Prof. Ajith Malalasekara inducted as 44th CSSL President : We must be accountable for the investment made on us - CSSL President

Immediate past President Dr. Duminda Ariyarathne (on left) congratulating newly inducted President Prof. Ajith Malalasekara 
Pix by Samantha Perera

The newly inducted President of College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka (CSSL) Prof. Ajith Malalasekara is of the view that as surgeons they must be accountable for the investment made on them for their training. 

Prof. Ajith Malalasekara who was inducted as the 44th President of the CSSL, at the home of the Sri Lankan surgeons – the Noel and Nora Bartholomeusz Foundation on the Independence Avenue – reiterated that a core value of a specially trained surgeon is to serve his motherland. 

Addressing the gathering of surgeons, the newly inducted President said the migration of trainees and surgeons is a drain on both the country’s financial and intellectual assets. “The Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa recently revealed a shortage of 1, 139 specialist doctors. World Health Organisation statistics indicate that the healthcare provided by workers in Sri Lanka is among the most cost-effective in the world. The sacrifices made by our surgeons are often unbelievable. But we must be accountable for the investment made on us in our training,” Prof. Malalasekara said. 

He said that during his tenure he would like to celebrate their membership and enhance the environment to encourage the local surgeons to stay and serve. “If we cultivate and beautify our garden, the birds will flock. However, as I look at this audience, I see many who did return – surgeons who serve our citizens tirelessly. I am grateful to Dr. Anil Jasinghe, one of our most dedicated administrators representing the Ministry of Health, for being our partner in this mission. Along with Dr. Jasinghe and his team, I am confident we can achieve this,” he noted. The new CSSL President went on to say that whilst welcoming the newly arrived surgeons to the College, measures will be taken to mentor them. “One measure we will implement is the mentoring of newly arrived surgeons – welcoming them to the College to ensure a smoother transition from the hospitals of other countries to the challenging terrains of our provincial hospitals. A team of volunteer senior surgeons will be available to guide these ‘bright young sparks’ on their journey to serve Sri Lanka.” Prof. Malalasekara thanked the Council and the membership for entrusting him with this task and this great responsibility. 

The chief guest of the event was marine biologist, founder and Executive Director of Oceanswell Dr. Asha De Vos, whilst guests of honour Emeritus Professor of Surgery Prof. A. H. Sheriffdeen and Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe with immediate past President and Secretary Dr. Duminda Ariyarathne and Dr. Malik De Soyza as well as the present Secretary Dr. Thathya de Silva were present at the presidential induction ceremony. 

Past presidents of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, Presidents of other Medical Colleges and Associations, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo Prof. Indika Karunathilake, Dean of the FM University of Colombo Prof. Vajira Dissanayake were also present.