SLMC Accreditation Unit Head to Represent Sri Lanka at the 2nd Asia Accreditation Agencies (AAA) Forum in Taipei

SLMC Accreditation Unit Represents Sri Lanka at the 2nd AMAA Forum in Taipei

The 2025 Asian Medical Accreditation Agencies (AMAA) Forum was successfully held from March 5–6, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Taipei. Hosted by the Taiwan Medical Accreditation Council (TMAC), the forum operated under the theme: “Shaping the Future of Medical Education: Navigating Challenges and Advancing Excellence in Quality Assurance.”

The event brought together over 60 global experts, including leadership from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), FAIMER, and regional associations such as WPAME and SEARAME. Representing the Accreditation Unit (AU) of the Sri Lanka Medical Council, Professor Gominda Ponnamperuma delivered a comprehensive presentation on the landscape of medical education and the rigorous accreditation standards maintained in Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights from the Sri Lankan Presentation

Professor Ponnamperuma’s presentation, titled “Medical Education and Accreditation in Sri Lanka,” provided international delegates with deep insights into the SLMC’s robust quality assurance framework:

• Historical Excellence: Highlighting a legacy dating back to 1870, the presentation traced the evolution of Sri Lankan medical education from the Colombo Medical School to the current 12 functioning medical faculties across the island.

• The Accreditation Framework: The AU’s role was detailed as a statutory body empowered by the Medical Ordinance to ensure that the 5-year MBBS degree programs meet global benchmarks.

• The 7-Step Review Process: The forum learned about Sri Lanka’s systematic accreditation cycle, which includes:

  1. Submission of the Self-Evaluation Report (SER).

  2. Appointment of an independent Review Team.

  3. Comprehensive Desk Review.

  4. On-site verification visits.

  5. Drafting of the Pre-final Review Report.

  6. Observation and appeal windows for medical schools.

  7. Final submission of the decision to the SLMC.

• Strategic Solutions to Challenges: Professor Ponnamperuma addressed modern challenges, such as maintaining standards in newly established medical schools through formative reviews and the continuous expansion of a trained, up-to-date reviewer pool.

Global Collaboration and Future Trends

The forum emphasized a global shift from simple “quality assurance” to “quality enhancement.” Key sessions explored the responsible use of AI and data technologies in accreditation decision-making and the importance of balancing international WFME standards with local healthcare contexts.

By participating in the AMAA Forum, the SLMC Accreditation Unit has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and ensuring that medical education in Sri Lanka remains aligned with the highest international quality standards.

For more details on the forum outcomes and to view the presentation materials, please visit the official AMAA Forum resources.