09/12/2025
The Inaugural Ceremony
The Inaugural Ceremony for the 30th Annual Conference of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine was held on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at the Hilton Colombo.
The event marked the commencement of the conference whose theme was: "Translating Evidence into Action: Advancing Excellence in HIV/STI Prevention, Treatment, and Care".
The ceremony featured a message by the Chief Guest, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Sri Lanka. The Guest of Honour, Professor Matthew Phillips (President, The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV), addressed the gathering. The Special Guest, Dr. Rajesh Pandav (WHO Representative to Sri Lanka), also delivered an address. The Presidential Address, named after this year's theme, was delivered by Dr. Shyama Somawardhana, President of the College. The Vote of Thanks was given by Dr. Wasanthi Hemamala, Secretary of the College.
Several awards were presented at the Inaugural Ceremony of the 30th Annual Conference of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine were:
Fellowship of the SLCoSHH - awarded to Dr. Gayani Nanayakkara and Dr. Priyantha Weerasinghe recognising their contribution to the SLCoSHH .
Dr & Mrs Lucian Jayasuriya Medal for the best performance at the Diploma in Venereology Examination 2025 was awarded to Dr. Sandun Rajapakshe.
Dr Iyanthi Abeyewickreme Medal for the best performance at the MD in Venereology Examination 2025 was awarded to Dr. M. I. F. Masna.
A special Felicitation was given to to Dr. Jayadarie Ranatunga appreciating her dedication to the field of sexual health and HIV