Friday, January 09, 2026

Prof. Ruwanthi Perera appointed 25th president of Perinatal Society of Sri Lanka

Professor Ruwanthi Perera has been officially appointed as the 25th president of the Perinatal Society of Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the country's maternal and neonatal healthcare leadership. This prestigious appointment positions her at the forefront of advancing perinatal care standards and research across Sri Lanka's healthcare system.

Leadership in Perinatal Medicine

The Perinatal Society of Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in promoting excellence in maternal and neonatal healthcare throughout the island nation. As the newly appointed president, Professor Perera brings extensive expertise and dedication to improving outcomes for mothers and babies during the critical perinatal period, which encompasses pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postnatal phase.

Her appointment comes at a time when Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and medical education systems. The perinatal period represents one of the most vulnerable times for both mothers and infants, making specialized care and continuous medical advancement essential for reducing mortality rates and improving long-term health outcomes.

Significance of the Perinatal Society

The Perinatal Society of Sri Lanka serves as the premier professional organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in perinatal medicine. The society focuses on multiple critical areas including obstetrics, neonatology, maternal-fetal medicine, and related subspecialties that directly impact pregnancy and early infant care.

Under Professor Perera's leadership, the society is expected to continue its mission of promoting research, education, and clinical excellence in perinatal care. The organization regularly conducts conferences, workshops, and training programs designed to keep healthcare professionals updated on the latest developments in maternal and neonatal medicine.

The society also plays a vital role in establishing clinical guidelines and best practices that healthcare institutions across Sri Lanka can implement to ensure consistent, high-quality care for pregnant women and newborns. These standards help reduce variations in care quality and improve overall health outcomes nationwide.

Impact on Sri Lankan Healthcare

Professor Perera's appointment represents continuity in the society's commitment to advancing perinatal care in Sri Lanka. The country has made significant strides in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates over recent decades, largely due to improved healthcare access, better training for medical professionals, and enhanced clinical protocols.

The new president's role will involve coordinating with government health departments, international medical organizations, and academic institutions to further strengthen Sri Lanka's perinatal care capabilities. This collaboration is essential for implementing evidence-based practices and ensuring that Sri Lankan healthcare standards align with global best practices.

Her leadership comes at a particularly important time as healthcare systems worldwide adapt to new challenges and opportunities in maternal and neonatal care. Advances in medical technology, improved understanding of perinatal physiology, and evolving treatment protocols require continuous professional development and organizational guidance.

Professional Development and Education

One of the key responsibilities of the Perinatal Society president involves overseeing educational initiatives that enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals working in maternal and neonatal care. This includes organizing continuing medical education programs, facilitating research collaborations, and promoting knowledge exchange among practitioners.

The society's educational programs benefit obstetricians, pediatricians, midwives, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who provide care during the perinatal period. These initiatives help ensure that all team members involved in maternal and neonatal care maintain current knowledge and skills necessary for providing optimal patient outcomes.

Professor Perera's leadership will likely emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in perinatal care, recognizing that successful outcomes depend on coordinated efforts among various healthcare specialties and support staff.

Future Directions

As the 25th president of the Perinatal Society of Sri Lanka, Professor Perera inherits a legacy of dedication to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Her tenure will likely focus on addressing current challenges in perinatal care while preparing for future developments in the field.

The appointment reflects the society's commitment to maintaining strong leadership in advancing perinatal medicine standards. Under her guidance, the organization is expected to continue its vital work in promoting research, education, and clinical excellence that directly benefits mothers and babies throughout Sri Lanka.

This leadership transition represents an important moment for Sri Lankan healthcare, particularly in the specialized field of perinatal medicine. Professor Perera's appointment ensures continued professional oversight and advocacy for the highest standards of care during one of life's most critical periods.