Dear JMFOA Family and Readers,
We are delighted to announce the launch of our very first JMFOA–Australia Newsletter. This publication is both a carefully curated, time-sensitive report and a meaningful record of the present moment. It marks the beginning of an important journey for our organisation, and we are proud to share this milestone with you.
In line with the continued growth and expansion of JMFOA, the committee 2026/2027 has established an Editorial Board this year to guide and shape the future of our publications.
To bring the JMFOA vision to life, we have assembled a dedicated and highly skilled Editorial Board of four members who will work closely with the JMFOA Editor. We extend our sincere appreciation to:
Each member brings valuable expertise and perspective, ensuring that our publications are informative, engaging, and impactful. It is especially encouraging to see our doctors contributing their professional skills in areas that previously required external resources. This not only strengthens our internal capacity but also helps reduce the financial burden associated with these activities.
The Editorial Board will focus on several key categories, each contributing thoughtfully and purposefully to the overall vision of JMFOA, including:
- E-magazine – Biannual publication
- Website updates and maintenance
- Advertisements and sponsorship coordination
- Promotional videos and flyers
- Conducting AGM skills recognition for youth activities
- Production of intellectual property for health promotion activities
- Newsletter and social media management (Facebook)
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. A. Kishantha for his outstanding work in designing and editing this newsletter. His dedication, time, and willingness to accommodate the committee's needs without hesitation are truly commendable.
It gives me great pleasure to present the first edition of the JMFOA Australia Quarterly Newsletter. This is an important step in strengthening our connection, improving communication, and moving forward together with a shared purpose.
JMFOA Australia is more than just an alumni network. It is a community built on shared roots, lasting friendships, and a strong commitment to professional excellence and service. As we continue to grow, this newsletter will help us stay connected, celebrate our members, and share the impact we create together.
Over the past few months, we have taken time to reflect on our journey—our growth, our challenges, and most importantly, our future direction. There is now a renewed focus on strengthening the JMFOA identity while continuing our meaningful work in both Australia and Sri Lanka.
Our Story – Reclaiming JMFOA
JMFOA Australia was founded on the values of friendship, professional collaboration, and giving back to the community. These values continue to guide us today.
In recent years, our activities have expanded, especially through initiatives such as the Doctors Charity Fund. During this time, many members felt the importance of reconnecting with and strengthening the JMFOA identity—not to replace what we have built, but to support it and keep our alumni spirit alive.
This renewed direction is about bringing members closer together, encouraging professional collaboration, and staying connected to our cultural and institutional roots. At the same time, we remain committed to making a meaningful difference through our community service work.
We continue to support healthcare development, particularly in Northern Sri Lanka and Australia. This reflects our ongoing commitment to the communities that have shaped our journey.
Get Involved
JMFOA continues to grow through active involvement of its members. We warmly invite you to be part of this journey.
You can contribute by joining organising committees, sharing your ideas or writing articles, volunteering in outreach projects, or mentoring junior colleagues. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
"JMFOA grows stronger when each of us contributes in our own way."
Closing Note
As we launch this newsletter, we reaffirm our commitment to building a vibrant, connected, and impactful JMFOA community. JMFOA Australia is a place where lifelong friendships and professional excellence come together to create meaningful impact. Through our shared purpose and strong connections, we will continue to grow and give back.
We look forward to continuing this journey with each of you.
I sincerely thank you all for your continued support. Together, let us move forward with unity, clarity, and a shared vision.
JMFOA Australia recently convened a highly productive Special General Meeting (SGM) on the 18th February 2026 via zoom platform, bringing together members to discuss key structural, governance, and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the organisation for the future.
The President outlined a structured four-step restructuring plan, noting that Steps 1–3 would be implemented at this stage, while Step 4 is planned for a later phase. Members were also informed that a legal team from Moores Legal has been engaged to support and guide this process.
Rectification of DCF Registrations
A major focus of the meeting was the rectification of registrations relating to Doctors Charity Fund (DCF). Members were informed of the steps being undertaken to align the ABN of DCF with its incorporated status under NSW Fair Trading. This includes establishing a new ABN and transferring charity and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status in coordination with the ACNC and ATO. The process is expected to be straightforward, with minimal risk to the organisation's charitable standing.
