The Faculty of Medicine collaborated with the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka at its 50th Anniversary International Conference
The 50th Anniversary International Conference of the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka (CPSL), organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine and the British Division of the International Academy of Pathology, was held from 23rd to 25th October 2025, at the UCFM Tower, Faculty of Medicine. The conference, under the theme “Commemorating the Past, Excelling in the Present, and Aspiring for the Future,” was inaugurated on October 23, 2025. The Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Professor Priyani Amarathunga, President of CPSL for 2025 and Head of the Department of Pathology, welcomed the gathering and reflected on the College’s five-decade journey of excellence in pathology. The Dean of the Faculty, Vidya Jyothi Professor Vajira H.W. Dissanayake, and Dr Jan von der Thüsen, President, British Division of the International Academy of Pathology, addressed the audience, acknowledging the College’s significant academic and professional contributions.
The Chief Guest, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University, commended the College’s longstanding service to medical education, training, and healthcare development. The keynote lecture, “The Shifting of Sands: Evidence-Based Pathology and the WHO Classification of Tumours,” was delivered by Emeritus Professor Dilani Lokuhetty, the Head of the WHO Classification of Tumours Programme. Her presentation provided deep insights into the evolution of tumour diagnostics and global trends in pathology.
Highlights of the evening included the launch of “The Final Diagnosis – A 50 Year Odyssey”, a publication chronicling the history of the College of Pathologists and the development of laboratory medicine in Sri Lanka. It was co-authored by Emeritus Professor Chandu de Silva, Professors Janaki Hewavisenthi, Isha Prematilleke, and Dr Palitha Ratnayake. A copy of the book was presented to Emeritus Professor LR Amarasekera at the event.
The University of Colombo Dancing Circle performed on stage with a cultural show at the inauguration ceremony. The conference brought together over 235 delegates from 10 countries, featuring 13 distinguished international speakers representing the USA, UK, the Netherlands, France, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan, along with eminent local experts. The programme included nearly 200 abstract presentations and an innovative Art Exhibition offering unique perspectives on pathology.
