Annual Report 2015/2016 · 2019. 7. 12. · Scientific Sessions and was chaired by the outgoing...

Annual Report 2015/2016

The College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka

Annual Report


(Incorporated by Parliamentary Act No. 18 of 1999)

The College of Community Physicians, Sri Lanka (CCPSL), is the key professional organization

pertaining to activities regarding public health of Sri Lanka, completes the Council Year for 2015/2016 on

3rd September 2016.

1. Annual General Meeting of the College of Community Physicians

The 20th Annual General Meeting was held on September 2015 at 5.00 pm immediately after the

Scientific Sessions and was chaired by the outgoing President, Dr.Chithramalee De Silva at Hotel Taj

Samudra, Colombo.

The following council members were unanimously elected as office bearers for the year 2015/2016.



2. Presidential Induction

The activities for the year 2015/2016 began with the Induction of the President of CCPSL, Dr.Deepika

Attygalle. This was held on the 6th of October at Hotel Kingsbury, Colombo. Hon. Dr.Rajitha Senarathne,

Minister of Health was present as the chief guest

with Hon. Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe,P.C, Hon.

Minister of Justice and Buddhasasana being the

Guest of honour. The induction took place amidst a

large and distinguish gathering. The Induction book,

was launched with a leading article on “Public Health

Milestones of Sri Lanka- An amazing journey”. The

presidential address generated much interest in

those present. The president highlighted the theme

for the year on “Beyond Survival: Investing for

quality Childhood”.

The Presidential address was addressed on media

highlighting the need for quality childhood care – the theme of the year.



The hard working council with a dedicated team worked all around the year dividing themselves into

four major subcommittees.



A. Subcommittee on Strategic dimensions to improve the Public

Health Profession

This committee was chaired by Dr.Paba Palihawadena with Dr.Sathira

Perera helping her as the convener.

The committee members were

1.

The subcommittee worked with great commitment to fulfil many activities for the year.

1. Provincial symposiums on “Awareness for key stakeholders: community based strategies

towards quality childhood

The subcommittee helped the council to keep up to the theme of the year being “Beyond Survival:

Investing for quality Childhood” by organizing series of symposiums on “Awareness for key

stakeholders: community based strategies towards quality childhood” in seven provinces in Sri Lanka.

1. Hon.Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopullai,

2. Dr.Samitha Ginige

4. Dr.H.M.S.S.D.Herath

5. Dr.Susie Perera

6. Dr.Hiranthi Wijemanna

7. Dr.Sumal Nandasena

8. Dr.Inoka Suraweera

9. Dr. Kapila Jayaratne

10. Dr.Virgine Mallawarachchi

11. Dr.Nalinda Wellappuli

12. Dr.Nimali Widanapathirana

13. Dr.Hemali Jayakoddy



At each symposium importance of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and current developments of

ECCD were emphasized. A lecture was delivered on available non health services for children by an officer from

provincial setup. Judicial Medical Officer from the province and a psychiatrist were also present to reiterate the

theme. Each symposium was concluded following a brainstorming session on strategies towards improving quality

childhood using the existing system. Hon. Dr.Sudharshani Fernadopulle Hon. State minister of city planning and

water supply and Consultant Community Physician attended each symposium as a resource person.



2. Commemoration of World health day

In line with increased commitment of Sri Lanka to

health matters the College of Community

Physicians of Sri Lanka commemorated World

Health Day in a meaningful manner by organizing

an event called “eats @ meets” at BMICH on 7th of

April 2016.

The college understood the fact that due to the

complexity of the decision making process, some of

these meetings continues for long periods of time.

It has become conventional to serve food and

beverages at these meetings. It is also observed that food served at these meetings is frequently

unhealthy, adding to the long durations of physical inactivity. It is very important for all organizations to

have healthy employees, which improves quality of life and impacts the productivity. In view of fulfilling

the need of the hour the college published, launched and disseminated the booklet for healthier menu

planning for meetings and exhibited healthier options of food and beverages for meetings by mobilizing

the industry to partner the event.



The chief guest of this event was Director General of Health

Services Dr. Palitha Mahipala and the Guest of Honour was

WHO Representative for Sri Lanka, Dr. Jakob Kumaresan. Key

stake holders of the Ministry of Health including Dr. Champika

Wickramasinghe (DDG NCD), Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga (DDG

MS), Dr. Sunil de Alwis (DDG ETR) were also present together

with other directors, consultants, members of professional

colleges and delegates from other ministries, government

institutions, chambers of commerce, private sector institutions

and NGOs.

