About Us

Achieving Excellence In Patient-Centered Cancer Care
Through
Education, Research And Professionalism

SLCO President's Message

It’s with great pride and a profound sense of responsibility, I assume the role of 17th President of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists. I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by my colleagues, and together with my council, I am committed to serving our membership and the cancer community of Sri Lanka with dedication, integrity, and purpose.

Over the years, the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists has played a pivotal role in advancing cancer care in Sri Lanka. As medical science progresses rapidly and patient needs continue to evolve, the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists must remain at the forefront of innovation, strategic policy guidance, and the pursuit of clinical excellence. A primary focus of my tenure will be to enhance the College’s role in shaping national cancer strategies. We must work closely with policymakers, healthcare institutions, allied professional bodies and most importantly persons with lived experience to ensure that cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and survivorship services are aligned with international standards while remaining accessible and equitable to our population. Our goal is not only to treat cancer but to improve the overall cancer journey for every patient in Sri Lanka.

Capacity building of oncology professionals will be another key pillar of our workplan. The strength of any healthcare system lies in the competence and commitment of its workforce.

We will actively promote continuous professional development, advanced training opportunities, research engagement, and knowledge exchange. By fostering collaborations with regional and global oncology communities, we aim to enable our members to attain and maintain global best practices in oncology care. Encouraging multidisciplinary teamwork and nurturing young oncologists will be central to sustaining excellence for future generations.

Equally important is the welfare of our membership. The College must serve not only as a professional body but also as a supportive community. We will strive to enhance member engagement, provide platforms for academic growth, recognize professional achievements, and address the challenges faced by oncologists in their demanding roles. Promoting work-life balance, mental well-being, and professional recognition will remain priorities throughout my tenure.

Research and innovation will also be actively encouraged. By strengthening local research initiatives and supporting evidence-based practice, we can generate data that reflects our unique patient populations and healthcare realities. This will empower us to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to national, regional and global oncology discourse.

As we embark on this journey together, I call upon all members to actively participate in shaping the future of our College. Through unity, collaboration, and shared purpose, we can elevate the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists to new heights and ensure that every patient with cancer in Sri Lanka receives compassionate, equitable, and world-class care.

I look forward to serving you and working together to realize this vision.

Warm regards,

Dr. Sanjeewa Gunasekara

President

Sri Lanka College of Oncologists

Council of Sri Lanka College of Oncologists

First Row (Left to Right) – Dr Anuththara Senevirathne (Public Relations Officer), Dr Pradeep Siriwardana (Treasurer), Dr N. Jeyakumaran (Past President), Dr Jaliya Jayasekera (President-Elect), Dr Sanjeeva Gunasekera (President), Dr Sanath Wanigasooriya (Immediate Past President), Dr Umagowry Saravanamuthu (Past President), Dr Kanthi Perera (Past President), Dr Buddhika Somawardana (Secretary)

Second Row (Left to Right) – Dr Buddhinie Karunaratne (Assistant Secretary), Dr Roshan Gunarathne, Dr Chamila Priyadarshani, Dr Iresha Jayatilakebanda, Dr Mahilal Wijekoon, Dr Sujeeva Weerasinghe, Dr Mahendra Somathilaka, Dr Asanka Gamage, Dr Kavitha Indranath, Dr Thushari Hapuarachichi (Vice President), Dr Ahamed Iqbal,

Third Row (Left to Right) – Dr Prabani Maddumarachchi (Editor), Dr Pradeep Alhakoon, Dr Kalum Jayasinghe, Dr Sachintha Wijesiriwardana (Assistant Treasurer), Dr Randima Nanayakkara, Dr Leela Siriwardhana

Absent: Dr A. J. Hilmi (Past President), Dr Prasad Abeysinghe (Past President), Dr Mahalingam Chenthuran, Dr Hasanthi Jayalath, Dr Buddhika Thilakarathna

Capacity building of oncology professionals will be another key pillar of our workplan. The strength of any healthcare system lies in the competence and commitment of its workforce.

