News
Association of Cardiothoracic and Thoracic Surgeons of Sri Lanka hosts Annual Academic Sessions 2024
The Annual Academic Sessions 2024 of the Association of Cardiothoracic and Thoracic Surgeons of Sri Lanka (ACTSSL) kicked off with great fervor at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo on Friday. The academic sessions are set to continue until today, featuring a diverse range of events aimed at advancing knowledge, fostering professional development, and enhancing skills within the cardiothoracic and thoracic surgery field.
In a press release, the ACTSSL expressed pride in hosting only its second clinical meeting and highlighted the inclusion of six satellite events in this year’s program, covering pre and post-congress workshops. The symposiums and workshops were designed to provide insights and discussions on critical topics, catering to various levels of expertise within the medical community.
The Cardiothoracic Doctors Symposium on Jan 6 at Lanka Hospital marked the beginning of the series, bringing together 12 experts to delve into essential topics targeted at intermediate-level doctors. The subsequent Nurses Symposium at Durdans Hospital, held in collaboration with Addmac, received resounding success the following day.
Continuing the educational initiatives, a workshop on ‘Clinical Perfusion’ was conducted at Asiri Surgical Hospital on Jan 11 primarily for Perfusionists, in collaboration with AJ Medichem. On Jan 12, a symposium on minimally invasive Cardiac Surgery, in partnership with Medtronic, was held at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital.
Looking ahead, the ACTSSL anticipates an Instrument Workshop for Decision Makers on Jan 20 at the Neuron-trauma auditorium of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Aesculap Academy and B Braun. The series concludes with the last satellite symposium on Trans Thoracic and Trans Oesophagial Echocardiography at Asiri Hospital, Kandy, in collaboration with the College of Cardiology on Jan 21.
The press release emphasized the significant developments in adult cardiothoracic and paediatric cardiothoracic surgery over the last 50 years, showcasing advancements in off-pump (beating heart) cardiac surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, thoracoscopic cardiac surgery, and standard open-heart surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass.
Highlighting the progress in thoracic surgery in Sri Lanka, the statement noted the emergence of advanced thoracic surgical procedures and video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures, providing surgical treatment for conditions that were traditionally managed medically.
The path to becoming a specialized surgeon in these fields was outlined in the press release, underscoring the highly competitive MD(Surgery) Part I exam and the subsequent comprehensive training programs and exams. The progression is overseen by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine at the University of Colombo, with specialized training in Sri Lanka and abroad.
ACTSSL, established in March 2013, comprises approximately 50 dedicated members in cardiothoracic surgery, thoracic surgery, paediatric cardiac surgery, and cardiac and thoracic surgical trainees. The association plays a crucial role in overseeing the educational programs, training sessions, and serving as an advisory body to healthcare institutions.
In the past year, ACTSSL has made significant strides in education, providing junior members with opportunities to curate and deliver lectures. Notable achievements include the ACTSSL Position Paper on Cardiac Surgery domains, a plan for establishing a comprehensive national Thoracic Service, and the development of an authoritative document titled ‘Quality Assessment of Surgeons.’
The association also played a pivotal role in the revision of Sri Lanka’s Tissue Act, showcasing its commitment to enhancing healthcare practices and standards in the nation. The Annual Academic Sessions 2024 stand as a testament to the ACTSSL’s dedication to progress and scientific advancements in the field of cardiothoracic and thoracic surgery.
News
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.
During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.
Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.
The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned below is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
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Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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