The Peradeniya Medical School Alumni Association (PeMSAA) was established in 1992 as the first alumni association of a medical school in Sri Lanka. The idea for its creation was initiated by a few members of the first undergraduate batch. What began as a modest organization has now grown into a global network, with chapters in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Bhutan. The Faculty of Medicine at Peradeniya, which has been in existence for over 63 years, has produced numerous alumni who are now serving in various parts of the world, contributing significantly to the well-being of humanity.

I am very proud and humbled to be elected as President of such an esteemed organization. It is with great humility and honor that I accept the role of the 17th President of PeMSAA for the next two years. I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to my predecessors and their councils for their outstanding contributions to bring PeMSAA to what it is today. Their vision and dedication have taken PeMSAA from strength to strength. I am pleased to announce that both the council and the broader membership have pledged their unwavering support, and I look forward to working alongside them to elevate PeMSAA to even greater heights.

The primary objectives of PeMSAA have always been to assist and support the medical school and its alumni, as well as to foster closer ties between alumni and students through various programs. Providing financial and other forms of support to the school and its alumni is also a major objective. Apart from the afore mentioned, pursuing any additional objectives that align with the above goals and are deemed necessary for the advancement of the Association is also one of the objectives. My council and I are committed to continuing these initiatives and strengthening them further, so that undergraduates can pursue their education with fewer financial burdens. We hope that recipients of these bursaries will, in turn, offer support to future students in need after their graduation.

In today’s healthcare environment, the human touch in medical practice is often lacking, and patients’ expectations for holistic care continue to grow. In response, we believe it is vital to equip modern-day medical students with the soft skills necessary for effective communication and compassionate care. Our committee intends to collaborate with the faculty administration to develop a program that will help instill these skills in our graduates.

Past councils have worked tirelessly to make the Faculty of Medicine a more comfortable and conducive environment for learning. PeMSAA has contributed to improving leisure spaces and continues to support the maintenance of the faculty premises. One such project the faculty has undertaken is the building of the faculty hub. Although the major part of the financial undertaking is done by the government funds, during our term, we plan to facilitate all along the construction process, both financially and in any way that deems necessary.

It was highlighted at the annual general meeting that we as an organization should engage in more social activity to promote fellowship among the alumni and to attract more members, especially from younger generations.

We would also like to contribute to the learning of medical students by conducting a weekly evening lecture on common clinical problems or even MCQ discussions that would help them get through examinations.

We deeply value the support of our overseas chapters and their contributions to student welfare. I look forward to strengthening the ties with these chapters and exploring opportunities for collaborative efforts that will benefit both PeMSAA and the students.

The alumni of the Peradeniya Medical School have always been ready to support their fellow students, faculty, and each other when needed. We will actively engage our broader alumni community to further strengthen the support for the betterment of both the faculty and the students. We aim to enhance and deepen the existing relationships, particularly with our overseas chapters.

To all alumni, I assure you that my council and I will deliver a promising program over the next two years. I kindly request your support in any way possible, so that together, we can make the Faculty of Medicine at Peradeniya better.

20th March 2025

Prof. Indumathie Nanayakkara
President
Peradeniya Medical School Alumni Association
Department of Physiology
Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka