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Carlo next president of SLMC

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25 December 2011 04:57 pm - 14     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Informed sources said today that Professor Carlo Fonseka would be appointed as President of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) on January 1, despite protests agaisnt the move by medical professional’s organisations.

A treasury circular was issued months ago informing medical organisations on a decision to list the SLMC has a public enterprise and subsequently there were reports that the current  President of the SLMC Dr. Lalitha Mendis would be replaced by Prof. Fonseka. 
 
“The SLMC is the supreme body that is accountable for all medical professionals in the country. It has functioned independently without government interference in the past. Appointing certain individuals will compromise the reliability and competency of the SLMC which we cannot allow as it will cause the medical sector to collapse and will be detrimental to the people,” the sources said. 
 
The SLMC, Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) the Government Dental Surgeon Association (GDSA), Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA), College of Surgeon and nearly 40 other organisations representing the country’s medical sector opposed the government’s decision to convert the SLMC to a public enterprise. 
 
Some of the medical organisations called for the government to refrain from appointing Prof. Fonseka as its President. There has also been a request to permit Dr. Mendis to stay on till her term ends which is in two and half years. 
 
“It is obvious that if a person is influenced by certain groups then they will only follow a certain set of principles which could give negative results. If the decision is taken to change the SLMC presidency then we shall face serious trouble in the medical community,” a source said. 
 
Sources said Dr. Mendis had tendered her resignation for January 1 two months back but had later agreed to stay on as SLMC Chief at the request of medical professionals following a decision to change the SLMC chief position. She was willing to stay on if President Rajapaksa approved the decision. However the President has not given a word on the matter. Therefore it is likely that Fonseka will take over in January, sources said. 
 
In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa in early December the medical organisations requested an urgent meeting with the President to discuss possible changes to be made to the SLMC and other threats to the medical sector and medical sector professionals in the country. However there has not been a response to the request, sources said.  (Olindhi Jayasundere)

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  Comments - 14

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  • Ram Perera Sunday, 25 December 2011 08:12 PM

    Attempts are being made to politicise the medical profession and particularly to take control of the Council that admits Doctors into the profession. Judiciary was ruined and now the medical profession. What a government

    Prof Wickramatillake Monday, 26 December 2011 01:37 AM

    Sad....political appointment

    Paul Monday, 26 December 2011 02:47 AM

    Prof.Carlo Fonseka is a very respectable and recognised personality,but he is not a man of medicine.He himself may not accept this post as he knows what he is doing.

    Saman from Galle Monday, 26 December 2011 03:06 AM

    Carlo might be a good teacher in his past. Now he is an aged man who has a crippled brain. He is the first man whoever appear for so called Professor Neville. Nobody can hope equity from him because he is on behalf of illegal private medical college of his friend.

    SHYAM Monday, 26 December 2011 03:35 AM

    All what we need now is a dementic president to the SLMC!

    Asanka Monday, 26 December 2011 04:25 AM

    People should take to the street to avoid these unnecessary and arbitary government interventions to professional bodies like SLMC! prof.Carlo shld be ashamed himself to be a govt puppet! This move is directly related to governments attempt to give the legal recognition to malabe pmc. Govt is intentionaly bringing down the standards and the quality of professions and education system of the country! This year A\L result controversy is another incidence! Under this bacground govt is going to pass a new education act without allowing for a public debate! When students protest it govt suspend the unions! All must understand and rise against this moves!

    Yahiya Monday, 26 December 2011 04:25 AM

    Too old for this position.

    preethika Monday, 26 December 2011 05:34 AM

    Sir, Congratulations !

    Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 26 December 2011 10:10 AM

    One by one all hitherto independent organizations and professional associations have to fall in line with the government's intentions so that pretty soon, every aspect of life is controlled by the Big Brother who has the last say. Welcome to the Banana Republic of Silly Lanka.

    chaminda Monday, 26 December 2011 03:07 PM

    Congratulations sir,you are the best person to hold this post ,i am sure that u will do a good job sir ,

    Boris the spider Tuesday, 27 December 2011 02:53 AM

    Dear all readers

    Do not waste your time of commenting about decisions,
    made by the govt. . Do you think, can make a change?
    Let us see and accept the hard truth. Look at all the developed
    Countries! How they developed? We just after a long war. Give them some time. No overnight development.

    neenu priya Wednesday, 28 December 2011 07:59 AM

    Congratulations sir

    Lanka Friday, 30 December 2011 03:16 PM

    if people doesn't like what government is doing... instead of complaining here do something to change the government...which is the more relaistic and lasting answer.... if not hold your tounge.... this the government most of you voted to appoint... now don't complain....

    Rohan Rajapakse Monday, 02 January 2012 08:08 AM

    Prof Carlo Fonseka is the best person to be apponted as the President of SLMC. All the bigwigs of medical profession are his students,He was a member of UGC for last 14years and was the chairman of the Standing Commitee of Medical and Dental sciences of the UGC. What more qualifications are required ??. Prof Fonseka will do a spendid job based on his medical experience and all in the medical field should applause the Govt for making this decision


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