JMFOA Registration Status
The meeting also addressed the registration status of JMFOA, which currently operates as an unincorporated body. Plans are underway to correct the ABN linkage to ensure it accurately reflects JMFOA's identity, without the need for structural disruption. Members were reassured that existing operations, including bank accounts, will continue seamlessly.
Strengthening JMFOA–DCF Relationship
A significant strategic discussion centred on strengthening the relationship between JMFOA and DCF. It was proposed that DCF be positioned as the charitable arm of JMFOA, with closer alignment in governance. Proposed constitutional amendments would enable shared leadership roles across both entities and streamline membership structures, while still maintaining their separate legal and financial identities. This approach is expected to enhance coordination while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Potential Incorporation
The potential incorporation of JMFOA was also explored. Members were informed about the advantages of incorporation, including limited liability protection and increased access to grants and funding opportunities. While no immediate decision was mandated, this was recognised as an important step for the organisation's long-term sustainability.
New Appointments
The President also formally announced the appointment of Dr Nirmaladev Thevathasan Kingston as the new Secretary, and Dr Pakeerathan Markandu as a committee member filling a vacant position. Both appointments were warmly welcomed by the members.
Following a comprehensive discussion, members expressed unanimous support for the proposed changes and constitutional updates. All resolutions were formally adopted without objection, reflecting strong collective endorsement of the organisation's strategic direction. The Executive Committee has been authorised to proceed with implementation.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with appreciation extended to all members for their active participation, constructive engagement, and continued commitment to the organisation's vision. The strong unity demonstrated during the meeting reflects JMFOA Australia's shared dedication to growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
Elderly Care Initiative — Healthy Ageing with Dignity and Care
JMFOA Australia is proud to introduce a new local initiative launched in 2025, focused on improving the health and well-being of the elderly population in Sri Lanka.
The World Health Organization defines healthy ageing as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age. This includes not only access to healthcare, but also independence, social participation, and dignity within the community. This principle underpins the vision of our project.
This initiative aims to develop a sustainable and culturally appropriate aged care model, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, and local healthcare stakeholders. The project was launched alongside a charity walk, raising both awareness and initial funding for this important cause.
Project Focus Areas:
- Raising awareness about elderly health and promoting healthy ageing
- Enhancing care transitions from hospital to home to support continuity and independence
- Supporting and strengthening existing aged care facilities
- Training caregivers and allied health professionals to deliver holistic, person-centred care
Looking Ahead: The project will begin with a pilot program, followed by structured training, community engagement, and gradual expansion. The long-term goal is to develop a replicable aged care model that supports functional ability, dignity, and well-being in later life.
Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP)
JMFOA Australia, in partnership with JMFOA International and key stakeholders, continues to support the Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP)—a long-term, evidence-based initiative aimed at addressing the rising concern of substance use among school-aged children in Sri Lanka.
This project is implemented in collaboration with the Jaffna Medical Faculty and Provincial Departments of Education, with a strong focus on prevention through education, family support, and early intervention.
Empowering Children – The "Manohari" Life Skills Program
At the heart of SUPP is the Manohari Life Skills Program, designed to equip school children with essential skills such as decision-making, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
A pilot program conducted in Batticaloa and Vadamarachchi in 2023 showed strong acceptance and feasibility. Building on this success, the program has expanded in 2025 to 19 educational zones across Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kalmunai, Jaffna, and Kilinochchi.
Teachers conduct weekly lessons for students in Grades 6–10, covering structured modules throughout the year. This model ensures wide and sustainable reach, with each trained teacher impacting hundreds of students annually.
Sustainability Through System Integration
- The program has been formally accepted by provincial education authorities and is being integrated into existing school systems.
- Teacher activities are monitored using structured logbooks.
- Oversight is provided by ISAs and school principals.
- The long-term goal is full integration into the education system by 2030.
Supporting Families – Parenting Skills Initiative
Recognising the vital role of families, the program includes five structured parenting modules aimed at strengthening the home environment. These sessions help:
- Improve communication between parents and children
- Build stronger family relationships
- Promote safe and drug-free environments
A community pilot in Mahaloor (Paddiruppu DS Division) successfully trained 35 Divisional Secretariat staff, with a focus on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention.
