The College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka will host its landmark 50th Anniversary International Conference from 23–25 October 2025 at UCFM Tower, Colombo, uniting an exceptional panel of local and international experts to present the latest advancements, research, and innovations in histopathology and cytopathology, while also commemorating five decades of academic excellence and professional contribution to the field. The event will feature a diverse scientific programme of lectures, symposia, workshops, and networking opportunities, fostering global collaboration and professional growth. It will serve as both a celebratory milestone and a platform for sharing knowledge that shapes the future of diagnostic pathology.

TOPICS COVERED

• The 50th Anniversary International Conference of the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka will unfold over three days, each offering a rich and carefully curated blend of academic sessions, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Day 1 (23 October 2025) begins with registration and the first scientific sessions. The morning features a lecture on Liver Pathology by Dr. Michael Doukas (Netherlands), followed by Microscopic Clues and Diagnostic Challenges in Salivary Gland Tumours by Prof. Primali Jayasooriya (Sri Lanka). After a tea break, Dr. Jan von der Thüsen (UK) will present Lung and Mediastinal Pathology, and Dr. Anna Saparamadu (UK) will discuss Approach to Diagnosis of Melanocytic Tumours. The evening culminates in the formal inauguration ceremony and welcome reception, setting the stage for networking in a celebratory atmosphere.
• Day 2 (24 October 2025) starts with a symposium on recent developments in diagnostic pathology, covering advances in breast pathology (Prof. Harshima Wijesinghe, Sri Lanka), diagnostic challenges in large B-cell lymphomas (Prof. Jonathan Said, USA), and recent developments in renal tumours (Prof. Hemamali Samaratunga, Australia). This is followed by a cytopathology symposium, with sessions on pancreatic cytology (Prof. Priyanthi Kumarasinghe, Australia), respiratory cytology (Dr. Jan von der Thüsen, UK), and salivary gland cytology (Dr. Niluka Ranathunga, Sri Lanka). The midday SAARC symposium focuses on practicing diagnostic pathology in the molecular genetics era, with contributions from experts in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• In the afternoon, participants will rotate through two hands-on workshops of their choice. Options include lymphoma diagnosis, lung and mediastinal pathology, cytology, and male/female genital tract pathology. These sessions are designed to offer practical skill development, allowing delegates to interact closely with faculty and gain valuable diagnostic insights. The day ends with free paper presentations, providing a platform for researchers to share new findings.
• Day 3 (25 October 2025) focuses on diagnostic approaches and pitfalls. The morning’s first symposium addresses small undifferentiated sarcomas (Dr. Malee Fernando, UK), epithelioid tumours (Prof. Bharet Rekhi, India), and systematic diagnosis of GI biopsies (Prof. Dulani Beneragama, Sri Lanka). A second symposium examines diagnostic pitfalls and mimics, with topics on non-neoplastic lymph node lesions (Prof. Yasodha Natkunam, USA), prostate and bladder pathology (Prof. Isha Prematilleke, Sri Lanka), and further updates on liver pathology (Dr. Michael Doukas, Netherlands).
• A dedicated session follows for the conference quiz and question discussion, encouraging active participation and knowledge testing in an engaging format led by Prof. Chandu de Silva (Sri Lanka).
• The afternoon again offers two practical workshops per participant, with topics including dermatopathology, renal pathology, liver pathology, and soft tissue/bone pathology. Each workshop is led by a panel of local and international specialists, ensuring both breadth and depth of expertise.
• Across all three days, delegates will enjoy opportunities to view the Art of Pathology exhibition, explore poster presentations, and engage in discussions during breaks. The combination of high-level scientific content, hands-on training, and collegial interaction ensures that each day delivers significant value for professional growth, skill refinement, and collaborative networking in the field of pathology.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This conference is designed for a wide audience within the medical and scientific community, especially those working in pathology and laboratory medicine. It will be valuable for consultant pathologists, pathology trainees, and laboratory scientists seeking to enhance their diagnostic skills and knowledge. Medical academics, researchers, and clinicians with an interest in histopathology, cytopathology, and molecular pathology will also benefit greatly. The event caters to both experienced professionals aiming to update their expertise and early-career practitioners eager to learn from world-class experts. Its international scope also makes it ideal for professionals seeking global perspectives and collaborative opportunities in diagnostic pathology.

