SLMAnews-2012-05 by Sri Lanka Medical Association

NEWS THE OFFICIAL NEWS PAPER OF THE SRI LANKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION MAY 2012, Volume 5, No 5

ISSN 1800 4016

125 Years Old and Strong Opening of the New Council Room of the SLMA On 23 November 1962 the SLMA moved in the Wijerama House, donated to the Association by Dr. E. M. Wijerama. The Council Room of the SLMA is the heart of the SLMA where important meetings are conducted and decisions are made. The Council this year, decided to

build a new Council Room with modern facilities to keep pace with new developments. The new Council Room of the SLMA, constructed in a short period of three months, was declared open by Dr. Malik Fernando, Past President's Representative in the

Council on 3 May 2012 at 4.30pm on the invitation of Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, President, SLMA with the distinguished presence of Past Presidents of the SLMA. The old council room will be refurbished. It will house the archives of the SLMA.

A Council Meeting in Progress in the Old Council Room on 2 March 2012

The First Council Meeting in the New Council Room on 4 May 2012

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SLMA Guidelines and Information on Vaccines SLMA members can now obtain their free copy of the fourth edition of the “SLMA Guidelines and Information on Vaccines” from the SLMA Office, Wijerama House, No 6 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm on any working day of the week. You can download electronic copies of the guidelines at http://www.slma2012.com/index.php/news-of-slma-2012/item/8slma-vaccines-guidelines-2011

UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO LIFE MEMBER TO BE LISTED IN THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY GOLDEN DIRECTORY OF SLMA LIFE MEMBERS Visit http://www.slma.lk For Membership Information

Continuing Professional Development Portfolio As you may know, a voluntary system of CPD is now in place. SLMA members can now obtain their free copy of the CPD portfolio from the SLMA Office, Wijerama House, No 6 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm on any working day of the week.

Collect Your CPD Portfolio - Start Collecting CPD points

The SLMA is the Association for All Doctors in Sri Lanka Join the SLMA Visit http://www.slma.lk for membership information and to download applications

SLMANEWS THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN SRI LANKA SERIES The SLMA will be carrying a series of article on the History of Medicine in Sri Lanka in SLMAnews starting in May 2012. We invite contributions to this series from doctors as well as other who are interested in contributing. Please note the following: - Articles fitting in to the broad theme of ‘History of Medicine in Sri Lanka’ would be considered for publication. - The text of the article should be in Times New Roman, Font Size 12. - The article should not be more than 3 A4 size papers. [Preference would be given to short articles. Longer article may be published, but as a series.] - Articles should be illustrated by pictures where ever possible. The SLMA will only accept electronic copies of the Article. Please email your articles to office@slma.lk

THE NEURO HOSPITAL A 30 YEAR OLD ‘GIFT OF THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE’ Written by: Deshamanya Vidyajyothi Dr J B Peiris, Senior Consultant Neurologist The Neuro Hospital (Institute of Neurology) on Kynsey Road opposite the De Soysa Maternity Hospital, is 30 years old. It is a unique hospital built entirely from public donations in the short space of 3 years. The Lake House group of newspapers helped in no small measure to make this unusual project a success, by giving publicity to the project, the progress and donors. The need for a Neuro hospital Diseases of the nervous system affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. If they are not diagnosed early and treated adequately, the patient may be disabled for life. Even In the 1970s the patient with a neurological ailment did not receive the special attention they needed. A few beds were allocated in the general medical wards for the neurologically ill patient with little or no special attention. At that time there were no CT scanners or MRI scanners, and diagnosis depended on traumatic investigations like angiography, myelography and electromyography, for which there was a quota and

a waiting list. The only non interventional investigation available was the EEG and even this machine was located in the surgical unit. Medical neurology was a much neglected specialty. Thus there was an urgent need for a specialized unit or hospital where neurological disorders could be diagnosed early and accurately and managed by specialized staff. It was the lack of these facilities that led to the concept of a separate Neuro hospital where all the facilities for diagnosis and treatment are available under one roof, as is available in the Institute of Neurology of today.

