Presidents Message

“Dear Esteemed Members of the College of Specialists in Rheumatology & Rehabilitation 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.
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