Connect with us

News

Association of Cardiothoracic and Thoracic Surgeons of Sri Lanka hosts Annual Academic Sessions 2024

Published

on

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.



Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambanthota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura

Published

on

By

The National Building Research Institute has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambanthota, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 16:00 hrs on 25.09.2026 To 16:00 hrs on 26.09.2026

Accordingly,
LEVEL III [RED] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Neluwa, Nagoda, Niyagama and Thawalama inthe Galle district, Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, and  Kothmale West, Ambagamuwa, Kotmale East and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district.

LEVEL II [AMBER] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Elpitiya, Baddegama and Karandeniya in the Galle district, Walallawita in the Kalutara district, Deltota, Udunuwara, Gangawata Korale, Yatinuwara and Panvila in the Kandy district, Aranayake, Dehiowita, Mawanella, Deraniyagala and Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Thalawakelle in the Nuwara Eliya district and Ratnapura and  Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.

LEVEL I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Seethawaka and Padukka in the Colombo district, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Katuwana and Walasmulla in the Hambanthota district, Ingiriya and Bulathsinhala in the Kalutara district, Hatharaliyadda, Poojapitiya, Medadumbara, Kundasale, Ududumbara, Thumpane, Akurana, Pathadumbara, Harispattuwa and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Warakapola, Bulathkohupitiya, Galigamuwa, Kegalle and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Alawwa, Polgahawela and Mawathagama  in the Kegalle district, Pitabeddara,  Kotapola and  Pasgoda  in the Matara district, Nuwara Eliya in the Nuwara Eliya district and Elapatha, Ayagama, Nivithigala, Kuruwita and Kalawana in the Ratnapura district

 

 

Continue Reading

News

22A, Judicature Amendment Bills passed with 2/3 majority

Published

on

Parliament yesterday passed the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill with two-thirds majorities, with 158 MPs voting in favour and 63 against each Bill.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) voted with the SJB against the Bills.

NDF MPs Ravi Karunanayake and Faizer Musthapha and SJB Badulla District MP Nayana Wasalathilaka were not present when the votes were taken.

The final vote on the Judicature (Amendment) Bill was announced at around 8.08 p.m. after Opposition MPs called for divisions on its clauses during the Committee Stage.

The votes followed a two-day debate which commenced on Thursday (24), after Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Bills for their Second Reading.

The Supreme Court’s determination on the Bills was presented to Parliament on Tuesday (22) by Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne. The Court determined that the 22nd Amendment Bill did not require approval at a referendum and could be passed by a special two-thirds majority in Parliament.

The amendment provides for raising the mandatory retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and that of Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. It also provides for the Chief Justice to retire at 67 or after completing six years in office, whichever comes earlier.

The Speaker informed Parliament that the Judicature (Amendment) Bill could be passed by a simple majority.

The SJB opposed the legislation and its MPs attended Parliament dressed in black yesterday. The party also staged a protest at Polduwa Junction, Battaramulla, under the theme “No to 22, which destroys democracy”, with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several SJB politicians participating.

Continue Reading

News

TIN mandatory for key transactions from Nov. 1

Published

on

A valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will be required for a range of key transactions in Sri Lanka from November 1, 2026, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced.

The requirement, introduced under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, applies to transactions specified under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act.

Accordingly, individuals will be required to produce a valid TIN Certificate when opening an account at a bank or financial institution, obtaining approval for a building plan, registering or renewing the licence of a motor vehicle, registering land or title to land, registering a business, transferring shares in a company incorporated in Sri Lanka or obtaining a credit card.

In the case of share transfers, both the transferor and transferee will be required to provide TIN certificates.

The IRD said officials handling such transactions had been instructed to ensure that a valid TIN Certificate was submitted before processing or completing the relevant transaction.

The Department advised those who do not already have a TIN to obtain one in advance through its e-Services platform.

It said a printout of the TIN verification result showing the applicant’s National Identity Card number and TIN could also be accepted instead of the certificate.The IRD also reiterated that obtaining a TIN is mandatory for resident individuals aged 18 and above under the applicable provisions.

Continue Reading

Trending