Paediatrician Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka, Founder Batticaloa Physician, Respiratory Disease Colombo FacultyUniversity of Medicineof Peradeniya of Paediatricians;Past President SLMA UniversityPast President-SLMA-2015 of Colombo Health and HIV Medicine & National Hospital, Kandy Asiri Surgical Hospitals, President Sri Lanka College of Sexual Treatment Unit Colombo University of Peradeniya Year 2013; Consultant Paediatrician Past President-SLMA-2015 Health and HIV Medicine & National Hospital, Kandy Dr. Surantha Perera Deshamanya Vidya Dr. Sankha Randenikumara Dr. Udayangani Dr. S. B. Anuruddhika Dr. Sunil Seneviratne Epa Dr. Chathurie Suraweera MBBS(Col) DCH(SL) MD Jyothi Dr. J. B. Peiris MBBS (SJP), PDAR (Kel), PgDTox ( MBBS (Col), MD (Psychiatry), Dr. Surantha Perera Deshamanya Vidya Dr. Sankha Randenikumara Dr.Ramadasa Udayangani Dr.S.M. S. Rathnayake B. Anuruddhika Dr.MBBS Sunil MD MRCP Seneviratne UK Epa Dr. Chathurie Suraweera Paed(SL) DCH(UK) FRCP(Edin) MD, FRCP Col), MCGP (SL), FPallCare (IPM) MBBSMRCPsych (Col), (UK) MD Consultant(Psychiatry), MBBS(Col) DCH(SL) MD Jyothi Dr. J. B. Peiris MBBS (SJP), PDAR (Kel), PgDTox ( RamadasaMBBS, MD(Medicine), FCCP, MBBS (Pera), MSc (Com Med), MBBSFRCP LONDON, MD MRCP FCCP UK (SL) Psychiatrist, Senior Lecturer in FRCPCH(UK), Consultant Consultant Neurologist, Family Physician - The Family S.M. Rathnayake MRCPsych (UK) Consultant Paed(SL) DCH(UK) FRCP(Edin) MD, FRCP Col), MCGP (SL), FPallCare (IPM) MBBS,Dip Pall MD(Medicine), Med(Clinical) (RACP) FCCP, FRSPH(UK) FRCPConsultant LONDON, Physician, FCCP (SL) Matara Psychiatry Department of Paediatrician & Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo Health Clinic; Medical Ocer MBBS (Pera), MSc (Com Med), Psychiatrist, Senior Lecturer in FRCPCH(UK), Consultant Consultant Neurologist, Family Physician - The Family DipConsultant Pall Med(Clinical) Physician (RACP) Department of Community ConsultantNursing Home, Physician, Matara Matara Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine, Neonatologist Castle Street Past President-SLMA Health- Planning, Clinic; Base Medical Hospital Ocer FRSPH(UK) Psychiatry Department of Paediatrician & Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo Teaching Hospital Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, NursingPast President-SLMA Home, Matara University of Colombo -Panadura; Planning, Regional Base Hospital Chair - WONCA Consultant Physician Department of Community Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine, NeonatologistHospital for Women Castle Street Past President-SLMA Ratnapura University of Peradeniya Consultant Psychiatrist, Panadura;Young Doctors’ Regional Movement, Chair - WONCASouth Asia Teaching Hospital Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Past President-SLMA University of Colombo Hospital for Women National Hospital of Sri Lanka Young Doctors’ Movement, South Asia Ratnapura University of Peradeniya Consultant Psychiatrist, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Professor Gitanjali Dr. Sashika Dr. Asitha Koshala Dr. Bhanuja Professor C. Nirmala Dr. Dakshitha Professor M. C. Dr.Sandaruwani Sashika ProfessorWijekoon C. Nirmala Weerasinghe ProfessorSathiadas Gitanjali Dr.Thanippuli Asitha Koshala Arachchi Dr.S. Wijayatilaka Bhanuja MBBS, MD, MRCP(UK), FRCP Dr.Wickramasinghe Dakshitha Professor M. C. MBBS (Colombo) Wijekoon MBBS, MD(Surgery) DM MRCSEd, MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med) SathiadasMBChB, DCH, MD, MRCPCH, Sandaruwani ThanippuliMBBS (Col) Arachchi S.MBBS, Wijayatilaka MSc, MD(Com Med) (London), FRCP (Edinburgh), FCCP Wickramasinghe Weerasinghe Pg Dip in Healthcare Quality and MBBS, MD, MRCP(UK), FRCP PGCertMedEd FMAS Consultant Community Physician, PGDipMedEd MBBS (Colombo) Medical ocer-Mental Health, Consultant Community Professor in Pharmacology and MBBS, MD(Surgery) DM MRCSEd, MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med) MBChB, DCH, MD, MRCPCH, Safety (Colombo) Medical MBBS (Col) MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med) (London), FRCP (Edinburgh), FCCP Lecturer in Surgery and Honorary Professor and Head, Department of Professor in Paediatrics Pg Dip in Healthcare Quality and Base Hospital, Kekirawa Physician Specialist Physician Faculty of PGCertMedEd FMAS Consultant Community Physician, PGDipMedEd Safetyocer-Technical (Colombo) Evaluation Medical Medical ocer-Mental Health, Consultant Community Professor in Pharmacology and Consultant Surgeon University Surgical Community Medicine, Faculty of Faculty of Medicine, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Medical Sciences University of Sri Lecturer in Surgery and Honorary Professor and Head, Department of Professor in Paediatrics Committee Coordinating Unit, Base Hospital, Kekirawa Physician Specialist Physician Faculty of Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Medicine, University of Colombo ocer-Technical Evaluation Jayewardenepura Consultant Surgeon University Surgical Community Medicine, Faculty of FacultyUniversity of Medicine,of Ja na Ministry of Health Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Medical Sciences University of Sri Committee Coordinating Unit, Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Medicine, University of Colombo University of Ja na Ministry of Health Jayewardenepura 14 | January 2021 SLMANEWS+ THE SLMA COUNCIL - 2021 President Immediate Past President President Elect Vice President Vice President Honorary Secretary PresidentDr. Padma S. Gunaratne ImmediateProfessor Past Indika President PresidentProfessor Elect Samath D. ViceProfessor President Sudharshani ViceDr. ManilkaPresident Sumanatilleke HonoraryDr. Sumithra Secretary Tissera Dr.MBBS, Padma MD (SL), S. FRCP Gunaratne ProfessorKarunathilake Indika ProfessorDharmaratne Samath D. ProfessorWasalathanthri Sudharshani Dr.MBBS, Manilka MD(Col), MRCP(Lon), Sumanatilleke Dr.MBBS Sumithra (Col), PG Dip Tissera in Health MBBS,(Edin, Glasg, MD (SL), Lond), FRCP FCCP, KarunathilakeMBBS (Col.), DMedEd (Dundee), MMEdEd DharmaratneMBBS, MSc (Com Med), MD (Com Med) WasalathanthriMBBS, PhD MRCP-Diab & Endo(UK), FRCP(Edin), MBBSDevelopment, (Col), PG MSc Dip (London)in Health (Dundee), FHEA (UK), FCGP (SL), FCME (SL), MBBS, MD(Col), MRCP(Lon), (Edin,Hon. FRACP, Glasg, FAAN, Lond), FCCP, MBBS (Col.), DMedEd (Dundee), MMEdEd ChairMBBS, Professor MSc (Com of Med),Community MD (Com Medicine Med) and MBBS,Professor PhD in Physiology, Department of FACE(USA), FSLCE(SL) Development,Vindana Reproductive MSc (London) Health Centre FRCP (Edin.) Head, Department of Medical Head of the Department Faculty of Medicine, MRCP-Diab & Endo(UK), FRCP(Edin), Hon.FWSO FRACP, Consultant FAAN, Neurologist (Dundee), FHEA (UK), FCGP (SL), FCME (SL), Chair Professor of Community Medicine and ProfessorPhysiology, in FacultyPhysiology, of Medicine, Department of Consultant Endocrinologist Vindana Reproductive Health Centre FRCPEducation, (Edin.) Faculty Head, ofDepartment Medicine, Universityof Medical of University of Peradeniya FACE(USA), FSLCE(SL) FWSO Consultant Neurologist Colombo Head of the Department Faculty of Medicine, Physiology,University of Faculty Colombo of Medicine, ConsultantNational Hospital Endocrinologist of Sri Lanka Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of University of Peradeniya Colombo University of Colombo National Hospital of Sri Lanka Hony. Assistant Secretary Hony. Assistant Secretary / Hony. Assistant Secretary Hony. Assistant Secretary Honorary Treasurer Honorary Assistant Treasurer Dr.Hony. Achala Assistant Balasuriya Secretary Hony.Editor Assistant- SLMA newsletter Secretary / Hony.Dr. Pramil Assistant Liyanage Secretary Dr.Hony. F. AssistantH. D. Shehan Secretary Silva HonoraryProfessor Treasurer Asela Olupeliyawa HonoraryDr. E. A. SajithAssistant T. Treasurer Edirisinghe MBBS,Dr. Achala MD (Medicine), Balasuriya FRCP (Edin) EditorProfessor - SLMA B. newsletter M. Hasini Dr.MBBS Pramil (Colombo), Liyanage MSc (Biomedical MBBSDr. F. (SJP) H. D. MD Shehan (Col) MRCP Silva (Lon) MRCPE ProfessorMBBS(Colombo), Asela PG.Cert.Med.Ed Olupeliyawa Dr.MBBS, E. MSc A. (ClinicalSajith Genetics), T. Edirisinghe MSc(UK),MBBS, MD PG (Medicine), Diploma diabetes(UK) FRCP (Edin) ProfessorA. Banneheke B. M. Hasini MBBSInformatics), (Colombo), PG Cert. MSc (MedEd), (Biomedical MD (Edin)MBBS Dip (SJP) MedPract MD (Col) (LSTM MRCP UK) (Lon)MRCP (DiabetesMRCPE MBBS(Colombo),(Dundee), PhD. (UNSW) PG.Cert.Med.Ed MBBS,MSc (Health MSc (Clinical Administration) Genetics), and Endocrinology) MRCP (Geriatrics) IFME ConsultantMSc(UK), PG Physician, Diploma diabetes(UK) A.MBBS, Banneheke Dip Med Micro, MD (Med Informatics),(Health Informatics), PG Cert. MRSPH(MedEd), (UK), MD (Edin) Dip MedPract (LSTM UK) MRCP (Diabetes (Dundee),Department PhD. of Medical(UNSW) Education, MScLecturer (Health and Administration)Clinical Geneticist, Department (Cantab), AFHEA (UK) Senior Lecturer in of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, HemasConsultant Hospital, Physician, Wattala MBBS,Parasit) Dip Faculty Med ofMicro, Medical MD (MedSciences, (HealthIMFCI (UK) Informatics), Health Informatician, MRSPH (UK), and Endocrinology) MRCP (Geriatrics) IFME DepartmentFaculty of Medicine, of Medical University Education, of Lecturer and Clinical Geneticist, Department University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Cantab),Medicine &AFHEA Consultant (UK) Senior Physician Lecturer Faculty in of University of Sri Jayewardenepura Hemas Hospital, Wattala Parasit) Faculty of Medical Sciences, IMFCIMinistry (UK) of Health Informatician, Medical Sciences, University of Sri J.pura FacultyColombo of Medicine, University of of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Medicine & Consultant Physician Faculty of University of Sri Jayewardenepura Ministry of Health Medical Sciences, University of Sri J.pura Colombo Public Relations O cer Social Secretary Social Secretary Past Presidents’ Representative Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal) Co-Editor (Ceylon Medical Journal) PublicDr. Kalyani Relations Guruge O cer SocialDr. M. Secretary L. Christo Fernando SocialDr. Pramilla Secretary Senanayake, PastDr. Lakshman Presidents’ Representative Ranasinghe Co-EditorProfessor (Ceylon A. Pathmeswaran Medical Journal) Co-EditorProfessor (Ceylon Senaka Medical Rajapakse Journal) Dr.MBBS Kalyani (Ceylon), Guruge Dr.MBBS, M. MACEP, L. Christo Dipl Hosp Fernando Admin, MBA Dr.MBBS, Pramilla PhD, FRCOG, Senanayake, FACOG, FSLCOG Dr.FRCP(Edin), Lakshman FCCP, DCH Ranasinghe (Lond), FCGP ProfessorMBBS, MD A. Pathmeswaran ProfessorMBBS, MD, FRCP, Senaka FCCP, FACP Rajapakse MBBSMD (Paediatrics) (Ceylon), MBBS,Chairman, MACEP, New Dipl Philip Hosp Hospitals Admin, MBA MBBS,Medical PhD, Consultant FRCOG, FACOG, FSLCOG FRCP(Edin),Founder President FCCP, DCH Sri Lanka (Lond), College FCGP MBBS,Senior Professor,MD Department of MBBS,Professor MD, in FRCP, Medicine FCCP, FACP MDConsultant (Paediatrics) Paediatrician Chairman,(Pvt) Ltd, Kalutara New Philip South Hospitals MedicalReproductive Consultant Health Founderof Dermatologists President Sri Lanka College SeniorPublic Health,Professor, Faculty Department of Medicine of ProfessorConsultant in Physician Medicine Consultant Paediatrician (Pvt) Ltd, Kalutara South Reproductive Health of Dermatologists PublicUniversity Health, of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine ConsultantDirector, PGIM Physician University of Kelaniya Director, PGIM

