Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, together with Prof. S. Rajendra, Prof. S. Kumaran, Prof. B. Balagobi, and Dr. S. Raguraman from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, had the privilege of participating in the 44th Biennial World Congress of the International College of Surgeons (ICS) – UROFAIR 2024, held in Singapore from December 4th to 6th, 2025, at the Ng Teng Fong Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI).
The congress, themed “Disruptive Innovation in Surgery: Sharing Technologies for Transformative Surgical Care,” brought together leading global experts to discuss cutting-edge advancements, emerging technologies, and innovative models aimed at transforming surgical science and patient care worldwide.
On 05.12.2025, Professor Thavam Thambipillai assumed office as the new President of the International College of Surgeons (ICS). The ICS is a prestigious global body dedicated to uniting surgeons and enhancing surgical care across nations. Professor Thambipillai widely respected internationally has made remarkable contributions to global surgery and to Sri Lanka, including to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Through his frequent engagements, he has supported numerous medical initiatives in the country.
As a longstanding member and current Vice President of IMHO-USA, he has played a key role for over two decades in implementing healthcare, educational, and humanitarian programs in Sri Lanka, with projects worth several million US dollars. His introduction as the President of the World Body of the International College of Surgeons in Singapore is a moment of immense pride for all Sri Lankans.
1. IMHO-USA is currently supporting several major initiatives in Sri Lanka, including:
2. Community-Led Cancer Prevention Programme, funded by the International Medical Health Organization (IMHO)
3. Community Healthcare Workers – Facilitated Fertility Care Initiative in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka
4.Project “அமுதசுரபி (Amuthasurabi)” – Integrated Community-Based Nutrition Intervention Programme for children under five years
5. Establishment of the Day Surgery Unit at the Clinical Training and Research Block (CTRB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health
6. Several other community health, education, and capacity-building projects across the Northern Province
The participation of our academics in this congress provided valuable exposure to cutting-edge medical developments, innovative models of care, and transformative healthcare solutions. It also created opportunities to network with renowned international experts and institutions, paving the way for future collaborations in research and academic partnerships. This experience has been highly enriching and will significantly contribute to professional development and the advancement of healthcare education and practice at our institution.
The Faculty extends its warmest wishes to Professor Thavam Thambipillai on his prestigious appointment as President of the ICS.
