Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

I am Dr. Clifford Perera, a Senior Lecturer (Grade I) and Medico-Legal Specialist currently based at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. My professional journey is characterized by a unique and robust synthesis of medical, forensic, and legal expertise. Academically, I hold an MBBS, a Doctorate in Forensic Medicine (MD), a Bachelor of Law (LLB), and am an Attorney-at-Law enrolled at the Supreme Courts of Sri Lanka, complemented by a Membership of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (MFFLM) from the Royal College of Physicians, London. This multidisciplinary foundation allows me to approach complex medico-legal challenges with a comprehensive and integrated perspective, ensuring a holistic understanding of both the scientific evidence and its legal application.

My extensive career spans both national and international roles, significantly contributing to the field through practice, academia, and human rights advocacy. I have served as an Overseas Fellow in Forensic Pathology at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in Melbourne and as a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Forensic and Legal Medicine at the University of Dundee, UK. A significant focus of my work has been in Mass Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), including my role in the post-tsunami identification efforts and coordinating DVI initiatives in Sri Lanka. Beyond mass disaster work, I have also served as a Consultant on Forensic Issues and Human Rights for the Asian Human Rights Commission, leveraging my specialized knowledge to address issues such as torture and disappearances, and advocating for the effective use of the Istanbul Protocol for documentation.

As an educator, I am deeply committed to developing the next generation of medical and legal professionals, providing training for undergraduates, postgraduates, police officers, and paralegals in forensic medicine and related legal aspects. Furthermore, I am a dedicated researcher and active participant in national policy development, having contributed significantly to the University of Ruhuna through key initiatives like securing funding for a new research complex and establishing the Video Evidence Recording Unit for child victims. I actively share my expertise globally through numerous presentations, a substantial publication record, and various leadership roles, including serving as President of the College of Forensic Pathologists of Sri Lanka. My goal remains to advance the application of forensic science in the pursuit of justice and human rights.

Senior Lecturer (Grade I),

Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine

University of Ruhuna

Labuduwa Rd

Galle

Sri Lanka

80000

Email : clifford@med.ruh.ac.lk