To achieve recognition both locally and internationally as the foremost experts enhancing superior patient care, advocacy, education, and professional satisfaction in the field of respiratory medicine in Sri Lanka
We are dedicated to treat our patients with the best available technologies in the world while spreading the care from the grass root level to the tertiary care centers throughout the Island equally to ensure the right to breath free.
We cultivate an enriching environment for postgraduate trainees in respiratory medicine, empowering them to evolve into proficient Respiratory Physicians through a blend of academic and clinical education. Our program ignites professional growth fueled by scientific curiosity equipping our trainees to excel in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases.
We actively engage with key stakeholders, including the Ministry Of Health to shape policy and decision-making process aimed at tackling the national burden of lung diseases. Our collaborative efforts extend to both local and international individuals and organizations that resonate with our vision for advancing respiratory care, uniting our strengths to create a healthier future for all.
The present-day pulmonologists were called tuberculosis specialists or chest physicians before the establishment of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo. There was a long waiting list in general medicine for the approval of no-pay leave to proceed to the United Kingdom to qualify for MRCP. The list in the national tuberculosis programme was much shorter, and it was easier to obtain MRCP. However, the MRCP-qualified doctors through the tuberculosis campaign had a commitment to work as tuberculosis specialists in the chest clinics.
There were three tuberculosis specialists in the country by the time the very first locally qualified, board-certified consultant in respiratory medicine joined the Ministry of Health in the mid-eighties. The work of these specialists was limited to the care of tuberculosis and pneumonia.
The major breakthrough came in the mid-nineties when two pharmaceutical companies brought in inhaled corticosteroids at a very economical price. A large number of patients with chronic cough and asthma began seeking treatment from respiratory physicians, giving them the recognition they deserved in the health care delivery system. As the field became much more popular, more young doctors started taking up respiratory medicine as a career.
Initially, these pulmonologists were placed in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, fighting a lone struggle with the Ministry of Health and the tuberculosis campaign to upgrade respiratory services in their local stations. As the number of specialists increased to 8–9, they realised the importance of speaking with one voice and uniting to advance the specialty.
The “Respiratory Disease Study Group” (RDSG) was formed, consisting of pulmonologists, a few general practitioners, and a senior paediatrician who later masterminded the paediatric pulmonology stream in the country. The RDSG held three successful annual conferences in pulmonology, significantly raising the specialty’s profile in the healthcare system.
By 2003–2004, as the number of pulmonologists rose to 15–16, unique challenges arose in the public sector, where all pulmonologists worked in government hospitals. A new organisation named the “Association of Pulmonologists Sri Lanka (APSL)” was formulated, consisting only of board-certified pulmonologists. APSL worked with the Ministry of Health to improve services in centers outside the main cities.
After 2010, with the association handling large funds for various activities, accountability and transparency became key priorities. In this context, the association was converted into a college under the name Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists (SLCP) and was registered under the Registrar of Companies.
There are approximately 50 board-certified adult pulmonologists practicing in the country, while 15 are employed overseas in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia. Additionally, there are five thoracic surgeons and three paediatric pulmonologists associated with the college.
The present specialists cover the entire island, with at least one pulmonologist in each district. The number of specialists is growing, with over 20 post-MD doctors currently in respiratory medicine training programs locally and abroad.
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