Features
The iconic “Old Anatomy Block” – the end is nigh!!
By Dr Nihal D Amerasekera
In the words of the Greek Physician Hippocrates : “Ars longa vita brevis” (learning the craft takes time and life is short).
How very true!!
For the readers who are unaware of the old Anatomy Block it is the large and impressive grey colonial building in Francis Place. It lies behind the main premises of the Faculty of Medicine Colombo at Kynsey Road. This majestic building with tall gothic columns and ornate carvings stand as a sentinel paying homage to Dr Albert J Chalmers, the Registrar of the Ceylon Medical College from 1901-12. He helped to design and construct this fine edifice.
The Anatomy Block was opened on November 3, 1913 by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Robert Chalmers. The architecture could be described as Edwardian Baroque style. Despite its years and the grisly goings on behind its closed doors, the elegant facade retains its colonial personality and charm. The Old Anatomy Block is a fine tribute to the many who learnt the trade here and have proceeded to serve humanity, providing medical care all around the world.
My epic journey in medical education began at the tail end of 1962. I remember most vividly, as if it were yesterday, entering through the portals of that great grey building in Francis Place. Flushed with excitement, the aura and the occasion simply took my breath away. It inspired a lifelong professional career. This was affectionately called the “Block”. It is the oldest building in the Faculty of Medicine and student life began right here.
I still recall so graphically being in a cavernous hall with rows of cadavers laid on marble slabs. It just seemed like the abode of the Grim Reaper!! We soon got accustomed to the pungent smell of the place which never left our noses. Within its concrete walls we dissected those human bodies, rather dispassionately. Tearing a body of a real person apart from head to toe despite its immersion in formalin still makes me shudder. Our youthful enthusiasm and our search for knowledge gave us some protection.
As I write I’m amazed we could face this ordeal day after day for two long years. I couldn’t face that same task with that same detachment now. The life and times in that great institution have now entered the folklore of the Faculty of Medicine Colombo. We now remember our teachers and the friends who shared those years with great nostalgia.
While in the “Block” we learnt anatomy well and in such great detail. We were expected to know the minutiae and the small print. The regular tests we had in the form of weekly ‘signatures’ and termly ‘revisal’ generated a toxic culture. It must be said we were forced to learn the subject completely and thoroughly. As a practicing Diagnostic Radiologist this knowledge was essential to me for which I will remain forever grateful.
Away from the books, study and examinations, memories of the “Block” are many. Even in that challenging environment our youthful spirit never deserted us. They began with the infamous fresher’s rag. Then came the Law-Medical match followed by the Block Concert and the Block Night. These events are intricately woven into the fabric of life in the Block and remain as treasured memories for many of us. Although these events occurred away from the iconic building, but they reflect those memorable years spent in that great institution.
Recently there was an email riding the ether that the Old Anatomy Block was to be demolished. I was surprised and dismayed to lose such an iconic building of our time. Prof. Sanath Lamabadusuriya promptly enquired from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine who reassured him that the “Block” will not be demolished but will be restored to house the Faculty Museum and a Centre for Research, Development and Innovation. I am confident he will do whatever is necessary to preserve its historical content. This iconic monument to medical education has a long and distinguished history. I am so pleased it will not be reduced to clouds of dust and a pile of rubble.
The building has served us well for over a century. In that time much has changed in the teaching of anatomy. The difficulties in getting cadavers and its high financial cost have significantly contributed to the development of alternative teaching techniques. Web-based medical technology has resulted in the development of virtual dissection programs. These have been found to be a cost-effective way of teaching anatomy. They are now preferred to cadaveric dissection. The modern techniques do away with some of the emotional and ethical concerns. The debate to dissect or not to dissect still rages on. The teaching of anatomy has changed. Hence, I do understand the issues which may have influenced the Dean and the Faculty of Medicine in Colombo to take a stand.
A centenary celebration was held for the Old Anatomy Block in 2013. It was wonderful to read through the souvenir and acknowledge the deep affection the former students have for this great institution. With the passage of years the sun and the rain and the atmospheric pollution have affected the structure of the building. A crack has appeared in a wall and some damage to the wooden floor has been found. It is heartening to know that the architectural conservation division of the department of archaeology has been consulted.