The beginning To start this ambitious project was not easy. All the necessary items were missing viz: land, funds and a suitable contractor willing to undertake an unusual project without and advance or adequate safeguards for payment. The land With difficulty we found a narrow strip of land adjacent to the Kynsey road opposite the De Soysa Maternity home which served as garages for consultants. There were 2 obstacles – a large tree which needed special permission for felling and removal and the standby generator for the General hospital which had to be relocated at an immense cost, which we

SLMANEWS were able to obtain from the President’s fund. The architectural design Having circumvented this initial obstacle, we had to have plans drawn for a custom built Neuro hospital. Fortunately, the Design Consortium headed by Navin Gooneratne came to our rescue by drawing the plans free of charge. He also requested Mohan Coomaraswamy to provide the necessary technical input and regular follow up of the building process.

The simple foundation laying ceremony with the chief donor.

The funds The biggest challenge was still to come – obtaining funds. We were given the encouragement we needed by a donation for the ground floor by Mrs. Milina Sumathipala, in memory of her husband. The first fund raising function was held in the official residence of the then Medical superintendent, Dr Joe Fernando with Mrs. Hema Premadasa, the wife of the Prime Minister Hon Ranasinghe Premadasa as the chief guest. We needed a

steady flow of funds to keep the building program in motion and for this we needed an energetic committee. Fortunately, the Hospital Welfare Services of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress headed by Venerable Vipassi were able to muster a small dedicated committee for the purpose. It was virtually going round with a ‘begging bowl’ for a worthy cause. We had 2 regular meetings every week – on Sundays to discuss funding and Thursdays to discuss technical details. It was a ‘turn key job’ in construction parlance – build while collecting funds, in spite of which there wasn’t a single day off work. Big or small we needed them all Although Mrs. Milina Sumathipala promised funding for the ground floor, we needed 100 million more for the rest of the 4 floor building and the equipment and fixtures. We encouraged donations, both big and small, by giving publicity. The names of the donors to the Neuro Hospital fund were acknowledged weekly in the Ceylon daily news. While we accepted even one rupee donations we encouraged donation of specific amounts for specific purposes. We specified amounts required for a bed,

a bed unit with bed side locker, a unit. with 4-6 beds, a ward and a floor for those willing to give generously. The Ministry of Health agreed to allow name plaques to commemorate significant donations. We had substantial donations both by individuals and organisations. There were also substantial donations in kind and materials like the terrazzo floor by Rovim concrete works and the ceramic tile facade by the Ceramic Corporation which gives a clean pleasant frontal appearance to the building. There are several donations worthy of special mention. There was the donation of a 25 acre coconut estate which we vested with the public trustee for sale by an auction and a coffee morning organised by the Doctor’s Wives Association headed by Chrissie Aloysius. Although there was a hospital lottery already in existence we were allowed to hold a special Neuro hospital lottery which depended mainly on private sales. We made a bare profit mainly because the first prize of Rs 300,000 was not claimed. The progress In spite of our dependence on donations for continued construction of the building, the progress was rapid and

SLMANEWS visible from the Kynsey road. Even so, funds were hard to come by initially but later it became almost a prestige to give a donation. Larger donations for units and wards carried the benefactor’s name. Philanthropists, politicians, public figures, patients and relatives, all chipped with donations – big and small. The Institute of Neurology As the Neuro hospital has all the facilities under one roof the Ministry of Health agreed to name it an Institute. The ground floor has the ICU (with piped oxygen, ventilators and monitors), the outpatient department, physiotherapy and EEG

departments and a lecture theatre. The first floor had the male, female and children’s medical neurology wards while the second was the surgical floor. The third floor donated by the Colombo Commercial Company had the operating theatre and a paying wing. Such a complete Institute with facilities of international standard encouraged many postgraduates to take up Neurology. When the project commenced there was only a single neurologist for the entire country. Now there are over 30 neurologists with consultants in every province and newer sub

specialties like neurophysiology and paediatric neurology. The founder Patron of the Association of Neurologists can well be proud of this unique achievement and the change it has brought about in the specialty of neurology and the patients who suffer from neurological diseases.

