7th Annual Academic Sessions of SLCOMM get underway

The 7th Annual Academic Sessions – 2024 of the Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine (SLCOMM) were inaugurated in a grand ceremony at Wave n’ Lake Navy Hall on the 15th of March 2024. At the invitation of the President of the Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine and Director Naval Dental Services, Surgeon Commodore Nayana Wijedoru, the occasion was graced by the Minister of Health and Industries, Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, as the Chief Guest. The dignified ceremony was also attended by the Secretary Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and members of SLCOMM.

The academic sessions, the highlight of every professional college's academic calendar, will take place on the 16th and 17th of March 2024 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo under the theme "Diversity and Inclusion towards Excellence in Military Medicine." Meanwhile, SLCOMM has made arrangements to conduct the academic sessions with the participation of many local and foreign medical professionals.

The event began with the grand entrance of the ceremonial procession, followed by a welcome address by Surgeon Commodore Nayana Wijedoru, President of the Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine. Next on the agenda was a speech by the Guest of Honour, General Kamal Gunarathne (Retd), succeeded by an address by the Chief Guest, Hon. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health. The captivating cultural performance by the Navy's dance troupes also added vibrancy to the occasion.

Esteemed professionals in the medical field will share their insights on the topics of Oral cancer – Sri Lankan perspective, Vector borne diseases in the midst of frequent deployment, Organ donation and transplant in Sri Lanka- achievements and challenges, Insights in to military transfusion medicine, Breaking barriers, enhancing patient care through collaboration of medical and dental expertise, Trauma management principles – a surgical perspective, Sexually transmitted diseases – current trends and strategic management in the military, Humanitarian and military medical perspectives of contemporary global conflicts, Rehabilitation; use of advanced technology, Diversity, inclusion and mental wellbeing, Impact of combined simulation training as a tool on the success of medical units on the battlefield, Operational diversities in military medicine, The crucial role of diversity and inclusion in robust AI solutions, Medical Administration and Exercise is medicine, during the academic sessions.

The Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara (Retd), the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Harendra Peiris, the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Mala Lamahewa, Director General Health Services of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe and a large group of SLCOMM members were present on this occasion.