To conserve our medical history, it is important to broaden the discussion. The General Hospital in Colombo now the National Hospital was established in 1864. The associated Medical School was founded in 1870. Both these institutions have old buildings that may not be fit for purpose any more. Some may have fallen into disrepair from neglect, a lack of funds, and the weather. I hope there is greater consultation before sending in the bull dozers and excavators for demolition. It is wonderful to see the Victoria Memorial Eye hospital built in 1903 still being used and kept in good repair.
We as a country have done tremendously well to preserve our ancient heritage and archaeological remains. But the preservation of our more recent history appears to be less secure. I am unaware of the existence of a listing of historical buildings or a National Register for this purpose. Hence it is incumbent on the general public and the interested individuals to gather support, cajole, harass and make a noise about preserving our past.
“Heritage building” includes any building which requires conservation and preservation for historical, architectural or cultural purpose.
One way of acknowledging our history is by preserving historic buildings and structures.Historic building preservation helps to remember a place or an institution and its interesting past. These old buildings are visual reminders of an area’s cultural heritage and the people that once played a key role in being part of it. Historical buildings are best adapted for reuse as architects are looking at ways to make these buildings more sustainable.
If we didn’t undertake historical building preservation, there would be nothing left of our history in architectural terms. Demolishing an old building could mean an important part of our history is gone forever. Many of the old buildings are a treasure trove in architectural terms that tell us something important about our historical past.
I do accept that in Sri Lanka we must do what is feasible and appropriate for our country. It is however important to pick up from other countries how they deal with the common issues. In London space is precious and is at a premium. St Thomas’ hospital was established in 1100, Guys Hospital in 1720 and King’s College Hospital in 1840. All those hospitals have had many face lifts and extensions to accommodate new technology and more patients. The Medical Schools are closely connected to those hospitals. Whenever possible they have preserved the original façade of the old red brick buildings which have been included in the National Heritage List to be preserved for posterity. I wish we can preserve the façade of that iconic Anatomy Block and the other parts of historical interest like the old anatomy lecture hall built like a Greek style amphitheatre.
I am immensely grateful to Prof. Sanath Lamabadusuriya who brought this to my attention. We are fortunate to have a person of his calibre and wisdom. He is the current President of Colombo Medical School Alumni Association and is greatly respected by all. We are so pleased Sanath will take an interest in the progress of this process of refurbishment and restoration. I can rest assured he will deal with this project thoughtfully and with sensitivity.
The Golden era of anatomy in the Medical Faculty comes to an end as the Old Anatomy Block gives up being a place for human cadaveric dissections. It has served us well for over a hundred years. The building will stand as a tribute to the learned Professors and Lecturers who walked those hallowed precincts and taught anatomy to generations of students. Their photos adorn the walls of the main hallway. Some had tempers that would terrify even the boldest. Their voices must still swirl in ether of that great institution. Meanwhile, if you are ever in the neighbourhood, do wander around. That’s the closest you’ll ever get to soak up the atmosphere of an era that will soon disappear into oblivion.
by Dr Gotabhya Ranasinghe
Senior Consultant Cardiologist
National Hospital Sri Lanka
When we sought a meeting with Hon Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health, he graciously cleared his busy schedule to accommodate us. Renowned for his attentive listening and deep understanding, Minister Pathirana is dedicated to advancing the health sector. His openness and transparency exemplify the qualities of an exemplary politician and minister.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the current Health Secretary, demonstrates both commendable enthusiasm and unwavering support. This combination of attributes makes him a highly compatible colleague for the esteemed Minister of Health.
Our discussion centered on a project that has been in the works for the past 30 years, one that no other minister had managed to advance.
Minister Pathirana, however, recognized the project’s significance and its potential to revolutionize care for heart patients.
The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility at the premises of the National Hospital Colombo. The project’s location within the premises of the National Hospital underscores its importance and relevance to the healthcare infrastructure of the nation.
This facility will include a cardiology building and a tertiary care center, equipped with the latest technology to handle and treat all types of heart-related conditions and surgeries.
Securing funding was a major milestone for this initiative. Minister Pathirana successfully obtained approval for a $40 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank. With the funding in place, the foundation stone is scheduled to be laid in September this year, and construction will begin in January 2025.
This project guarantees a consistent and uninterrupted supply of stents and related medications for heart patients. As a result, patients will have timely access to essential medical supplies during their treatment and recovery. By securing these critical resources, the project aims to enhance patient outcomes, minimize treatment delays, and maintain the highest standards of cardiac care.
