A humble man and staunch friend

Nandana Gamini Atulugama had his secondary education at Royal College, Colombo, and proved to be one of the school’s best all-round students, excelling in both studies and sports.

He chose a career in medicine, passed out with an MBBS in 1976 and joined the Volunteer Force of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1978. He was subsequently commissioned in the ranks of the regular naval force. Several promotions followed and in 2004 he became the Navy’s first Director General, Health Services, the highest seat for a medical officer branch in the Navy. When he retired from the Navy, he was Rear Admiral VSV USP.

Dr. Atulugama made an immense contribution to improving health care in the Sri Lanka Navy. He was much respected by all grades of officers.

In recognition of his loyal and dedicated service, he was awarded the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya and the Uttama Seva Padakkama. He also received the Sri Lanka Navy 50th Anniversary Medal & Clasp; the Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal & Clasp; the 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal; the Purna Bhumi Padakkama and the Riviresa Campaign Service Medal.

I first met Dr. Atulugama in 1986, when he joined the five-year training programme in radiology, conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) of the University of Colombo. He was very dedicated to his work and passed out as a Radiologist with an MD. He was certified as a Specialist in Radiology in 1991, following a year of training in the UK.

He contributed immensely to the field of radiology. He was Secretary of the Sri Lanka College of Radiologists (SLCR) from 1999 to 2000 and President in 2005/2006. He was the representative to the Board of Study in Radiology, of the PGIM from the SLCR from 1998 to 2003, for training doctors to become Radiology Specialists.

During this period, I was the chairperson of the Board. It was a difficult time for the Board, with immense administrative problems. I was able to run the Board and the training programme with the support and advice of Dr. J. B. Peiris, the director of the institute, the late Dr. S.N.B. Talwatte, and Dr. Nandana Atulugama.

At the board meetings, I would eagerly look towards the door of the board room, waiting to see Dr. Atulugama walk in for the meeting. He was an experienced administrator and his practical advice in administrative problems was immeasurable.

Even with so many feathers to his cap, Dr. Atulugama was a humble, down-to- earth person.

In this time of grief, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his loving wife Charmaine, son Dr. Niroshan, daughter Sharon and the rest of the family.

Dear ‘Atulu’, May You Attain Nibbana.