border line About SLMNA

Our History

Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA), founded on the 14th of February 2015, is the pioneer organization dedicated to the field of ‘clinical nutrition’ in Sri Lanka.

SLMNA was established with the virtuous vision, of improving the field of clinical nutrition in Sri Lanka as a supportive service to patient care, in both curative and preventive health sectors.

Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, who was also instrumental in the introduction of clinical nutrition postgraduate training in Sri Lanka, was the founder president and Dr. Damean De Silva was the founder secretary of the association. Leading Medical Professionals from other colleges, together with a core team of medical doctors from the first two batches of the MSc Human nutrition program were the other office-bearers of the first council and was supported by Ministry of Health and the Government Medical Officers Association.

The founder's membership consisted of 74 members. This included clinicians from all categories such as physicians, surgeons, pediatricians, anesthetists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, community physicians as well as medical officers. Today SLMNA boasts a membership of 333 lifetime members and keeps the momentum expanding.

SLMNA which was initiated with many financial as well as social constrains has flourished under the patronage of the founder president Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, and the dedicated contribution of the membership, by way of knowledge, skills, and wealth, towards new horizons.

In 2016 SLMNA, held its 1st clinical nutrition sessions graced by the presence of his Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithreepala Sirisena as the chief guest. It was a historic achievement. The tradition follows, and yearly Clinical Nutrition Annual Academic sessions were being held with the participation of eminent international and local speakers. Read more

Untiring and enormous efforts of the former president of SLMNA, led to the launch of the MD program in clinical nutrition, by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine in 2017. The program was able to produce, highly trained and qualified Consultant Clinical Nutrition Physicians in Sri Lanka setting a hallmark in the South Asian region.

Yearly conducted MCQ program for MSc selection examination, while expanding the knowledge of medical officers has been a financial asset to SLMNA in the very beginning.

Market fair was a novel concept which made the membership to develop a forum for discussion of the available local and international products in nutritional care.

Island wide awareness programs to introduce the importance of nutritional care in hospitalized patients were conducted initially in many hospitals in collaboration with relevant clinical societies to develop and utilize this novel field of clinical nutrition.

SLMNA has gallantly reached out to the international arena of clinical nutrition, and obtained a council member of the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) since year 2017.

In 2018 and 2019 SLMNA, successfully coordinated the 'Life Long Learning course in Clinical Nutrition, conducted by ESPEN. It was attended by local and international trainees in clinical nutrition and gave Sri Lankan trainees an international learning experience.

SLMNA has also been co-partners in the Malnutrition Awareness Week program with the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), collaborating internationally in the nutrition field.

SLMNA is geared to play a pivotal role in preventive nutrition care. The association has contributed to addressing the double burden of malnutrition among children and adults. Collaborative projects such as the "We Are Healthy" program in Colombo District schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Non-Communicable Disease Unit, the "Work Site Wellness" program with government ministries targeting the working population to reduce the Non-communicable Diseases and capacity building programs to enhance nutrition in the estate sector in collaboration with the South Asian Food and Nutrition Security Initiative under World Bank, Plantation Human Development Trust and Health Education Bureau are some examples of such efforts.

Our association was partnering with Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association and Endocrinology society in numerous public awareness programs as health walks, healthy eating exhibitions, diabetic day programs and many more and the awareness campaign on 'healthy eating and nutrition in covid-19', conducted over social media platforms is another timely intervention by the SLMNA.

Currently trained professional in Clinical Nutrition are providing an island wide service in major hospitals, contributing to the betterment of patient care via nutritional optimization via Medical Nutrition Therapy.

This unique organization strengthens its internal unity and harmony yearly by organizing an annual get-together with the members and their families.

Prof. Pujitha Wickramasinghe who is the newly appointed president of SLMNA and the council, with the young and enthusiastic membership, are a great strength to SLMNA in its flourishing journey towards building an optimum clinical nutrition service to Sri Lanka......

Vision

Nutrition leading to good health and well-being.

Mission

Drives change through dialogue, leadership and action to help, solve the most important nutrition challenges of patients and general public in Sri Lanka.

President's Message

Dear Esteemed Members,

As we celebrate a remarkable milestone – the 10th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA) – I am filled with pride and gratitude for the journey we have undertaken together. This decade has been one of growth, progress, and transformation, both within our organization and in the broader field of medical nutrition.

Our association has soared to new heights thanks to the tireless efforts and visionary leadership of our founder members, the founder President, and all past Presidents and Councils. Their commitment to advancing the field of medical nutrition has laid a solid foundation upon which we continue to build today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of them for their invaluable contributions in taking SLMNA to a prominent position, not only nationally but internationally. Their dedication and hard work have made it possible for us to foster a dynamic community of professionals who are deeply committed to improving patient care through evidence-based nutrition therapy.

As we look back with pride, we also look forward to the future with excitement. This 10th anniversary serves as a testament to the incredible strides we have made in the realm of clinical nutrition. Our theme, “Panoramic View in Clinical Nutrition,” encapsulates our collective vision to expand our influence and elevate the standards of nutrition care on a global scale. We aim to continue to expand our horizons, share our expertise, and lead innovations that shape the future of clinical nutrition.

Together with Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians, we have created a strong platform that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. As we enter the next decade, we are excited to strengthen our role in clinical nutrition, empower our members, and expand our outreach to make a lasting impact on public health.

I invite each one of you to join us in this exciting journey, as we continue to raise the bar in clinical nutrition and make meaningful contributions toward the health and well-being of all.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support, and let us celebrate this special occasion as a milestone towards even greater achievements.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jayani Tennakoon Jayaweera
President, Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association