Upon its fruition, this monumental building will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, symbolizing the unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering a healthier society.We anticipate a future marked by significant progress and positive outcomes in Sri Lanka’s cardiovascular treatment landscape within the foreseeable timeframe.
by Fr. Emmanuel Fernando, OMI
Jesuit Fr. Aloysius Pieris (affectionately called Fr. Aloy) celebrated his 90th birthday on April 9, 2024 and I, as the editor of our Oblate Journal, THE MISSIONARY OBLATE had gone to press by that time. Immediately I decided to publish an article, appreciating the untiring selfless services he continues to offer for inter-Faith dialogue, the renewal of the Catholic Church, his concern for the poor and the suffering Sri Lankan masses and to me, the present writer.
It was in 1988, when I was appointed Director of the Oblate Scholastics at Ampitiya by the then Oblate Provincial Fr. Anselm Silva, that I came to know Fr. Aloy more closely. Knowing well his expertise in matters spiritual, theological, Indological and pastoral, and with the collaborative spirit of my companion-formators, our Oblate Scholastics were sent to Tulana, the Research and Encounter Centre, Kelaniya, of which he is the Founder-Director, for ‘exposure-programmes’ on matters spiritual, biblical, theological and pastoral. Some of these dimensions according to my view and that of my companion-formators, were not available at the National Seminary, Ampitiya.
Ever since that time, our Oblate formators/ accompaniers at the Oblate Scholasticate, Ampitiya , have continued to send our Oblate Scholastics to Tulana Centre for deepening their insights and convictions regarding matters needed to serve the people in today’s context. Fr. Aloy also had tried very enthusiastically with the Oblate team headed by Frs. Oswald Firth and Clement Waidyasekara to begin a Theologate, directed by the Religious Congregations in Sri Lanka, for the contextual formation/ accompaniment of their members. It should very well be a desired goal of the Leaders / Provincials of the Religious Congregations.
Besides being a formator/accompanier at the Oblate Scholasticate, I was entrusted also with the task of editing and publishing our Oblate journal, ‘The Missionary Oblate’. To maintain the quality of the journal I continue to depend on Fr. Aloy for his thought-provoking and stimulating articles on Biblical Spirituality, Biblical Theology and Ecclesiology. I am very grateful to him for his generous assistance. Of late, his writings on renewal of the Church, initiated by Pope St. John XX111 and continued by Pope Francis through the Synodal path, published in our Oblate journal, enable our readers to focus their attention also on the needed renewal in the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. Fr. Aloy appreciated very much the Synodal path adopted by the Jesuit Pope Francis for the renewal of the Church, rooted very much on prayerful discernment. In my Religious and presbyteral life, Fr.Aloy continues to be my spiritual animator / guide and ongoing formator / acccompanier.
Fr. Aloysius Pieris, BA Hons (Lond), LPh (SHC, India), STL (PFT, Naples), PhD (SLU/VC), ThD (Tilburg), D.Ltt (KU), has been one of the eminent Asian theologians well recognized internationally and one who has lectured and held visiting chairs in many universities both in the West and in the East. Many members of Religious Congregations from Asian countries have benefited from his lectures and guidance in the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) in Manila, Philippines. He had been a Theologian consulted by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences for many years. During his professorship at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was called to be a member of a special group of advisers on other religions consulted by Pope Paul VI.
Fr. Aloy is the author of more than 30 books and well over 500 Research Papers. Some of his books and articles have been translated and published in several countries. Among those books, one can find the following: 1) The Genesis of an Asian Theology of Liberation (An Autobiographical Excursus on the Art of Theologising in Asia, 2) An Asian Theology of Liberation, 3) Providential Timeliness of Vatican 11 (a long-overdue halt to a scandalous millennium, 4) Give Vatican 11 a chance, 5) Leadership in the Church, 6) Relishing our faith in working for justice (Themes for study and discussion), 7) A Message meant mainly, not exclusively for Jesuits (Background information necessary for helping Francis renew the Church), 8) Lent in Lanka (Reflections and Resolutions, 9) Love meets wisdom (A Christian Experience of Buddhism, 10) Fire and Water 11) God’s Reign for God’s poor, 12) Our Unhiddden Agenda (How we Jesuits work, pray and form our men). He is also the Editor of two journals, Vagdevi, Journal of Religious Reflection and Dialogue, New Series.
