Forensic perinatal and paediatric pathology as a special interest area in forensic medicine in Sri Lanka: the way forward

The perinatal and paediatric death investigations involve different medico-legal, clinical, parental, and social issues which need thorough medico-legal investigations. The familiarity with common causes of perinatal and paediatric death and skill in special paediatric dissection procedures are important factors. In addition, the pathologist is required to have the knowledge and the skill of interpreting macroscopic and microscopic findings of the placenta and the cord. In 2018 the perinatal and paediatric pathology has been identified as a subspecialty in Forensic Medicine by the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Sri Lanka, and introduced into the post-MD special interest area curriculum.   There are different areas to be improved in the field of perinatal and paediatric autopsy investigations in Sri Lanka such as establishing standard measurement charts and routinely use of different ancillary investigations including the use of molecular pathology.