Victoria Governor Lankan born David de Krester to visit Colombo

Australia’s Victoria Governor, Sri Lankan born Prof. David de Krester will be in the country next week to open a facility at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.

He is to make an official visit to Sri Lanka on 14 and 15 March. The main focus of the Governor’s visit is to represent the people of Victoria at the opening of the Sri Lanka – Victoria Emergency Trauma Centre at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya. The purpose designed Centre, a donation from the Victorian Government, will give the Hospital the ability to deliver world standard emergency trauma care.

This is the last of five projects funded by the Victorian Government to assist Sri Lanka’s reconstruction after the devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami.  Projects in the sectors of education, livelihoods, housing and health have successfully been delivered in the south, east and north.

Professor David de Kretser was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and migrated to Australia in 1949.  He is the only Sri Lankan born person to have been appointed an Australian Governor.  The visit to Sri Lanka will be one of his last official engagements before his five year term ends in early April.    

The Professor’s academic career bridged medicine and anatomy having held positions at Monash University in Melbourne as Professor and Chairman of Anatomy, Founding Director of the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development and Associate Dean for Biotechnology Development.

 His research into reproductive biology, infertility and endocrinology has been recognised nationally and internationally.    

Professor de Kretser is to be a guest speaker at a function arranged by the Sri Lanka Medical Association when he will give a presentation on aspects of his research.   

Australia’s High Commissioner Kathy Klugman said “Professor de Kretser’s visit is an opportunity to not only recognise Victoria’s generosity but also for Sri Lanka’s leading medical researchers to benefit from his specialist knowledge.”