The Department of Forensic Medicine at the University of Jaffna was first established in 1980 as a division under the Department of Pathology within the Faculty of Medicine. With the growing recognition of forensic medicine as a crucial bridge between medicine and the legal system, the division was later elevated to an independent department.

The department was pioneered by Dr. Navaratnam Saravanapavananthan, who was appointed as the first academic staff member in 1980 as a Senior Lecturer and later promoted to Professor of Forensic Medicine. Until his passing in June 1992, he served as the sole academic guiding the department’s vision and curriculum development, leaving a lasting legacy.

Following his demise, the department experienced a period without an officially appointed head. Despite this, the work continued through the dedicated support of various personnel from the Ministry of Health, particularly from the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. Their collective efforts ensured the continuity of essential functions during this transitional time.

In 2003, Dr. S. Sivasubramanium, Consultant Forensic Pathologist, Teaching Hospital, Kandy was appointed as the Coordinator and Chief Examiner. His contributions during his tenure from 2003 to 2014 were immensely significant. With his sincere commitment and deep sense of responsibility, the department witnessed marked improvements in both administrative organization and academic activities.

Following Dr.S. Sivasubramanium’s service, Dr.U. Mayorathan, Consultant Forensic Pathologist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna assumed the role of Coordinator in 2014 and continues to lead the department to this day. His ongoing leadership has further strengthened the department’s academic and operational frameworks.

Currently, the department is under the acting headship of Dr. P.A. D Coonghe, and the academic strength of the department is enhanced by the contributions of Dr. U. Mayorathan, Dr. S. Pranavan, and Dr. C. Perera, who serve as Visiting Lecturers and actively support teaching and training activities. The department’s operations are also supported by a committed non-academic team, consisting of Technical Officer, Management Assistant, Laboratory Assistant & Work Aide. Their combined efforts ensure the smooth functioning of the department in both academic and technical capacities.

The department is situated on the ground floor of the south-eastern wing of the Faculty of Medicine building. It includes a Forensic Museum, Tutorial Room & Forensic workshop for specimen preparation, which serve as valuable teaching spaces to complement theoretical learning.

Since 2021, the department has collaborated with the Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) to conduct mock crime scene investigations at the medical faculty premises, providing students with hands-on forensic crime scene training in a controlled, educational environment.

In 2024, the department expanded its presence with the opening of a dedicated Department of Forensic Medicine at the Clinical Training & Research Block (CTRB). Alongside this development, an Anthropology Laboratory was also established within the CTRB to further enhance forensic research and skeletal analysis training. A departmental library was also opened with the support of generous sponsorship, providing students and faculty access to a growing collection of key forensic, medical, and legal texts.

The department plays a vital role in the MBBS undergraduate curriculum, starting from the 5th term (third year) and continuing until the 9th term. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including: Introduction of forensic medicine, Clinical forensic medicine, Medical Ethics, Forensic pathology, Forensic Aspect of injuries and Forensic Toxicology

Students are exposed to various teaching and learning methods, including 99 hours of lectures, 42 hours of tutorials, 21 hours of museum-based learning, A 4-week clinical appointment at the Judicial Medical Officer’s (JMO) Office and Autopsy Suite at the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna

The assessment structure includes a variety of formats designed to test theoretical knowledge and practical competence. It contains Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Structured Essay Questions (SEQs), Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE), Viva and In-course examinations

Our department has come a long way since 1980, growing and improving in many ways. In the early days, we mainly relied on traditional teaching methods, where learning was based on lectures, textbooks, and simple demonstrations. Over the years, we have embraced modern tools and technologies to make education more effective and exciting. We introduced teaching kits that allow students to learn through hands-on activities and real-world applications. Our microscopes have advanced tremendously, giving students the ability to observe even the smallest structures in great detail. We established a fully equipped histopathology lab, offering practical experience. In addition, we have adopted electronic tutorials, providing students with interactive learning materials, videos, and simulations that make complex topics easier to understand.

Today, our department stands proudly at the intersection of tradition and innovation, offering a rich and dynamic learning environment for all our students. With a strong foundation in academic excellence, practical training, and national service, the Department of Forensic Medicine at the University of Jaffna continues to inspire and educate future generations of medical professionals in the service of justice and society.