Recognised
Institutions
Only graduates of SLMC-recognised institutions are eligible to register and practise medicine in Sri Lanka. Always verify recognition before enrolling — local or overseas.
9+
Recognised Local Faculties
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Overseas Recognition Verification
SLMC
Official Statutory Recognition
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Local Accredited Medical Faculties
The following Sri Lankan institutions have been granted recognition by SLMC. Graduates of these faculties are eligible to apply for provisional registration upon completion of their degree without sitting the ERPM examination.
Medicine & Surgery
12 institutionsFaculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
MBBSOldest medical faculty in Sri Lanka.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya
MBBSAffiliated to Teaching Hospital Peradeniya.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
MBBSRagama campus — affiliated to North Colombo Teaching Hospital.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
MBBSNugegoda — affiliated to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna
MBBSAffiliated to Teaching Hospital Jaffna.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna
MBBSAffiliated to Teaching Hospital Karapitiya.
Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
MBBSAffiliated to Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura.
Faculty of Healthcare Sciences, Eastern University of Sri Lanka
MBBSFaculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
MBBSFaculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
MBBSDentistry
1 institutionFaculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya
BDSThe only state dental faculty in Sri Lanka — affiliated to the Dental Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya.
Allied Health Sciences
3 institutionsFaculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya
BSc Allied Health SciencesProgrammes in physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, radiography, and occupational therapy.
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
BSc Allied Health SciencesPhysiotherapy, medical laboratory sciences, and nursing science programmes.
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna
BSc Allied Health SciencesPhysiotherapy, medical laboratory, and radiography programmes.
Private institutions: Some private medical colleges in Sri Lanka also hold SLMC recognition. The list above covers state universities. Contact SLMC or check the official Government Gazette for the complete list including any private and newly-recognised institutions.
Contact SLMCOverseas Institutions
SLMC individually assesses overseas medical degrees. Recognition is granted institution by institution —
not country by country. A degree from a country with a strong medical tradition is not automatically recognised;
the specific institution and programme must meet SLMC standards.
In many cases, SLMC cross-references the accreditation status granted by the national medical regulatory body
of the awarding country — but this is not a substitute for SLMC's own review. Always verify with SLMC directly.
Countries & National Accreditation Bodies
United Kingdom
General Medical Council (GMC)GMC-approved UK medical schools are generally recognised by SLMC — verify individual institution.
Australia & New Zealand
Australian Medical Council (AMC)AMC-accredited programmes are considered — individual verification required.
India
National Medical Commission (NMC)NMC-recognised institutions are assessed individually by SLMC.
United States & Canada
LCME / CACMS accredited schoolsLCME/CACMS-accredited medical schools are generally considered — verify with SLMC.
Eastern Europe
Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, etc.Recognition varies significantly by institution. Contact SLMC before enrolling in any Eastern European medical programme.
China
National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)Selected Chinese institutions are recognised. Individual verification with SLMC is essential.
Other countries
Assessed individually by SLMCAll other overseas institutions are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Contact SLMC before enrolling.
Confirm Your Institution Online
Submit an inquiry to the SLMC Registration Division to get written confirmation of your institution's recognition status.
Critical Warning for Prospective Students
Do not enrol in any overseas medical programme — regardless of the country — without first confirming with SLMC that your specific institution is recognised. The consequences of graduating from a non-recognised institution are serious:
- You must sit and pass the ERPM examination before any registration is possible
- The ERPM is competitive and tests at the standard of a local MBBS graduate
- There is no guarantee of passing the ERPM — failure means you cannot practise in Sri Lanka
- Tuition fees paid to non-recognised institutions cannot be recovered
What Makes an Overseas Degree Acceptable
- The degree is a primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) — not postgraduate
- It confers the legal right to practise medicine in the awarding country
- The programme includes full-time clinical training in a recognised teaching hospital
- The institution is accredited by the national medical regulatory body of the country
- The programme was not delivered primarily online or by distance learning
- The degree is recognised for at least provisional registration purposes in the awarding country
Recognition Criteria
SLMC is empowered under the Medical Ordinance No. 26 of 1927 and subsequent amendments to approve or reject institutions for the purpose of registration of medical practitioners in Sri Lanka. Recognition decisions are published by Government Gazette.
Standards SLMC Evaluates
Institutional Accreditation
The institution must be accredited by the recognised national regulatory body in its country and legally empowered to award medical degrees.
Curriculum Standards
The programme must cover basic sciences, clinical sciences, and practical clinical training equivalent to the local MBBS standard.
Clinical Training Facilities
Students must complete clinical training in recognised, adequately equipped teaching hospitals with sufficient patient exposure.
Duration of Study
The degree programme must be of sufficient duration — typically 5–6 years for medicine — and may not be substantially completed online.
Right to Practise
The degree must confer the legal right to practise medicine (at least at intern / provisional level) in the country in which it was awarded.
How Recognition is Granted
SLMC Council Review
The SLMC Council reviews applications from institutions seeking recognition, or may initiate recognition based on a Gazette recommendation from the Ministry of Health.
Institutional Assessment
SLMC may conduct or commission an assessment of the institution, including a review of curriculum documents, clinical facilities, and inspection visits where applicable.
Gazette Notification
Recognition is formalised by Government Gazette notification, which is the legally binding instrument of recognition in Sri Lanka.
Ongoing Review
Recognition may be withdrawn if an institution no longer meets required standards. SLMC monitors recognised institutions and reviews the list periodically.
Legal Basis
The recognition of institutions is governed by the Medical Ordinance No. 26 of 1927 and the Medical (Amendment) Act No. 25 of 1973, which empower SLMC to maintain the register of recognised institutions and to publish additions or removals by Gazette notification.
View Acts & RegulationsHow to Verify an Institution
Whether you are a prospective student choosing where to study, a graduate preparing to register, or an employer checking a practitioner's qualifications — here is how to confirm whether an institution is recognised by SLMC.
Contact SLMC Registration Division directly
Call or email SLMC with the full official name of the institution and the country. The Registration Division will confirm recognition status — this is the most reliable and up-to-date method.
Submit an online inquiry via e-Services
Use the SLMC e-Services portal to submit a written inquiry. A written response provides a formal record that can be used for your application file.
Check the Government Gazette
Recognition is published by Government Gazette. Gazette notifications are publicly available at the Government Publications Bureau and SLMC offices.
Request a formal confirmation letter
If you are about to commit to an overseas programme and require certainty, request a written confirmation letter from SLMC. Keep this letter as it may be required during your registration application.
Submit an Institution Verification Inquiry
Get a written confirmation of your institution's recognition status via the SLMC e-Services portal.
Contact SLMC Registration Division
Sri Lanka Medical Council
Not Sure if Your Institution is Recognised?
Contact the SLMC Registration Division before you enrol. A quick inquiry now can save years of uncertainty later.
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