Sri Lanka College of Haematologists (SLCH)
Evolution of the Sri Lanka College of Haematologists (SLCH)
The Sri Lanka College of Haematologists (SLCH) was formally established on 11th December 1997 under the Companies Act No. 17 of 1982. Its formation marked a turning point in the recognition of haematology as a distinct medical specialty in Sri Lanka, laying the foundation for a unified professional body dedicated to the advancement of laboratory and clinical haematology.
Until the late 20th century, haematology in Sri Lanka was primarily practiced as part of pathology. While laboratory services were well established, patient care was largely the responsibility of physicians and oncologists. This model left a critical gap—haematologists contributed significantly to diagnostics but had limited opportunities for structured clinical training or direct patient management.
The growing realization of these limitations led to the establishment of the Association of Haematologists in 1996, which soon evolved into the Sri Lanka College of Haematologists in 1997. This transformation provided an independent platform for the specialty, strengthening its voice in professional, academic, and policy-making spheres.
From its inception, SLCH placed strong emphasis on postgraduate education and structured training. The College collaborated with the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) to introduce the MD in Haematology in 2002, followed by the MD in Clinical Haematology in 2014. These milestones enabled the development of a comprehensive training pathway that combined laboratory expertise with clinical practice, ensuring that haematologists could provide holistic care comparable to international standards.
Workshops, symposia, and training resources—often enriched by global collaborations—have continued to enhance postgraduate education. Through academic meetings, mock examinations, and mentoring, SLCH has nurtured generations of specialists who now serve across the country.
The evolution of postgraduate training was paralleled by the expansion of clinical haematology services. From outpatient consultations and referrals, services grew to include dedicated day-care units, shared ward-based care, and dedicated inpatient haematology wards in major hospitals. Selected centres now provide autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, a testament to the rapid progress of the specialty.
SLCH has also been instrumental in establishing and strengthening Haemophilia and ThalassaemiaCentres, ensuring better access and quality of care for patients with inherited blood disorders.
Beyond education and service delivery, the College plays an active role in policy formulation, clinical guideline development, clinical audits, and outcome reporting. It works closely with the Ministry of Health and other professional bodies to improve the standards of care across the nation.
Through scientific congresses, workshops, publications, and international collaborations, SLCH continues to connect Sri Lankan haematology with the global professional community, echoing the models of renowned haematology societies worldwide.
Today, Sri Lanka has a growing cadre of specialist haematologists—trained locally and internationally—who serve patients across the island. The evolution of the specialty has ensured that patients with blood disorders have access to modern, evidence-based, and compassionate care close to home.
With its unwavering focus on education, research, advocacy, and patient-centred service, the Sri Lanka College of Haematologists remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, shaping the future of haematology in Sri Lanka and standing alongside leading international haematology societies in advancing the specialty.
Tracing the Roots of the Sri Lanka College of Haematologists
Tracing the history of Pathology in Sri Lanka, we find that at the beginning of this century, there were no trained Pathologists. Pathology was practiced by clinicians. The first Sri Lankan to be elected a member of the Pathological Society of Great Britain & Ireland was Dr. Doyne Seneviratne L.M.S, M.D. (Lond) . The first Professor of Pathology of the Colombo Medical School was Professor W.A.E. Karunaratne MBBS (Lond) MD (Med) MD (Path), FRCP, FRCPath. Both of them were primarily Histopathologists. The next generation of pathologists in the country had primary MBBS degree from the Colombo medical school, obtained DCP and /or D Path (UK), returned to the country to practice all four disciplines of pathology. Dr. M Nanda Prematilleke MBBS (Cey) , D Path, DCP, FRC Path was the first haematologist who started managing patients with haematological disorders including malignancies during her tenure at the general hospital Kandy from 1964 to 1971 and 1975 to 1987.
A landmark in postgraduate education in Sri Lanka was the setting-up of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine in Colombo. Postgraduate examinations in Pathology were started in Sri Lanka in 1983. Evolution of Haematology practice in Sri Lanka has passed through three more phases. The first phase was when qualified Haematologists became available but was still appointed as Pathologists. They functioned only as diagnosticians. The first Consultant Haematologist, Dr. Phyllis Ganegoda was appointed to General Hospital Colombo in 1985.
Second phase was when qualified Haematologists were appointed as Laboratory Haematologists, starting from a few more hospitals such as National Cancer hospital, Lady Ridgeway children’s hospital , and General hospitals Kandy and Galle.
Third phase was the introduction of MD Clinical Haematology degree offered since 2014 and holders were board certified to practice clinical and laboratory Haematology.
The Sri Lanka College of Haematologists (SLCH) was formally established in December 1997 as a limited company under the Companies Act No. 17 of 1982. In 1996 the historic meeting establishing the Association of Haematologists was held at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo attended by the founder members, Professor S B Ellepola, Dr. A Phyllis M Ganegoda, Dr. Arundathi P Kurukulasuriya, Dr. M Nanda Prematilleke, Dr. Mala N Tudawe, Dr. H M Sudharma Vidyatilake and Dr. Indira S Wijesiriwardena. To start an academic association was the brain child of Dr. Arundathi Kurukulasuriya, who organised the first historic meeting. Sri Lanka College of Haematologists (SLCH) was registered in 1997 with the intention of getting more legal stability, involve in academic activities, training and development of the specialty in general.
VISION
To advance excellence in haematology through education, research, advocacy, and service development, whileensuring the highest standards of care for all patients with blood disorders in Sri Lanka.
MISSION
To promote the practice of high -quality,evidence-based haematology in Sri Lanka by fostering professional development, advancing research, improving diagnostic and therapeutic services and advocating for equitable access to safe and effective patient care.