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Sri Lankan Association of Geriatric Medicine Council 2024
10th Anniversary Annual Academic Sessions – June 2024
The Sri Lankan Association of Geriatric Medicine (SLAGM) marked a significant milestone with its 10th Anniversary International Medical Conference held recently at the prestigious Court Yard by Marriott in Colombo. Themed “Enhancing the Landscape in Geriatric Medicine,” the event brought together leading experts and delegates from Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and Malaysia, reflecting the global commitment to advancing geriatric care.
The conference was exceptionally well-attended, with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds gathering to share knowledge, discuss innovations, and collaborate on improving the health and well-being of the elderly population. The inauguration ceremony, held on the evening of the 27th, was a highlight, featuring a distinguished lineup of participants representing various professional colleges and institutions.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka, graced the event as the Chief Guest, emphasising the government’s support for initiatives aimed at enhancing geriatric care. In his address, Dr. Mahipala highlighted the importance of such conferences in fostering international collaboration and the exchange of best practices to tackle the challenges associated with an aging population.
The Guest of Honour, Professor Duncan Forsyth, a renowned Consultant Geriatrician from Cambridge University Hospital Trust in the United Kingdom, delivered an inspiring keynote speech. Professor Forsyth underscored the critical need for continuous education and adaptation in geriatric medicine to meet the evolving needs of the elderly. His insights into the advancements in geriatric care and his experiences from the UK provided valuable perspectives for the attendees.
A significant moment of the inauguration ceremony was the launch of the Geriatric Bulletin on Gerontology, a publication by SLAGM. This bulletin is set to be a valuable tool for medical professionals involved in the care of older adults, providing them with the latest research, guidelines, and insights into geriatric medicine.
The conference, organized under the leadership of SLAGM President Dr. Barana Millawithana and the Council of SLAGM, featured a series of plenary sessions, Informative lectures and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics pertinent to geriatric medicine. Delegates engaged in discussions on the latest research, emerging trends, establishing and providing geriatric care sharing regional experiences, clinical decision making and ethical consideration in relation to legal issues and innovative approaches to elder care and most importantly about future of Geriatric Medical Education. The sessions also addressed key issues such as dementia care, geriatric rehabilitation, and the integration of technology in elderly care.
Participants appreciated the opportunity to network with peers, exchange ideas, and establish collaborations that promise to enhance geriatric care not only in Sri Lanka but also globally. The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges of aging populations.
Prior to the main congress, three pre-congress sessions were held, setting the stage for the comprehensive discussions that followed. These sessions included: Enhancing Functional Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease Essentials for Geriatric Nursing Promoting Continence in Older Adults. The Pre Congress sessions, too, were well attended by many healthcare professionals and allied healthcare teams.
The success of the 10th Anniversary International Medical Conference is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Dr. Barana Millawithana, the Council of SLAGM, and the enthusiastic participation of delegates and speakers. As the SLAGM continues its mission to advance geriatric medicine, this landmark event has set a high standard for future conferences and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the elderly.
Dr. Achala Balasuriya, Consultant Physician and editor of SLAGM.
For more information on the conference and future events, please visit the SLAGM website.
Sri Lankan Association of Geriatric Medicine (SLAGM)
Website: www.slagm.lk
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Namal Rajapaksa had been summoned by CIABOC to provide a statement in connection with investigations into the controversial Airbus deal. He was subsequently arrested by CIABOC after recording his statement for over 5 hours.
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Sun directly overhead Nittambuwa, Algama, Malwana, Aranayake, Meegahakiula and Panamkadu about 12.09 noon today (04)
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (04) are Nittambuwa, Algama, Malwana, Aranayake, Meegahakiula and Panamkadu about 12.09 noon.
Plant’s output cut from 270 MW to 140 MW amidst dwindling stocks; energy analysts warn system remains “at a razor’s edge”
By Ifham Nizam
The Norochcholai coal-fired power plant is now digging into the last dredges of its coal stock, with two operational units forced to slash generation from around 270 MW to just 140 MW on Sunday as the plant ran critically short of fuel, according to independent energy analysts and sources familiar with the National System Operator (NSO).
The sudden reduction of approximately 130 MW in coal generation has once again exposed the fragile state of the country’s power supply arrangements, with the plant understood to have coal stocks sufficient only until Friday night.
“This is not how a coal plant is expected to operate. They are digging up the last dredges of coal from the plant,” an independent energy analyst told The Island.
The analyst questioned why the units had been allowed to reach this stage without earlier intervention, arguing that at least one unit should have been deloaded around 10 days ago to conserve the remaining coal.
Had that been done, the analyst said, the country could also have reduced its dependence on more expensive diesel-fired generation during the period when
coal stocks were being conserved.
The latest NSO generation figures highlight the continuing pressure on the system.
Around 7 p.m. on Sunday, when the night peak was reached, total demand stood at 2,552.7 MW. Coal contributed only 282 MW, while major hydro accounted for 1,215.8 MW and thermal-oil generation for 791.9 MW.
The night peak of 2,552.7 MW was substantially higher than the daytime peak of 2,246 MW, according to the NSO Generation Summary for August 30.
The most immediate concern is the remaining coal stock at Norochcholai.
Sources said the plant has coal only to Friday night, making the timing of the next shipment critical.
The first shipment under the emergency arrangement is expected to arrive on Friday, September 4, but the coal unloading will have to begin on the same day if
the power plant is to continue operating without further significant deloading.
That creates another potential vulnerability, with rough sea conditions posing an additional challenge to unloading operations.
Energy sector sources said that even the arrival of the September 4 shipment would not completely eliminate the danger.
The next shipment under the new coal tender would need to commence unloading around September 15. Any significant delay beyond that could again force the Norochcholai units to operate at reduced output.
“We are still at a razor’s edge”
The independent energy analyst said the situation should not be viewed merely as a question of whether a particular vessel arrives on time.
The situation also means that any further reduction in coal generation could have a direct impact on the use of oil-fired power generation, potentially increasing the cost of electricity generation.
The latest NSO figures already show the important role being played by thermal-oil generation during the evening peak, when demand rises sharply.
The analyst questioned the rationale behind allowing the coal units to continue operating at higher loading until stocks reached critically low levels instead of taking measures earlier to stretch the available inventory.
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Sun directly overhead Nittambuwa, Algama, Malwana, Aranayake, Meegahakiula and Panamkadu about 12.09 noon today (04)
Showers expected in the Uva, Central and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Mullaittivu districts after 2.00 p.m
Norochcholai digs into dwindling coal stocks, two units slash generation
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