High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama co-chairs a Roundtable Discussion with Medical Professionals in London

A Roundtable Discussion with medical professionals in the United Kingdom was convened at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London on 20 March 2024. The roundtable was co-chaired by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Colombo University Professor -Vidya Jyothi (Dr.) Vajira Dissanayake. The objective of the discussion was to explore opportunities for collaboration between the medical and healthcare sectors of Sri Lanka and the UK.  

Recognizing their valuable contribution to the contemporary human society, High Commissioner Bogollagama in his opening remarks reiterated the requirement of strong collaboration between medical professionals of both countries in a wider spectrum, including sharing of knowledge and best practices, research collaboration and exchange of experiences. High Commissioner Bogollagama expressed confidence that such a continued partnership would benefit the medical and healthcare sectors of both countries. 

Following the remarks by Professor Vidya Jyothi Dissanayake and President of the Royal Society of Medicines of the UK Professor Roger Kirby, the floor was opened for discussion, shedding light on respective and possible areas of cooperation and collaboration, in relation to their institutions and expertise. The attendees exchanged their expertise and experiences on different areas of concern including application of medical statistics and data sharing, medical-AI and progressive development of extensions of medical sciences such as genealogy, training and exchanging electives, pharmaceutical related exchanges and related investments. The discussion also focused on non-communicable diseases as well as the significance of early detection to avoid their harmful effects on human life and society.

The participants agreed that the roundtable was the initial step towards increased collaboration and cooperation in medicine and healthcare between the two countries and that it would pave the way for further tangible initiatives in the near future.

The roundtable was attended by senior and prominent medical professionals from both countries. It was followed by a networking reception during which participating medical professionals shared their practical ideas and views on improving collaboration in the areas of mutual interests.