Haleon Sri Lanka, previously known as GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing oral health in Sri Lanka by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) for the second consecutive year. As the first multinational pharmaceutical manufacturing organization in Sri Lanka, Haleon has been operational since 1956, producing flagship brands such as Panadol, Iodex, and Eno. The MOU establishes Haleon as the official sponsor of World Oral Health Day 2026, celebrated worldwide on March 20. This year’s global theme, “A happy mouth is a happy life,” highlights the crucial role oral health plays in overall well-being and happiness. The formal signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
This ongoing collaboration between SLDA and Haleon, marketers of Sensodyne, aims to revolutionize the traditional celebration of World Oral Health Day. The agreement introduces a novel, awareness-driven approach under the theme “BeSensitiveToOralHealth: Take the first step.” Throughout March, the campaign will focus on educating Sri Lankans about proactive oral healthcare through strategic messaging across both traditional and digital platforms. This initiative encourages individuals to prioritize their oral health, showcasing a significant commitment to improving oral health awareness and access to dental care across the nation.
Haleon and SLDA will collaborate to extend awareness efforts, resulting in tangible healthcare benefits nationwide. The initiative will provide free dental screening facilities across the island, benefiting over 10,000 Sri Lankans.
Starting on March 20, World Oral Health Day will be celebrated as a national event at Galle Face, Colombo. This event will serve as the campaign’s centerpiece, offering free dental screenings, sensitivity awareness programs, and tests for teeth sensitivity to enhance public understanding of good oral health practices.
All SLDA members will actively engage in this nationwide health initiative, making quality dental care accessible to communities throughout the country.
The ongoing partnership between Haleon and SLDA highlights a shared commitment to elevating the standards of oral healthcare in Sri Lanka through education, awareness, and accessible preventive services.
Globally renowned for its leading sensitivity toothpaste brand, Sensodyne, Haleon continues to advance its commitment to oral health education and accessibility, particularly addressing dental sensitivity issues affecting many Sri Lankans. Sensodyne encourages Sri Lankans to be sensitive to oral health and take the first step toward good oral practices.
Photo caption: From left: Isuri Liyanage (Brand Executive – Haleon Lanka), Satheeskanth Sithambaram (Snr. Manager – Medical Marketing – Haleon Lanka), Manjula Weerakoon (Commercial Lead – Sri Lanka & Maldives – Haleon Lanka), Dr. Ananda Rathnayake (President – SLDA), Dr. Ravipriya Ranawake (Hony. General Secretary – SLDA), Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake (President Elect – SLDA), Dr. N. Mugunthan (Hony. Asst. Secretary – SLDA), Dr. Shamil Pathmaperuma (Council Member – SLDA)