Fr. Aloy has a BA in Pali and Sanskrit from the University of London and a Ph.D in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Sri Lankan, Vidyodaya Campus. On Nov. 23, 2019, he was awarded the prestigious honorary Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) by the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, the Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Dharmakirthi Sri Kusala Dhamma Thera.
Fr. Aloy continues to be a promoter of Gospel values and virtues. Justice as a constitutive dimension of love and social concern for the downtrodden masses are very much noted in his life and work. He had very much appreciated the commitment of the late Fr. Joseph (Joe) Fernando, the National Director of the Social and Economic Centre (SEDEC) for the poor.
In Sri Lanka, a few religious Congregations – the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Christian Brothers, the Marist Brothers and the Oblates – have invited him to animate their members especially during their Provincial Congresses, Chapters and International Conferences. The mainline Christian Churches also have sought his advice and followed his seminars. I, for one, regret very much, that the Sri Lankan authorities of the Catholic Church –today’s Hierarchy—- have not sought Fr.
Aloy’s expertise for the renewal of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka and thus have not benefited from the immense store of wisdom and insight that he can offer to our local Church while the Sri Lankan bishops who governed the Catholic church in the immediate aftermath of the Second Vatican Council (Edmund Fernando OMI, Anthony de Saram, Leo Nanayakkara OSB, Frank Marcus Fernando, Paul Perera,) visited him and consulted him on many matters. Among the Tamil Bishops, Bishop Rayappu Joseph was keeping close contact with him and Bishop J. Deogupillai hosted him and his team visiting him after the horrible Black July massacre of Tamils.
Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
By Gomi Senadhira
senadhiragomi@gmail.com
“You might tell fairy tales, but the progress of a country cannot be achieved through such narratives. A country cannot be developed by making false promises. The country moved backward because of the electoral promises made by political parties throughout time. We have witnessed that the ultimate result of this is the country becoming bankrupt. Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet.” – President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 2024 Budget speech
Any Sri Lankan would agree with the above words of President Wickremesinghe on the false promises our politicians and officials make and the fairy tales they narrate which bankrupted this country. So, to understand this, let’s look at one such fairy tale with lots of false promises; Ranil Wickremesinghe’s greatest achievement in the area of international trade and investment promotion during the Yahapalana period, Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA).
It is appropriate and timely to do it now as Finance Minister Wickremesinghe has just presented to parliament a bill on the National Policy on Economic Transformation which includes the establishment of an Office for International Trade and the Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade.
Was SLSFTA a “Cleverly negotiated Free Trade Agreement” as stated by the (former) Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate on the SLSFTA in July 2018, or a colossal blunder covered up with lies, false promises, and fairy tales? After SLSFTA was signed there were a number of fairy tales published on this agreement by the Ministry of Development Strategies and International, Institute of Policy Studies, and others.
However, for this article, I would like to limit my comments to the speech by Minister Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate, and the two most important areas in the agreement which were covered up with lies, fairy tales, and false promises, namely: revenue loss for Sri Lanka and Investment from Singapore. On the other important area, “Waste products dumping” I do not want to comment here as I have written extensively on the issue.
1. The revenue loss
During the Parliamentary Debate in July 2018, Minister Samarawickrama stated “…. let me reiterate that this FTA with Singapore has been very cleverly negotiated by us…. The liberalisation programme under this FTA has been carefully designed to have the least impact on domestic industry and revenue collection. We have included all revenue sensitive items in the negative list of items which will not be subject to removal of tariff. Therefore, 97.8% revenue from Customs duty is protected. Our tariff liberalisation will take place over a period of 12-15 years! In fact, the revenue earned through tariffs on goods imported from Singapore last year was Rs. 35 billion.
The revenue loss for over the next 15 years due to the FTA is only Rs. 733 million– which when annualised, on average, is just Rs. 51 million. That is just 0.14% per year! So anyone who claims the Singapore FTA causes revenue loss to the Government cannot do basic arithmetic! Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I call on my fellow members of this House – don’t mislead the public with baseless criticism that is not grounded in facts. Don’t look at petty politics and use these issues for your own political survival.”
I was surprised to read the minister’s speech because an article published in January 2018 in “The Straits Times“, based on information released by the Singaporean Negotiators stated, “…. With the FTA, tariff savings for Singapore exports are estimated to hit $10 million annually“.
