Registration
The Sri Lanka Medical Council registers medical practitioners, dental practitioners, allied health professionals, overseas practitioners, and graduates under various statutory frameworks.
Introduction
The Sri Lanka Medical Council maintains official registers of healthcare professionals who are authorised to practice medicine, dentistry and fields related to allied healthcare in Sri Lanka. Registration ensures that practitioners meet the required standards of education, competence, and professional conduct before providing healthcare services to the public.
The Council registers medical practitioners, dental practitioners, and allied health professionals, and also provides pathways for medical and dental graduates seeking internship and overseas professionals who are visiting for short term activities to obtain registration where appropriate.
Practicing medicine in Sri Lanka without a valid registration from the Sri Lanka Medical Council constitutes a legal offence.
Information on registration requirements, application procedures, and applicable fees is provided in the sections below.
Medical Practitioners
Medical practitioners who wish to practice medicine & surgery in Sri Lanka must be registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council. Registration confirms that the practitioner has obtained an approved medical qualification and has fulfilled the requirements for professional practice in Sri Lanka.
Medical graduates from recognised institutions may obtain provisional registration in order to complete the required period of internship training. Upon satisfactory completion of internship and fulfilment of other regulatory requirements, practitioners may obtain registration to practise medicine & surgery.
The Council also maintains a register of Medical Specialists who possess the qualifications prescribed under the Medical Ordinance for registration as Medical Specialists.
Registration Pathway
Provisional Registration
Initial registration granted to graduates who have completed their MBBS or equivalent from a recognised institution. Allows commencement of the mandatory internship.
- Eligible after passing final MBBS exams
- Required to begin internship training
- Supervised practice only
Internship
A compulsory one-year clinical training programme at an approved government hospital. Interns rotate across core disciplines under the supervision of consultants.
- One year at an SLMC-approved hospital
- Rotations: medicine, surgery, obs/gyn & paediatrics
- Assessed by supervising consultants
Registration as Medical Practitioner
The registration enables medical practitioners qualified to practice medicine and surgery in Sri Lanka under Section 29 of the Medical Ordinance upon successful completion of the internship.
- Inclusion into the SLMC Medical Practitioners’ register.
- Renewal of registration required.
Registration as a Specialist Medical Practitioner
Registration granted to medical practitioners who have successfully completed recognised postgraduate specialist training and meet the requirements for specialist registration under the Medical Ordinance.
- Recognised postgraduate specialist qualification
- Inclusion in the SLMC Specialist Register
- Required to practise as a recognised specialist in Sri Lanka
Medical Practitioner Services
Access a range of online services including registration-related applications, certificate requests, status verification, qualification updates, and other services available for registered medical practitioners.
Dental Practitioners
Dental practitioners intending to practice dentistry and dental surgery in Sri Lanka must be registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council. Registration is available to individuals who possess recognized dental qualifications and meet the required professional and ethical standards.
Dental graduates may initially obtain provisional registration in order to complete supervised training where applicable, followed by full registration once the required training and regulatory requirements have been fulfilled.
The Council also maintains a register of Dental Specialists who possess the qualifications prescribed under the Medical Ordinance for registration as Dental Specialists.
Registration Pathway
Provisional Registration
Granted to graduates who have completed a BDS degree or an equivalent qualification from a SLMC recognized institution. Allows them to commence the mandatory internship.
- Eligible after passing the final BDS examination or the ERPDS examination.
- Required to begin internship
- Supervised practice only
Dental Internship
A compulsory approved internship period involving clinical training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, and Orthodontics at a dental hospital or institution approved by the SLMC, under the supervision of specialist consultants.
- Compulsory approved internship period at a dental hospital or institution approved by the SLMC.
- Involving clinical training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, and Orthodontics.
- Assessed by supervising consultants
Dental Surgeon Registration
The registration enables dental practitioners qualified to practice dentistry and dental surgery in Sri Lanka under Section 43 of the Medical Ordinance upon successful completion of the internship and fulfilling the other prescribed requirements.
- Inclusion into the SLMC Dental Practitioners’ register.
- Renewal of registration required.
Registration as a Specialist Dental Practitioner
Registration granted to dental practitioners who have successfully completed recognised postgraduate specialist training and meet the requirements for specialist registration under the Medical Ordinance.
- Recognised postgraduate specialist qualification
- Inclusion in the SLMC Specialist Register
- Required to practise as a recognised specialist in Sri Lanka
Dental Practitioner Services
Access a range of online services including registration-related applications, certificate requests, status verification, qualification updates, and other services available for registered dental practitioners.
Allied Health Professionals
The Sri Lanka Medical Council also registers several categories of allied health professionals, also referred to in legislation as professions supplementary to medicine.
