For six decades, the Kandy Society of Medicine (KSM) has served as a cornerstone organization for medical and dental professionals in Sri Lanka. Established in 1964, KSM embarks on its 60th year with a Diamond Jubilee celebration marked by the much anticipated 46th Annual Academic Session. This milestone honors a rich legacy of unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence and professional development.
Driven by a Powerful Mission
KSM’s mission thrives on three pillars: fostering continuing medical education, nurturing health research, and cultivating a strong sense of community among healthcare professionals. Its membership, exceeding 1200 distinguished clinicians and scientists from renowned institutions like National Hospital Kandy and Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, bridges the gap between ministries, universities, and private sector professionals. The society’s objectives include educating the public about health concerns, fostering a community of health professionals, supporting health sciences research, and allowing health professionals to expand their expertise.
Impactful Achievements
Their annual and mid-year academic sessions are instrumental in fostering research development, while health research competitions ignite the passion of professionals and students alike to contribute to the ever-evolving medical research domain. Extending beyond city hospitals, weekly workshops and online discussions extend their reach to approximately 20 hospitals, supporting professionals working in these locations.
Compassionate Outreach and Community Service
Beyond academic pursuits, KSM actively engages in charitable events, embodying its compassionate identity. These include organizing free medical camps and consultations, offering generous donations to elderly homes, supporting cancer victims, and bringing warmth to institutions like the Dodanwela School for the Deaf and Blind. Remarkably, since 2000, KSM has done numerous exceptional projects across Central Province.
President’s Message of Pride and Dedication
Prof. Saman Nanayakkara, the esteemed current president, expresses heartfelt pride and humility as KSM reaches this landmark. He applauds the exemplary dedication and efficiency of those who have steered KSM to its current position of prestige and value. Dr. Nanayakkara reaffirms the society’s unwavering commitment to professional collaboration, vibrant social interaction, and impactful social welfare activities. The chosen theme, “Steering through crisis and enhancing health care,” reflects KSM’s unwavering dedication to overcoming challenges in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
“Founded in 1964, the Kandy Society of Medicine is stepping into its 60th year in 2023. It is with mixed feelings of pride and humility that I assume the duties of presiding over the affairs of the KSM as its 54th president. I would like to express my immense appreciation for the exemplary commitment and efficiency of others who have guided the KSM to its present status of prestige and value. KSM has a commendable record of promoting professional collaboration and facilitating social interaction among all specialties of medicine and dentistry. A variety of social welfare activities are also conducted regularly under the sponsorship of the KSM, for which manpower is voluntarily given by its membership. The theme of KSM for this year is “Steering through crisis and enhancing health care”. The council of KSM, which comprises a set of dedicated and hardworking doctors, is determined to perform at its best and steer KSM to further heights. I earnestly request the support of the membership to achieve our goals in all future activities.”
Highly Anticipated 46th Annual Academic Session
Excitement builds as the 46th Annual Academic Session unfolds from February 7th to 9th, 2024, at the Grand Kandyan Hotel. Graced by Prof. Richard Langford from the United Kingdom as the chief guest and Dr. Athira S, the Assistant High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, as the Guest of Honor, the event will feature academic presentations, orations, symposiums, guest lectures, interactive discussions, debates, quiz programs, and two fellowship dinners. Approximately 800-900 doctors are expected to participate over the three days, with seven pre-congress workshops currently underway. As KSM commemorates their Diamond Jubilee during these three days, they will be launching their music band “Apex Beat” adding musicality to this grand celebration.
A Future Radiating with Promise
As KSM celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, it continues to shine as a beacon for healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka. With a rich history of accomplishments and a commitment to excellence, the Kandy Society of Medicine looks forward to steering through crises, enhancing healthcare, and fostering collaboration for many more years to come.
-Sachinthani Ketakumbura
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