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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