As the annual tariff savings (that is the revenue loss for Sri Lanka) calculated by the Singaporean Negotiators, Singaporean $ 10 million (Sri Lankan rupees 1,200 million in 2018) was way above the rupees’ 733 million revenue loss for 15 years estimated by the Sri Lankan negotiators, it was clear to any observer that one of the parties to the agreement had not done the basic arithmetic!
Six years later, according to a report published by “The Morning” newspaper, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) on 7th May 2024, Mr Samarawickrama’s chief trade negotiator K.J. Weerasinghehad had admitted “…. that forecasted revenue loss for the Government of Sri Lanka through the Singapore FTA is Rs. 450 million in 2023 and Rs. 1.3 billion in 2024.”
If these numbers are correct, as tariff liberalisation under the SLSFTA has just started, we will pass Rs 2 billion very soon. Then, the question is how Sri Lanka’s trade negotiators made such a colossal blunder. Didn’t they do their basic arithmetic? If they didn’t know how to do basic arithmetic they should have at least done their basic readings. For example, the headline of the article published in The Straits Times in January 2018 was “Singapore, Sri Lanka sign FTA, annual savings of $10m expected”.
Anyway, as Sri Lanka’s chief negotiator reiterated at the COPF meeting that “…. since 99% of the tariffs in Singapore have zero rates of duty, Sri Lanka has agreed on 80% tariff liberalisation over a period of 15 years while expecting Singapore investments to address the imbalance in trade,” let’s turn towards investment.
Investment from Singapore
In July 2018, speaking during the Parliamentary Debate on the FTA this is what Minister Malik Samarawickrama stated on investment from Singapore, “Already, thanks to this FTA, in just the past two-and-a-half months since the agreement came into effect we have received a proposal from Singapore for investment amounting to $ 14.8 billion in an oil refinery for export of petroleum products. In addition, we have proposals for a steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million), sugar refinery ($ 200 million). This adds up to more than $ 16.05 billion in the pipeline on these projects alone.
And all of these projects will create thousands of more jobs for our people. In principle approval has already been granted by the BOI and the investors are awaiting the release of land the environmental approvals to commence the project.
I request the Opposition and those with vested interests to change their narrow-minded thinking and join us to develop our country. We must always look at what is best for the whole community, not just the few who may oppose. We owe it to our people to courageously take decisions that will change their lives for the better.”
According to the media report I quoted earlier, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chief Negotiator Weerasinghe has admitted that Sri Lanka was not happy with overall Singapore investments that have come in the past few years in return for the trade liberalisation under the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. He has added that between 2021 and 2023 the total investment from Singapore had been around $162 million!
What happened to those projects worth $16 billion negotiated, thanks to the SLSFTA, in just the two-and-a-half months after the agreement came into effect and approved by the BOI? I do not know about the steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million) and sugar refinery ($ 200 million).
However, story of the multibillion-dollar investment in the Petroleum Refinery unfolded in a manner that would qualify it as the best fairy tale with false promises presented by our politicians and the officials, prior to 2019 elections.
Though many Sri Lankans got to know, through the media which repeatedly highlighted a plethora of issues surrounding the project and the questionable credentials of the Singaporean investor, the construction work on the Mirrijiwela Oil Refinery along with the cement factory began on the24th of March 2019 with a bang and Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his ministers along with the foreign and local dignitaries laid the foundation stones.
That was few months before the 2019 Presidential elections. Inaugurating the construction work Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the projects will create thousands of job opportunities in the area and surrounding districts.
The oil refinery, which was to be built over 200 acres of land, with the capacity to refine 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was to generate US$7 billion of exports and create 1,500 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs. The construction of the refinery was to be completed in 44 months. Four years later, in August 2023 the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to cancel the agreement with the investors of the refinery as the project has not been implemented! Can they explain to the country how much money was wasted to produce that fairy tale?
It is obvious that the President, ministers, and officials had made huge blunders and had deliberately misled the public and the parliament on the revenue loss and potential investment from SLSFTA with fairy tales and false promises.
As the president himself said, a country cannot be developed by making false promises or with fairy tales and these false promises and fairy tales had bankrupted the country. “Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet”.
(The writer, a specialist and an activist on trade and development issues . )
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