Dr. Chandana Atapattu Dr. Iyanthi Dr. Sarath Gamini Dr. Inuka Kishara Professor Sampath Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa Dr. Kapila Jayaratne Dr.MBBS Chandana (Colombo), MSc Atapattu (Food Dr.Abeyewickreme Iyanthi Dr.De SarathSilva Gamini Dr.Gooneratne Inuka Kishara ProfessorGunawardena Sampath Dr.MBBS, Ruvaiz DFM, MSc, Haniffa MD, FCGP, Dr.MBBS, Kapila MSc, DCH, Jayaratne MD (Com Med) Consultant Community MBBSand Nutrition), (Colombo), MCGP MSc (Food AbeyewickremeMBBS, Dip Ven, MSc, MD, FCVSL DeMBBS Silva (Col), LRCP(Lon), GooneratneMBBS (Col.), MD (Col) GunawardenaMBBS, PhD MBBS,PgDip, MRCGPDFM, MSc, MD, FCGP, MBBS, MSc, DCH, MD (Com Med) Colombo South Teaching Consultant Venereologist MRCS(Eng), MD(Col), Constant Neurologist, Professor of Physiology Senior lecturer, ConsultantPhysician National Community Programme and Nutrition), MCGP MBBS, Dip Ven, MSc, MD, FCVSL MBBS (Col), LRCP(Lon), MBBS (Col.), MD (Col) MBBS, PhD PgDip, MRCGP Manager - Maternal & Child ColomboHospital South Teaching ConsultantHon. Senior Venereologist Fellow, Post Graduate MRCS(Eng),FRCP(Lon), FRACP(Hony.), MD(Col), FCCP ConstantDGH, Hambantota Neurologist, ProfessorDepartment of Physiology of Physiology SeniorFamily lecturer,Medicine Unit, Faculty of Physician National Programme ManagerMorbidity - & Maternal Mortality & Child HospitalKalubowila Hon.Institute Senior of Medicine,Fellow, Post University Graduate FRCP(Lon),Consultant PhysicianFRACP(Hony.), Colombo FCCP DGH, Hambantota DepartmentFaculty of Medicine of Physiology FamilyMedicine, Medicine University Unit, of Faculty Colombo of Surveillance, Family Health of Colombo University of Ruhuna Past President-SLMA-2018 Morbidity & Mortality Kalubowila Institute of Medicine, University Consultant Physician Colombo Faculty of Medicine Medicine, University of Colombo Surveillance,Bureau, Ministry Family of HealthHealth of Colombo University of Ruhuna Past President-SLMA-2018 Bureau, Ministry of Health

Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya Dr. Peethambaram Dr. Dushantha Dr. B. J. C. Perera Professor Jennifer Perera Dr. Pramitha Prof. R. M. Mudiyanse MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD Dr.MBBS Lucian (Cey), DTPH Jayasuriya (Lond), FCMA, Jeepara Dr.Madegedara Dushantha Dr. B. J. C. Perera ProfessorMBBS, MD Microbiology Jennifer (Colombo), Perera FSLCoSHH, Hony. FCGP Dr. Peethambaram Dr.Mahanama Pramitha Prof.MBBS, DCH, R. M. MD, Mudiyanse MRCP (UK), (Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), MBBS (Cey), DTPH (Lond), FCMA, MBBS, MD, FCCP (SL), MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD MBBS,DipMedED MD Microbiology(Dundee), DipWomen's (Colombo), Hony. Senior Fellow Postgraduate JeeparaMBBS, MS, FRCS, FCSSL Madegedara MBBS (SJP), Dip. in MBBS,FAIMER DCH, Fellow MD, (USA) MRCP (UK), FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, FSLCoSHH, Hony. FCGP FCCP (USA), FRCP (Edin) Mahanama (Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), DipMedEDStudies (Colombo), (Dundee), MBA DipWomen's (Wales), Institute of Medicine (PGIM), MBBS,Consultant MS, GeneralFRCS, FCSSL Surgeon MBBS, MD, FCCP (SL), World A airs and Professor in Paediatrics FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hon. FCGP(SL) Hony. Senior Fellow Postgraduate MBBS (SJP), Dip. in FAIMER Fellow (USA) FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, StudiesFNASSL, (Colombo), FSLCM MBA (Wales), Founder & Patron Vaccine & Infectious Teaching Hospital FCCPConsultant (USA), Respiratory FRCP (Edin) Diplomacy, Medical ocer, Department of Paediatrics Founder President, Sri Lanka College Institute of Medicine (PGIM), Consultant General Surgeon World A airs and Professor in Paediatrics FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hon. FCGP(SL) FNASSL,Professor FSLCM of Microbiology Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka, Founder Batticaloa ConsultantPhysician, Respiratory Respiratory Disease of Paediatricians;Past President SLMA Founder & Patron Vaccine & Infectious Teaching Hospital Diplomacy,Asiri Surgical Medical Hospitals, ocer, DepartmentFaculty of Medicine of Paediatrics Founder President, Sri Lanka College ProfessorUniversity of of Microbiology Colombo President Sri Lanka College of Sexual Treatment Unit Year 2013; Consultant Paediatrician Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka, Founder Batticaloa Physician, Respiratory Disease Colombo FacultyUniversity of Medicineof Peradeniya of Paediatricians;Past President SLMA UniversityPast President-SLMA-2015 of Colombo Health and HIV Medicine & National Hospital, Kandy Asiri Surgical Hospitals, President Sri Lanka College of Sexual Treatment Unit Colombo University of Peradeniya Year 2013; Consultant Paediatrician Past President-SLMA-2015 Health and HIV Medicine & National Hospital, Kandy Dr. Surantha Perera Deshamanya Vidya Dr. Sankha Randenikumara Dr. Udayangani Dr. S. B. Anuruddhika Dr. Sunil Seneviratne Epa Dr. Chathurie Suraweera MBBS(Col) DCH(SL) MD Jyothi Dr. J. B. Peiris MBBS (SJP), PDAR (Kel), PgDTox ( MBBS (Col), MD (Psychiatry), Dr. Surantha Perera Deshamanya Vidya Dr. Sankha Randenikumara Dr.Ramadasa Udayangani Dr.S.M. S. Rathnayake B. Anuruddhika Dr.MBBS Sunil MD MRCP Seneviratne UK Epa Dr. Chathurie Suraweera Paed(SL) DCH(UK) FRCP(Edin) MD, FRCP Col), MCGP (SL), FPallCare (IPM) MBBSMRCPsych (Col), (UK) MD Consultant(Psychiatry), MBBS(Col) DCH(SL) MD Jyothi Dr. J. B. Peiris MBBS (SJP), PDAR (Kel), PgDTox ( RamadasaMBBS, MD(Medicine), FCCP, MBBS (Pera), MSc (Com Med), MBBSFRCP LONDON, MD MRCP FCCP UK (SL) Psychiatrist, Senior Lecturer in FRCPCH(UK), Consultant Consultant Neurologist, Family Physician - The Family S.M. Rathnayake MRCPsych (UK) Consultant Paed(SL) DCH(UK) FRCP(Edin) MD, FRCP Col), MCGP (SL), FPallCare (IPM) MBBS,Dip Pall MD(Medicine), Med(Clinical) (RACP) FCCP, FRSPH(UK) FRCPConsultant LONDON, Physician, FCCP (SL) Matara Psychiatry Department of Paediatrician & Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo Health Clinic; Medical Ocer MBBS (Pera), MSc (Com Med), Psychiatrist, Senior Lecturer in FRCPCH(UK), Consultant Consultant Neurologist, Family Physician - The Family DipConsultant Pall Med(Clinical) Physician (RACP) Department of Community ConsultantNursing Home, Physician, Matara Matara Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine, Neonatologist Castle Street Past President-SLMA Health- Planning, Clinic; Base Medical Hospital Ocer FRSPH(UK) Psychiatry Department of Paediatrician & Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo Teaching Hospital Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, NursingPast President-SLMA Home, Matara University of Colombo -Panadura; Planning, Regional Base Hospital Chair - WONCA Consultant Physician Department of Community Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine, NeonatologistHospital for Women Castle Street Past President-SLMA Ratnapura University of Peradeniya Consultant Psychiatrist, Panadura;Young Doctors’ Regional Movement, Chair - WONCASouth Asia Teaching Hospital Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Past President-SLMA University of Colombo Hospital for Women National Hospital of Sri Lanka Young Doctors’ Movement, South Asia Ratnapura University of Peradeniya Consultant Psychiatrist, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Professor Gitanjali Dr. Sashika Dr. Asitha Koshala Dr. Bhanuja Professor C. Nirmala Dr. Dakshitha Professor M. C. Dr.Sandaruwani Sashika ProfessorWijekoon C. Nirmala Weerasinghe ProfessorSathiadas Gitanjali Dr.Thanippuli Asitha Koshala Arachchi Dr.S. Wijayatilaka Bhanuja MBBS, MD, MRCP(UK), FRCP Dr.Wickramasinghe Dakshitha Professor M. C. MBBS (Colombo) Wijekoon MBBS, MD(Surgery) DM MRCSEd, MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med) SathiadasMBChB, DCH, MD, MRCPCH, Sandaruwani ThanippuliMBBS (Col) Arachchi S.MBBS, Wijayatilaka MSc, MD(Com Med) (London), FRCP (Edinburgh), FCCP Wickramasinghe Weerasinghe Pg Dip in Healthcare Quality and MBBS, MD, MRCP(UK), FRCP PGCertMedEd FMAS Consultant Community Physician, PGDipMedEd MBBS (Colombo) Medical ocer-Mental Health, Consultant Community Professor in Pharmacology and MBBS, MD(Surgery) DM MRCSEd, MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med) MBChB, DCH, MD, MRCPCH, Safety (Colombo) Medical MBBS (Col) MBBS, MSc, MD(Com Med) (London), FRCP (Edinburgh), FCCP Lecturer in Surgery and Honorary Professor and Head, Department of Professor in Paediatrics Pg Dip in Healthcare Quality and Base Hospital, Kekirawa Physician Specialist Physician Faculty of PGCertMedEd FMAS Consultant Community Physician, PGDipMedEd Safetyocer-Technical (Colombo) Evaluation Medical Medical ocer-Mental Health, Consultant Community Professor in Pharmacology and Consultant Surgeon University Surgical Community Medicine, Faculty of Faculty of Medicine, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Medical Sciences University of Sri Lecturer in Surgery and Honorary Professor and Head, Department of Professor in Paediatrics Committee Coordinating Unit, Base Hospital, Kekirawa Physician Specialist Physician Faculty of Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Medicine, University of Colombo ocer-Technical Evaluation Jayewardenepura Consultant Surgeon University Surgical Community Medicine, Faculty of FacultyUniversity of Medicine,of Ja na Ministry of Health Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Medical Sciences University of Sri Committee Coordinating Unit, Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Medicine, University of Colombo University of Ja na Ministry of Health Jayewardenepura SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 15 Feature Article HISTORY 1995 The first set of office bearers of the college of Genitourinary Physicians of Sri History of theLanka was elected on 7th October. 