Champions of Prof. Senaka Bibile Memorial Debate

To commemorate the legendary foreseer, Prof. Senaka bibile, a colorful event was organized by the 'Students involved in rational health activities Organization' (SIRHA) on 13th of February 2021, which happened to be the 101st birthday of late Prof. Bibile held as a hybrid session at Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.

The friendly debate was held under the topic of "implementation of drug policies of Prof. Bibile in Sri Lanka". The medical students of 8 state medical faculties were dividend randomly for the debate.

The proposing team got the topic which states that 'The implementation of drug policies of Prof. Bibile in Sri Lanka at present is satisfactory', while the opposing team was assigned to prove that it's not satisfactory at the moment.

The proposing team consisted of the following members:

  • Prishal Morapitiya - Faculty of Medicine, University of Rajarata
  • Nilupul Rupasingha - Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
  • Induwara Wishwakith - Faculty of Medicine, University Colombo
  • Dumindu Roshan - Faculty of Medicine, University of Wayamba

The opposing team consisted of the following members

  • Dunya Jayasekara - Faculty of Medicine, University of Sabaragamuwa
  • Vidya Athukorala - Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna
  • Ishanthi Priyanjala - Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya
  • Amal Weeratunga - Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

After much anticipation, the debate was started with a lot of excitement. However, Miss Dunya Jayasekara was able to steal the spotlight from the captains' speech and was able to pave a clear path for the opposing team towards victory. The proposing team was based on an argument that Prof. Bibile's policies were published in a country with a closed economy and they cannot be implemented 100% today, as the country is having an open economy.

Miss Vidya Athukorala delivered a speech enriched with facts on the country's present situation and explained very well the sad situation of the country. Miss Ishanthi Priyanjala then explained emotionally about the misconducts of the authorities regarding drugs with proof and steadied the ship of the opposing team. Mr. Induwara Wishwakeeth had a good attempt in arguing that the country is in a good shape regardless of political misconduct.

However, all hope was lost for the proposing team as Mr. Amal Weeratunga cleared almost all the doubts and pushed the opposing team towards victory. Then Miss. Dunya Jayasekara delivered a superb return speech which countered many arguments of the proposing team and summarized the basis of the team and sealed the victory of the opposing team.

Miss. Dunya Jayasekara was adjudged as the best speaker of the debate for her outstanding leadership.

The event was graced by Mr. Hiran Bibile, the grandson of late Prof. Senaka Bibile and Mr. Ranil Bibile, the son of late Prof. Bibile was also present at the event through the zoom technology from Canada.

Faculty of Medical Sciences, congratulate Dunya Jayasekara, Vidya Athukorala, Ishanthi Priyanjala, and Amal Weeratunga for their victory.