Sri Lankan Medical & Dental Association in the UK
Dear Medical Student/Doctor
Welcome to the SLMDA
This letter is intended to give an introduction to the Sri Lankan Medical & Dental Association (SLMDA) in the UK, which is the largest expatriate organisation of Sri Lankan origin in the UK. This is a non- political, non-racial organisation respecting equality and diversity. It was founded in 1982 and has a membership of Sri Lankan doctors & dentists exceeding 400 at present.
The main aim of the SLMDA is to assist undergraduate medical & dental education in Sri Lanka. However the constitution has been extended to support humanitarian causes of exceptional significance to Sri Lanka. (Eg. 2004 Tsunami, 2016 floods etc)
Support to Sri Lanka is provided in the following ways.
- Promoting Medical & Dental Education:
a) Annual book donation (> £ 1000 each) to libraries of all the Medical and Dental Schools in Sri Lanka.
b) Award of bursaries either (1/faculty/yr) to needy medical & dental students or to University’s disaster fund (Contact Treasurer)
- Special Projects (Eg. English Skills lab, water purification pumps, canteen, solar energy etc.)
- Supporting Humanitarian Causes:
- Support to Sri Lankans affected by natural disasters
Income for the above is generated by the following means:
- Annual membership fee of £ 40 for doctors & dentists & free for medical & dental students.
- Donations for –
- Bursary scheme – £ 10 per month to fund 1 student
- Fund raising activities – There are at least 4 separate events each year. Though some may not generate significant income, they provide an enjoyable and valuable social opportunity.
- Annual General Meeting & Spring Scientific Sessions –
This is usually on the Saturday/ Sunday of the early Spring Bank holiday weekend. The theme differs every year as well as the venue. In the recent years this has included a forum for trainee doctors and medical students, to show case their research, audits & scientific presentations and we have seen very high quality work presented. Founder’s Prize is awarded for the best oral & poster presentation. Abstract are usually called for in Feb/March each year. The day is concluded with a dinner dance & social evening. (Contact Vice President)
- Annual Cultural show and Variety performance- Usually held in March in Essex If any interested to showcase their talents in music and performing arts please contact Dr Rodrigo Thushara who is the main organiser.
- Annual Law Medical Cricket & Netball matches & Dinner Dance –
This is usually held in London in July & is organised jointly with the Association of Sri Lankan Lawyers (ASLLUK). Cricketers & netball players may be interested in participating in this highly competitive event. (Contact Dr A.P. Jayatunga & Dr Auffer Asver)
d) Annual Charity Ball – Usually held in Sep/Oct each year,this is a Black Tie event which attracts all age groups. (Contact the Vice President).
e) Other Events– – In addition a variety of events such as New Year’s Eve disco, Raffle Draw, Film show Barn Dance & Exhibition of Arts & Crafts have been held in some years.
g) Youth Forum Activities – Opportunity for young doctors/dentists & students in these disciplines to mingle together. We are always looking for young enthusiastic doctors to be involved in organising these events.
There may be a plethora of skills & expertise you could contribute to the organisation in order to provide benefit to fellow undergraduate medical and dental students in Sri Lanka..
In addition to supporting Sri Lanka, and bringing the Sri Lankan Medical & Dental community together, the association also fosters networking which could benefit your own career aspirations. (Eg. finding suitable training posts).
Please visit our website www.srilankan-mda.org.uk and contact relevant committee members regarding individual activities. I sincerely hope you would join the SLMDA & make a contribution towards the many areas listed above; the end result of which is to support fellow countrymen.
Thank you,
Yours Sincerely,
President – SLMDA
