The proposal to establish a Student Crisis Fund which could be utilized to help students in acute personal crises came from one of our esteemed council members, Prof. Kapila Gunawardana. It was based on his own experiences of times when students were desperately in need of assistance when faced with extreme circumstances in their personal lives. These include, but are not limited to, serious personal health problems, serious health problems of parents or guardians including sudden death or permanent disability, and loss of or displacement from residences due to natural disasters. His suggestion was well received by the Council, following which the ‘Student Crisis Fund’ was immediately setup with contributions from our Alumni. A subcommittee comprising the President, Secretary, Treasurer and a senior member of the Advisory Board was formulated, and the operating guidelines under which this fund would function were laid down.

Free education is regarded as one of the great pillars of Sri Lanka’s upwardly mobile society. This privilege extends to higher education offered at State Universities such as the University of Peradeniya. In addition, national scholarship schemes such as the ‘Mahapola’ scheme are offered to a significant proportion of University entrants by the Government.

Despite all this support, financial constraints have often been an impediment to the successful academic progression of many undergraduates in Sri Lanka, including the Peradeniya Medical School. PeMSAA has always been actively involved in providing assistance to disadvantaged students upon request, and in the recent past, has been able to address this issue in a systematic and formalized manner.

The Inaugural Presentation Ceremony of the PeMSAA-UK Academic Award 2021 was held on the 15th December, 2021 at the “Latha Mandapaya”, Faculty of Medicine. The award consisting of plaques, certificates and a cash prize worth of Rs. 70000.00 was awarded to the best research project carried out by the undergraduates of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya. Representing PeMSAA-UK, Dr. Ashan Gunaratne (President Elect) graced the occasion. Prof. Thushara Kudagammana (President, PeMSAA), Prof. Vasanthi Pinto (Dean, Faculty of Medicine), Prof. Vajira Weerasinghe (representing the selection panel), Prof. Channa Rathnathunga (Emeritus Professor in Surgery), several Past Presidents of PeMSAA and the current Council of PeMSAA participated at the event.

In recognition of commendable research/ projects conducted by its alumni, PeMSAA-UK has established the PEMSAA-UK Academic Award for postgraduates. This award is intended to support the winner for further achievement in their research career.

Eligibility: The applicant should,

• Have qualified from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya within the last 15 years.
• Be a registered member of the local PeMSAA.
• Be a fully qualified doctor working as a non-Consultant grade Doctor in the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Higher Education or as a Family Practitioner.

The UK chapter of the PeMSAA (PeMSAA-UK) has taken a keen interest in supporting medical undergraduates in financial need. PeMSAA and PeMSAA-UK joined hands in 2020 in an initiative to offer the following studentships and stethoscopes to eligible students.

• PeMSAA-UK Studentship
• PeMSAA-UK Prof. Panabokke Studentship
• PeMSAA-UK Prof. Panabokke Student Stethoscopes Prize Fund

The capital was generated by PeMSAA-UK and transferred to PeMSAA. The Faculty of Medicine and PeMSAA will jointly carry out the selection process.

Student Support - Post Graduate Advisory Committee Placeholder

Undergraduate Student Support - Prof. Panabokke Studentship Placeholder