Early Support – Youth Walk-In Centres
To provide accessible and stigma-free support, youth-friendly walk-in centres have been established. At the Teaching Hospital in Batticaloa, services include:
- Counselling
- Short-stay and inpatient care
- Telephone support available 7 days a week
These centres offer early intervention and a safe space for young people in need.
Research and Evidence-Based Approach
A quasi-experimental study led by the Jaffna Medical Faculty is currently underway to evaluate the program's impact, particularly in selected schools in the Jaffna district. The findings will guide future expansion and program effectiveness.
Project Reach and Ongoing Expansion
The program is currently active in the Batticaloa, Jaffna, and Kilinochchi districts, with plans to expand to Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya in 2026. A youth-friendly website is also being developed to provide accessible public health education and resources on substance use prevention.
Financial Overview
From 2023 to 2025, the total investment in the SUPP program is approximately LKR 9.96 million, funded collaboratively by JMFOA International chapters. Additional support includes research funding from Enlightenment Circle (UK) and program support in Batticaloa from BUDS UK.
The Substance Use Prevention Program reflects JMFOA's strong commitment to protecting the next generation through education, early intervention, and community engagement. Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.
Cancer Care Project — Community-Centric Cancer Control Model in Northern Sri Lanka
JMFOA Australia, in collaboration with JMFOA International and key partners, continues to support a community-based cancer control initiative in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The project aims to improve early detection, raise awareness, and strengthen access to care, particularly in underserved communities where late-stage cancer presentation remains a major challenge.
Project Overview
The program began in Kilinochchi District as the first phase of a five-year plan. It focuses on vulnerable populations and integrates with existing healthcare systems through:
- Community awareness and education programs
- Medical camps for early detection of breast, cervical, and oral cancers
- Establishment of satellite centres for screening
- Training of community health workers and volunteers
A key strength of the project is strong community engagement, with trained Community Cancer Connectors helping to raise awareness and support patients through culturally sensitive approaches.
Additional findings from the 6-month Kilinochchi review: 6 confirmed cancer cases (with 2 deaths) and 33 pre-malignant oral conditions identified.
The total cost for the first year was LKR 6.58 million, with JMFOA Australia contributing LKR 894,410.
Expansion to Jaffna Islands
Building on this progress, the project is expanding to the Jaffna Islands (including Kayts and Velanai) for an initial six-month phase. This includes establishing new satellite centres, community mobilisation programs, and recruitment of community health workers.
This initiative reflects JMFOA's commitment to developing a sustainable, community-driven cancer control model that can be replicated in other regions. With continued collaboration and support, we aim to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses and improve health outcomes.
We sincerely thank all members and partners for their ongoing support. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of communities in our motherland.
Funds Allocated — Current Financial Year
| Initiative | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flood Relief | $2,506.09 |
| Cancer Care Project | $2,034.47 |
| Parasitology Department Research Fund | $5,000.00 |
| Drug and Alcohol Prevention Project | $2,572.66 |
The organisation remains in a stable financial position with healthy account balances. Expenditure during the year reflects its ongoing commitment to community support, healthcare initiatives, and research funding.
It is a privilege to share a message in JMFOA Australia's inaugural biannual newsletter.
I extend my sincere congratulations to our Editor, Dr Kumuthini Kalaiyalagan, on this commendable initiative.
As the Educational Coordinator, I am proud that, through our collective commitment, we continue to advance the mission and vision of our association—promoting continuous learning and meaningful knowledge sharing among our members and the wider community, both in Australia and our homeland.
Over the past year, we have strengthened our educational footprint through the expansion of our CME activities, including the introduction of Mid-Year CME programs and enhanced, interactive monthly sessions, ably coordinated by Dr Kingston Nimaladev.
We remain dedicated to supporting academic development in our homeland through ongoing contributions to the Jaffna Medical Association and the Eastern University Medical Faculty. Our members also continue to make valuable contributions as educators and resource persons in both professional and community settings.
I encourage all members to actively engage in these initiatives as we collectively strive to elevate our organisation to greater heights.
The Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme is one of the key educational activities, typically organised on a monthly basis. It serves as a collaborative knowledge-sharing platform for our colleagues, aiming to provide timely updates on trending medical topics while also reinforcing existing knowledge.