AHP Categories
Pharmacist
To proceed, you must hold a BSc in Pharmacy from a State University or a CMCC Pharmacist Certificate of Efficiency / Proficiency.
Midwives
A healthcare professional who holds a Certificate of Efficiency as a Midwife issued by the Ceylon Medical College Council and is authorized to practice midwifery in accordance with Section 51 of the Medical Ordinance.
Radiographer
Registered Radiographers and Radiotherapy Technologists operating medical imaging equipment and delivering radiation therapy.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Registered Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) performing diagnostic laboratory investigations and quality assurance.
Physiotherapist
Registered Physiotherapists holding a BPT or equivalent. Provides evidence-based physical rehabilitation and therapeutic intervention.
Occupational Therapist
A healthcare professional who helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work-related skills.
Electrocardiograph Recordist
A healthcare worker trained to perform and record electrocardiograms (ECG) to monitor heart activity.
Audiologist
A healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses, and manages hearing and balance disorders.
Clinical Physiologist
A healthcare professional who performs diagnostic tests to assess the functioning of body systems such as the heart, lungs, and nervous system.
Electroencephalograph Recordist
A professional responsible for conducting and recording electroencephalograms (EEG) to assess brain activity.
Speech Therapist
Registered Speech-Language Therapists assessing and treating communication, voice, and swallowing disorders.
Chiropodist
A specialist who provides care and treatment for foot and lower limb conditions
Dietitian
A qualified professional who provides medical nutrition therapy and dietary advice to support health and disease management.
Ophthalmic Auxiliary
A healthcare assistant who supports eye care services and assists ophthalmologists in patient care and examinations.
Nutritionist
A professional who provides guidance on healthy eating habits and nutrition to promote overall well-being.
Clinical Psychologist
A mental health professional who assesses and treats emotional, behavioral, and psychological disorders.
Allied Health Professionals Services
Access a range of online services including registration-related applications, certificate requests, status verification, qualification updates, and other services available for registered allied health professionals.
Overseas Professionals
The Sri Lanka Medical Council provides temporary registration for overseas healthcare professionals seeking to engage in approved professional activities in Sri Lanka.
Temporary registration may be granted to practitioners who are invited by the Government of Sri Lanka, recognised institutions in state or private sector, or universities to provide clinical services, participate in teaching activities or academic activities, or support specialized medical programmes.
Temporary registration is granted for a limited period not exceeding 1 year and is restricted to specific roles or institutions. The Council assesses the qualifications, experience, and professional standing of applicants before granting temporary registration.
Temporary registration may be granted under three categories depending on the nature and purpose of the professional activity.
Employment in Private Healthcare Institutions
This category applies to healthcare professionals who are not registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) and intend to engage in professional practice in Sri Lanka, particularly within the private healthcare sector. Applicants are required to satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed by the SLMC and obtain temporary registration prior to engaging in any clinical or professional practice. Temporary registration is granted only for approved employment positions and is subject to applicable conditions, regulatory requirements, and the approval of the Council.
Workshops & Training Programmes
This category is intended for professionals who are not registered in Sri Lanka and who wish to visit the Sri Lanka to conduct workshops, lectures, training programmes, conferences, or other academic and professional educational activities. Temporary registration may be granted for short-term professional or educational engagements approved by recognized institutions or organizations.
Clinical Observerships & Training
This category applies to overseas professionals seeking to undergo Postgraduate Training, supervised training, or educational attachments in Sri Lanka. These activities are intended for learning and professional development purposes and may be subject to specific conditions, supervision requirements, and limitations on clinical practice.
Medical & Dental Graduates
Medical and dental graduates are required to obtain provisional registration from the Sri Lanka Medical Council before commencing internship training in Sri Lanka. Provisional registration is granted to graduates who have completed approved medical or dental degree programmes and meet the required eligibility criteria. This registration only allows graduates to undergo supervised internship training. It does not grant permission for independent professional practice in medicine or dentistry. Upon successful completion of internship, they may apply for full registration and independent professional practice. Information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, required documentation, and internship regulations is available in this section.
Graduates of Sri Lankan Universities
Medical and dental graduates who have successfully completed approved degree programmes at recognized universities in Sri Lanka are eligible to apply for Provisional Registration with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). Provisional registration is required before commencing compulsory internship training in accredited healthcare institutions.
Your Registration JourneyGraduates of Foreign Universities
Medical and dental graduates who have obtained their qualifications from recognized foreign universities may apply for registration with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), subject to meeting the applicable regulatory requirements.
Your Registration JourneyRegistration Fees
The Sri Lanka Medical Council charges prescribed fees for various registration services in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and regulations. Applicable fees for each service can be found under the respective service sections and application pages. Such fees are subject to change and may be revised periodically as per Council decisions.