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Introduction

Annual Academic Sessions: 2026

Annual conference of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (SLCoSHH) 2026

Since its establishment on 7 October 1995, the Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (SLCoSHH) have evolved into a distinguished academic event within the field. The conference, traditionally convened between October and December, comprises a two-day main program supplemented by pre-congress sessions and related academic activities.

The scientific sessions are enriched by the participation of eminent national and international experts who contribute as invited speakers.

This year, the 31st Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (SLCoSHH Conference 2025) are scheduled to take place from 29th – 31st October 2026.

Welcome Message

Welcome message

The Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (SLCoSHH) is committed to leading the way in advancing excellence in the prevention, treatment, and care of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the country.

Our mission goes beyond clinical care — it’s about fostering innovation, promoting evidence-based practices, and ensuring that every individual receives compassionate, stigma-free services. From strengthening prevention strategies like PrEP and community education, to ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment, we strive to build a healthier, more inclusive Sri Lanka.

At SLCoSHH, we believe that true excellence lies in equity, dignity, and collaboration. Together, with our healthcare partners, communities, and policymakers, we are working toward a future where HIV and STIs are no longer a public health threat — and where every person has access to the care they deserve.

Join us in transforming the future of sexual health in Sri Lanka — through advancing excellence in prevention, treatment and care for HIV/STI during the upcoming 30th Annual Conference of SLCoSHH.

Dr. Shyama Somawardhana
President
Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine

The field of sexual health and HIV medicine covers a wide range of curative and preventive care to the development and implementation of innovative programs. As we move forward, my focus will be on several key areas

Enhancing Collaborations: Strengthening our relationships with other professional organizations and colleges is a priority. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for advancing the field and addressing the complex issues related to sexual health and HIV.
Advancing Education and Training: College is dedicated to continuous medical education, training, and research. This year will enhance Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs with post-evaluation and introduce a Continuing Journal Club presentation with selected articles. Additionally, I am excited to launch a preparatory course for medical officers preparing for the selection examination in venereology.
Annual Scientific Conference 2024: Under my presidency, this year Annual Scientific Conference will take place from 30th October to 2nd of November 2024, with the theme of “Let Science Reach All.” This conference will feature contributions from both local and international
experts. I encourage all members to actively participate and help drive the advancement of science in field of sexual health and HIV Medicine.
Providing Expert Guidance: As the leading professional body in sexual health and HIV medicine in Sri Lanka, we are responsible for providing expert guidance to the Ministry of Health, the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, and other relevant organizations. Our efforts will include updating guidelines, integrating advanced scientific practices into clinical settings, promoting research, and representing in the Board of venereology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM).

I urge all members to unite, contribute wholeheartedly, and support both the College and the field of sexual health and HIV medicine in Sri Lanka. Your active involvement is vital for achieving our goals and making a meaningful impact.

Appreciate you for your ongoing support and dedication.

Warm regards,
Dr Priyantha Weerasinghe
President
Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine

General Information

Conference title: 31st Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV

Conference theme:Bridging to tomorrow- Advancing Sexual Health and HIV Medicine through Collaboration and Innovation

Date: 29th – 31st October 2026

Venue: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Conference chair: Dr. Nimali Jayasuriya, President – Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine

Administrative secretariat:

31stAnnual Scientific Sessions 2026
Wijerama House, No 06, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Telephone : +94773367003, +9476 7711107
Email : [email protected]

Programme update

Abstract submission and presentation guideline

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Guideline for session chairs and co-chairs

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Presentation evaluation guidelines

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Registration

Venue and access information

Conference venues

Inauguration ceremony:
Grand Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 117 541 010
www.gallefacehotel.com

Conference Day 1 & 2
Grand Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 117 541 010
Website: www.gallefacehotel.com

Function

Date and Time

Hall

Inauguration

By invitation

Thursday, 29^th October 2026

6.45pm onwards

Grand Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka

Scientific sessions day 1 & 2

30^th and 31^st October 2026

At 8.30 am

Grand Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka

Scientific Sessions History

History of Annual Scientific Sessions

Year	Theme/Presidential address	Link to Proceedings book
1996	STD control in Sri Lanka-past and present	1996-1999
1997	Developments in the field of GU medicine in Sri Lanka	Do
1998	The management of STDs – aetiological or syndromic?	Do
1999	Venereology - the evolving scene	Do
2000	AIDS in the New Millennium	2000-2001
2001	Sexually Transmitted Infections in HIV Prevention	Do
2002	Sexual Health and Women in Sri Lanka	2002-2004
2003	Sexually Transmitted Diseases Re-visited in an HIV Era	Do
2004	Chest Infections and HIV/AIDS in Healthcare Settings	Do
2005	Comprehensive Care in HIV	2005-2006
2006	Responding to the Challenge of STI and AIDS	Do
2007	Syphilis in the Era of HIV	2007
2008	Responding to HIV by Promoting Sexual Health	2008
2009	Tracking the HIV Epidemic	2009
2010	Women and Children in the Era of HIV	2010
2011	Strengthening the Response to HIV Epidemic	2011
2012	HIV and Its Multiple Dimensions	2012
2013	Journey Towards Achieving 3 Zeros	2013
2014	Moving Towards an Era Free of HIV	2014
2015	Sexual Health in the Era of HIV	2015
2016	Towards ending AIDS in Sri Lanka	2016
2017	Stepping in to the future	2017
2018	Towards professional excellence in sexual health and HIV care	2018
2019	Reaching the unreached in STI and HIV	2019
2020	Creating enabling environment for optimal HIV response	2020
2021	Challenges in HIV & STI care: Perseverance through the Pandemic	2021
2022	Follow the Science, Redesigning the Future of Sexual Health and HIV	2022
2023	Safeguarding the Vulnerable within the Practice of Sexual Health	2023
2024	Let science reach all - Connect all with advanced sexual health services 2024	2024
2025	Translating Evidence into Action: Advancing Excellence in HIV/STI prevention, Treatment and Care	2025

Chief Guests and Guest of Honours at Annual Academic Sessions