The partnership establishes a framework for closer engagement between the medical profession and private healthcare providers to advance Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.
The Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHNH) and the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Wijerama House, the SLMA premises in Colombo 07, establishing a framework for closer collaboration between the medical profession and the private healthcare sector.
The MoU reflects a shared recognition that strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare system requires collaboration among medical professionals, healthcare providers and other stakeholders. By bringing together the expertise and perspectives of both organisations, the initiative aims to support the continued development of an accessible, high-quality and sustainable healthcare system.
The framework identifies six strategic areas of collaboration: patient access and healthcare delivery; clinical excellence, innovation and quality; healthcare workforce development and professional opportunity; leadership, education and healthcare thought leadership; healthcare policy, system sustainability and public-private collaboration; and sustainable healthcare investment, infrastructure and future readiness.
Through these areas, the two organisations seek to encourage knowledge exchange, strengthen professional engagement and contribute to constructive dialogue on the evolving priorities of Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector.
Commenting on the significance of the collaboration, APHNH President Mr. Raveen Wickramasinghe stated; “this collaboration gives our members a shared platform to voice their concerns, contribute expertise and help shape the future of healthcare. By bringing together professionals from both organisations, we aim to turn dialogue into evidence-based action that strengthens healthcare delivery and improves patient outcomes.”
The MoU also outlines a framework for continued engagement between the organisations, including a Joint Strategic Council, an Executive Working Group, an Annual Healthcare Leadership Dialogue, and the development of joint position statements and recommendations. These mechanisms are intended to provide platforms for discussion, knowledge sharing and collaboration on matters of common interest to the medical profession and private healthcare providers.
The signing marks a positive step towards a more connected approach to healthcare development in Sri Lanka, recognising the value of shared expertise and collective leadership in advancing patient-centred care and addressing national healthcare priorities.
By strengthening engagement between the medical profession and private healthcare institutions, APHNH and SLMA seek to contribute to a healthcare system that is accessible, innovative and sustainable, with improved outcomes for patients across the country.
Photo (top) - From left to right: Mr. Mahanil Pereira (Vice President – APHNH), Dr. Preethi Wijegoonewardene (Past President – SLMA), Prof. Ishan De Zoysa (Incoming President – SLMA), Dr. Sandamali Weerasinghe (Hony. Secretary – APHNH), Mr. Raveen Wickramasinghe (President – APHNH), Dr. Manika Sumanatillake (President – SLMA), Dr. Isshani Fernando (Hony. Secretary – SLMA), Prof. Jennifer Perera (Past President – SLMA), and Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva (Council Member – SLMA).
Seen here President – APHNH Mr. Raveen Wickramasinghe (left) and President – SLMA Dr. Manika Sumanatillake sign the Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen healthcare collaboration in Sri Lanka.
