Professor Priyani Amarathunga Inducted as the President of the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka
Professor Priyani Amarathunga, the Head of the Department of Pathology and the Director of the Centre for Diagnosis and Research in Cancer, Faculty of Medicine was inducted as the President of the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka on 12th March 2025 at a function held at Monarch Imperial Hotel, Sri Jayawardenapura. The College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka, established in 1975 celebrates its 50th anniversary this year under the theme of commemorating the past, excelling in the present and aspiring for the future.
Professor Amarathunga’s presidential address under the theme of “Reflecting on the present, to prepare for tomorrow”, outlined the significant evolution of histopathology from autopsy-based analysis to the examination of minimally invasive biopsies facilitated by advanced clinical technologies. In preparation for these rapid advancements in histopathology, particularly in the context of cancer diagnosis and individualized treatment, Professor Amarathunga emphasized the critical need for enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration, rigorous adherence to standardized specimen handling protocols, and proactive integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence within the field.
Distinguished guests who attended the function included, Emeritus Professor Neelakanthi Ratnatunga, University of Peradeniya, the Chief Guest, Emeritus Professor Chandu de Silva, the Guest Speaker, Professor Vidya Jothi Vajira Dissanayake, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Emeritus Professor Jennifer Perera, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Emeritus Professor L R Amarasekera and Emeritus Professor Saroj Jayasinghe. Professor Chandu de Silva delivered the 50th Anniversary Lecture on “The Final Diagnosis: A 50-year Odyssey” highlighting the important events in the 50 years’ journey of the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Honorary Secretary Dr Lalani J De Silva.