1996 First Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Venereologists of Sri Lanka was Sri Lanka Collegeheld. of 1998 The name of the college was changed to the college of Venereologists of Sri Lanka. 2001 Board of study in Venereology was Sexual Healthformed under theand PGIM, University of Colombo on 1st October. 2002 The postgraduate Diploma in HIV MedicineVenereology (Pg Dip Ven) course commenced on 19th July. he Sri Lanka College of were recognized as part-qualified 20151995. Name The ofinfant the Sri LankaCollege Journal was of kept 2002 Dr & Mrs Lucian Jayasuriya award for Venereology was changed to Sri Lanka Journal Sexual Health and HIV thespecialists best performance in venereology. in Diploma in The MD ofactive Sexual due Health to and the HIV efforts Medicine of (JoSHH) a small. Venereology was started. Medicine celebrates her or MRCP was the requirement for a 2015group Sri of Lanka doctors College at of the Venereologists NSACP lead TSilver Jubilee this year 2020. It fully2003 qualifiedMD Venereology specialist. course was started. ofbyficially Dr. networked Iyanthi with AustralasianAbeyewickreme, Society for was inaugurated as the College of 2003With Webpage the ofadvent the Sri Lanka of HIV/AIDSCollege of HIVwho Medicine was (ASHM)ably supportedand through that, by Dr. Venereologists created. networked with 42 Asia Pacific Professional Genitourinary Physicians of Sri in the early 1980’s, the Anti- Thiloma Munasinghe and late Dr. 2007 First MD Venereology exam was held in Societies. Lanka on 7th October 1995, and was VDcollaboration Campaign with the PGIM.was renamed 2016Sarojini Online Perera. version of the JoSHH with online renamed as the Sri Lanka College the National STD/AIDS Control review system was established with 2008 The college was named Sri Lanka The objectives of the College of Venereologists (SLCoV) in 1998. ProgrammeCollege of Venereologists (NSACP) in Octoberin 1985,. and international network for availability of scientific publicationswere: (INASP) and National Science Its present name was adopted as it more2007 Sriattention Lanka Journal was of Vgivenenereology to wasthe Foundation (NSF). aligns itself better with the global startedprevention and first publicationof HIV wasand done provision in 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 sexual health services. infected2012 Patient with support HIV. fund of the Sri Lanka 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 Healththe best performance decided in MDto in Venereologyrecognize Lankaii. To College act as of Sexualthe authentic Health and HIVbody in campaign in 1952, venereology onlystarted. postgraduate qualifications Medicinevenereology (Sri Lanka CoSHH) . 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 SLMANEWS+ Feature Article venereologist. Therefore, the venereologists from the UK, India G. Weerasinghe was responsible College prepared a curriculum for and Singapore . Some of them from for organizing the consultants from a Diploma in Venereology which the UK, especially Dr David Barlow the UK into the Overseas Faculty would give in-depth theoretical and from St Thomas’ Hospital, London and they became the ‘Overseas clinical training in STDs and HIV. and Professor Graham Taylor from Faculty’ of the College. They At the PGIM there was no Board of St Mary’s Hospital, London have also functioned as the external Study which agreed to take on the become regular attendees at the examiners for the MD Venereology Diploma in Venereology. academic sessions. and organized the overseas As a result of hard work Advances in science and training attachments for the post- spearheaded by Dr Lucian medicine require inter disciplinary MD trainees in venereology. Jayasuriya along with Drs Gamini collaboration and networking In 2015, then President Dr. Jayakuru, Iyanthi Abeywickreme with national, regional and extra Ajith Karawita and the Secretary and Thiloma Munasinghe for seven regional professional associations Dr. Prageeth Premadasa, led years, the SLCoV objective was or societies. discussions on a proposal to change realized on 1st October 2001, when SLCoSHH has considered this as the name of the College to better the Board of Study in Venereology an area of utmost importance in the align it with the global recognition was established. professional development and has of the need for holistic sexual The first chairperson of the included it as one of the important health services. Board was Dr. G.N. Jayakuru objectives of the college. This This would expand the remit of and the Secretary was Iyanthi facilitates to addressing patients’ venereology from prevention and Abeyewickreme. We thank Dr. needs that cut across traditional control of STD/HIV/AIDS towards J. B. Peiris, Director, PGIM, who discipline type of approaches in the delivery of comprehensive sexual is gratefully remembered for the world of learning, innovations and health services. The proposal to unstinted support he gave for the implementation sciences. change the name of the College was establishment of the Board of The annual academic sessions proposed at the Annual General Study. have been enriched by the Meeting held on 21 January 2015 The Postgraduate Diploma in participation of other professional and approved. Venereology Course commenced colleges such as the Ceylon College After further discussions on 19th July 2002. Each batch has of Physicians, Sri Lanka College of regarding alternative names it six or seven trainees and a total Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, was decided at a Special General of 108 have now obtained the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, Meeting on 25th February 2015, PG Diploma. It is recognized as to name just a few. that the College would be known as a qualification for promotion to At the annual academic The College of Sexual Health and Grade1 of the Medical Officers’ sessions, the following awards HIV Medicine (CoSHH). Service in the Ministry of Health. are presented: The College publishes the Sri The PG Diploma in Venereology Lanka Journal of Sexual Health and was made the entry qualification 1. The Nihal Perera Memorial HIV Medicine which is a member for medical officers to follow the Award for the best paper, of the Sri Lanka Journals Online MD Course in Venereology, which since 1997 electronic portal. commenced in 2003. 2. The Dr. and Mrs. Lucian The College is a registered The MD in Venereology with Jayasuriya gold medal for company under the Companies Board Certification as a specialist the best performance at the Act. is recognized by the Ministry of Postgraduate Diploma in Dr. Iyanthi Abeyewickreme, Health as the specialist qualification Venereology, since 2002. MBBS, Dip. Ven, MSc, MD, FSLCV, in venereology. 3. The Iyanthi Abeyewickreme FCCPSL, Founder SLCV, Past The Ministry of Health gold medal for the best President SLCV and Consultant recognizes a Venereologist with performance at the MD in Venereologist the MD and board certification Venerology, since 2014. Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya, by the PGIM as a specialist in the From 2020, another annual MBBS, DTPH (Lond.), discipline. To date there are 73 award for the Best Poster FSLCV, FCMA, Hony. FCGP doctors with the MD and 24 Board Presentation at the Annual Sessions Founder President SLCV Certified specialists in Venereology. was inaugurated in memory of late Dr. Thiloma Munasinghe, The College has organised Dr Sarojini Perera, in recognition MBBS, MSc, MD annual scientific sessions with of her services to the College. Consultant Community the participation of eminent The Overseas Faculty of the Physician genitourinary physicians/ College was established in 2008. Dr SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 17 Feature Article

