President’s Message

Dr. Surantha Perera – 131st President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA)

As the 131st President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), I embrace this role with pride and humility, reflecting on a 25-year journey dedicated to advancing health and well-being beyond traditional healthcare sectors. The SLMA’s 2025 vision centers on the theme “Health Equity Across the Life Course: Resilient Pathways, Empowered Lives.” This theme encapsulates a commitment to equitable healthcare, resilience, and patient empowerment at every life stage.

Key Highlights:

  1. Health Equity: Upholding health as a fundamental right, ensuring that all individuals can reach their highest potential.
  2. Resilient Pathways: Strengthening healthcare systems and universal health coverage through evidence-based policy reforms.
  3. Empowered Lives: Fostering patient-centered care and community resilience.

Strategic Focus Areas:

  • Childhood: Providing a head start through nurturing cognitive, emotional, and social development.
  • Adolescence: Promoting sexual health and mental well-being to support resilience.
  • Adulthood and Elderly Care: Focusing on preventive care and promoting lifelong wellness.

Cross-Cutting Initiatives:

  • Climate resilience in healthcare, including the launch of Climate-Smart Green Hospitals.
  • Prevention of road traffic accidents and neglected tropical diseases.
  • A holistic life-course approach addressing health disparities.

Pioneering Programmes:

The SLMA’s Pathway to Potential initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty by equipping children and families in impoverished communities with resources and skills for sustainable progress. Complementary strategies include promoting wellness, enhancing professional growth, and integrating data-driven insights into healthcare governance.

Commitment to Change:

With gratitude to mentors, colleagues, and family, this presidency pledges to foster a just, equitable, and resilient healthcare system. SLMA calls on all stakeholders to join hands in creating a sustainable health sector that serves every Sri Lankan.

“Let us act now for the betterment of our nation and the good of all Sri Lankans.”

    

President, SLMA