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by Maruthaai Ravindhiran

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) is the premier professional medical association in Sri Lanka, apex body for all medical professionals which brings together medical practitioners of all grades and all branches of medicine. The SLMA is in fact the oldest medical organisation in Australasia, with a proud history dating from 1887.

At its inception it was called 'The Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association'. Later it evolved into the 'Ceylon Medical Association' (1951) and after Sri Lanka became a Republic in 1972, it became the 'Sri Lanka Medical Association'.

The office of the SLMA is situated at 'Wijerama House' (named after Dr. E. M. Wijerama who donated the premises to the SLMA), on Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo, a convenient place in pleasant surroundings. This large building with its recent extensions now houses Sri Lanka Medical Council, the Lionel Memorial Auditorium and offices of many other medical and related associations.

Many illustrious medical men and women have served the SLMA as Presidents, other office-bearers, Council members and members of the committees. The services rendered to the country and the medical profession by the SLMA Council members and other members have been enormous.

Each year a new President is inducted formally at the induction ceremony which is traditionally held in January. This year Prof. Ravindra Fernando - Professor of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo and the President, Human Rights Commission was elected as the President of SLMA and Dr. (Mrs.) Chandrika Wijeyaratne, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo and Consultant Sri Lanka Reproductive Health Medicine was elected as the Hony. Secretary of SLMA.

Status of the SLMA

The SLMA is now a well established medical association recognized nationally, regionally and internationally.

The main objectives of the association are to promote advancement of medical and allied sciences, to propagate information and diffuse knowledge among members, to safeguard and maintain the honour and interests of the medical profession, to consider matters pertaining to medicine in all its aspects and promote interests, welfare, rights and privileges of the members and to maintain and publish a medical journal regularly.

Academic activity has been a key component of the SLMA from its inception. Even at the inaugural meeting in 1887, according to published data, there had been an academic discussion.

Today, the SLMA Anniversary Academic sessions are the best attended and most eagerly awaited medical conference in Sri Lanka. Results of original Sri Lankan medical research are presented at these sessions. There are several coveted awards for the best scientific papers presented. These session are now of international standard.

In addition to the Anniversary Academic Sessions, - usually held in March, from 1997 there is a tradition of 'Foundation sessions' in November.

Orations/joint academic activities

Every year there are several orations delivered in memory of illustrious medical men of the past. Some are delivered during the SLMA Anniversary Academic Sessions and some at the Foundation Sessions.

There are many joint academic meetings with various Colleges and Associations of specialised branches of medicine, guest lectures, workshops, symposia and clinical meetings during a given year, to quench the academic thirst of the members.

The SLMA also holds several joint meetings with the Clinical Societies of all the provinces to share knowledge and promote fellowship to benefit the general public irrespective of caste, creed, religion or language.

The official publication of the SLMA, the Ceylon Medical Journal (Popularly known as the CMJ among medical fraternity), is a peer reviewed quarterly journal of international standard. The first issue of the Journal was published in August 1887. It is listed by the Index Medicus, Medline and many other indexing services.

The monthly newsletter 'SLMA News' informs members of upcoming events, council decisions, some academic snippets etc. From time to time the SLMA publishes guidelines on management of common diseases and guidelines on various aspects of medical practice, such as internship training, codes of ethics etc.

The SLMA has many ongoing projects carried out by committees. Currently there are committees on

(a) Medical ethics,

(b) Prevention of communicable diseases,

(c) Medical education.

(d) Drugs

(e) Mental health,

(f) Spiritual health,

(g) Reproductive health

(h) Poisoning

(i) Health management

(j) Media

(k) Child protection

(l) Snake bite

(m) Torture and legal issues

(n) Tobacco, alcohol & illicit drugs

(o) Housing and social activities.

Some of the committees are permanent, whereas others function for a year or two, depending on the issues concerned.

A wide array of subjects are discussed at the Council meetings and when necessary, SLMA representatives meet the policy makers in resolving problems affecting the medical profession and healthcare of the people.

The SLMA has liaisons with the;

(a) Ministry of Health

(b) World Health Organisation (WHO)

(c) World Bank

(d) Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA)

(e) Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) &

(f) Professional Training & Continuous development programme on mutually relevant issues.

Some of the activities of the SLMA involve professionals in allied fields of Medicine such as nurses & pharmacists. Professional Communication Skills Specialists are the emerging partners with the core medical professionals group as well as others.

There are many benefits of becoming a members of this august medical body. Firstly, the medical practitioner becomes a member of the oldest medical professional association in Australasia and the largest medical professional association in Sri Lanka open to medical graduates of both the State and the private sectors.

The members can participate in the academic and other activities organised by the SLMA.

They are entitled to free copies of the quarterly "Ceylon Medical Journal", the monthly SLMA Newsletter, SLMA Annual Report, and other valuable SLMA publications.

Members are also entitled to subsidised registration fees for the SLMA Annual Academic Sessions, Foundation Sessions and all other fee-levying events organised by the SLMA.

The SLMA from time to time organises special discounts for members from various trade organisations (e.g.: medical books).

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