The Lancet. Vol 397; January 2, 2021 Is science ever enough? Dare to play politics

ichard Horton1 argued that and make them change. Health 2017; 27: 40–43. “medicine and public health Thomas R Oliver was right are being co-opted into a when he said, “science can identify (3) Oliver TR. The politics of Rpolitical programme of population solutions to pressing public health public health policy. Annu control to protect the power of the problems, but only politics can Rev Public Health 2006; 27: modern neoliberal state”. turn most of those solutions into 195–233. Measures implemented by reality”.3 Politics, more than leaders to bend the COVID-19 analyses, determine policies.2,3 (4) Raphael D. Beyond policy pandemic would aim to protect The key is to convince most analysis: the raw politics economies more than population people, and this is where the behind opposition to healthy health. path becomes difficult. To public policy. Health Promot If true, what can we do? In gain influence on COVID-19- Int 2015; 30: 380–96. many jurisdictions, public health mitigating policy, public health authorities are under the control scientists have to play politics— I declare no competing of democratically elected leaders. that is, fight opponents with interests. If other policies are desired, competing interests that are Arnaud Chiolero other leaders must be elected. And blocking healthy public policy,4 [email protected] if public health scientists want to account for bounded rationality, Population Health Laboratory, make a difference, they should convince key players, practice University of Fribourg, Fribourg, leave science for a moment and lobbying through interest 1700 Switzerland; Institute of dare to play politics. groups, and make elected leaders Primary Health Care, University COVID-19 is painfully serve their agenda. Public health of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; reminding us that the path is science alone will never be Department of Epidemiology, very complex— from gathering enough. Biostatistics and Occupational evidence to the implementation Health, McGill University, of sound public health (1) Horton R. Offline: COVID- Montreal, QC, Canada 2 interventions. Nothing is new 19—a crisis of power. Lancet The extracts of the lancet in the fact that it is difficult to 2020; 396: 1383. article was provided by Professor convince leaders or citizens. Just Jennifer Perera, Past President- providing evidence in public (2) Greer SL, Bekker M, de Leeuw SLMA-2016 health is never enough; more is E, et al. Policy, politics and needed to influence stakeholders public health. Eur J Public

18 | January 2021 SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 19 Notice

SRI LANKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

The Sri Lanka Medical Association invites you to submit abstracts for the 134th Anniversary International Medical Congress - 2021 The deadline to submit abstracts is 31st March, 2021  The abstract must be structured as follows; 23:59 Sri Lankan Time. o Introduction and objectives o Methods  All abstract submissions should be made o Results electronically through our online abstract submission o Conclusions system (http://conference.slma.lk/).  The body of the abstract MUST NOT exceed 250 words The abstract submission portal will be active from (iii) Please select the relevant submission category 1st February 2021 (Eg: Dermatology, Family Medicine...etc)  Hard copy submissions to the SLMA office will not be from the drop down list in the abstract submission accepted form  One author will be permitted to submit a MAXIMUM (iv) When uploading the abstract as a MS Word of three (03) abstracts ONLY document, please format as below;  All authors of abstracts should be members of the o Title: BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS SLMA, if they are eligible for membership. o Authors: Last name followed by initials, with the  All research studies should have obtained ethics presenting author underlined. A superscript approval. All clinical trials should be registered number should be placed after each name to refer with a Clinical Trials Registry. Authors should provide to the respective aliations. the letter of approval from an accepted (eg.:- Perera AB1, Silva CD2) Ethics Review Committee (ERC) for research o Affiliations: must be listed below the authors studies and registration number for clinical trials, o Body of the abstract: Structured with upon request subheadings: Introduction and Objectives,  All the authors should declare any conflict of Method, Results and Conclusions. interests during their presentation at the congress o Font: Times New Roman  The SLMA considers plagiarism as serious o Font size: 12, single line spacing professional misconduct. All abstracts are screened for 3. Important notices; plagiarism and when identified, the abstract and any other abstracts submitted by the same  Modi cations to the abstract can be made until author will be rejected submission. Please note that NO amendments to  The SLMA reserves the right to make alterations and the submitted abstracts (including the authors list) to edit the contents of the abstract to would be entertained after closing of submission improve the quality of presentation  Abstracts not conforming to the above instructions will be rejected INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE ABSTRACT SUBMISSION  Accepted abstracts will be published in the 1. Creating an author profile Ceylon Medical Journal Supplement containing the Before submitting an abstract, authors must register in abstracts the abstract submission system by creating  A panel of reviewers will review abstracts an author profile online anonymously and the decision of the Scienti c 2. Submitting an abstract Committee will be nal. Successful applicants will be (i) Log in to your author account noti ed via email by 31st May 2021 (ii) Enter the information requested in the system (Title,  The presenting author is required to register for names and affiliations, presenting author, abstract text) the sessions upon acceptance of the abstract  Please provide a name of a second presenting Guidelines author (in case of a situation where the original  The title of the paper should be concise and the presenting author is unable to attend) SLMA reserves right to modify the title ifnecessary  Failure to make a presentation (oral or poster)  The author(s) name(s) should be in the format of last once participation is con rmed will be considered an name followed by initial(s). episode of academic/scienti c misconduct and the Please DO NOT use prefixes such as Mr/Dr/Prof. authors will be liable for punitive action (E.g. Perera AB)  Please DO NOT include the title, names of the authors, The deadline to submit abstracts is 31st March, institutions, sub-headings or any tables/graphs/ gures 2021 23:59 Sri Lankan Time. or references within The body of the abstract. Only the Please make note that the deadline for submitting text of the abstract should be included abstracts will not be extended 20 | January 2021 SLMANEWS+ Notice

