Message of the President

I’m very honoured by the association’s choice for the new President of the Sri Lankan Association of Geriatric Medicine (SLAGM). I hope to continue the work of previous Presidents and sub- Committees in working together with members to enable the association to fulfil its objectives and flourish in a challenging environment.

We witnessed The outgoing President and his council have done an outstanding job in their roles. Their tireless efforts and innovative approaches have significantly advanced the landscape of Geriatric Medicine in SL
The transition of the baton has been seamless, ensuring a smooth continuation of our efforts and objectives.”

As we all aware SLAGM is the apex professional organization of Geriatric Medicine in Sri Lanka. SLAGM brings all health professionals who are interested in Geriatric medicine together to a single platform facilitating the establishment of center of excellence for the continuous professional development.
I am greatly privileged to be a founder member when it was established in 2014 under the unwavering dedication, passion and foresight of Dr. Lalith Wijayaratne, the founder with few medical professionals of different disciplines. The foundation they laid, the values they instilled, and the legacy they created continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of geriatric care.

I dedicated significant effort and commitment in my roles as both a council member since the second council up to now and a Vice President of the Geriatric Association.
As we embark on this journey together, I am thrilled to announce our theme for the upcoming term: “Pioneering Age-Friendly Care: The Geriatric Association’s Leadership Journey.” This theme embodies our collective commitment to transforming our existing team into a geriatric-friendly powerhouse, setting a new standard for age-friendly care within the healthcare sector.

Although we discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary team with many members, we often find ourselves working with only a few of them in practice.”

Even with a smaller team, we can still achieve our goals if we effectively harness and apply their skills.

Together, we will embark on a path of innovation and collaboration, working tirelessly to enhance our understanding of geriatric care and communication skills with older adults. We will establish age-friendly policies and procedures, creating a welcoming and accommodating environment for seniors under our care.

Through partnerships with senior advocacy groups and experts in gerontology, we will stay at the forefront of best practices and cutting-edge approaches in geriatric care. We will organize regional meetings, training programs for health care professionals, knowledge enhancing programs for trainees, community outreach events, raising awareness about the importance of age-friendly practices and promoting healthy aging initiatives in our community.

As your president, I pledge to lead with integrity, compassion, and a relentless dedication to our mission of providing the highest quality care for older adults. Together, we will create a legacy of excellence and compassion that will be felt for generations to come.

I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to collaborating with each and every one of you to make our vision a reality. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your unwavering commitment to the well-being of older adults. Together, we will pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in geriatric care. Thank you.

Dr. Lasantha Ganewatta

President, Sri Lankan Association of Geriatric Medicine