with the appropriate intellectual skills of enquiry, clinical reasoning, critical thinking and decision making; possessing sufficient knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences, and an understanding of the underlying principles of scientific method; and the ability to create a differential diagnosis and rationalize a treatment plan for common clinical situations prevalent in Sri Lanka. Council Members President - Nominated by the Minister of Health Eight members - one member each elected by the teachers of the Faculty of Medicine of each of the Universities established or deemed to be established by the Universities Act One member - one member elected by the teachers of the Faculty of Dental Sciences of each of the Universities established or deemed to be established by the Universities Act Eight members - elected by medical practitioners registered under section 29 One member - elected by persons entitled to practice medicine registered under section 41 One member - elected by dentists registered under section 43 Four members - nominated by the Minister of Health, of whom at least two members shall not be in the employment of the Government or in receipt of a pension from the Government Director-General of Health Services Director-General of Teaching Hospitals A vice-president shall be elected from among the members of the Medical Council, by the Medical Council. Its current President is Dr Colvin Gunerathna. Criticism Independence The Sri Lanka Medical Council has been accused of lacking independence in its operations and policy formulation as it is heavily influenced by the Health Minister and his personal staff. However, the medical fraternity of the country could establish the independency after great struggle safeguarding the widely recognized reputation earned by the medical council rejecting political influences. Protecting their own The SLMC has been heavily criticized for focusing more on protecting the interests and privileges of doctors rather than protecting the interests of the general public as is the case with similar bodies such as the General Medical Council. Dominance of Doctors The SLMC is dominated by medical doctors and other medical practitioners such as dentists and pharmacists are ignored. Past Presidents Sir Nicholas Attygalle E. M. Wijerama See also Sri Lanka Medical Association Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) General Medical Council References External links Sri Lanka Medical Council Medical regulation Medical and health organisations based in Sri Lanka 1924 establishments in Ceylon Medical schools in Sri Lanka