AWARDS FOR FREE PAPERS AND POSTERS 6. Daphne Attygalle (Cancer) 7. Sir Frank Gunasekera (Community Medicine and The following prizes will be awarded for free Tuberculosis) papers and posters accepted for presentation at 8. Kumaradasa Rajasuriya (Research Tropical Medicine) the 134th 9. Special prize in cardiology Anniversary International Medical Congress 2021 10. The SLMA prize for the best poster 1. E. M. Wijerama 11. S. Ramachandran (Nephrology) 2. S. E. Seneviratna 3. H. K. T. Fernando Please note that all submissions should be made 4. Sir Nicholas Attygalle electronically through the online abstract submission 5. Wilson Peiris system which will be opened on 1st February 2021

IMPORTANT DATES Abstract submission deadline: 31st March 2021 23.59 Sri Lankan Time Abstract acceptance noti cation: 31st May 2021 Registration for presenting authors: 15th June 2021

Thank you Dr. Sumithra Tissera Honorary Secretary Sri Lanka Medical Association For further details please contact: The Sri Lanka Medical Association,‘Wijerama House’, No.6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo-07. Tel: +94-112-693324, Email: [email protected]

SRI LANKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION CALL FOR ORATIONS

Applications are called for the following orations to be delivered in 2021

SLMA Oration – 2021 Sir Nicholas Attygalle Oration The SLMA Oration is the most prestigious oration Instituted in 1975 this Oration is delivered in the of the Association. Instituted in 1979 it recognises memory of Sir Nicholas Attygalle, an outstanding outstanding achievement in research. It is Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, the rst Ceylonese delivered at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Annual Vice Chancellor of the University of Ceylon, and Scienti c Congress of the SLMA President of the Senate.

Dr. S C Paul Oration – 2021 Sir Marcus Fernando Oration The S.C. Paul Oration is the oldest Oration of the Institute in 1969, this oration is delivered in the Association. Instituted in 1966 it is delivered in the memory of Sri Marcus Fernando, outstanding memory of Dr. S. C Paul, an outstanding surgeon. Physician and the rst Sinhalese member of the Legislative Council Dr S Ramachandran Oration - 2021 It is delivered during the Annual Scienti c Applicants should submit the full script of the oration. Congress of the SLMA The covering letter, addressed to the Honorary Secretary, SLMA should explain why the applicant Dr N W D Lionel Oration - 2021 believes that the work is of sucient merit to deserve It is delivered during the Annual Scienti c an oration, and list the original papers and conference Congress of the SLMA presentations (both oral and poster) of the applicant cited in the oration Dr. Murugesar Sinnetamby Oration Instituted in 1968, this Oration is delivered in the Applications should reach the Honorary Secretary, memory of Murugesar Sinnetamby, an SLMA, No. 6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 on or outstanding obstetrician and gynaecologist before 31st March 2021 SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 21 Notice

All orations: Secretary, ‘Wijerama House’, No.6, Wijerama  Substantial part of the oration should be based Mawatha, Colombo-07). Of these, one (01) on original research copy should be with the name of the author  Orations based on work published in peer and six (6) copies should be without the reviewed journals will be given priority name of the author  In case of multi-author research and publications, the applicant should inform the  Each copy should be accompanied with other authors of his/her presentation and provide a brief resume of the salient points in one details of the contribution to design, data sheet of paper (A4 size) indicating the collection, analysis and writing of the manuscript contribution made to advances in by the applicant knowledge on the subject.  A separate sheet stating the publications on Further particulars may be obtained from which the oration is based should be attached to the SLMA o ce the submission (see below for details)  The Murugesar Sinnetamby Oration should be The manuscript should be accompanied by preferably on a topic pertaining to Obstetrics & a separate document which indicates the Gynaecology following;

1) The impact of the research in Guidelines for submission terms of advancing scientic knowl edge, quality of clinical care and  A covering letter should indicate the improvement of service delivery. oration/orations for which the manuscript should 2) In case of multi-author research/ be considered publications, the contribution of the  The oration should be written in full. The applicant to design, data collection, IMRAD format is suggested unless the content analysis and writing of publica requires otherwise tions/manuscript.  For all research involving human or animal 3) A declaration by the applicant that subjects, state ‘Ethics Clearance’ in the methods the other authors of the presented section. Randomized Control Trials should have research have no objections to the been registered in a WHO recognized Clinical Trial submission of the oration. Registry 4) The applicant should declare if all  The oration should be typed using Times New or part of the work included in the Roman, size 12, double line spacing. Harvard or manuscript has already been present Vancouver system of referencing can be used ed as an oration.  Seven (07) copies of the scripts should be 5) Declaration of nancial and other submitted to the SLMA o ce (Hony conicts of interests.

All authors of orations should be members of the SLMA, if they are eligible for membership. (If you are not a member at present, please become a member before forwarding your application)

Closing date for all orations: 31st March 2021

Thank you

Dr. Sumithra Tissera Honorary Secretary, Sri Lanka Medical Association For further details please contact: The Sri Lanka Medical Association,‘Wijerama House’, No.6, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo-07. Tel: +94-112-693324, Email: [email protected]

22 | January 2021 SLMANEWS+

With Best Compliments From

ASSET GROUP OF COMPANIES

No : 34, Ward Place, Colombo 07. Tel : 0094 11 2690000 Fax: 0094 11 2690088 [email protected] www.groupofasset.com

