Twin SLMA mission – emergency relief and advocacy for public health View(s):Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke promises support for Chilaw Hospital and prevention of NCDsBy Kumudini HettiarachchiThe twin aspects of emergency relief in a country that is becoming more and more vulnerable to disasters and long-term advocacy for public health, will be the baton that the newly-inducted 132nd President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) will carry this year. “To support this, we must continue to transform health professional education. In a pioneering move, Sri Lanka recently proposed a landmark resolution to the WHO South-East Asia Region on introducing Health Humanities into professional training. This landmark initiative spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Association of Urological Surgeons, is on an equal partnership with the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology and the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists, all working under the collaborative umbrella of the SLMA. Globally, over 580 million people are living with diabetes and the situation in Sri Lanka is equally critical.

Source: Sunday Times January 18, 2026 10:58 UTC