A special ceremony for the appointment and introduction of the 93rd President of the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) was recently held at the Solis Hotel in Kotte, presided over by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
At this ceremony, held for the inauguration of the new president, Specialist Doctor Ananda Ratnayake was appointed as the 93rd President for the 2025-2026 term.
The new president was adorned with a special presidential chain by the outgoing president of the Sri Lanka Dental Association, Professor Ruwan Jayasinghe.
“Specialist doctor Ananda Ratnayake is the New President of the Dental Association”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that it was a great honour to participate in the ceremony for the inauguration of the 93rd President of the Sri Lanka Dental Association, a professional association with a long and respectable history in the country. He also extended warm congratulations to the newly appointed President, Dr. Ananda Ratnayake.
The Minister recalled that the Sri Lanka Dental Association has provided immense contributions and guidance in promoting oral health in the country for over nine decades, and stated that the nation can be proud of the excellent service provided to the country while maintaining high professional standards.
Emphasizing that Sri Lanka has achieved significant progress in many areas of the health sector, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that oral health is an area where this progress shows a slight setback.
The Minister pointed out that a majority of school-aged children, as well as many adults, are affected by dental diseases. He stressed the need to implement health education programs and intervene in health promotion activities to protect the country’s children and public from these conditions.
Highlighting the necessity of strengthening methods for preventing and early detection of oral cancer, the Minister mentioned that oral cancer among men in the country is a significant problem.
The Minister emphasized that a high-standard health service is operational in the country and that measures will be taken to further promote the existing oral health service in Sri Lanka so that it is accessible to all.
The Minister further urged the Ministry of Health, professionals, and the community to work together to transform the people of this country into a nation where every smile reflects good health, dignity, and well-being.
