The Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians established this oration to honour Dr B. J. C. Perera, the first President of the College, for his invaluable contributions.
The oration seeks to recognize exemplary scientific research contributions.
General Scope of Orations
- Scientific orations are typically awarded to manuscripts comprising multiple research studies on a broad topic, conducted by the prospective orator. These manuscripts often encompass a series of research initiatives on a central theme, preferably published in peer-reviewed journals.
- Orations are not usually awarded for single studies unless the work presents groundbreaking findings with significant implications for investigation or treatment strategies.
Dr B. J. C. Perera Research Prize Oration
- This category allows researchers to present outstanding work, including single research projects of substantial value in epidemiological evaluation, investigation, or patient management.
- Manuscripts involving multiple studies may also be considered, provided they share a cohesive theme and demonstrate high scientific rigor.
Manuscript Composition
- Submissions should integrate scientific data into a coherent narrative in EXACTLY the same way that it would be presented if it is selected, rather than adhering to the structure of a standard peer-reviewed journal article.
- Recommended structure:
– Introduction/Background
– Main Body (details of the study or studies)
– Discussion (implications of findings)
– Conclusions, Recommendations, and Acknowledgements - Tables, figures, and photographs are encouraged to be included in order to enhance the manuscript’s appeal.
- References should follow the Vancouver style. Relevant citations must be appropriately placed within the text in superscript parentheses.
- The narrative should be designed to deliver a 35–40-minute presentation.
- All research work included in the oration must originate from the prospective orator’s own research initiatives. If it is a collaborative effort and the submitter is not the principal investigator, consent from the other investigators or collaborators must be duly obtained and submitted with the submitted manuscript.
- Additionally, every research study incorporated into the oration MUST have received ethical clearance from a recognized ethics review committee. Evidence of Ethical Clearance and relevant reference numbers must be provided in the manuscript.
- Any Clinical Trials, interventional and experimental studies MUST have prior registration with a recognised Clinical Trial Registration portal. Evidence of this and reference number/s must be provided in the manuscript.
- Ethical considerations for photography and videography- Safeguarding the anonymity and privacy of all patients. Take all necessary steps to protect their identity unless specific consent for identification has been explicitly obtained. Avoid including identifiable features unless absolutely necessary and fully consented to in advance.
- Formatting Requirements
Manuscripts must be prepared in Microsoft Word, using:
Font: Times New Roman or Arial, size 12
Line spacing: 1.5
Margins: 0.8 inches (2.0 cm) on all sides
Bold and italic text may be used for emphasis, but underlining should be avoided.
Pages must be numbered consecutively at the bottom right corner.
Submission Guidelines
- Electronic Submission
Manuscripts must be submitted electronically via the oration submission portal. Please note that hard copy printed submissions will not be accepted.
- Covering Letter
Covering letter providing the name of the submitter, affiliations, addresses, title of the manuscript, email of the corresponding author and contact telephone number should be submitted separately with the manuscript. The submission should start with this cover letter.
- File Formats to submit
TWO SUBMISSIONS IN TWO SEPARATE FILE FORMATS AS DESCRIBED BELOW SHOULD BE UPLOADED FOR EACH MANUSCRIPT. - PDF Version:
Please ensure that this version does not include the author’s name or affiliations to facilitate anonymous review. It should NOT include the cover letter as well. - MS Word Document Version:
This version must include the author’s name and affiliations as well as the cover letter.
Selection Process
The primary goal is to appreciate, facilitate, and promote high-quality research with significant implications for child health care. Selection is conducted on a competitive basis. A Sub-Committee, appointed by the Council of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, will evaluate submissions. Each member will review the submissions independently. Final decisions will be made through a consensus meeting of the Sub-Committee Recommendations and when they are submitted to the Council for approval.
Submission Deadline
- The manuscript must reach the Secretary, Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, by 4:00 PM on 7th May 2026.
- PLEASE NOTE THAT NO EXTENSIONS OF THE DEADLINE WILL BE PROVIDED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.