Business
Journey of a Medical Consultant who walked an arduous path to serve the common man – Part 3
Continued from last Saturday
She presented a statistical analysis demonstrating that poor decision-making during certain periods in Sri Lanka which contributed to the resurgence of malaria epidemics in the country. The emergence of malaria was affected by specific interactions among vectors, parasites, and various environmental and human factors. She highlighted that individuals of all ages are susceptible to the full range of clinical complications. Her comments emphasized that a malaria epidemic could lead to significant economic consequences, although the overall economic impact of such an epidemic remains uncertain.
In July 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a new summary of insights gained from various countries, specifically highlighting India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Sri Lanka. The report noted that Sri Lanka is currently one of the few countries recognized by WHO as malaria-free which has been certified by WHO in 2016. However, Dr. Anula Wijesundere emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance due to the potential risks associated with international travel. In other words, during her speech she gave an important take home message to all doctors, to test blood for the malarial parasite in all foreign travellers who present with fever and all Sri Lankans who develop fever have travelled to malaria endemic areas during the past one year.
At present, Dr. Anula Wijesundere is a member of the technical support group of the Anti-Malaria Campaign.
In 2001, she held the position of President of the Ceylon College of Physicians. In 2013, she was appointed as the Founding Professor of Medicine at Kotelawala Defence University, where she served for five years. In 2019, she assumed the role of President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, and in 2022, she became the President of the Colombo Medical School Alumni Association. Through her leadership during this time, these associations effectively advocated to the government whenever action was needed and tackled numerous deficiencies within the health sector.
Currently, she serves as the Patron of the Ceylon College of Physicians, the Vice President of the Sri Lanka Temperance Association, and the Chairperson of the SLMA expert committee focused on control of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
Her academic contributions include 64 peer-reviewed publications in medical journals from Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, along with over 70 scientific presentations at annual congresses in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan. Additionally, she was awarded a fellowship in Sweden to instruct medical personnel in the art of clinical examination.
She is a devout and dedicated Buddhist who generously contributed her entire retirement gratuity to the construction of the Cheithya at Prathibimbaramaya in Medawachchiya.
Dr Anula Wijesundere serves as the President of “Success Colombo,” an organization focused on enhancing and preserving cultural, economic, and social standards. This society has made significant strides in promoting the Buddha Sasana by facilitating the construction of Bana halls, Cheithyas, and Budu maduru. To date, “Success Colombo” has organized over 1,900 free medical clinics in previously underserved villages such as Weli-oya, Mannar, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Ampara. Additionally, the society has completed numerous water projects and provided bicycles, agricultural tools, and sewing machines to elevate the economic conditions of residents in these areas. Educational grants and medical support are also extended to low-income families.
During the 30-year conflict, “Success Colombo” supported the Sri Lanka Army by supplying an ambulance, a tractor and trailer, as well as millions of rupees worth medical and surgical equipment to the Sri Lanka Army hospital. They also provided rehabilitation equipment to the Ranaviru Hospital in Ragama. The organization boosted the morale of the Ranaviru soldiers during the war by visiting them in their bunkers and supplying them with water, sweets, insect repellents, and other necessities.
Dr Anula Wijesundere has been honored with ten awards for her contributions to social service. Notably, she received the Zonta Award for “Woman of Achievement” in 2000 and the International Women’s Day Award in 2013.
In 2019, she was recognized with the National Award, “Sri Lanka Shikkhamani,” for her dedicated services to the nation.
She also has been appointed as a member of the Constitutional Council of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The Constitutional Council (CC) is a 10-member constitutional authority in Sri Lanka tasked with maintaining independent commissions and monitoring its affairs. The Constitutional Council is aimed at depoliticizing the public service. Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. Anula Wijesundere and Dr. (Mrs) Dinesha Samararatne were appointed as the three persons as non- members of Parliament. The aforesaid names were approved by Parliament on 18.01.2023 in keeping with the provisions of the Article 41A (5) of the Constitution and on the nomination of the Speaker as per Article 41A (1)(e)(iii) of the Constitution, the President appointed the aforesaid persons as members of the Council.
