Sri Lanka Renaissance Forum held in London

The ‘Sri Lanka Renaissance Forum,’ a refreshing initiative of the Sri Lanka High Commission, London, held its fourth lecture in a series of lectures which portray the strengths and opportunities that Sri Lanka offers in its ‘renaissance’ following the end of the terrorist conflict.

The forum was designed to stimulate intellectual debate and discussion and an exchange of ideas amongst Sri Lankans living in the UK and the British community on a plethora of topics relevant to Sri Lanka ranging from art, culture and heritage, to environmental conservation.

The overarching benefit of the forum is that it provides a much needed opportunity for the various communities to engage with one another and strengthens links both at a national and international level.

Dr. Preethi Wijegoonewardene, current President – South Asia, World Federation of General Practitioners, Past President of the Sri Lanka College of GPs, Examiner for the Royal College of GPs and Past President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, delivered the keynote address on primary healthcare in South Asia, with an emphasis on Sri Lanka.

Dr. Wijegoonewardene is a product of Ananda College and is a widely respected doctor of medicine, counting over four decades of experience in his field of practice. He has also been at the helm of several other medical committees and associations, both in Sri Lanka and internationally.

Following his address, world renowned renal transplant surgeon Oswald Fernando, who pioneered and headed the renal transplant program at the Royal Free Hospital and developed it as one of the leading transplant programs in the UK prior to his retirement, spoke about the aetiology, pathogenesis and management of renal disease in Sri Lanka and the current transplant programs in Sri Lanka.

In his address, High Commissioner Dr. Chris Nonis introduced the concept of the ‘Sri Lanka Renaissance Forum’ to the audience and noted the tremendous potential Sri Lanka now has in the post-conflict era. He also mentioned that, as a fellow physician, one of his greatest attributes was simply to have developed the ability to heal patients and moreover, to comfort them.

He also noted that Sri Lanka had excellent prenatal and maternal healthcare indicators in comparison to other South Asian countries which is a reflection of the quality of care available. There was substantial interest in the forum from Sri Lankans in the diaspora and also from the British community, and a lively discussion in the packed hall ensued.