Collaborative Workshop on Forensic Medical Photography

The Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the Office of the Judicial Medical Officer, Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH) Ragama, the Board of Study in Forensic Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo and the Criminal Records Division (CRD) of the Sri Lanka Police, successfully conducted a two-day workshop on Forensic Medical Photography.

This workshop was held on 4th and 5th June 2025 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and the Office of the JMO, CNTH Ragama. The main resource person was Dr. Samual Evans PhD Chief Clinical Photographer, Dental Photography, School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, UK 

Prior to the workshop Dr.Samual Evans and the forensic medical experts from Sri Lanka met the Dean Prof. Madawa Chandrathilaka at the Deans office of the Faculty of medicine to discuss further collaborative work. 

The first day was dedicated to Pre-MD and Post-MD trainees in Forensic Medicine. It was organized under the guidance of the Board of Study in Forensic Medicine of PGIM. The sessions covered a wide range of topics including the value of forensic medical photography in legal contexts, standards and techniques in capturing medical evidence, and practical sessions on photographing injuries and pathological specimens. The program concluded with a review of photographs taken by trainees and the awarding of participation certificates.

The second day was exclusively designed for SOCO officers and Police Forensic Photographers, focusing on the legal importance and institutional practices of forensic photography. The workshop included practical photography sessions at the autopsy room and discussions on best practices and challenges in field photography. The Director of the Criminal Records Division also addressed the participants, emphasizing the evolving standards in forensic medical documentation.

This collaborative initiative not only strengthened academic and professional ties between local and international institutions but also provided a valuable training opportunity for future forensic specialists and law enforcement personnel in Sri Lanka.