Sunday Times 2
A special birthday message to Professor Herbert Allan Aponso
View(s):Dear Professor Aponso,
On behalf of all of us—the proud graduates of the Peradeniya Medical School—we extend our most heartfelt and joyful congratulations as you mark your extraordinary 100th birthday! It is a rare and humbling honour to celebrate the life of someone who has not only been a mentor and guide but a true pioneer in the field of paediatrics in Sri Lanka.
Your dedication to both the academic and practical aspects of medicine, particularly in your groundbreaking work on the social causes of diseases, has shaped the way we approach our profession today. You taught us to look beyond the surface and to consider the deeper, often overlooked factors that influence health—such as the role of family, poverty, and society at large. This wisdom has been instrumental in moulding us into doctors who view our patients as whole individuals, not just as cases or symptoms.
Your tireless contributions to medical education and your unwavering commitment to your students have left an indelible mark on all of us. It is with immense gratitude that we acknowledge your guidance and mentorship, which have enriched our lives and inspired us to strive for excellence in everything we do. The knowledge you imparted and the compassion you instilled in us will continue to guide us throughout our careers.
As Peradeniya medical graduates, we stand united and proud in the knowledge and skills you have passed on to us. We are no longer just students but proud professionals, and we owe so much of that to your wisdom and dedication.
On this special occasion, we wish you the most blessed and joyous birthday. May God’s blessings be upon you, and may you continue to inspire and enlighten everyone around you. Your life has been a beacon of hope and knowledge, and as you celebrate this monumental milestone, we send you all our love and best wishes.
Happy 100th birthday, Professor Aponso! Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, and continued success.
With eternal gratitude and warmest wishes,
Your grateful students from Peradeniya Medical School (PEMMSA)
K Iswara, MD, Dr K Balakrishnan from New York, PEMSAA and others.