Mandate & Legal Framework
The Sri Lanka Medical Council derives its authority from Chapter 105 of the Medical Ordinance of 1924. As Sri Lanka's apex statutory regulator of medical and dental professionals, SLMC operates within a well-defined legal framework to protect public health and uphold professional standards.
Mandate
The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) is the apex statutory regulatory body for medical and dental professionals in Sri Lanka. Its primary mandate is to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified, competent, and ethical practitioners are registered and permitted to practise medicine and dentistry in Sri Lanka.
The Council achieves this mandate through the maintenance of registers of qualified practitioners, the setting and enforcement of educational and professional standards, and the oversight of ethical and disciplinary conduct among registrants.
Protect the Public
Ensure only qualified and ethical practitioners are registered
Uphold Standards
Set and enforce professional, educational, and ethical standards
Regulate the Profession
Maintain registers and oversee disciplinary proceedings
Over a Century of Regulation
The SLMC was established in 1924 under the Medical Ordinance, making it one of the oldest statutory regulatory bodies in Sri Lanka. For over 100 years, it has safeguarded the health and welfare of the Sri Lankan public through rigorous professional regulation.
Legislation & Amendments
The SLMC's statutory authority flows from the Medical Ordinance and its subsequent amendments. Key legislative instruments governing the Council include:
Medical Ordinance No. 26 of 1927
1927The primary enabling legislation. Chapter 105 of the Legislative Enactments of Sri Lanka. Establishes the Sri Lanka Medical Council, defines its composition, functions, powers, and the registration framework for medical and dental practitioners.
Medical (Amendment) Act No. 28 of 1998
1998Major amendment expanding the scope of SLMC regulation. Extended the Council's authority to include allied health professionals and introduced provisions for temporary registration of overseas practitioners.
Medical (Amendment) Act No. 24 of 2006
2006Further amendments to modernise SLMC operations, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and align registration practices with contemporary international standards.
Regulations Gazetted Under the Ordinance
OngoingThe SLMC issues subsidiary regulations published in the Government Gazette covering specific operational matters including registration fees, CPD requirements, approved institutions, and disciplinary procedures.
Statutory Powers & Functions
Under the Medical Ordinance, the SLMC holds a broad set of statutory powers to regulate the medical and dental professions in the public interest.
Registration & Licensing
Maintain official registers of all qualified medical and dental practitioners and issue certificates of registration.
Qualification Recognition
Approve and recognise medical and dental qualifications from local and overseas institutions for registration purposes.
Institution Accreditation
Inspect and accredit medical and dental faculties, hospitals, and training institutions to ensure educational standards are met.
Disciplinary Jurisdiction
Investigate complaints and conduct disciplinary hearings against registered practitioners who breach professional standards.
Standards Setting
Issue guidelines, regulations, and codes of conduct governing professional behaviour, ethics, and clinical practice standards.
Public Protection
Take action against unregistered practitioners and those posing a risk to public health, including seeking court injunctions.
CPD Oversight
Set continuing professional development requirements and accredit CPD providers and programmes for registered practitioners.
International Engagement
Liaise with overseas medical councils and regulatory authorities to facilitate recognition of qualifications and exchange of information.
Strategic Objectives
SLMC's strategic objectives translate its statutory mandate into actionable priorities that guide Council decisions and Secretariat operations across all regulatory domains.
Strengthening Registration Systems
Modernise and digitise practitioner registration to improve accuracy, speed, and public accessibility of the medical register.
Enhancing Educational Standards
Continuously review and raise the academic and clinical standards required of recognised medical and dental programmes.
Robust Disciplinary Framework
Maintain a fair, transparent, and effective system for investigating and resolving complaints against registered practitioners.
Promoting Continuing Professional Development
Encourage and require all registrants to participate in ongoing CPD to ensure their knowledge and skills remain current.
Public Awareness & Engagement
Increase public understanding of SLMC's role, patients' rights, and how to verify practitioner registration and report concerns.
International Regulatory Alignment
Align SLMC standards and practices with internationally recognised frameworks including WHO, WMA, and Commonwealth medical councils.