Main Inauguration Programme – World Oral Health Day 2026
Galle Face Green, Colombo | 20th March 2026
The national inauguration of World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2026 in Sri Lanka will be ceremonially held on 20th March 2026 at Galle Face Green, Colombo, serving as the official launch of island-wide activities organized by the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders.
This high-profile event will be conducted with the participation of the Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, as the Chief Guest, alongside senior health officials, academic leaders, dental professionals, industry partners, schoolchildren, and members of the public. The programme is designed to generate national awareness and reinforce the importance of oral health as a vital component of overall health and well-being.
The ceremony will commence with the arrival of invited guests at 9:30 a.m., followed by the arrival of the Chief Guest at 9:40 a.m. The formal proceedings will begin with the National Anthem, setting a dignified tone for the event.
The Welcome Address will be delivered by the President of the SLDA, setting the context for the day’s celebrations and highlighting the Association’s leadership in advancing oral health promotion in Sri Lanka. This will be followed by an explanation of the WOHD 2026 theme by the Chairman of the WOHD Committee, emphasizing the significance of maintaining oral health throughout the lifespan and its impact on quality of life.
Academic engagement will be reflected through addresses by representatives from the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, underscoring the role of dental education and research in supporting national oral health goals. A student presentation from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura will add an interactive and youth-focused dimension to the programme.
The Deputy Director General (Dental Services), Ministry of Health, will address the gathering, highlighting national policies and ongoing initiatives in oral healthcare delivery. This will be followed by the address of the Chief Guest, who will officially inaugurate WOHD 2026 in Sri Lanka and reaffirm the government’s commitment to improving oral health outcomes.
Recognizing the importance of public-private partnerships, a representative from Haleon will also address the audience, reflecting the role of global partners in supporting oral health promotion initiatives.
The programme will conclude with the Vote of Thanks delivered by the Secretary of the SLDA, acknowledging the contributions of all stakeholders and participants.
Overall, the inauguration ceremony is structured to provide a balanced platform for policy advocacy, professional engagement, academic contribution, and public awareness, while ensuring strong media visibility and community participation at a prominent national venue.
The event will act as a catalyst for a wide range of WOHD activities to be carried out across the country, reinforcing preventive oral health practices and promoting the message that good oral health is essential for a healthy and productive life.
After the inauguration ceremony, there will be mass screening and treatment campaign by dental surgeons and dental students from the Faculties of Dental Sciences, Peradeniya and Sri Jayawardenepura.
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