‘We should encourage young doctors to steer The College of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka’ – Dr. Rukshan Bellana

By Steve A. Morrell

With many senior medical administrators now approaching their retirement from service, it is imperative that young doctors be given the responsibility of steering The College of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka (CMASL) to greater heights, says Dr. Rukshan Bellana, the medical body’s secretary.

“With senior medical administrators bowing out, we should infuse new blood and new thinking by giving an opportunity to young medical professionals to take over the reins and spearhead the administration of the CMASL with dynamic focus on the journey ahead”, he told last week’s Special General Meeting of the prestigious institution.

President of the CMASL, Dr. B. B. S. Hemantha Benaragama, said that it is of relevance in today’s context that young professionals are entrusted with key positions to drive an organization to a new high.

“We should hand over the responsibility of steering the CMASL to young doctors who think ‘out of the box’ to represent the interests of all medical professionals in the country. That’s the need of the hour”, he emphasized.

Dr. Benaragama said the College was established in 1993, and over the past 27 years, progress of the profession and its interests were of importance in ensuring the rights of the College, with emphasis on its members and their professional standing.

He said development of health services in the country was imperative and continuation of interests of professional doctors is an essential aspect for the future of medical practitioners.

A detailed discussion continued during the meeting on the age of retirement of medical administrators, which was somewhat ambiguous and lacked clarity. It was resolved to re-examine the respective clause and report back on the findings.

Dr. Rani Fernando introduced the guest speaker Dr. Nimal Pathitraja, who spoke on food safety, chemical hazards of food, and methods for avoiding questionable food available on supermarket shelves.

Guest speaker Dr. Wimal Jayantha gave a graphic description of his skills in photography, which was also well received.