The highlight of the day was the launch of the booklet on eats @

meets.

3. Outcomes of the booklet on eats @ meets - National guideline on healthy food by the Ministry

of Health

The booklet was recognized by the Ministry of Health to take forward the guidelines in the booklet. A

national guideline on healthy food is being planned as a joint work with the college. The initial meeting

was held at Ministry of Health on 18th April 2016 with regards to the above.

4. Launch of the booklet on eats @ meets to the Parliamentarians

The College is proud to say the booklet on eats @ meets was introduced at a ceremony with the

Parliamentarians at the parliament complex on the 8th of June 2016. The Parliamentarians were

overwhelmed by the content of the booklet and promised to look into the guidelines for on the menus for

meetings to be held in the Parliament complex.



5. Symposium on achieving Sustainable Development Goals: primary health care perspective

in Sri Lanka and way forward

“Achieving Sustainable Development Goals:

primary health care perspective in Sri Lanka and

way forward” symposium was organized the

College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka in

Collaboration with the World Health Organization

Collaborating Centre for Global Health Histories,

University of York, UK on 23rd of March 2016 at

Golden pond, Taj Samudra, Colombo. Director

General of Health Services, Dr. P.G Maheepala

was the chief guest and WHO country

representative Dr.Jacob Kumarasen was the guest

of honour. Dr.Susi Perera, Director Organization

and development of Ministry of health delivered a

lecture on Primary Health Care and universal

health coverage in contemporary Sri Lanka,

Prof.Nick Day Director of Mahidol university-Oxford

university Tropical Medicine research programme,

Thailand and Welcome Trust UK delivered a lecture on Anti microbial drug resistance in the community:

impact and implications for health care, Dr.Paltha Abeykoon, Director-National Authority on Tobacco and

alcohol delivered a lecture on role of public health professionals achieving universal primary health care

and Dr.Sujatha Samarakoon, Consultant Venereologist & public health specialist delivered a lecture on



strengthening of primary health care through policies and strategies. The symposium was concluded after

a fruitful discussion among participants and the resource persons.

6. Residential Workshop on Programme Management and Personal Development

A two day residential workshop on “programme management and personal development among

registrars in Community Medicine was held on 27th and 28th of February 2016 at Kukuleganga resort,

Kalutara.

Registrars and Senior Regsitrars in Community

Medicine and nineteen experts in public health

attended this event. Brain storming session with an

Ice breaker was conducted initially to identify the

participants, their aspirations and creating a friendly

environment. Mr. Harshana Dassanayake, Director,

Consultant & Corporate Trainer conducted the

workshop on day one. The objective in the first day

of the workshop was to enhance participant’s knowledge and skills related to Leadership communication,

Develop self-confidence, and self-awareness through individual personality assessment exercise and to

up lift individuals soft skills and life skills related to general and special communication requirements.

Focus areas were general communication skills, conducting meetings / public speaking skills, body

language related to communication, general personality traits / social style and development and have

the opportunity to practice the “how to” of these skills in a supportive environment. Trainees were

enlightened about the dinning etiquette during the lunch break by Major K.G.A. Ravindra who was the

manager of the restaurant. This session was followed by a session called “Down the Memory Lane”.



During the session Major K.G.A. Ravindran, five eminent professionals namely Dr. Hiranthi Wijemanna,

Dr. Palitha Abeykoon, Dr. H.M.S.S.D. Herath, Dr. S. Fernandopulle and Prof. Lalani Rajapaksewith who

were with vast experience in the field of Public Heath shared their experience with their junior colleagues.

The first day ended up with bonfire and sings longs. The second day of the programme was facilitated by

Dr.Charuni Senanayake, a medical doctor who is experienced in health programme management,

coaching and mentoring. The objective of that session was to improve the negotiation skills of the trainees

and it was carried out as small group activities.

7. Residential workshop on Soft Skills training for CCPs

A one day leadership and soft skill development workshop for Consultant Community Physicians was

held on 28th May 2016 at the Hotel Miraj, Colombo. Nearly thirty Consultant Community Physicians

participated representing both central level and provincial level. Mr.Harshana Dassanayaka, Director,

DAASH consultancy & training PVT Ltd was the recourse to the programme, which highlighted topics



such as communication, presentation skills, managing negotiations, facilitation skills, four good rules for

conversations, making the most of meetings and body Language. The workshop was interactive &

efficient.

