Galle National Hospital, Galle Medical Association, and the Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists jointly hosted an event celebrating “Start Strong, Stay Sharp.”
By Dr. Janaka Waidyasekara, MBBS, MD, FCCP
The department of neurology at Galle National Hospital in Sri Lanka proudly hosted a landmark event on July 22 to celebrate World Brain Day 2025. The event was held in collaboration with the Galle Medical Association and the Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists.
Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Brain Health for All Ages,” the event adopted the local motto “Start Strong, Stay Sharp,” to emphasize the importance of nurturing brain health from early life through to old age.
The day’s proceedings began with a welcome address by Dr. Janaka Waidyasekara, chair of the organizing committee, who highlighted the urgency of public engagement in brain health promotion. This was followed by an address from Prof. M.B. Samarawikrama, president of the Galle Medical Association, who underscored the importance of collaborative community health initiatives.
A key feature of the event was a special video message from Prof. Tissa Wijeratne, co-chair of the World Brain Day campaign. Prof. Wijeratne contextualized the global burden of brain disorders and called for urgent investment in prevention and education. This was complemented by remarks from Dr. Ajantha Keshavaraj, president of the Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists, reiterating the need for intersectoral strategies to promote brain health throughout life.
The scientific program offered a series of engaging, evidence-based presentations, including:
- Dr. Thilina Munasinghe opened with “Nurturing the Brain From the Very Beginning,” focusing on maternal and early childhood influences on brain development.
- Dr. Saamir Mohideen presented “Stroke Prevention Made Simple,” outlining practical interventions to reduce stroke risk in the community.
- Dr. Janaka Waidyasekara delivered “Sleep and Brain Health,” highlighting how sleep quality shapes cognitive, emotional, and neurological outcomes.
- Prof. K.D. Pathirana concluded with “Aging With Good Memory,” sharing strategies to maintain cognitive vitality in older adults.
More than 130 in-person attendees and 30 online participants engaged in a lively panel discussion, raising questions on sleep, stroke, dementia, and health literacy.
With robust media coverage, the campaign extended far beyond the hospital walls — uniting professionals, students, and the public in one shared goal: building a brain-healthy Sri Lanka. •
World Brain Day 2025 activities at Galle National Hospital in Sri Lanka featured several notable speakers and presentations on childhood brain development, stroke prevention, sleep, and aging.
Dr. Janaka Waidyasekara is a consultant neurologist and head of the department of neurology and stroke services at Galle National Hospital, Sri Lanka.
