The College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Sri Lanka (CSRRSL)
Wijayaratne LS, The College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation – Sri Lanka; How it came into being, Proceedings of the 10th Annual Scientific Sessions & Inauguration of the College, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka; page 7 – 12.
A Vision for Fortifying and Enhancing Rheumatological Healthcare in Sri Lanka
It is with profound gratitude and humility that I address you today as the newly elected president of our esteemed institution. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility and pledge to serve with unwavering dedication and commitment to our shared vision of advancing rheumatological healthcare in Sri Lanka. Foremost, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all past presidents whose tireless dedication has paved the way for our collective success. Their guidance and wisdom have set a strong foundation, and I am humbled to follow in their footsteps.
Consultant in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation
Karapitiya Teaching Hospital
Gall
Sri Lanka
It is with profound gratitude and humility that I address you today as the newly elected president of our esteemed institution. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility and pledge to serve with unwavering dedication and commitment to our shared vision of advancing rheumatological healthcare in Sri Lanka. Foremost, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all past presidents whose tireless dedication has paved the way for our collective success. Their guidance and wisdom have set a strong foundation, and I am humbled to follow in their footsteps.
My gratitude also extends to our esteemed colleagues within the College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka. Your dedication, expertise, and collaboration are invaluable as we work together to achieve our shared goals. Together, we can make a substantial impact on the lives of our patients and the overall health of our nation.
As we embark on this new journey together, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the road ahead. United as a team, we share a passion for serving our patients and enhancing the quality of rheumatological care in our nation. This year, our theme is “Fortifying for Enhancement,” a fitting mantra as we commit to improving the quality of first-contact care. Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives timely and effective treatment from the moment they seek our assistance. Just as the banyan tree in our official emblem of this year signifies, we strive to fortify our resolve and enhance our efforts in advancing rheumatological healthcare. Like the tree’s roots, the stronger our foundation, the more resilient we become in the face of challenges.
In these challenging times, standing in solidarity with our greatest stakeholders—our patients—is paramount. They are the heart and soul of our work, and their well-being is our utmost priority. It is our duty to ensure they receive the care and support they need, especially during these times of collective difficulty. In closing, I am filled with optimism and determination for the journey ahead. With your support and collaboration, I am confident that we can overcome any challenges and continue to drive towards positive changes in rheumatological healthcare in Sri Lanka.” Thank you.
Dr Palitha Dissanayake
Consultant in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation
Karapitiya Teaching Hospital
Gall
Sri Lanka
Although the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka recognised Rheumatology and Rehabilitation as a speciality in the country in 1976, the impetus to form an academic organisation in Rheumatology came only in 1994. With only eight consultant rheumatologists serving in the state sector at the time, a number of extensive discussions were held to finalise a name and formulate a constitution for the association. The logo was designed with the the help of late Dr Lalith Mendis who was the Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services), Ministry of Health, under whom the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama operated during that period.
The Sri Lanka Association of Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation was established in 1997 with 12 members. Its inaugural meeting was held at Hotel Galadari, Colombo in July 1997 and Dr A. Stanislaus, who was instrumental in its inception was unanimously elected the Founder President. The founder committee included Dr. J. V. A. Aryasingha, Dr. (Mrs.) A. N. H. Herath, Dr. (Mrs.) Lilani Weerasekera, Dr. Lalith Wijayaratne, Dr. K. A. N. Gunatillake and Dr. Saman Jayanetti. Other founder members were Dr. Ranjith Talgahagoda, Dr. Themiya Vidyasagara, Dr. Chandra de Silva, Dr. K. Ruberu, Dr. P. Sivanathan.
The name of the association was changed to the College of Specialist in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Sri Lanka in 2016, 18 years after its inception. A new constitution was adopted in May 2016, along with election of a new council under Dr. Nihal Gunatillake as the President.
Over the years, CSRRSL has contributed immensely to the advancement of the field of rheumatology and rehabilitation in Sri Lanka. The first prospectus for post-MD training in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo was formulated through the CSRRSL and approved and adopted by the PGIM in 2004. Subsequently, the Speciality Board in Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation, of the PGIM which currently managers all matters related to postgraduate training in Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation was formed in 2010 with the contribution of members of CSRRSL.
Furthermore, CSRRSL engages in a number of continuous professional development activities and collaborates with other national, regional and international professional organizations on education, training and research.
CSRRSL has also been instrumental in fostering public engagement and empowerment in relation to rheumatic diseases and medical rehabilitation in the country. The establishment of the Arthritis Foundation in 2004, and the Association of Persons with Rheumatic Diseases, a patient group founded in 2011 in collaboration with the Swedish Rheumatism Association are a few such endeavors.
Reference:
Wijayaratne LS, The College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation – Sri Lanka; How it came into being, Proceedings of the 10th Annual Scientific Sessions & Inauguration of the College, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka; page 7 – 12.
Although the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka recognized Rheumatology and Rehabilitation as a speciality in 1976, the drive to establish an academic organization in Rheumatology emerged in 1994. With only eight consultant rheumatologists in the state sector, extensive discussions led to the formation of the Sri Lanka Association of Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation in 1997, starting with 12 members and Dr. A. Stanislaus as the Founder President. The inaugural meeting was held at Hotel Galadari, Colombo.
The logo, designed with the help of the late Dr. Lalith Mendis, marked the association's official launch. In 2016, the association was renamed the College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Sri Lanka (CSRRSL), with a new constitution and council under Dr. Nihal Gunatillake.
CSRRSL has significantly advanced rheumatology and rehabilitation in Sri Lanka. It played a key role in formulating the first prospectus for post-MD training in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo in 2004. The Specialty Board in Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation, managing postgraduate training, was established in 2010 with CSRRSL's contribution.
The college engages in continuous professional development and collaborates with national and international organizations. CSRRSL has fostered public engagement through initiatives like the Arthritis Foundation (2004) and the Association of Persons with Rheumatic Diseases (2011), promoting education, support, and advocacy for those affected by rheumatic diseases.
History of the College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Sri Lanka (CSRRSL)
Although the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka recognized Rheumatology and Rehabilitation as a speciality in 1976, the drive to establish an academic organization in Rheumatology emerged in 1994. With only eight consultant rheumatologists in the state sector, extensive discussions led to the formation of the Sri Lanka Association of Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation in 1997, starting with 12 members and Dr. A. Stanislaus as the Founder President. The inaugural meeting was held at Hotel Galadari, Colombo.
The logo, designed with the help of the late Dr. Lalith Mendis, marked the association’s official launch. In 2016, the association was renamed the College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Sri Lanka (CSRRSL), with a new constitution and council under Dr. Nihal Gunatillake.
CSRRSL has significantly advanced rheumatology and rehabilitation in Sri Lanka. It played a key role in formulating the first prospectus for post-MD training in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo in 2004. The Specialty Board in Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation, managing postgraduate training, was established in 2010 with CSRRSL’s contribution.
The college engages in continuous professional development and collaborates with national and international organizations. CSRRSL has fostered public engagement through initiatives like the Arthritis Foundation (2004) and the Association of Persons with Rheumatic Diseases (2011), promoting education, support, and advocacy for those affected by rheumatic diseases.
