The Institute of Research & Development (IRD), led by Prof. Athula Sumathipala (Director, IRD), recently held a landmark collaborative meeting with the Sri Lanka College of Specialist Family Physicians (SLCSFP), marking an exciting step forward for primary healthcare in our country.
We were proud to welcome the SLCSFP leadership, including Dr. Udantha Rathgamage (Secretary), Dr. Achintha Dissanayake (Past Secretary), Dr. Prabhath Nanayakkara, Dr. Kumara Mendis, and Dr. Lalantha Senaratne, as they joined hands with our IRD team to chart a bold new course for Family Medicine in Sri Lanka.
Together, we discussed:
✅ Strengthening research capacity for MD Family Medicine trainees
✅ A proposed 4-tier National Primary Care System to transform how healthcare is delivered
✅ Evidence-based approaches to managing Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) – affecting 20% of primary care consultations
✅ A joint research study across Kurunegala, Gampaha & Colombo districts
✅ Capacity building workshops and training opportunities for primary care doctors
A special appreciation to Dr. Priyantha Halambarachchige (President, SLCSFP) and the entire college council for driving this vision forward.
This partnership is driven by one shared goal, bridging the gap between research and real-world primary care for the people of Sri Lanka.
Together, we are working towards a healthier nation, built on evidence, collaboration, and compassionate care.
