Colombo Medical School Alumni: A Network of Excellence and Dedication Preserving Our Legacy, Nurturing Future Healers Where Alumni Come Together to Celebrate, Support, and Succeed
OUR HERITAGE
Founding and Colonial Roots (1870s–1900s)
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The Colombo Medical School, known today as the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, stands as a cornerstone of medical education in South Asia. Its inception dates back to 1 June 1870, during the British colonial era, when it was established as the Ceylon Medical School. The institution was founded to address the growing need for trained local physicians and to reduce reliance on British and Indian doctors.
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Dr. James Loos, a British colonial surgeon, played a pivotal role in its founding. Starting with just 25 students, the school was housed in modest buildings on Maradana Road, Colombo. The curriculum focused on training "Medical Licentiates" who could serve in government hospitals and rural areas. The early graduates were awarded the Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery (LMS).
By the end of the 19th century, the school had already made a mark as one of the few medical institutions offering structured medical education in the region. Its graduates played crucial roles in healthcare delivery across Ceylon and the British Empire.
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​​Academic Transformation and University Status (1900s–1940s)
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The early 20th century saw tremendous growth in both structure and reputation. In 1905, the institution was renamed the Ceylon Medical College and gained increased academic recognition. Facilities were expanded, including laboratories, lecture halls, and a dedicated medical library.
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In 1921, the college became affiliated with the newly established University College Colombo, allowing students to receive a University of London degree. This milestone aligned the college with international academic standards.
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By 1942, the Ceylon Medical College formally became part of the University of Ceylon, transforming into the Faculty of Medicine, with full degree-granting powers. The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) replaced the LMS qualification, bringing the school in line with global medical standards.
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Post-Independence Development (1950s–1970s)
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​Following Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, the Faculty of Medicine at Colombo emerged as a beacon of national pride. Sri Lankan academics and physicians gradually replaced British faculty members, and new departments in community medicine, pharmacology, microbiology, and psychiatry were introduced.
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The faculty emphasized public health, preventive medicine, and rural outreach—key concerns for a newly independent nation striving to improve health equity. Many faculty members also contributed to national health policies and international health organizations.
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The institution became not only a medical school but also a hub of clinical research and innovation, producing generations of doctors, researchers, and policy-makers who would shape the country’s healthcare landscape.
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Modernization and Expansion (1980s– current )
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The late 20th century marked a period of rapid modernization. The Colombo Medical Faculty embraced problem-based learning (PBL), curriculum reform, and integrated teaching methods. New buildings, including the Medical Education Development and Research Centre (MEDARC) and the Department of Allied Health Sciences, were established.
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Partnerships with global institutions enhanced research output and postgraduate education. Alumni networks, both local and international—such as the Colombo Medical School Alumni Association of Australia (CoMSAA Australia)—were formed, reinforcing global ties and support for the faculty’s growth.​
The faculty maintained strong affiliations with major teaching hospitals such as the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Lady Ridgeway Hospital, and Castle Street Hospital for Women, offering comprehensive clinical exposure to students.​
​Heritage and Cultural Significance
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The Colombo Medical Faculty is steeped in tradition. The iconic Gothic-style Anatomy Theatre, the Faculty Clock Tower, and the Professor's House are architectural symbols of its rich past. Ceremonies such as the White Coat Ceremony and the Hippocratic Oath Induction preserve a solemn connection to the noble heritage of the medical profession.
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The faculty also champions medical humanities, bioethics, and community outreach, ensuring that graduates are not only clinically competent but also socially conscious and ethically grounded.