Monday, December 19, 2016

First female medical students of Ceylon.


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’


Odds and ends