News
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
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) on Friday said the largest groundwater source discovered in Sri Lanka so far had been identified during tube-well drilling near the Pitabeddara Police Station.
Indrajith Gamage, geologist in charge of the Southern Province, said the source recorded a continuous flow of about 10,000 litres (10 cubic metres) per minute, marking the first instance in the country where a groundwater source of that magnitude had been found.
He noted that the previous largest groundwater source was discovered in the Madhu area, which recorded a flow of about 7,000 litres per minute.
According to the NWSDB, the tube well was drilled following geological studies of rock layers and the identification of underground water through fractures in rock strata using specialised technical instruments.
The Board said steps would be taken to distribute water from the newly discovered source to residents facing shortages in Pitabeddara, Morawaka and surrounding areas.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has formally handed over its historical records to the National Archives Department, entrusting over a century of the nation’s commercial history to the country’s official custodians of heritage.
The archive, spanning from the CCC’s founding in 1839 to 1973, includes correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, ledgers, and publications that chronicle the development of trade, enterprise, and industry in Sri Lanka. Together, the records provide a rare and detailed account of the island’s economic evolution and the role of its business community in shaping national progress.
The Ministry of Defence said on Friday (13) that arrangements had been made to repatriate to Iran the bodies of 84 sailors who died aboard the IRIS Dena, which sank in the southern seas off Sri Lanka.
A special aircraft carrying the bodies departed from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on Friday, the Ministry said, adding that the repatriation was carried out in coordination with the Embassy of Iran in Sri Lanka.
The remains had been kept in two mobile cold-storage units at the Galle National Hospital before being transported to Mattala by lorry following a court order. Forty-five bodies were moved in the morning, while the remaining 39 were transported later in the day.
Earlier this month, the Iranian naval vessel suffered an incident about 40 nautical miles off Port of Galle while carrying around 180 personnel. Thirty-five rescued sailors were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, while 84 bodies were subsequently recovered.
Following the incident, Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Iranian vessel had been sunk in international waters by a torpedo fired from a submarine of the United States Navy.
Showers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara, Mannar and Anuradhapura districts after 2.00 pm.
Lanka discovers largest groundwater source
Lanka’s commercial legacy preserved in National Archives
Bodies of 84 Iranian sailors flown home
Kirsten brings pedigree, but Sri Lanka must fix the system
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