8. Provincial Health Festival- 2016

The ‘Provincial Health Festival – 2016 ‘ was jointly organized by the Department of Community & Family

Medicine, and the Ministry of Health of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The College provided its

technical support to make this event a success. Dr.Murali Vallipuranathan represented the College at this

important Provincial festival.



9. Unethical and Harmful food advertising and Promotion

At a joint media seminar organized by the Sri Lanka Medical Association and many colleges, on the

above theme, showed how children and adults fall prey to unhealthy food trends high in calories,

carbohydrates and fat. Dr.H.Herath represented the College at this seminar.

10. Health Education session at the Healthy Living Activity

With the collaboration of the Hatton National Bank Assuranace PLC, the College had a health education

session on healthy living at Nawala walk path on the 25th of June 2016 from 7 am to 9 am and from 5pm

to 8 pm. Dr.Chinthana Perera is seen giving the health education talk.



11. Media coverage on “Beyond survival: Investing for quality childhood

12. Public Health Forum Web Blog and Face book page

Use of online media to influence the behaviour of the people is a popular modality of health

communication. Public Health Sri Lanka

was created which interacts with the

public to increase the accessibility of

important public health messages to web

community in Sri Lanka.

This is managed as a free word press site

(https://publichealthsrilanka.wordpress.com/). The word press blog was linked to a Face book

page in the same name, to improve the client reach of the blog



(https://www.facebook.com/publichealthforumsrilanka/). The face book page - public health

Sri Lanka had 1152 likes as of mid July 2016 with repeated views.

Small steps decide the giant leap in future. There is a long way to go in these online plat forms.

Future improvements would be bilingual articles, improved use friendliness and user

interactions.

B. Technical and Academic Committee

Dr.Janaki Vidanapathirana as the Chairperson lead the committee whole

heartedly assisted by Dr.Manuja Perera as the convener of the committee.

The members of this committee are

1. Prof.Rajitha Wickramasinghe

2. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena

3. Dr.Dhammica Rowel

4. Dr. Sriyakanthi Beneragama

5. Dr.Deepa Gamage

6. Dr. Gamini Jayakoddy

7. Dr. Shiromi Maduwage

8. Dr.V. Murali

9. Dr.Hasitha Tissera

10. Dr. Suraj Perera

11. Dr.Sampatha Goonawardena

12. Dr.Upul Senarath

13. Dr.Risintha Premaratne

14. Dr.Buddika Senanayake

15. Dr.Buddika Mahesh

16. Dr.Thilini Wickramarachchi

17. Dr.Surangi Jayakoddy

18. Dr. Dimuth Peiris



1. Making the invisible Visible: Towards 90-90-90 targets to respond HIV Infection

The College of Community Physicians together

with National STD/AIDS Control Programme

organized a symposium to mark the World

AIDS DAY 2015. This symposium was targeted

for young medical professionals and the public.

The programme targeted on achieving zero new infection, Zero death & Zero discrimination by 2030 by

multi-sectoral approach.



2. Dr. A.V.K.V. De Silva Oration

Dr.A.V.K.V De Silva oration was done by Dr.Deepa Gamage, Consultant Epidemiologist on Cervical

Cancer: A preventable death to shape-up the future. This was held at Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute

of international relations and strategic studies, Colombo on 20th of May 2016. A brief summary of the

oration as follows:

3. Dr. F.A. Wickramasinghe Oration 2016

Dr. F.A. Wickramasinghe Oration in 2016 was delivered by Dr. K. Manuja N. Perera on “Capturing

Empowerment in Public Health: The Experience from Tobacco Control in a Rural Setting”. The Oration

was held on the 18th July 2016 at the Auditorium of the Disaster Management Centre, Colombo.



4. Cancer Research Training Workshop for Medical Officers

Cancer Research Methodology workshop for Medical Officers was organized by National Cancer Control

Programme and the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka on 9th December 2015. The

workshop provided a great opportunity to learn on research needs, public health perspectives and

research methods in cancer research. The workshop was followed up by the first journal club for

2015/2016 academic year.



5. Journal Clubs

1. 1st journal club - Joint activity with the Microbiologists

On 12th of February 2016, a journal club was held as a joint activity of postgraduate trainees in Community

Medicine and postgraduate trainees in Microbiology at Pathology auditorium of National Hospital of Sri

Lanka. At the beginning of the event Dr.Janaki Vidanapathirana, Consultant Community Physician and

Dr.Ajith Karawita Consultant Microbiologist briefed the audience. Two papers were reviewed by two

trainees of two disciplines.

