About SLDA
Sri Lanka Dental Association

Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake
President - Sri Lanka Dental Association
Message from the President of the Sri Lanka Dental Association
It is a great honour and privilege to serve as the President of the Sri Lanka Dental Association for the year 2026/2027.
Today, dentistry stands at a defining moment. While remarkable advances in science and technology continue to transform the way we diagnose, prevent, and manage oral diseases, significant inequalities in access to oral healthcare persist. Dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancers, craniofacial anomalies, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases continue to affect the health and quality of life of millions. As oral health professionals, we have both the privilege and the responsibility to lead the response.
Our future lies not merely in treating disease, but in preventing it. Prevention must become the cornerstone of oral healthcare. Strengthening oral health promotion, integrating oral health into primary healthcare, and empowering individuals and communities to take responsibility for their own oral health are essential if we are to achieve sustainable improvements in population health.
At the same time, our profession must embrace the opportunities presented by digital dentistry, artificial intelligence, precision diagnostics, minimally invasive treatment philosophies, and environmentally sustainable clinical practices. These innovations should enable us to deliver care that is safer, more effective, more patient-centred, and more accessible, while preserving the highest ethical and professional standards.
The Sri Lanka Dental Association has, for nearly a century, been the voice of the dental profession in our country. As we move forward, we remain committed to promoting scientific excellence, supporting continuous professional development, encouraging high-quality research, nurturing future leaders, and advocating for policies that improve the oral health of every Sri Lankan. Collaboration with government, academia, international organisations, industry partners, and the wider healthcare community will be vital in achieving these goals.
As President, I envision an Association that not only serves its members but also leads national efforts to transform oral health. An Association that champions evidence-based practice, innovation, sustainability, professionalism, and social responsibility. An Association that inspires confidence within the profession and trust among the public.
Our greatest strength lies in the knowledge, experience, and commitment of our members. Together, let us continue to uphold the highest standards of our profession, embrace change with confidence, and work collectively towards a future where every individual has the opportunity to enjoy good oral health as an essential component of overall health and well-being.
I warmly invite all members of the Sri Lanka Dental Association to join me in this shared endeavour. Together, we can build a stronger profession, a healthier nation, and a lasting legacy for future generations.
Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake
Sri Lanka Dental Association
Discover more about SLDA
Discover more about the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) by exploring our comprehensive history, governance, and accolades. Learn about the esteemed council that leads us and our ongoing commitment to excellence in dentistry. Delve into our storied past, highlighting significant milestones and contributions to the field. Additionally, find information on our prestigious prizes and awards, celebrating outstanding achievements within the dental community. Understand how SLDA continues to shape the future of dental care in Sri Lanka.
Governance & Council
Meet our dedicated leadership team and explore how our council governs and guides the Sri Lanka Dental Association.
History of SLDA
Discover the origins and evolution of the Sri Lanka Dental Association and its impact on the dental profession from the past.
Prizes and Awards
Learn about the prestigious prizes and awards recognizing exceptional contributions and achievements within the dental community.