Induction of 4th President of Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine

The induction ceremony of the 4^th President of the Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine (SLCOMM) was held at the Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake Auditorium at SLNS Parakrama yesterday (11^th May).

Accordingly, the ceremony to induct the 4th President of the SLCOMM, Surgeon Rear Admiral Sena Rupa Jayawardena was presided over by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, as the Chief Guest. Whilst, Professor Mohan De Silva, Chairman University Grants Commission was the Guest of Honour. The proceedings of the ceremony kicked off following the lighting of traditional oil lamp.

The Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Sumangala Dias, senior state officials, retired senior military officers from the three forces, officials from Ministry of Health and Medical and dental officers from all three forces also took part on the occasion.

Air vice Marshal, Lalith Jayaweera the outgoing President of the SLCOMM delivered the welcome address. The Guest of Honour, Professor Mohan De Silva explained the Military involvement in the development of the medical field in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Commander of the Navy, addressed the gathering on the significance of medicine in the lives of military personnel adding his own life changing experiences from the underwater diving experience in deep sea salvage diving and mine clearance operations in past.

Addressing the august gathering, the new President cum Director General Health Services of the Navy delivered his address under the topic of ‘Towards the Excellence in Military Healthcare Delivery’ and explained the significance of medicine on the battlefront, Air, under water and throughout history and the development of Medical Branches of the tri services.

The SLCOMM is a professional body consisting of medical and dental doctors of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force, established in 2016. It is one of the largest medical professional bodies in the country, with membership of approximately 400 doctors.