The resource personnel are usually drawn from within the JMFOA, representing a wide range of specialties. The sessions are designed to be interactive, encouraging participants to engage freely, share their insights, and contribute evidence-based experiences in a supportive academic environment.
The monthly CME programme is well recognised among members as an essential forum for staying updated in the ever-evolving field of medicine. Beyond academic enrichment, it also provides a valuable opportunity for members to connect, interact, and support one another. These gatherings offer a welcome space to relieve professional stress, fostering collegiality and helping members recharge for the challenges of daily clinical practice.
The Jaffna Medical Faculty Overseas Alumni Australia (JMFOA) has been successfully conducting a community health radio program on Thayagam Radio, Sydney for over four years. This initiative was relaunched by the current committee on 06 November 2025, continuing its mission of promoting public health awareness within the Tamil community.
The program is conducted fortnightly and features expert discussions by JMFOA members and invited specialists from various medical fields. The sessions aim to educate the public on important health topics in an accessible and culturally relevant manner.
Re-launched on 06 November 2025 by:
- Dr. Brighton Prasathnayagam – President, JMFOA
- Dr. Nadarajah Rajesh Kannan – Ex-Secretary, JMFOA
- Dr. (Paran) Sithambarakumar Thevendram Pillai – Family Physician, Program Organizer
- Dr. Joy Mariadas – Assistant Program Organiser
Sessions Conducted (Nov 2025 – Mar 2026)
The JMFOA Radio Program continues to serve as an important platform for community health education, addressing a wide range of medical topics relevant to all age groups. The consistent participation of experienced specialists and coordinators reflects the strong commitment of JMFOA towards public health promotion and community service.
The program has been well received by the Tamil community in Sydney and continues to make a meaningful impact through awareness, prevention, and education.
JMFOA Australia is pleased to support a career guidance initiative in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Society at the University of Sydney. This initiative aims to provide students with meaningful career insights, mentorship, and valuable professional networking opportunities.
As part of this effort, JMFOA Australia facilitated the participation of experienced professionals in an Industry Insights Panel, where experts shared real-world experiences, career pathways, and practical advice with students.
The event, held on 25 March 2026 at the University of Sydney, brought together over 40 highly motivated students from diverse academic backgrounds. The session included a moderated panel discussion followed by a networking segment, allowing students to engage directly with professionals and gain valuable guidance for their future careers.
We are pleased to highlight that Dr P. Jeyaruban, Emergency Physician and Deputy Director of the Emergency Department at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital, participated as the medical expert panelist, offering valuable insights into the medical profession and career pathways.
This initiative marks an important step in structured professional development for the student community, which has grown into a vibrant network of over 300 members since its establishment in 2018.
JMFOA Australia is proud to support initiatives that strengthen connections between students and professionals, helping guide the next generation through mentorship, shared experiences, and meaningful engagement.
JMFOA Australia is proud to collaborate with the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, in supporting initiatives that empower primary care physicians in Northern Sri Lanka through academic partnership, training, and knowledge exchange.
A key part of this effort is our involvement in the DIGIPTHS project, an innovative program funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
What is DIGIPTHS?
DIGIPTHS is a forward-looking project focused on improving primary healthcare through digital innovation. It aims to develop a clinical decision support system integrated within an Electronic Health Record (EHR) platform. This system is designed to assist primary care doctors in making accurate, timely, and evidence-based clinical decisions, particularly when managing patients with multiple long-term conditions.
By combining technology with clinical expertise, DIGIPTHS seeks to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and support doctors in their day-to-day practice.
Capacity Building Through Education
As part of this initiative, a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions is being conducted to support primary care physicians.
- Sessions are held virtually on the third Saturday of each month
- Timing: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Sri Lanka time)
- Focus: Management of multiple long-term conditions in primary care
These sessions provide a platform for knowledge sharing, discussion, and practical learning.
JMFOA Australia is actively supporting this program by encouraging participation and facilitating expert involvement. Experienced clinicians are invited to contribute as expert panelists, helping to guide discussions and share real-world insights.
Looking Ahead
This collaboration reflects JMFOA Australia's commitment to strengthening primary healthcare through education, innovation, and global partnership. By supporting initiatives like DIGIPTHS, we continue to invest in sustainable healthcare development and capacity building in Northern Sri Lanka.