Who are we
The Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists is the apex professional organisation representing the field of pulmonology in Sri Lanka. It’s membership consists of respiratory physicians, thoracic surgeons and paediatric pulmonologists working throughout the country. It’s purpose is to disseminate expertise in the delivery of patient care and to spearhead the advancements in the field of respiratory medicine.
History of the Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists
The Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists is the apex professional organization representing the field of pulmonology in Sri Lanka.
Respiratory medicine
Respiratory medicine in Sri Lanka, received prominence in the mid-1900s due to the infectious disease named as tuberculosis.
To quote the eminent respiratory physician Dr C.G. Uragoda from the book “A History of Medicine in Sri Lanka “
“With the decline of malaria in the 1950’s tuberculosis became one of the most important public health problems in the country and this dubious status prompted the government in to an intense phase of activity”
Though initially the prominence was on tuberculosis with time non-communicable respiratory diseases such as Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer became increasingly more prevalent and with developing technological advancements the field of pulmonology has taken tremendous strides in modern Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists
The Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists has rather a humble beginning.
In 1999 a respiratory disease study group (RDSG) was formed under the presidency of Dr B.J.C. Perera by a group of enthusiastic individuals from varying specialties to bring together professionals of similar interest in respiratory medicine.
Not long after in the year 2000, Sri Lanka College of Chest Physicians was formed as an initiative of Dr Dushantha Madegedara and included Dr P N B Wijekoon, Dr W V Senaratne, Dr J H L Coorey, Dr Munasinghe, Dr Bandu Gunasena, Dr Kirthi Gunasekara and Dr Anoma Siribaddana.
With increasing number of respiratory physicians, in the year 2008 this organisation evolved to form the Association of Pulmonologist of Sri Lanka (APSL) and Dr P.N.B. Wijekoon was elected the first president of the association.
The founder members of the APSL include …
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Dr PNB Wijeykoon |
Dr Saman Kularatne |
Its inception was a milestone in the evolution of respiratory medicine as a specialty in the island. The inaugural symposium of the APSL – “Respire – 1” was chaired by Dr Kirthi Gunasekara and was held on the 3rd and 4th October 2009 at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
In the year 2012 during the presidency of Dr Dushantha Madegedara an invited oration was introduced at the inauguration ceremony of the academic sessions to pay tribute to the eminent respiratory physician Dr C G Uragoda, a patron of the college.
Thereafter the Association of Pulmonologists of Sri Lanka was uplifted to its College status on the 3rd of September 2013, under the presidency of Dr. Anoma Siribaddana.
This transformation enabled the SLCP to perform in a better framework to expand its global reach and impact The Sri Lanka College of Pulmonology operates as an en bloc member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) since 2016 and of the Asia Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) since 2015. We are fortunate to enjoy strong links with these international bodies.
The College office was established on the 02nd July 2012 at the Wijerama House, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 during the presidency of Dr Amitha Fernando Since its establishment the College has taken valiant efforts to embark on a multitude of initiatives for the greater good of its members, colleagues and the public.
The Annual Academic Sessions is an academic event held annually which is well patronized by both Sri Lankan and International Pulmonologists alike.
RESPIRE’ - The Journal of the Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists; the official Annual Publication of the College was launched as an initiative by Dr Dushantha Madegedara and Dr Kirthi Gunasekera in 2009, of which Dr Madegedara remains Chief Editor to this day. The journal provides a robust intellectual platform for the colleagues to share their expertise
Important synopsis.
On the request of members of the APSL to the Ministry of Health a decision was taken during the time of Dr Mahipala DDGHS/PHS1 in 2009 to absorb all Respiratory physicians who were initially attached to the district chest clinics in to the respective hospitals whilst they continued to support the chest clinics as technical experts. This decision has been the corner stone for the development of respiratory medicine with in hospitals.
“Chest Hospital Welisara”, the only hospital dedicated to respiratory diseases, received its due recognition as the “National Hospital of Respiratory Diseases” in the year 2013 when it was taken under the direct administration of the Director General of Health Services.
Forming of the assemblies of the College was decided at the Annual general meeting in 2020 as an initiative of Dr Nandika Harishchandra and was brought to effect in 2021.
Paediatric Pulmonologists and Thoracic Surgeons were offered the full membership of the college, as of 2021.
The academic year 2023/2024 was marked by the theme "Beyond the Borders for Better Breath", spearheaded under the presidency of Dr. Bodhika Samarasekera. The establishment of the International Assembly of the Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists and the inclusion of Pediatric Pulmonologists and Thoracic Surgeons in the council of 2023 extended the scope of representation within the field. Initiatives such as the provision of free NIV services to patients highlighted the dedication to comprehensive respiratory care.
"SLEEP SUMMIT 2023" held in Colombo with foreign guest speakers, showcased a commitment to global collaboration. The RESPIRE 2024 Annual Academic Sessions, were held with local as well as foreign speakers and numerous international delegates while standardizing to a global level.
During the year 2023/2024 SLCP became an en bloc member of the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology. The International Respiratory Physician Forum 2024 convened in Colombo attracted over 130 foreign physicians, underlining the international interest in respiratory health.
Under the editorial guidance of Prof. Dushantha Medagedara, the Respire journal was revamped as the ASIAN JOURNAL OF LUNG HEALTH, enhancing its reach and impact. The RESPIRE 2024 Annual Academic Sessions, were held with local as well as foreign speakers and numerous international delegates while standardizing to a global level.
At present, the college has become a closely linked network to over 80 board certified pulmonologists both locally and globally.
We are proud to say that pulmonology has evolved in Sri Lanka and has become a prominent specialty in the field of medicine and a much sought after specialization amongst trainees.
Past Presidents of the APSL and SLCP are as follows;
Association of Pulmonologists of Sri Lanka
| [year] – Dr P.N.B. Wijekoon | 2009 – Dr Kirthi Gunasekara | |
| 2008 – Dr W.V. Senaratne | 2010 – Dr Bandu Gunasena | |
| 2011 – Dr Dushantha Madegedara | 2012 – Dr Amitha Fernando |
Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists
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2013 – Dr Anoma Siribaddana 2023 - Dr Bodhika Samarasekera
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