Carlo Fonseka Memorial Lecture 2024: Honoring a Visionary Legacy

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, proudly hosted the second Carlo Fonseka Memorial Lecture on 23 August 2024 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, honouring the late Professor Carlo Fonseka, whose influence spanned medicine, science, art, and politics. Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, served as the chief guest, with Senior Professor Anuja Premawardena delivering the memorial lecture. The event was also graced by the presence of Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and members of Professor Fonseka's family, Mrs. Indira and Indunil Fonseka. Emeritus professors, deans, faculty members, alumni, and students were in attendance.

In his welcome address, Dean Professor Madawa Chandratilake highlighted Professor Carlo Fonseka's remarkable contributions as a scientist, humanist, and philosopher. He was praised as the founding father of the faculty, with a vision to nurture doctors who embody both humanism and scientific rigour.

Upon the Dean's recommendation, senior Professor Anuja Premawardena, Chair and Senior Professor of Medicine was nominated by the faculty board to deliver the Carlo Fonseka Memorial Lecture 2024. Professor Premawardena captivated the audience with an insightful presentation on his research journey in thalassemia, showcasing the generation of new knowledge, capacity building, and significant patient outcomes in Sri Lanka. His scholarly speech added great honour to the event.

Medical students who were awarded Prof Carlo Fonseka Gold Medals for the best overall performance at the final MBBS examination during the last three years were felicitated at the event. 

The lecture followed the Young Researchers' Symposium, which connected students, alumni, and researchers, reflecting Professor Fonseka’s belief in creating a collaborative research culture. This event reinforced the faculty's dedication to research.