The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA), the country’s premier professional body for veterinarians, established in 1940, celebrated a significant milestone with its 77th Annual General Meeting and Convention, held on 4 November 2025 at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

The prestigious event brought together leading professionals, academics, and policymakers from Sri Lanka’s veterinary and animal health sectors. It was graced by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Takuma Noguchi, Senior Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as the Guest of Honour, along with several other distinguished dignitaries.

In his welcome address, Dr. Chathura Priyadarshana, Secretary of the SLVA, commended members for their continued dedication to the Association and to the veterinary profession over the past year. Delivering the presidential address, Dr. Ushan Pallegama, President of SLVA, reflected on the key initiatives completed during his tenure, including the successful 77th SLVA Annual Scientific Sessions 2025, which covered a wide range of topics in veterinary clinical science, animal production, public health, wildlife, and aquatic medicine.

He outlined SLVA’s work during the year under several key focus areas. These included addressing national priorities through active policy engagement and advocacy. The Association also promoted professional development through continuous CPD programs. It strengthened research and scientific engagement to encourage evidence-based veterinary practice. Public awareness and outreach activities were expanded to highlight the role of veterinarians in society. SLVA also built international partnerships to align with global best practices. Farmer capacity-building initiatives were introduced to improve livestock management. In addition, the Association focused on member welfare and engagement to build a stronger professional community.

Dr. Pallegama also drew attention to the shortage of veterinarians in Sri Lanka across multiple sectors and the declining interest in joining the government service due to various challenges. He called for greater government support and emphasized that veterinarians across the country are willing and ready to contribute fully to national development, public health, and livestock sector growth.

The event also featured special recognitions. Prof. Mangala Gunathilake was honoured as the recipient of the World Veterinary Association (WVA) Global Animal Welfare Award 2025, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to advancing animal welfare. A highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Dr. Athula Mahagamage under the theme “A Life of Service and Leadership”, a once-in-a-lifetime prestigious recognition of his service to the profession.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards and medals recognizing the outstanding contributions of Sri Lankan veterinarians across diverse fields of veterinary science.

The event also marked a significant new chapter for the Association, with the induction of Dr. Sugath Premachandra as the 78th President of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, alongside the appointments of Dr. Uditha Wijeyasinghe as General Secretary and Dr. Sujith Sudusinghe as Treasurer for the year 2026. The new leadership team pledged to advance SLVA’s mission with a renewed spirit of vision, collaboration, and dedication to professional excellence.