Forensic Medicine Victims of Sexual Violence Examination Training Program (2025)

 The Forensic Medicine Victims of Sexual Violence Examination Training Program, a collaborative activity with the Philippine National Police (PNP), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the University of Kelaniya was conducted from 1st to 12th December 2025. The program was also a collaboration between the Forensic Medicine and Paediatrics Departments of the University of Kelaniya. This marks the first occasion on which a training program was held for overseas experts in forensic medicine at the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Forensic Medicine. This took place under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Kelaniya and the ICRC.

Led by Senior Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe and Senior Prof. Indira Kitulwatte. The program aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge, clinical skills, and understanding of the medico-legal, ethical, legal, and psychosocial aspects of managing survivors of sexual violence.

The training adopted a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, combining lectures, practical demonstrations, mannequin-based hands-on sessions, clinical observations, interactive workshops, and field visits. Participants were trained in the full spectrum of sexual violence management, including early recognition, forensic examination, evidence collection, documentation, survivor-centered communication, report writing, and courtroom testimony.

Expert contributions from representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the judiciary, medico-legal professionals, mental health specialists, child protection services, and allied healthcare disciplines played a vital role the program. These sessions emphasized ethical practice, humanitarian principles, and the importance of coordinated multidisciplinary management.

Participants gained practical exposure through medico-legal examinations conducted by Judicial Medical Officers, observation of inward clinical assessments, and visits to child protection and rehabilitation institutions including Lamapiyasa Child Protection Unit, the Detention Home in Ranmuthugala, and LEEDS Negombo. These experiences highlighted real-world challenges and reinforced the need for holistic survivor support and intersectoral collaboration.

The program also addressed legal frameworks, comparative medico-legal systems, national and international guidelines, and the roles of key stakeholders such as health services, probation and child care authorities, the judiciary, and the National Child Protection Authority. A structured comparison of Sri Lankan and Philippine medico-legal systems enabled participants to identify gaps and propose improvements in local practice.

Psychosocial aspects of sexual violence were explored in depth through interactive discussions with consultant psychiatrists, strengthening participants’ ability to communicate sensitively with survivors of all ages.

The training concluded in a mock trial with the presence of a former high court judge Mrs. A.N.J. De Alwis, and a Deputy Solicitor General Ms. Maheshika De Silva, providing participants with practical experience in expert witness testimony and handling cross-examination. The program concluded with reflective discussions and the awarding of certificates by the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Senior Prof. Madawa Chandrathilake.

Other Resource persons who contributed to the program include Dr. Shobavi Randeny, Dr. Pabasara Wijayarathne, Prof. M.A.D.S.J.S Niriella, Prof. Miyuru Chandradasa, Prof. Rasika Herath, Dr. Chamara Wijesinghe, Dr. Hashan Pathiraja, Dr. Sujeewa Wickramarachchi, Dr. Pavithra Godamunne, Dr. Kapila Kunasingam, Dr. Dilini Vipulaguna and Dr L.D. Machanayake.