January 2021 | 23 Miscellany A tribute to a legendary medical teacher, late Professor Eugene Wikramanayake t is with immense sadness from the Kandy district. After Thus she obtained her PhD that we write this tribute to her graduation in 1958 with in Human Genetics from the a legendary medical teacher, distinctions in Medicine, Public Institute of Genetics of the Faculty late Professor Eugene Health and Parasitology she joined of Science, on a Commonwealth IRamyawathie Wikramanayake, the Department of Anatomy, Scholarship for her thesis entitled Emeritus Professor of Anatomy of Faculty of Medicine, University of “Localisation of autosomal genes the Faculty of Medicine, University Peradeniya at its inception in 1962. in man using chromosomal of Peradeniya and a pioneer in She states in the Darrel Wijeratne aberrations”. medical genetics in our country. Memorial Lecture in 1999 that, On her return to Sri Lanka, with She was born in 1933 and had “it was this translocation to the a long term vision to expand the her school education at the Girls salubrious campus of Peradeniya horizons of Anatomy as early as in High School in Kandy. She was and its vibrant intellectual the 1960’s, she introduced a course exceptional at school obtaining atmosphere that lured me into unit in Genetics in the medical class prizes and special prizes for an academic career in the basic curriculum both at undergraduate English Literature, Mathematics, sciences in Medicine”. and postgraduate levels at a time Science and Christianity. She served in various capacities when only 20% of medical schools She joined the Faculty of from the post of Demonstrator to in the UK and USA had genetics in Medicine, University of Colombo Senior Professor of anatomy until their curricula. in 1950 as one of the earliest her retirement in 2000 and during She also introduced a course female students to enter Medicine her tenure developed the quality in Human Variation and Physical and stature of the Department of Anthropology in Archeology Anatomy to a very high level. and participated in formulating In 1968, she, “was literally set a glossary of technical terms in afloat by boat to sink or swim and Sinhala. In 1975, she returned to catapulted into the electrifying the University of Glasgow as a Post- presence of one of the leading doctoral researcher and a medical geneticists of the post war era, registrar at the Royal Hospital for Prof Guido Pontecorvo FRS, at the Sick children, a Yorkhill, Glasgow. University of Glasgow”. She had also worked as a Swim she did with the tide of Professor of Anatomy at the the mesmerizing secrets of life at College of Medicine, University the molecular level unfolding of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2000. since the 1950’s, understanding She was instrumental in setting the “human body’s nature in up a Cytogenetics unit at the all its complexity”. Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. VW recalls how her determined efforts to introduce progressive changes into the teaching of anatomy came to fruition when the Peradeniya school made the bold decision to replace its vision from the study of Medicine with the study of Man in Health and Disease that included a reoriented

24 | January 2021 SLMANEWS+ Miscellany

basic sciences curriculum. Madam Wikramanayake along unluckily missing that because Prof Eugene had the distinction with her illustrious husband, she could not get to the SLMA of being the President of Section A the late Professor Tommy premises in time for the bus! This of the Sri Lanka Association for the Wikramanayake, enriched the unending thirst for knowledge Advancement of Science (SLAAS) academic and socio-cultural life of and her consummate desire for in 2006. the Peradeniya campus in multiple academic stimulation and lifelong She has conducted several ways during those halcyon days. learning was a distinguishing seminal research projects on Her retirement signifiedquality that should serve as a Genetic studies of the Veddhas in an important milestone in her wonderful example for all of us in Sri Lanka. In 2002, she published a academic career which she the medical profession. comprehensive review of research generously dedicated to the She was a devoted mother, studies on two groups of Veddhas Peradeniya Medical Faculty wonderful colleague and a loyal from Uva-Bintenna over the period nurturing, as was her pride and friend who displayed the noblest of 1971 to 1996 in the Journal of the joy, many generations of medical of human qualities that in today’s Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka. students. All of them continue to fast-paced world, are either low on Later her research interests hold her in deep reverence with priority or are forgotten by many. expanded into biometry, male genuine gratitude. She was a PhD supervisor of VW Infertility and human sociality. Retirement afforded her more who recalls the many kind offers She was an exceptional freedom and space to engage in of personal support he and his medical teacher who had taught some of her other keen interests, wife received in their early post generations of medical students, primarily meditation and research nuptial days. anatomy and in particular genetics into her favourite themes We have observed with in her own unique style. and participate in continuing admiration how she was always Although she was a strict education activities, and of course willing to make the extra effort disciplinarian students loved her spend more time with the family. to help a person in need and how for her motherly mentorship and While residing in Colombo she she always stood up strong in her genuine interest to help all the immersed herself deeply in the defense of the vulnerable and the students. wide spectrum of CPD activities disadvantaged. We will miss her. With the wide repertoire of of the SLMA (and the SLAAS, May she attain the supreme bliss knowledge that she possessed Nutrition Society and the Royal of Nibbana! she was able to critically analyse Asiatic Society) and was one of the Dr. Palitha Abeykoon (PA) almost any subject ranging from keenest attendees at the varied Consultant Community Physician, medicine, anatomy, science, weekly academic programmes of a past president of the SLMA arts, philosophy to literature the SLMA. In fact it would amaze and and summarize the essentials many that during PA’s Presidency Prof. Vajira Weerasinghe (VW) in coherent terms. Making of the SLMA she participated in Senior Professor of Physiology, Peradeniya her academic all of the joint clinical meetings University of Peradeniya home for nearly four decades, in outstation hospitals bar one, SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 25 Miscellany Dr Palitha Abeykoon: Appointed Special Envoy on COVID-19 by the Director General of the WHO - 8th January 2021

ri Lanka like the rest of the world going through gloomy times of the COVID-19 pandemic, woke Sup to a ray of good news on the morning of Saturday, 9th January 2021. I had received an e mail from the Hony. Secretary - SLMA overnight, conveying this news to us in the medical fraternity in Sri Lanka. This was more than a ray of good news in terms of a colleague being recognized and called upon to serve in the global response to deal with the ongoing pandemic for those of us who know and do not know Dr Abeykoon. As per the press release from no lesser person than Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebresyesus himself, Dr Palitha Abeykoon handing over the a copy of History of Medicine in ‘(Dr Abeykoon) will be working Sri Lanka 1948 to 2017 to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebresyesus during his in tandem with an elite panel of visit to Sri Lanka in 2018. Also, in the picture is Dr Iyanthi Abeywickrma international experts in providing Past President SLMA. strategic advice as well as top-level political advocacy and engagement his university (Peradeniya) and to about his legendary, infectious in different parts of the world.’ the organisations which he served and heartwarming laughter! No If you know Dr Palitha and continues to serve in, to his gathering where he is present is Abeykoon, MBBS(Cey), M.S(S. family, friends and colleagues and considered complete until one’s Cal), MPh(Harv), DPS (Geneva), above all undying and genuine ears and heart are filled with it. I FCCPSL, FCMASL, FCGP (SL) loyalty to his country. have also seen it used as a weapon then you know the story about The story in fact goes on. A few to diffuse tense situations and how he became the first medical weeks into his medical education bring calm and drive-in sense to student to be registered at the young Abeykoon was struck down agitated and senseless people. newly established medical school by Tetanus. He needed mechanical For those of us who have not at the Peradeniya Campus of the ventilation over a few days until had the privilege of meeting him in University of Ceylon. his respiratory muscles were person (as I was till, I met him) his It was purely due to chance, able to in the very least support legendary reputation in the field of simply because his surname spontaneous respiration. global public health precedes him happened to be ABeykoon and This was in an era of not fully by eons. the authorities were following developed mechanical ventilation. I do not use the word ‘legend’ the English alphabet to register He takes pride in saying that loosely (definition - an extremely students!! his medical student colleagues famous person especially in a His retelling of this story literally held his life in their hands particular field). His decades of in essence summarizes the and manually ‘ambued’ him back dedicated service in his chosen most important quality in him to life, taking shifts to do so over field has conferred him this status. – LOYALTY. Loyalty to his several days and nights!!!!!! The briefest of outlines in this hometown (Giriulla), to his alma If you have met Dr Abeykoon regard is sine quo non. mater (Trinity College, Kandy), to in person then you also know His efforts in help setting up 26 | January 2021 SLMANEWS+ Miscellany