SLCO Secretary’s Message

The Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO) is the apex professional body representing clinical oncologists, surgical oncologists, onco-gynaecologists, paediatric oncologists, and haemato-oncologists in Sri Lanka. The College is dedicated to advancing national cancer care through strategic policy engagement, professional excellence, education, and research. Central to our mission is working closely with national stakeholders to strengthen cancer services across the continuum of care, while safeguarding the welfare and professional development of our members. It is within this broader responsibility that I resume duties as Secretary of the College.

Having previously served in this role during 2024–2025, I remain deeply committed to supporting the institutional growth and administrative strength of SLCO. The evolving oncology landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring clarity of purpose, strong governance, and collective effort. In recent years, the College has expanded its academic initiatives, strengthened professional engagement, and contributed meaningfully to national discussions on cancer care delivery.

As Secretary, my focus will be to ensure efficient coordination, transparent processes, and effective communication within the College. A well-functioning professional body depends on structured engagement, accountability, and active participation. We will continue to facilitate constructive dialogue, support council activities, and maintain systems that enable the College to respond proactively to emerging needs in oncology practice and policy.

SLCO remains firmly committed to postgraduate education, continuous medical education, research development, and multidisciplinary collaboration. As advances in systemic therapies, radiotherapy, precision medicine, and supportive care continue to reshape clinical practice, maintaining high professional standards and fostering knowledge exchange are essential responsibilities.

Equally important is our duty to the broader community. By contributing to evidence-based policy development, supporting workforce capacity building, and advocating for equitable access to quality cancer services, the College plays a vital role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. Strengthening partnerships with regional and international oncology organizations will remain an important priority, enabling knowledge exchange, exposure to global best practices, and opportunities for training and research collaboration. As advances in systemic therapies, radiotherapy, precision medicine, and supportive care continue to reshape clinical practice, sustained professional development and global engagement are essential.

I look forward to working closely with the President, Council, members, trainees, and our wider partners to further consolidate the work of the College. Through coordinated effort and shared commitment, we will continue to strengthen our institution and contribute meaningfully to advancing cancer care in Sri Lanka.

Warm regards,

Dr. Buddhika Somawardana

President

Sri Lanka College of Oncologists

What is SLCO?

The Sri Lanka College of Oncologists promotes excellence in cancer care through research and advocacy efforts to enhance quality, improve access to innovative therapies and ensure equity in cancer care in Sri Lanka.

Our Vision

The vision of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists is to empower all oncology physicians in Sri Lanka to provide best possible care to patients with cancer in Sri Lanka.

Our Mission

The mission of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists is to ensure service excellence in oncology profession in Sri Lanka through capacity building, research and advocacy.

Values

Quality & Excellence

Innovation

Integrity

Compassion

Sharing Knowledge

Council of Sri Lanka College of Oncologists

President:	Dr. Sanjeeva Gunasekera
President-Elect:	Dr. Jaliya Jayasekera
Vice President:	Dr. Thushari Happuarachchi
Secretary:	Dr. Buddhika Somawardana
Assistant Secretary:	Dr. Buddhinie Karunaratne
Treasurer:	Dr. Pradeep Siriwardena
Assistant Treasurer:	Dr. Sachintha Wijesiriwardana
Editor:	Dr. Prabani Maddumarachchi
Public Relations Officer:	Dr. Vimukthini Pieris
Immediate Past President:	Dr. Sanath Wanigasooriya
Past Presidents:
	Dr. Umagowry Saravanamuthu
	Dr. Prasad Abeysinghe
	Dr. N Jeyakumaran
	Dr. A J Hilmi
	Dr. Kanthi Perera
Council Members:
	Dr. Iqbal Ahamad
	Dr. Pradeep Alhakoon
	Dr. Mahalingam Chenthuran
	Dr. Asanka Gamage
	Dr. Roshan Gunarathne
	Dr. Kavitha Indranath
	Dr. Hasanthi Jayalath
	Dr. Kalum Jayasinghe
	Dr. Iresha Jayatilakebanda
	Dr. Randima Nanayakkara
	Dr. Chamila Priyadarshani
	Dr. Anuththara Senevirathne
	Dr. Leela Siriwardhana
	Dr. Buddhika Thilakarathna
	Dr. Sujeeva Weerasinghe
	Dr. Mahilal Wijekoon