Faculty of Medicine Launches Diploma in Paramedical Sciences for Suwa Seriya Emergency Medical Technicians

The Faculty of Medicine officially inaugurated the Diploma in Paramedical Sciences for Emergency Medical Technicians on June 22, 2026, at the Department of Medical Education, UCFM Tower. The programme has been designed to enhance the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) serving the Suwa Seriya Foundation (1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service).
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Hansaka Wijemuni, as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by several distinguished invitees, including Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice-Chancellor of the University; Major (Rtd) Niroshan Ratnayake, Chairman of the Suwa Seriya Foundation; Dr Srilal de Silva, Chief Medical Officer of the Foundation; Senior Professor Pujitha Wickramasinghe, Dean; Senior Professor Vajira Dissanayake, Former Dean; Professor Gominda Ponnamperuma, Head of the Department of Medical Education of the Faculty of Medicine.
The first intake of the programme comprises thirty Emergency Medical Technicians from the Suwa Seriya Foundation. The diploma programme has been developed by the Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine. EMTs play a critical role in delivering timely and life-saving care in pre-hospital settings, bridging the gap between the site of an emergency and definitive treatment at healthcare facilities. The Diploma in Paramedical Sciences for EMTs aims to strengthen the competencies of EMTs in providing rapid emergency response, effective pre-hospital assessment and treatment, patient stabilisation and transport, communication with healthcare facilities, and disaster management. Resource persons for the programme include Academic staff of the Faculty and Consultants of the Ministry of Health. Through this programme, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to deliver high-quality emergency medical services that contribute to improved patient outcomes and a stronger emergency care system in Sri Lanka.
The Faculty remains committed to fostering excellence in healthcare education and supporting national initiatives aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s emergency medical services through high-quality academic and professional training programmes.