SLCOG present inaugural Dr. Nalin Rodrigo Memorial Oration
The Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SLCOG), under the aegis of its President Dr. Hemantha Perera, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of the Sri Jayewardenapura Hospital and Deshabandu Dr. Kapila Gunawardena, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of the Teaching Hospital Kandy, recently initiated the first ever Dr. J.N. Rodrigo Memorial Oration at the Samson Rajapaksa Auditorium of the SLCOG House in Colombo. The event was attended by a large and distinguished gathering that included Mrs. Chandrica Rodrigo, Avindra Rodrigo, other members of the family of the late Dr. Rodrigo, Consultants from various specialties, SLCOG Members and Medical Officers. First Lady, Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Ms. Deshika Rodrigo, daughter of the late Dr. Nalin Rodrigo, shared reminiscences of her father on this occasion. She went down memory lane to talk about the values he stood for and his overall philosophy towards work, family and life. Dr. Nalin, in spite of his heavy medical commitments, was essentially a family man who always had time to sit down for a meal, to share jokes with his family and entertain guests in his own unique style.
Dr. Hemantha Perera, delivered a well researched and precisely documented account of the late Dr. Nalin Rodrigo that focused on lesser known facts of this pioneering doctor who had laid the foundation for obstetrics and gynaecology care to be established as a major discipline in our country. Dr. Perera was one of the many pupils of Dr. Rodrigo and his opening remarks explicitly pictured the qualities of Dr. Rodrigo as a teacher par excellence.
Hailing from an affluent family with illustrious forefathers including the great philanthropist, Sir Charles Henry De Soysa, Dr. Rodrigo had the opportunity of finding lucrative employment abroad, but instead opted to commit himself to the more urgent need of helping pregnant mothers in Sri Lanka. He spared no pains in doing his maximum to help women in our country.
Dr. Perera spoke of the passions in the life of Dr Rodrigo which included Patient care, Teaching, the College of Obstetricians and his family. Dr. Rodrigo held the record of being the longest serving consultant in the periphery and, to his credit he was the only Obstetrician who served in the SLCOG council until his demise. He served in the SLCOG council in the capacity of Council Member, Editor, President and Patron. He was a very skilful and academically oriented obstetrician who had delivered three prestigious Orations during his career.
Dr. Rodrigo had more than 30 postgraduate trainees under his wing. Also noteworthy is the tremendous service he rendered to the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine by pioneering the double sponsorship for post graduates in Sri Lanka through which Sri Lankan trainee Obstetricians found training opportunities in the UK with salaried employment, thereby saving millions for Sri Lanka whilst obtaining state – of – the - art experience. The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in the UK honoured Dr Rodrigo by inviting him twice as an examiner for their Final examination for the MRCOG degree, which is indeed a very high recognition.
Dr. Perera illustrated the commitment of Dr. Rodrigo towards bringing down the very high maternal death rate at the time he embarked on the career of an Obstetrician. He also outlined the many plans of the College including the Safe Motherhood Programme that had been launched country-wide to benefit medical officers.
The orator turned the pages of Dr. Rodrigo's life, highlighting events which took place at each of the many stations at which he served as an Obstetrician. These included the stint in Matara, where he found his life partner, Chandrica, and how they brought up their children while carrying out the onerous task of looking after the women in the most rural areas of this country.
The evening ended with a lavish reception hosted by the SLCOG.