The 2025 academic sessions of the Association of Cardiothoracic and Thoracic Surgeons of Sri Lanka (ACTSSL) marked a significant milestone with the delivery of the distinguished Dr. Ravi Perumalpillai Memorial Oration by Dr. Rajeeva Pieris, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Immediate Past President of ACTSSL.

Dr. Pieris’s oration, titled "Quality Assurance of Surgeons (QAS) - A Novel Framework for Assessing and Enhancing Surgical Competence, Attitudes, and Accountability in Surgical Practice," provided groundbreaking insights into the future of surgical excellence. Drawing from over three decades of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Pieris emphasized the importance of structured frameworks for maintaining high standards in surgical practice. His address outlined innovative strategies to assess and improve surgeons’ technical competence, professional attitudes, and accountability, inspiring attendees to adopt a more comprehensive approach to quality assurance.

Dr. Pieris’s career is a testament to excellence and innovation in cardiothoracic surgery. A graduate of the University of Colombo with an MBBS (Hons) and an MS with a gold medal, he advanced his training with fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and England. With surgical expertise honed in Sri Lanka, India, and Oxford, UK, Dr. Pieris has over 27 years of independent consultancy experience. His pioneering work includes introducing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery to Sri Lanka in 1999 and executing several first-in-Sri Lanka and world-first surgical feats.

Throughout his career, Dr. Pieris has seamlessly combined clinical practice with academic contributions, delivering over 50 presentations internationally. Notably, he has been recognized for his innovative research in cardiac surgery, earning accolades such as the SLMA Special Prize in Cardiology and a prestigious Japanese Association of Thoracic Surgery travel grant.

Beyond his surgical endeavors, Dr. Pieris has dedicated himself to Scouting, holding leadership positions within the Sri Lanka Scout Association and contributing globally through policy development.

The evening also featured the presentation of the prestigious 'Lifetime Achievement Award' and Honorary Fellowships, honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of cardiothoracic and thoracic surgery. These awards celebrated the enduring legacy of professionals who have shaped the landscape of surgical care and inspired future generations of surgeons.

Dr. Pieris’s oration, coupled with the recognition of exemplary contributions to the specialty, underscored ACTSSL’s commitment to advancing surgical standards and fostering a culture of excellence.