Dr Abeykoon took up the challenge and initiated the project with a dedicated team of authors and editors. The project concluded successfully in the year 2018 with the publication of the book History of Medicine in Sri Lanka 1948- 2017. It was indeed a coincidence that the WHO had chosen Sri Lanka to the first medical school in Nepal and healthcare system in Sri celebrate its’ 70th birthday with is today contributing towards the Lanka with particular reference the Secretary General Dr Tedros health status of its citizens on an to the fields of medical education, visiting our country to take part ongoing basis. human resources for health, in the global celebrations. The In Indonesia, Myanmar medical governance, medical SLMA nominated Dr Abeykoon to and Bhutan his contributions administration and development present a copy of this publication in creating from scratch of health-oriented research to the Secretary General WHO as a the educational and service capacity. memento of his visit to Sri Lanka. infrastructure for their public His contribution spans the On a personal note, I share with health systems by establishing length and breadth of the state him the love of the sport rugby. post graduate programmes in and private health sector. The During the rugby season even public health is helping to improve impact of his contributions are during official meetings we kept the health status of their respective seen in the most junior medical/ ourselves abreast with ongoing populations. paramedial student to the senior games with the use of modern His tenure as the WHO most consultant and allied health technology which he adapted to, Representative to India will go professionals in the Ministry like a duck taking to water. down in the annals of global public of Health and the senior most It was during his presidency health history for the leadership non-academic/academic in the (2014) that my son played the he gave to the Herculean task of university system. game for Royal College, Colombo eradicating Polio from India. I had the privilege of serving as (traditional rivals to his alma If you have not met him, you the Hony. Secretary of the SLMA mater -Trinity College). must make the effort to meet him during his Presidency in 2014. This led us to have a very healthy in person just to listen to him His tenure had all the trimmings and enjoyable sporting rivalry share his experience and stories and trapping of routine activities though I was his subordinate. related to this historical effort. He which is part and parcel of all I remember during the 2nd along with his lovely wife Nedra presidential tenures. I see two leg of the 70th Bradby Shield and family have played host to singular tasks which makes his encounter played at Pallekale numerous Sri Lankan visitors in presidential tenure stand out. Stadium, Kandy (home ground of particular who passed through The first of these is the re Trinity College), my son suffered New Delhi. printing and publication of the an on-field injury. No sooner the I am indeed privileged to live in masterpiece of Sri Lankan medical boy had gone down and before the an era where access to information history – History of Medicine in Sri medics could reach him, I heard is so easy. This saves me precious Lanka by Dr C. G. Uragoda. my phone ring. space in this appreciation to avoid This was first published in It was Dr Abeykoon on the other even mentioning in the briefest the centenary year of the SLMA end. In his calm voice he reassured terms of the vast catalogue of in 1987. The book had been out me (actually more my wife!) that academic publications, awards of print for many years, until he had witnessed the incident and citations he has received Dr Abeykoon single handedly which led to the injury from his both internationally and undertook the task of reprinting vantage point as a spectator and locally. Knowing Dr Abeykoon’s and republishing it 2014. he did not think that it was serious. humbleness I am sure he will be The second singular task of his True to his words a few minutes most delighted that I have done so. presidency was to initiate a project later the boy was up and back in I will not also attempt the to document and publish a sequel action and we all went back to impossible by trying to capture to Dr Uragoda’s masterpiece. enjoying the game. his services to the medical This was not an easy task by any I am sure that Dr Abeykoon profession, medical professionals measure. enjoyed it a bit more than me! (For SLMANEWS+ January 2021 | 27 Miscellany/Voice of Youth the record the final scores of the important battle against a disease and peace, to the entire world. game was Trinity College Kandy that has caused indescribable Our hearts are with you in all your - 19 and Royal College, Colombo havoc and mayhem. In such a efforts in this laudable venture’. -18). scenario, the entire world would Appakã te manussesu, ye janã I conclude by quoting from depend on a concerted response pãragãmnino; Athãyam itarã pajã the congratulatory note sent formulated by experts in the field tiramevãnudhãvati. by President SLMA Dr Padma of Public Health.’ Few are amongst men who go Gunaratne dated 11th January 2021 ‘We take great pleasure in Beyond; the rest of mankind only to Dr Abeykoon, on behalf of the wishing you all success in this run about the bank. entire membership of the SLMA. latest task for which you have ‘All of us at the SLMA are been chosen and have no doubt Dr Ruvaiz Haniffa confident that you will be able to whatsoever that your efforts in Past President make a seminal contribution to this endeavour would help a great Sri Lanka Medical Association the response of the entire world in deal in bringing freedom from this 2018. a quest towards winning this all- pandemic, economic prosperity

LIFE AT THE SLMA: IN HARMONY AND FLOURISHING Dr Kaushi Attanayakage shares her memories....

Sri Lanka Medical Association for doctors such as Monthly (SLMA) is the oldest professional Clinical Meetings, Therapeutic organization for doctors in Asia Lectures, Guest Lectures, and Australasia. It has given many etc. As a junior doctor I have opportunities for us medical most definitely augmented my doctors, to develop our careers, knowledge when I attended these even from our medical student lectures. Continuous Professional days. As an undergraduate I have Development Points were awarded volunteered to be a part of the at some of these lectures and by ‘SLMA Run and Walk’ several attending them I have gained some times and I have fond memories CPD Points for my professional of my batch mates performing career. at Inauguration Ceremonies Social events are a part and and Doctors’ Concerts in the parcel of SLMA. The Doctors’ past, which we enjoyed from the Concert, at the end of the audience. International Medical Congress, I joined the SLMA as a Pre- which has amazing performances Intern in 2017, and it has been by juniors and seniors regardless one of the best places to work as of their specialties, is a stress a junior doctor. It was a unique reliever for everyone. The Medical experience for me as I learned how gave me valuable networking Dance is an unforgettable event to work in an office environment opportunities. When organizing which I look forward to every year with a friendly and supportive the SLMA Run and Walk and the as we all enjoy dancing to popular staff, liaising with medical and Children’s Art Competition, I had tunes to relax after a hectic year of non-medical professionals from to work with other stakeholders hard work in the hospitals. Sri Lanka and abroad, to organize in both the government and the SLMA has played an important various events. private sector which was a useful role in my career by developing The Annual International experience for me. These events my professional and personal Medical Congress is one of the have helped me to fine tune my skills. I have enjoyed working and main events in the SLMA calendar organizing and planning skills as a learning at SLMA and I would like where, as a project coordinator, young doctor. to invite all the young doctors to I had to harmonize with my SLMA organizes many join this esteemed organization. medical teachers and other Continuous Professional senior doctors frequently, which Development (CPD) activities 28 | January 2021 SLMANEWS+

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