The scientific committee of the CORLHNS, spearheaded by Dr Ranjith Jayaweera, did splendid work in laying out an excellent scientific programme for this year’s event. It encompassed key areas of interest pertaining to this year’s theme: 'Precision tools in ENT – the way forward'. The focus was on novel technological advancements in the field of otorhinolaryngology, techniques that were well demonstrated by telecasted live surgeries and procedural videos.
Dr Yasath Weerakkody (above), the president of the College of Otorhinolaryngologists of Sri Lanka (CORLHNS), elaborated on the evolution of technology in the field of ENT. It was fascinating to see how the tools of our specialty evolved from cold steel instruments to the latest robotic surgeries. A pre-congress workshop featured live surgical demonstrations with a particular emphasis on laser and coblation techniques.
It was an academic feast with free-paper sessions, poster presentations, panel discussions and lecture demonstrations. Professor Nirmal Kumar (right), the president of the ENT UK, graced the event as a guest speaker. He delivered an excellent lecture on 'COVID post-pandemic impacts on training in ENT: UK perspective,' co-authored by Ms Catrin Evans Teaching Fellow, WWL Teaching NHS FT and Edge Hill Medical School.
Prof Kumar also delivered a key lecture on 'Robotics: Setting up a service and the way forward' with Prof Vinidh Paleri of Royal Marsden Hospital, co-authored by Mr Aravind Beemacharya, International Training Fellow, UK.
A notable event was the award of Honorary Fellowships of the College of Otorhinolaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgeons of Sri Lanka to three recipients for their outstanding contribution to the field of ENT. Prof Kumar, Dr Chandra Jayasuriya and Dr Senaka Welandawa were felicitated as the recipients for the year 2022.
There were free-paper presentations and the best research paper was awarded the Harishanda Memorial Prize. This year's recipient was Ms T Abayabandara Herath and the best poster award was presented to Dr Pragathi Weerakkody.
Foreign faculty included Professor Suren Krishnan (Australia) , Professor Prathamesh Pai (India) and Prof Ramanadeep Virk (India). The local faculty were Dr C Narampanawa and Dr DADG Daminda, consultant ENT surgeons from Sri Lanka.
In addition to the scientific work, it was an opportunity for networking and collaboration between ENT UK, CORLHNS, ENT Australia and India. Particularly enjoyable was a well-attended social event at Hotel Galadari. Postgraduate trainees and consultants alike benefitted intellectuality while relishing the company of their peers.
Ceylon Journal of Otolaryngology Issues 2021 and 2022 were tabled at the conference.
MTD Lakshan (right) MBBS MS DOHNS FRCSORL HNS FEB ORL HNS, Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon Nawaloka Hospital PLC, Colombo Sri Lanka.