The Institute of Neurology after completion with a picture of the 'chief architect', Dr. J.B. Peiris, in the foreground.

SLMA Seminar on Private Medical Education in Sri Lanka The seminar held from 1.00 am to 4.00 pm on 3 May 2012 at the Lionel Memorial Auditorium of the SLMA. It was well attended with over 70 participants representing all stake holders in the field of Medical Education in Sri Lanka participating. The discussion was lively with many ideas being expressed. The President of the SLMA, Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, welcomed all participants to the seminar and invited all to express their ideas freely in a spirit of agreeing to disagree. Dr. Narada Warnasuriya, Chairperson of the SLMA

Medical Education Expert Committee gave an overview of the development of medical education in Sri Lanka giving insights into the historical background around the setting up of new institutions (medical faculties) in the past. He also placed before the house different facets of private medical education that warranted discussion. Dr. Indika Karunathilake, Secretary of the Committee, presented the global scene which set the tone for the discussion that followed. Participants included Chairman of the University Grants Commission,

President and members of the Sri Lanka Medical Council, officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, academics from state and private institutions from all parts of the country, representatives of professional collages and associations, council members of the Government Medical Officers Association, clinicians, medical students, and members of the public including parents of students. A discussion paper based on the discussion would be prepared by the Medical Education Expert Committee of the SLMA for further consultation.

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Past Presidents of the SLMA From this issue we begin a series featuring the Past Presidents of the SLMA to appreciate the contribution they made to develop the SLMA, the National Medical Association of Sri Lanka, to its current standing. Five Past Presidents would be featured in each issue. 2011 Professor S. P. Lamabadusuriya MBE, MBBS(Cey), PhD(Lond.), DSc(Ruhuna), FRCP(Lond), FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Glasg), FRCPCH (Eng), FCCP(SL), SLCP(SL), FSLGP(SL), DCH (Eng.)

Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics, University of Colombo 1991 - 2008 Founder Professor of Paediatrics, University of Ruhuna 1980 - 1991 Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo 2002- 2005 Immediate Past President of Asia Pacific Paediatric Association 2006 - 2009 Member, Immunisation Practices Advisory Committee (IPAC) of World Health Organisation -2010 onwards President, Sri Lanka Paediatric Association 1993 President, Galle Medical Association 1990 The theme of his presidency was “The March Towards Millennium Development Goals”. The theme for the Annual Sessions and the Presidential Address were regarding this topic. The Chief Guest at the Annual Sessions was Professor Sir David Weatherall of the University of Oxford U.K. During the Annual Sessions the inaugural Professor NDW Lionel Memorial Oration was delivered by Professor Jeevendra Martyn. During the course of the year the 4th edition of “SLMA Guidelines and Information on Vaccines” was prepared by the SLMA Communicable Diseases Committee and was launched at the AGM in December 2011. The expert committee on “Herbal Medicine” that was established in 2010 on his recommendation functioned smoothly under his chairmanship. A joint academic activity was held together with the Institute of Indigenous Medicine. For the first time, the Foundation Sessions were held in Batticaloa in association with the Batticaloa Medical Association. Dr. R. Ajanthan served as the Honorary Secretary in 2011. 2010 Dr. Narada Warnasuriya MBBS, FRCP, DCH Senior Professor of Paediatrics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura 2005 - 2009 Vice Chancellor, University of Sri Jayewardenepura 2005 - 2008 Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences. University of Sri Jayewardenepura 2004 2005 President, Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians 2000 - 2001 President, Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka The theme of his SLMA Presidency was achieving` Equity in Health`. The

