Regardless of the obstacles we encounter, we owe it to our patients not to allow the high standards we have upheld thus far to diminish. Therefore, Excellence should remain our ultimate goal in all that we do. Excellence in an environment with limited resources can only be achieved through Innovation.

The SLCO has played a pioneering role in reorganizing the cancer care network in Sri Lanka, seeking to optimize the utilization of existing resources, streamline operations, minimize waste, and enhance the efficiency of our workforce through innovative thinking. Initiatives such as the development of a prioritized list of essential medications, the establishment of mechanisms to share radiotherapy facilities, the formulation of clinical practice guidelines, and the provision of telemedicine services in collaboration with telecommunication providers are just a few examples of our innovative endeavours. It is our hope that this year will serve as a launch pad to propel these innovations to the next level.

A primary focus during my term as SLCO president is enhancing the knowledge and skills of our members to elevate the quality of care we provide to our patients.

• A key activity is the radiotherapy contouring and planning session started at Apeksha Hospital with the participation of oncologists, oncology trainees, radiologists and physicists. I intend to expand these academic activities to all cancer units in the country and conduct it fortnightly, so that, all members can participate in these sessions.
• Our Annual academic sessions also play very important role in this strategy. We have confirmed the dates and booked the venue and plan to constitute the scientific committee at the first council meeting itself to ensure we come up with an effective academic program.
• We aim to foster increased collaborations with other colleges, conduct joint sessions and workshops, and maintain the vigour of our CME activities, guest lectures, and journal clubs for our trainees.
• Another goal is restarting international researches in collaboration with other academic colleges and Universities and to increase the research activities among the trainees and the hospitals.
• In addition, we are planning to have three regional meetings at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, Teaching Hospital Badulla and Teaching Hospital Kurunegala to boost our academic activities in the year 2024.
• Building a robust relationship with Ministry of Health officials is another priority. To improve cancer services in Sri Lanka, we need their support. Regular meetings with the Secretary, Ministry of Health, and Director General of Health Services will be sought, with a goal of at least quarterly engagements in the coming year.

I view advocacy as a primary responsibility of the SLCO. As the SLCO, we regard raising public awareness about cancer as a crucial role and a responsibility towards the general public. We are strategizing to develop additional programs and campaigns focused on public awareness, and we will actively collaborate with both mass and social media to enhance the understanding of cancer among the public.

These are some of the plans my council and I have for the upcoming year, and we welcome new ideas from our members for consideration. I invite everyone to join hands with the SLCO to ensure we reach the lofty goals we have set for ourselves this year and ensure patients with cancer in Sri Lanka benefit from all our collaborative endeavours. While these activities may pose challenges, I am confident that with the support of all our members, we can achieve our objectives. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue to provide the highest standard of care to those who depend on us.

I eagerly look forward to a fruitful year ahead.

Thank you.

Dr Umagowry Saravanamuttu MBBS, MD

President

The Sri Lanka College of Oncologists