2. 2nd Journal Club

On 29th of April 2016, a journal club was held under the patronage of the College of Community

Physicians and review of a qualitative research paper was done.

3. 3rd Journal club



On 22nd of July 2016, a journal club was held at

auditorium of National STD/AIDS control

programme with participation of PG trainees in

Community Medicine. Paper on health economics

was critically reviewed by Dr.Sathira Perera.

Dr.Shreenika de Silva and Dr.Murali

Vallipuranathan attended as expert resource

persons.

6. Young Community Physicians Forums

Young community physicians’ forums are held in every two monthly.

On 28th of January 2016 Young community physician forum CPD activity was held at board room, Faculty

of Medicine, University of Colombo. It was consisted of symposium on occupational health, presentation

of research methodologies by PG trainees which was reviewed by expert panel and peer panel and an

experience sharing session on “balancing personnel life and professional carrier”

Figure: Awarding certificates for the presenters

On 29th of June 2016, Young Community Physicians forum, CPD activity held at auditorium of Health

Education Bureau. It consisted of symposium on “initutionalizing Health Technology Assessment in Sri

Lanka: A new trajectory for universal health coverage”, presentation of research methodologies by PG

trainees in front of an panel of experts and experience sharing session on “continuing professional carrier

despite the challenges”



7. News Letters

Vol 1 Dec 2015

The technical and academic

subcommittee of College of

Community Physicians published its

e newsletter since 15th December

2015.

The aim of the publication is to keep

the membership informed of new

initiatives and updates in public

health in Sri Lanka and around the

world.

The newsletter COMMUNITY

PHYSICIANS’ ‘PRECIS’ is

published every fortnight.

Vol 01 April 2016

Vol 01 Jan 2016

Vol 01 April (Sup)2016

Vol 01 Feb 2016 Vol 01 May 2016

Vol 01 March 2016



8. External review of the Public Health system

9. Documentation on the histories of public Health in Sri Lanka

10. The College of Community Physicians Journals

11. International PH conference

12 MOU with India

12. Workshop on referencing management system (end note)

A workshop on referencing management system -endnote was organized by College of Community

Physicians of Sri Lanka for postgraduate trainees on 7th of April 2016 at meeting room of epidemiology

unit. This was conducted by Prof.Upul Senarath.

Figure: Workshop on referencing management system -endnote

14. Facebook page



15. ERPM

MSc Screening Course

16. SLMA room

Subcommittee on System /Legal issues related to professional career

Among the members listed for this committee, the council unanimously elected Prof. Pushpa

Jayawardena as the Chairperson and Dr.S.M.Arnold as the convener of the committee.


1. Dr Sapumal Dhanapala

2. Dr Hemantha Herath

3. Dr.Chitramalee De Silva

4. Dr Susi Perera

5. Dr. Palitha kumaraperuma

6. Dr.Manjula Dhanansuriya

7. Dr.G.D.N.Samaruthilaka

8. Dr. Saman Pathirana

Subcommittee on Fund generation and advertisements

Dr. Vindya Kumarapelli was unanimously elected as the Chairperson and Dr. Santhushya

Fernando as the convener of the committee.


1. Dr. Kapila Kanagara

2. Dr.Ruwan Wijemuni

3. Dr.Hiranthi Wijemanna

4. Dr.Suganthika Perera

5. Dr.Shreenika De Silva

6. Dr. Hemantha Herath

7. Dr.Sumal Nandasena



8. Dr.M.Janakan

9. Dr.Subha Perera

10. Dr.Hasarali Fernando

11. Dr.Samitha Prasanna

12. Dr Shilanthi Seneviratne

13. Dr. Dushyanthi Alagiyawanna

1. MOU signed with HNB Assuranace PLC on Healthy Lifestyle from birth to retirement

The College was happy to work in collaboration with the Hatton National Bank PLC in undertaking

the responsibility of creating awareness among the masses on “healthy lifestyles” with the broad

objective of making the Sri Lankan population live a healthy and quality life from birth to retirement.

2. T shirts



4.18 Miscellaneous (T shirt/Calendar/Diary)

Cricket match

Annual Report 2015/2016 · 2019. 7. 12. · Scientific Sessions and was chaired by the outgoing...

Documents

Transcript of Annual Report 2015/2016 · 2019. 7. 12. · Scientific Sessions and was chaired by the outgoing...