Ceylon Examiner May 2nd 1892-
“The medical College opens its summer sessions today.
Two young ladies Misses Keyt and Davidson – will be
admitted as students for the first time in the history of the College’.
Ceylon Administrative Reports 1891 A 15.
‘In anticipation of the admission of female medical
students’the
Government authorized ‘a separate
Dissecting Room for females and separate tutors and a reading room’
Veronica Weerasekara &
Rachel Christoffelsz, were
female medicos in later years. Veronica’s reminiscences:-
Dr.Chalmers – Registrar.
Teachers – Dr.S.C.
Paul, Dr.FrankGrenier, Dr.Sinnathamby,Dr.Garvin and Dr.H.M.
Fernando.
Seniors
lined up & whistled.
Pranks – Cutting the
afternoon lecture and going by train to the ‘Pagoda’ restaurant. (The 'Pagoda'
was still in existence in the 1960s)
Occasional boat ride in
the harbor during lecture time - this was in the time of the old jetty opposite
the Grand Oriental Hotel.
Teasing and
comments by the male medicos:-
'Veronica
sweet as the morning air,
Do not leave me in despair’.
‘Rachel
Chris dear charming Miss,
Your lips to kiss it’l be
a bliss’