May the Triple Gem bless and reward Dr. Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere for saving lives. Have a wonderful day, doctor.
(Concluded)
By Dharshan Silva
CEO, Abans Finance PLC
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has underscored the critical role of sovereign credit rating agencies in helping debt-distressed nations smoothly transition out of default status after successful debt restructuring.
Speaking at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) in Washington DC on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, Dr. Weerasinghe shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring experience.
He highlighted that while restructuring is a crucial step toward economic recovery, rating agencies must play a proactive role in reassessing countries’ creditworthiness fairly and promptly once restructuring is completed.
The GSDR, co-chaired by the IMF, World Bank, and G20 Presidency, serves as a key platform for debtor nations and creditors to address debt challenges.
Sri Lanka, a country which has undergone complex debt negotiations, has been an active participant in these discussions.
Governor Weerasinghe’s remarks come at a pivotal time, as Sri Lanka seeks to restore international investor confidence post-restructuring.
His call aligns with broader discussions at the GSDR on improving coordination between debtors, creditors, and financial institutions to ensure sustainable debt solutions, and help restore international investor confidence in countries such as Sri Lanka.
The roundtable also highlighted the newly introduced Sovereign Debt Restructuring Playbook, designed to guide countries through restructuring processes.
The Central Bank’s push for more responsive and supportive rating agency policies could set an important precedent for other debt-distressed economies as well.
Speaking at the GSDR, Treasury Secretary K M M Siriwardana acknowledged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as instrumental in stabilising Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy, as the country prepares to receive its fifth IMF tranche of $344 million in the coming weeks.
Siriwardana reflected on Sri Lanka’s ‘extremely challenging journey’ since its 2022 economic collapse marked by severe shortages, public unrest, and a loss of confidence in governance.
“Seeking IMF support was a strength, not a weakness,” he asserted, crediting the Fund’s policy framework and technical assistance for reversing the economic freefall.
He highlighted over 200 IMF training programmes conducted to strengthen institutional capacity, stating, “The IMF laid the foundation for stability.”
Notably present at the discussion was Peter Brewer, the IMF’s former Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, underscoring the close collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Fund.
Siriwardana traced the roots of the crisis to political instability between 2017–2019, the 2019 Easter attacks, and contentious tax policies, which collectively deepened Sri Lanka’s economic vulnerabilities. “Yet,” he noted, “Difficult reforms are now yielding positive results.”
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Calcey, a global software services provider, has achieved ISO 27001:2013 certification, the international benchmark for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This certification highlights Calcey’s strong measures in safeguarding client data and managing security risks.
The rigorous audit covered Calcey’s security protocols, risk management, and operational processes across its offices in Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the U.S.
Mangala Karunaratne, CEO of Calcey Technologies, stated that this milestone underscores their dedication to top-tier data security, reinforcing trust among clients in the U.S., Europe, and the Nordic regions.
The certification ensures compliance with global security standards, benefiting Calcey’s diverse clientele, from startups to large enterprises.
Chinese Dragon Café, a leading Sri Lankan-style Chinese restaurant, has announced that its temporary outlet at Alpine Hotel in Nuwara Eliya will remain open until April 30, catering to both loyal customers and tourists during the Avurudu season.
The seasonal branch has already gained popularity among locals and visitors, offering signature dishes like seafood fried rice, fried noodles, tom yum soup, hot butter cuttlefish, and crispy spring rolls. To enhance convenience, the café provides free delivery within Nuwara Eliya for hotel guests and holidaymakers.
This marks the brand’s first seasonal expansion to Nuwara Eliya, capitalizing on the influx of tourists especially from Colombo, enjoying the cool climate and festive atmosphere.
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts
People have now started to think of themselves as Sri Lankans sans ethnic or religious divisions- PM
Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kurunegala districts.
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