Message from the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka
Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends,
It is with immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that I address you as the newly elected President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL). I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this leadership role and am excited to serve our community during this crucial period of transformation and opportunity.
The PSSL has long stood as a pillar of excellence, committed to advancing pharmaceutical science, practice, education, and ethics in Sri Lanka. Our society has continuously fostered a professional community that plays a vital role in the nation's healthcare system - a legacy we will uphold and evolve in the years ahead.
As we step into this new chapter, our focus is guided by a clear and timely theme: “Helping Students for a Better Future of the Pharmaceutical Sector.” This vision reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of pharmacy professionals - not only as future pharmacists, but as future leaders, researchers, policymakers, and educators. By empowering students today, we are building the foundation for a stronger, more innovative, and more compassionate pharmaceutical sector tomorrow.
Throughout my tenure, I am dedicated to driving initiatives that
- Enhance pharmacy education and training at all levels, ensuring alignment with global standards and the evolving demands of modern healthcare.
- Promote professional development and uphold high ethical standards, honoring the integrity and traditions of our profession.
- Advocate for evidence-based policies and improved legislation to strengthen drug quality, safety, efficacy, and accessibility across Sri Lanka.
- Strengthen partnerships - with universities, government bodies, healthcare associations, local and international industrialists - to ensure the profession remains collaborative, future-ready, and globally connected. This collaborative model not only uplifts professional standards but also creates a win-win situation for both professionals and the pharmaceutical industry at large.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing and mentorship opportunities, particularly for pharmacy students and early-career professionals, enabling a culture of learning and growth.
Pharmacists today are much more than dispensers of medication; we are educators, clinical collaborators, researchers, and agents of public health. Our role is constantly evolving, and with the support of each of you, I believe we can amplify our impact and redefine what it means to be a pharmacist in Sri Lanka.
I invite every member - from seasoned professionals to our youngest students - to actively engage with the Society’s work. Let us exchange ideas, mentor the next generation, and work hand in hand to uplift the standards of pharmacy practice in our country.
Let this be a term of meaningful action, inclusive collaboration, and visionary progress. I look forward to working with all of you as we shape a better future for the pharmaceutical profession - starting with our students.
With warm regards and deep appreciation,
Priyantha Sahabandu (JP - All Island)
Pharmacist (MPSSL), Dip. mkg (UK), Dip. L.G., FM - DMMC
President - Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka 2024-26.