SLMANEWS Presidential Address and the theme seminar of the annual sessions were on this topic. He empasised the role of the doctor in consolidating Sri Lanka`s impressive achievements in this respect. For the first time in the history of the SLMA the Foundation Sessions were conducted successfully in Jaffna depicting the role of professional organizations in national integration in a post conflict period. Two new expert committees on `Health Equity` & `Herbal Medicines` were established during the year. Dr. Indika Karunathilake served as the Honorary Secretary in 2010. 2009 Vidyajyothi Professor Rezvi Sheriff MBBS, MD, FRCP, FRACP, FCCP Senior Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Colombo Councilor, International Society of Nephrology Director, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo 2006 2011 President, Health Informatics Society of Sri Lanka 2005 - 2009 President, Ceylon College of Physicians 1995 President, Sri Lanka Association of Nephrology and Transplantation1987 1999 President, Nephrology, Urology, Transplant Society of SAARC Countries 1995 1997 President, Hypertension Society of Sri Lanka 2003 - 2008 In the year 2009, Vidyajyothi Professor Rezvi Sheriff whilst active as Director, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine had a busy year at the SLMA. His Presidential Address and theme was on “Chronic ill Health in Society” and highlighted action needed for Non Communicable Diseases including Chronic Kidney Disease. He signed the MOU and placed “NirogiLanka” project in a firm footing. His hallmark contribution was to complete and open a new wing for the SLMA office and board room. Patient Information Literature Leaflets (the PILL project) was promoted. He revived SLMA Cricket. He made a series of forthright editorials on the monthly Newsletter making it a profitable venture for the SLMA. The SLMA contributed by visiting the Chettikulam Refugee IDP camp and made their report international and transparent at that time under his leadership. Dr. Ruvaiz Hanniffa served as the Honorary Secretary in 2009. 2008 Vidyajyothi Professor Lalitha Mendis , MBBS(Cey),MD(Col), PhD(Lond), DpBact (Manch) FNASci.Ac(SL), Hon. FCGP Emeritus Professor of Microbiology, University of Colombo Chairperson, WHO-SEARO-ITAG on Immunization from 2008 Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo 1996 - 2002 Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo 2002 - 2005 Member, University Grants Commission President, College of Microbiologists of Sri Lanka 1988 and 1996 Member, Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) of WHO Geneva In Professor Mendis’s year of Presidency, the Amended Constitution of the

SLMANEWS SLMA was drafted and approved following a long process and a Corporate Plan was drawn up through a consultative process for the first time in the history of the SLMA. A Research Promotion Committee and a Working Group on Disabilities was formed. Through several measures, the existing Financial situation was greatly improved. e.g. revision and standardization of rents, converting the SLMA News Letter to an income generating venture. A series called ‘Drs Who Went an Extra Mile’ was begun in the SLMA News Letter which featured young Drs who had of their own initiative improved the Health Services in hospitals and regions that they served. Dr. Indika Karunathilake served as the Honorary Secretary in 2008. 2007 Professor Gita Fernando MBBS, FRCP(Lond), FCCP Founder Professor of Pharmacology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Secretary, Drugs Evaluation sub- committee, Ministry of Health from 1989 onwards Member, Cosmetics Devices and Drugs Technical Advisory Committee, Ministry of Health 1989 Joint Editor, Sri Lanka Prescriber from 1993 onwards Committee Member, International Society of Drug Bulletin(ISDB) Editors for Asia and the Middle East 2001 - 2005 During her tenure as President SLMA, she was instrumental in promoting ‘Rational use of medicinal drugs’ by organizing workshops and symposia during the Annual Scientific Sessions 2007, as well as having joint symposia with the Ministry of Health and outstation Clinical Societies. She also ensured the publication of ‘SLMA Guidelines on the use of Antimicrobial agents’ for doctors and a booklet for the general public titled ‘General Information about taking Western Medicines’ in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages. She was also keen on developing infrastructure at the Wijerama House and it was during her term that the three phase electricity supply was installed overcoming the problem of frequent power failures. The audio visual facilities of the SLMA auditorium was also improved during her term. In 2007 for the first time during the SLMA Foundation Sessions, interactive MCQ sessions were introduced which helped to increase the number of participants. Dr. Chandanie Wanigatunge served as the Honorary Secretary in 2007.

