About the
College
Established in 1971, the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka is dedicated to advancing surgical excellence across Sri Lanka and beyond
Founded in 1971 by Dr. P. R. Anthonis, the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka is the sole professional organization for the country’s practicing surgeons. Its leadership includes a President, President Elect, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, supported by a council of over 40 annually elected members. Lifetime membership is granted to board-certified surgical specialists who have passed the MD Surgery Part 2 examination, giving the College a current membership of over 600 surgeons across all specialties. As the premier surgical body, it encompasses several subspecialty associations, including those for orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, and minimal access surgery.
The College is a pivotal academic institution for surgical education. Its flagship event, the Annual Academic Sessions in September, attracts over 400 participants for lectures, symposia, and orations. It also conducts regular workshops for trainee surgeons and nurses, often with the Ministry of Health, specifically targeting healthcare professionals in rural areas with limited training access. Key instructional courses include the annually held National Trauma Management Course (NTMC), the six-week MD Surgery Part 1 and 2 programs, and the monthly Surgical Education and Training Session (SETS) course, which is streamed online to multiple general hospitals. Since 2005, the College has also hosted the International Intercollegiate MRCS exams in partnership with the Royal Colleges of England and Edinburgh.
Beyond education, the College supports career advancement by providing letters of recommendation for foreign employment. It collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) to assess practitioners for temporary surgical registration and has contributed to the development of the MOH’s specialist registry. Furthermore, a committee of consultant surgeons evaluates and approves surgical materials and instruments for industry use on behalf of the Ministry. Internally, the College addresses professional conduct and interpersonal conflicts among its members.
The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka remains dedicated to providing professional and academic support to the field of surgery. It continues to grow, aiming to enhance its members’ continuing professional development (CPD) through an increased number of national and international examinations, workshops, and events.
Our Vision
The College of Surgeons aims to be the apex surgical body in Sri Lanka and be at the forefront of:
1. Advancement of the science and art of surgery.
2. Promoting post graduate education in Sri Lanka.
3. Monitoring and maintaining standards of excellence in surgical care.
4. Prevention of surgical morbidity.
5. Promoting contact and fellowship among those engaged in the practice and advancement of surgery.