2015-4^th Academic Sessions and Reunion

The Colombo Medical School Alumni Association (CoMSAA) had its 4^th Reunion and Academic Sessions on the 13^th of September 2015 at Hotel Tangerine, Kalutara. There was an attendance of over 150 participants. Over 70 alumni members and their families spent the previous night at the hotel and enjoyed a social evening with singing and dancing well supported by the Solo Band musician Ushantha de Silva. The Reunion commenced early on the 13^th morning with breakfast. Transport was provided from the Medical Faculty to the hotel and back for some of the day participants. Dr. B J C Perera delivered a brief welcome address which was followed by a short speech by Dr. Dennis Aloysius who was invited as the chief guest for the event.

The academic program consisted of four presentations.

1. Osteoporosis-Preventive Strategies; When and How? – KolithaSellahewa
2. Diagnostic Endoscopy; When and Why? – Ishan de Zoysa
3. Doctors and the Pharmaceutical Industry – KrisanthaWeerasuriya
4. Trials, Tribulations and Joys of Sex – Pramilla Senanayake

The session was chaired by Prof Jennifer Perera and Prof AthulaKaluarachchi.

This was followed by a live interview titled ‘Hard Talk’ with Prof Sir SabaratnamArulkumaran. The interview was moderated by Dr. SarathGamini de Silva. The interview provided much insight into the medical undergraduate life of years gone by and was tremendously enjoyed by all those who were present.

The final event of the academic sessions was the debate on the topic “Females make better doctors than males”.

Chairpersons :         Dr. B J C Perera& Dr. KalyaniGuruge

Proposers       :       Prof. ChandrikaWijeratne, Dr. KushlaniJayathileke

Opposers        :        Dr. Upul Dissanayake, Dr. AnandaWijewickrema

The topic was argued with much fervour and audience was highly enthralled with the points that were put forward by both teams. Thereafter an audience vote was called for and the chairpersons decided to consider the result as a draw.

After a brief vote of thanks by the Co-Secretary Dr. SameeraGunawardena, the social program got underway and all the attendees were treated to an extravaganza of singing, dancing, fun and games put together by the Social Secretary Dr. AruniWariyapola. Music was provided by the band ‘Fantasy’ which was sponsored by Dr. Rajendra. Many alumni members displayed their dancing talents in the Baila dancing competition which was won by Dr. Rajendra and his spouse for the second time running. A raffle draw was held at the end of the social program and many participants walked away with exciting prizes.

Feedback from the participants was very positive and the executive committee was commended for their efforts. We were successful in obtaining sponsorships of Rs. 675000 as well as complimentary prizes for the raffle draw. CoMSAA would like to thank all the alumni members who attended and supported the event.