Invite Your Friends To Join the SLMA eMail List ask them to send a blank email to info-subscribe@slma.lk

SLMANEWS RECIPIENTS OF SLMA ORATIONS AWARDS AND GRANTS 2012 COMPETITIVE ORATIONS SLMA Oration Control of Non Communicable Diseases: Where do we begin? Prof. Pujitha Wickramasinghe MBBS, DCH, MD, PhD Professor in Paediatrics Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo Sri Lanka Will be delivered on 2 July 2012 at 6.00 PM at the BMICH at the Inaugural Ceremony of the SLMA 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress The SLMA Oration is the most prestigious oration of the Association. Instituted in 1979 it recognises outstanding achievement in research. SC Paul Oration Allograft rejection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a novel pathway of CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity Dr. S. Sivaganesh MBBS, MS, DPhil Senior Lecturer Department of Surgery Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo Sri Lanka Will be delivered on 4 July 2012 at 5.30 PM at the BMICH on Day 3 of the SLMA 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress The S.C. Paul Oration is the oldest Oration of the Association. Instituted in 1966 it is delivered in the memory of Dr. S. C Paul, an outstanding surgeon. Sir Marcus Fernando Oration Controlling iodine deficiency disorder in Sri Lanka Dr. Renuka Jayatissa MBBS, MSc, MD Consultant Medical Nutritionist Head, Department of Nutrition Medical Research Institute Colombo Sri Lanka Will be delivered on 3 November 2012 at 6.00 PM during the Foundation Sessions of the SLMA Institute in 1969, this oration is delivered in the memory of Sri Marcus Fernando,

outstanding Physician and the first Sinhalese member of the Legislative Council Murugesar Sinnetamby Oration Not Awarded Sir Nicholas Attygalle Oration Not Awarded

INVITED ORATIONS NDW Lionel Oration Managing Drug Allergies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the past, present and future Dr Suranjith L Seneviratne DPhil(Oxon), MBBS, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, FCCP Consultant in Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department of Clinical Immunology Royal Free Hospital and Centre for Immunodeficiency University College London UK Will be delivered on 4 July 2012 at 1.30 PM on Day 4 of the 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress Instituted in 2011, this oration is delivered in the memory of Prof. NDW Lionel, an outstanding Pharmacologist and President of the SLMA. S Ramachandran Oration The metabolic effects of obesity surgery Dr. Henry N. Rajaratnam MD (Ceylon), FRCP (London), Hon. FCCP, Hon. FRACP, Hon. FSLCGP, FACE Senior Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist Will be delivered on 4 July 2012 at 8.45 AM on Day 4 of the 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress Instituted in 2012, this oration is delivered in the memory of Dr. S. Ramachandran, an outstanding Physician and President, of the SLMA.

The CNAPT Award

SLMANEWS Awarded to the book on “Landscape analysis to accelerate actions to reduce maternal and child under nutrition in Sri Lanka” by Dr. Renuka Jayatissa and Prof. Dulitha N Fernando The CNAPT award is awarded to the best published work on medical research done in Sri Lanka (article, book chapter or book) published in the year 2011

Glaxo Wellcome Research Grant The Glaxo Wellcome Research Grant for the year 2012 to be awarded to Dr. Inoshi Athukorala, Senior Lecturer Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo to conduct the study on “Prevalence of early rheumatoid arthritis in a semi urban area in Sri Lanka”

SLMA Research Grant 2012 Not Awarded. Will be re-advertised soon.

Sri Lanka Medical Association 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress 2 to 6 July 2012 Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall Colombo Scientific Programme – 2 to 6 July 2012 SLMA Oration – 2 July 2012 Doctor’s Concert – 3 July 2012, 7.00 pm onwards at the BMICH – Entrance Free S. C. Paul Oration – 4 July 2012 SLMA Banquet – 6 July 2012, 8.00 pm onwards at Waters Edge http://www.slma2012.com Keep the Dates Free and Come Join us. Conference Registration is now open at the SLMA Office early bird registration close on 30 May 2012 Registration Now open at the SLMA Office, 6 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7.

