The Ceylon College of Physicians came into being after an informal meeting of eleven Physicians on the 25th of July 1967 in the Consultants' Lounge of the General Hospital Colombo (now the National Hospital of Sri Lanka) and has since then remained true to the inspired vision of its founders: to promote the dissemination of up-to-date medical knowledge, promote research and thereby foster postgraduate education in medicine. The 1967 get-together included Professor K. Rajasuriya, Dr O.R Medonza, Dr E. Mirando, Dr W.D.L Fernando, Dr W. Wijenaike and Dr N.D.W. Lionel. The Inaugural Meeting of the College, held on the 26th of September 1967 at the Clinical Lecture theatre of the General Hospital, Colombo, considered and adopted the draft constitution presented by the Chairman. All those present at that meeting, as well as those applying for membership within a month, qualified to be founder members of the College.
Dr E.M.Wijerama delivered the first foundation lecture on 19th of February 1968, his subject being "Physicians, ancient and modern". The lecture was followed by dinner at the Hotel Samudra, where covers were laid for 119 members & guests. The cost of the dinner was an unbelievable Rs.l5/-per person. In keeping with the objectives of the College the Council decided to organize scientific meetings, they being restricted topresentation of original research papers by members, and to lectures by visiting professors.
The first office bearers of the College
President
Dr E.M. Wijerama
Vice President
Dr L.O. Abeyratne
Hon. Jt. Secretaries
Dr Channa Wijesinghe Dr N.D.W. Lionel
Council members
Dr E. H. Mirando Prof. K. Rajasuriya Dr D. B. Gunasekera Dr 0. R. Medonza Dr W. D. L. Fernando Dr Doris Peiris Dr L. Ranasinghe
The scientific papers presented that year were by
Dr K. Dharmadasa - The ECG in healthy young Ceylonese
Dr I. S. M. Fernando - The role of the physician in road safety
Dr D. R. Laurence - Topics in cardiovascular pharmacology
Dr E.M. Wijerama held the office of President of the College for three consecutive years. The official College Emblem, approved during his tenure of office, consisted of a circle of petals of the Nelum flower enclosing the medicinal pot in which are displayed the traditional oil lamp (representing spread of knowledge) and of course, the healer's snake-and-staff, the international symbols of the profession. The name of the College appears above the pot, while the motto in Sanskrit, "Arogyam Shanthi Sukham"- meaning Cure Relief and Comfort appears below it. The emblem was designed by Prof. N. Kodagoda. The College colours - maroon, black and silver - are displayed on the Banner of the College designed by Dr Lakshman Ranasinghe. The College was incorporated by statute in its very first year of existence, the Bill being presented to Parliament by Dr Lenora and ratified by the Senate in 1971, thus making history by becoming the first College in the country to be so incorporated. Dr Satkurunathan, elected the first Treasurer of the College, worked indefatigably to obtain "approved charity" status and establish a Board of Trustees. A College Trust was set up to finance approved research projects. The promotion of research has remained an important function of the College. Several grants have been made for approved research projects. The College awards prizes for outstanding papers presented at its annual Scientific Sessions and at the Young Physicians' Forum.
