Vaccine Forum honours Dr. Jayasuriya
View(s):
Vaccine Forum President Dr. Omala Wimalaratne hands over the plaque to Vaccine Forum Founder Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya at the felicitation
The Vaccine Forum of Sri Lanka felicitated its Founder Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya at a ceremony held recently at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo.
Explaining why the Vaccine Forum had decided to honour Dr. Jayasuriya, the President of the Vaccine Forum, Dr. Omala Wimalaratne pointed out that back in 2009, the formation of an association with a few professionals interested in vaccinology was his brainchild and vision.
“Dr. Jayasuriya was the Founder and driving force for the establishment of the Vaccine Forum, with the objectives of enhancing the knowledge of medical professionals in vaccinology, creating awareness among the public on the benefits of immunization in the prevention of infectious diseases and also taking up vaccine issues with the policy-makers in the Health Ministry,” said Dr. Wimalaratne.
She said that it was Dr. Jayasuriya who persuaded and almost forced her to take up the post of Head of Department of Rabies and Vaccines at the Medical Research Institute, even before she was Board certified as a Consultant.
“I have associated closely with Dr. Jayasuriya since he embarked on the 1st edition of the publication on non-EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) vaccines by the Sri Lanka Medical Association in 2001. Both of us have been co-editors since the 2nd edition up to the sixth one, which was launched recently. He is a person who sets targets and deadlines to get the work accomplished and is always there at times of distress with his sound advice, guidance and support,” she said.
The citation “honouring an incredible man (Dr. Jayasuriya) who was able to inspire, support and guide individuals and organizations through successes and challenges” was read by the Dean of the Colombo Medical Faculty, Prof. Jennifer Perera.
The many high-level posts held by Dr. Jayasuriya include Director of the Colombo General Hospital (now the National Hospital), Director-General of Teaching Hospitals, Additional Secretary in the Health Ministry and since his retirement from government service Medical Advisor and subsequently Medical Director of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Sri Lanka. Currently he is a part-time Consultant at GSK.
Among the distinguished invitees at the felicitation were Dr. Jayasuriya’s wife Nimala, guest-speaker and Senior Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Ruvan Ekanayake, Presidents of other professional colleges and Past Presidents and members of the Vaccine Forum.