SLMANEWS Did you know? 80% of doctors currently in the SLMC register, of over 21,000 doctors, were registered after 1990; 58% after 2000, and 25% after 2005! Here is what the distribution looks like on a chart. Vertical axis is the number of doctors registered during the year as a percentage off all doctors in the register. Most of them work in remote parts of the country with no or little access to continuing professional development programmes or courses training doctors for entry to PGIM courses.

Year

Sri Lanka Medical Association Fund to Support Professional Development of Doctors Working in Remote Areas The SLMA wishes to recognize the enormous contribution made by doctors working in remote parts of the country to provide health care to rural masses and help them in their continuing professional development. Towards this end in the 125th Anniversary year the SLMA we strived to take Continuing Professional Development to the regions. Successful regional conference were held in the North in January and in the South in February. The Central Regional Conference will be held on 18 and 19 May 2012. This would be followed by the 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress from 2 to 6 July 2012. The Eastern and North Central Regional Conferences will be held in August and September respectively. We are pleased to announce the establishment of a Fund to support Continuing Professional Development activities of Doctors Working in

Remote Parts of the County. The Funds collected would be used initially to provide free registration for doctors to attend the Anniversary Medical Congress of the SLMA held every year in Colombo. Once the funds grow the grant would be extended to cover travel and accommodation expenses in Colombo as well. If you wish to make a donation to the Fund you may do so as follows: - Draw a check drawn in favour of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sri Lanka Medical Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and send it to President, SLMA, 6 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka. - Make a direct payment to the SLMA account: Name of Account: Sri Lanka Medical Association; Accounts No: 076010001339; Name of the Bank: Hatton National Bank PLC, Cinnamon Gardens Branch; Bank address: 251, Dharmapla Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka; HNB Bank SWIFT cord: HBLILKLX [Please

SLMANEWS email your payment accounts@slma.lk]

details

We welcome donations from institutions and individuals. The conference registration grant would be named after the donor. The donor may wish to remain anonymous if so desired. The SLMA wishes to thank all donors in advance for their generosity. UK-SLIF AND SLMA CONGRESS REGISTRATION GRANTS FOR DOCTORS WORKING IN REMOTE AREAS The United Kingdom - Sri Lanka Immunology Foundation (UKSLIF) and the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) is pleased to announce 40 congress registration grants for doctors working in remote areas of Sri Lanka to attend the 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. The award will cover conference registration from 2 to 6 July 2012. Please see http://www.slma2012.com for details of the Congress. To be eligible for the grant doctors have to work in a hospital or health care institution located more than 150 kilometers away from Colombo and be a life member of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. Preference would be given to those who are coauthors of abstracts accepted for the Congress. To apply send an email to office@slma.lk giving

you name, designation, name and address of hospital or health care institution, telephone number of the hospital or health care institution, your email address, and your mobile number. Closing Date for Applications is 31 May 2012. SASDA AND SLMA CONGRESS REGISTRATION GRANTS FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS The South Australian Sri Lankan Doctors Association (SASDA) and the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) is pleased to announce 30 congress registration grants for Medical Students to attend the 125th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. The award will cover conference registration from 2 to 6 July 2012. Please see http://www.slma2012.com for details of the Congress. To be eligible for the grant the student must be a student member of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. Preference would be given to those who are coauthors of abstracts accepted for the Congress. To apply send an email to office@slma.lk giving you name, name of your Medical Faculty and University, your student registration number, your email address, and your mobile number. Closing Date for Applications is 31 May 2012.

SLMA LIFE MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE The SLMA is pleased to announce that all new Life Members would be issued with a SLMA Life Membership Certificate instead of the letter that was issued previously. Certificates would be issued to current Life Members on request. If you are already a Life Member, please email your request to office@slma.lk.