SPEAKERS

International Speakers

• Prof. Dilani Lokuhetty – Emeritus Professor, University of Colombo; Head, WHO Classification of Tumours Programme, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France.
• Dr. Jan von der Thüsen – Histopathologist, subspecialist in thoracic & cardiovascular pathology; President, British Division of the International Academy of Pathology (BD-IAP), UK.
• Dr. Michail Doukas – Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
• Prof. Yasodha Natkunam – Consultant Pathologist, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA.
• Prof. Jonathan Said – Consultant Pathologist, Department of Pathology, UCLA Medical Center, USA.
• Prof. Priyanthi Kumarasinghe – Chief Pathologist, PathWest; Clinical Professor, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia; President, IAP Australasian Division, Australia.
• Prof. Hemamali Samaratunga – Managing Director, Aquesta Specialised Uropathology; Professor of Pathology, University of Queensland, Australia.
• Dr. Anna Saparamadu – Consultant Cellular Pathologist, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, UK.
• Dr. Malee Fernando – Consultant Histopathologist, Sheffield Laboratory Medicine, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
• Prof. Bharet Rekhi – Professor & Consultant Pathologist, Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, India.
• Prof. Nuzhat Husain – President, Indian Division of IAP; Head of Pathology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, India.
• Prof. Wiseman Pinto – Professor & Head, Pathology, Goa Medical College, India.
• Prof. Shahid Pervez – Professor & Consultant Histopathologist, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Pakistan.
• Local (Sri Lankan) Speakers
• Prof. Chandu de Silva – Emeritus Professor, Consultant Histopathologist, University of Colombo.
• Prof. Harshima Wijesinghe –Professor in Pathology and Consultant Histopathologist, University of Colombo.
• Prof. Dulani Beneragama – Associate Professor, Consultant Histopathologist; University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
• Prof. Primali Jayasooriya – Professor in Oral Pathology, University of Peradeniya.
• Dr. Niluka Ranathunga – Consultant Histopathologist, Base Hospital, Chillaw.
• Prof. Isha Prematilleke – Professor in Pathology, Consultant Histopathologist, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
• Dr. Priyangi Amarabandu – Consultant Histopathologist, National Cancer Hospital, Maharagama.Workshop Resource Persons

Day 2 Workshops

• Lymphoma: Dr. Priyanka Abeygunasekera, Prof. Jonathan Said, Prof. Yasodha Natkunam.
• Lung & Mediastinal Pathology: Dr. Jayanjana Asanthi, Prof. Jan von der Thüsen, Dr. Ramani Punchihewa, Dr. Roshana Constantine.
• Cytology: Dr. Dushyanti Samarasinghe, Dr. Cherine Sosai, Dr. Lalani De Silva, Dr. Thushari Liyanage
• Male/Female Genital Tracts: Dr. Gayani Ranaweera, Prof. Hemamali Samaratunga, Prof. Bimalka Seneviratne, Prof. Isha Prematilleke.

Day 3 Workshops

• Dermatopathology: Dr. Prabhodha Samararatne, Dr. Palitha Rathnayake, Dr. Anna Saparamadu, Dr. Avanthi Rajapaksa.
• Renal Pathology: Prof. Sulochana Wijethunga, Dr. Sonali Rodrigo, Prof. Harshima Wijesinghe.
• Liver Pathology: Prof. Janaki Hewavisenthi, Dr. Mangala Bopagoda, Dr. Michail Doukas, Dr. Nishani Jayathunga.
• Soft Tissue & Bone Pathology: Prof. Gayana Mahendra, Dr. Bharat Rekhi, Dr. Malee Fernando, Dr. Samalai Kanagasabhapathy.

For more information, please contact: [email protected].