The annual induction of the 38th president of Ceylon College of Physicians, the oldest college of medical specialties, was held on January 25, 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Hilton Hotel, Colombo. This year’s theme was “Unity in Diversity”.
The Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Central Chest Clinic and National Hospital Sri Lanka, Colombo, Dr. Kirthi D. Gunasekera was inducted as the new president. The Chief Guest was the Secretary of Defence and Chairman Urban Development Authority, Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
In the presidential address, which was dedicated to all physicians in the country, Dr. Gunasekera highlighted the necessity for strengthening the management of non -communicable diseases which are a great threat to the country. Of the non-communicable diseases, he pointed out that respiratory diseases were neglected. The necessity to be alert on communicable diseases such as Malaria, TB and Dengue was emphasised and closer collaboration with the National Campaigns and the College is envisaged this year. He stressed the importance of collaboration in doing research on nationally important diseases giving examples of two studies on respiratory illnesses that have been successfully concluded in Sri Lanka. He appealed to the membership to protect the nobility of the profession by maintaining high ethical standards and spoke on the importance of compassion, along with clinical competence. Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa congratulated the new president and his committee on their appointment. Sharing his thoughts with the distinguished gathering, he made a note that the period of terrorist conflict which prevailed for 3 decades, where Sri Lankans lived in a state of fear and uncertainty, was eradicated less that 5 years ago. He expressed that Sri Lanka has now become one of the most peaceful, stable and secure country. He highlighted the importance of all Sri Lankans to come together as one nation and as one people, guarding against disharmony. He invited doctors and other leading professionals to get together in providing leadership to our society to build a better and brighter future for the nation. During the ceremony five eminent past presidents of Ceylon College of Physicians were felicitated. They were Drs. C. G. Uragoda, U. S. Jayawickrama, P. T. de Silva, L. Ranasinghe and J. B. Peiris, all of whom had made great contributions to the development of medicine and medical research in Sri Lanka. They were awarded plaques of appreciation by the newly- elected president. Their inspiring citations were read by Dr Naomali Amarasena, another past president of the College.
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