Doctor Salary in Sri Lanka 2026
Complete salary guide with government grades, private hospital rates, and specialist earnings
Quick Answer
Government doctors in Sri Lanka earn LKR 80,000-500,000/month depending on grade, while private hospital doctors earn LKR 150,000-600,000+. Specialists (Cardiologists, Surgeons) earn LKR 300,000-800,000+ in private practice. Top consultants combining government and private work earn LKR 800,000-2,500,000/month. Starting Medical Officer salary: LKR 80,000-100,000.
Government Doctor Salary by Grade
| Grade | Level | Monthly Salary (LKR) | Annual (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intern | Training | 60,000 - 75,000 | 720K - 900K |
| MO Grade 1 | Entry (0-3 yrs) | 80,000 - 100,000 | 960K - 1.2M |
| MO Grade 2 | Mid (4-8 yrs) | 100,000 - 130,000 | 1.2M - 1.56M |
| MO Grade 3 | Senior (9+ yrs) | 120,000 - 160,000 | 1.44M - 1.92M |
| Entry Consultant | Specialist | 200,000 - 280,000 | 2.4M - 3.36M |
| Senior Consultant | Experienced | 280,000 - 400,000 | 3.36M - 4.8M |
| Supra Grade Consultant | Top Level | 350,000 - 500,000 | 4.2M - 6M |
Private Hospital Doctor Salaries
| Hospital | Level | Monthly (LKR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durdans Hospital | Consultant | 300,000 - 600,000 | Plus procedure fees |
| Lanka Hospitals | Consultant | 280,000 - 550,000 | Plus consultations |
| Nawaloka Hospital | Consultant | 250,000 - 500,000 | High patient volume |
| Asiri Hospital Group | Consultant | 220,000 - 480,000 | Multiple locations |
| Hemas Hospital | Consultant | 200,000 - 450,000 | Growing network |
| General Practice | General Physician | 150,000 - 350,000 | OPD/ER doctors |
Specialist Doctor Salaries
High-Earning Specialties:
- + Neurosurgeon: LKR 500K-1M+
- + Cardiologist: LKR 400K-800K
- + Orthopedic Surgeon: LKR 400K-900K
- + Oncologist: LKR 350K-750K
- + Urologist: LKR 350K-700K
Other Specialties:
- + Dermatologist: LKR 250K-600K
- + Pediatrician: LKR 200K-500K
- + Psychiatrist: LKR 200K-450K
- + Radiologist: LKR 300K-650K
- + Anesthetist: LKR 250K-500K
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary of a doctor in Sri Lanka?
Doctor salaries in Sri Lanka vary by sector and grade. Government Medical Officers earn LKR 80,000-150,000/month, Consultants earn LKR 200,000-500,000+. Private hospital doctors earn LKR 150,000-400,000 for general practice, while specialists (Cardiologists, Surgeons) can earn LKR 300,000-800,000+ per month. Private practice income depends on patient volume and specialization.
What is the starting salary of a government doctor in Sri Lanka?
A newly appointed government Medical Officer (MO) starts at LKR 80,000-95,000 per month (Grade 1). With duty allowances and overtime, total monthly earnings reach LKR 100,000-130,000. After completing internship (1 year), doctors are appointed as MOs. Starting salary includes basic pay, cost of living allowance, and duty allowances.
What is the salary of a consultant doctor in Sri Lanka?
Consultant doctors in Sri Lanka government service earn LKR 200,000-500,000+ per month depending on grade and years of service. Senior Consultants (Grade 1) earn LKR 350,000-500,000. Private hospital consultants earn LKR 250,000-600,000 base salary plus consultation fees. Many consultants combine government and private practice, significantly increasing total income.
How much does a specialist doctor earn in Sri Lanka?
Specialist doctors earn significantly higher: Cardiologists LKR 400,000-800,000/month, Neurosurgeons LKR 500,000-1,000,000+, Orthopedic Surgeons LKR 400,000-900,000, Oncologists LKR 350,000-750,000. Private practice earnings depend on patient volume. Top specialists in Colombo private hospitals earn LKR 1,000,000-2,500,000 per month through consultations and procedures.
What is the difference between government and private hospital doctor salaries?
Government doctors earn stable LKR 80,000-500,000/month based on grade, with pension benefits and job security. Private hospital doctors earn LKR 150,000-400,000 base plus procedure fees, totaling LKR 200,000-600,000/month. However, many government consultant doctors also practice privately, earning additional LKR 200,000-1,000,000/month in private consultations.
Which private hospital pays highest in Sri Lanka?
Durdans Hospital and Lanka Hospitals pay the highest for specialists, with monthly packages of LKR 300,000-600,000 base plus procedure fees. Nawaloka Hospital, Asiri Hospital Group, and Hemas Hospital offer competitive packages at LKR 200,000-500,000 base. Emergency department doctors and anesthetists earn premium rates at LKR 250,000-450,000.
How much does an MBBS doctor earn in Sri Lanka?
An MBBS graduate during internship earns LKR 60,000-75,000/month. After internship, as a Medical Officer, the salary is LKR 80,000-130,000/month (including allowances). PDF (Post Graduate Fellow) doctors earn LKR 120,000-180,000. The salary increases each year of service, with Medical Officers reaching LKR 130,000-180,000 after 5 years.
What is the salary of a cardiologist in Sri Lanka?
Cardiologists in Sri Lanka earn LKR 400,000-800,000/month in established practice. Government cardiologists earn LKR 250,000-400,000 base salary, plus LKR 150,000-400,000 in private consultations. Private hospital cardiologists earn LKR 500,000-1,200,000/month through consultations and interventional procedures. Top cardiologists in Colombo earn LKR 1,500,000-2,500,000/month.
Do doctors in Sri Lanka get pension?
Yes, government doctors receive pension benefits after retirement. Pension is calculated based on last drawn salary and years of service. A consultant retiring after 30 years can receive LKR 150,000-300,000/month as pension plus lump sum gratuity. Private hospital doctors do not receive government pension but may have employer-provided EPF/ETF and private retirement savings.
How long does it take to become a consultant doctor in Sri Lanka?
It takes 10-15 years to become a consultant in Sri Lanka: 5 years MBBS + 1 year internship + 3-8 years postgraduate training (MD/MS). Dermatology, Radiology, and Pathology take 3-4 years postgraduate. Surgery specialties take 5-6 years postgraduate training. During postgraduate training, doctors earn LKR 120,000-200,000/month as Senior House Officers or Registrars.
What are the government doctor grades in Sri Lanka?
Government Medical Officer grades: Grade 1 MO (early career) LKR 80,000-100,000, Grade 2 MO (mid-career) LKR 100,000-130,000, Grade 3 MO (senior) LKR 120,000-160,000. Consultants: Entry Consultant LKR 200,000-280,000, Senior Consultant LKR 280,000-400,000, Senior Consultant (Supra Grade) LKR 350,000-500,000. Annual increments apply within each grade.
Can doctors earn from private practice while in government service?
Yes, consultant doctors in government service are allowed private practice after hours. Many earn LKR 200,000-1,000,000 additional monthly income. Medical Officers (non-consultants) are restricted from private practice. This dual practice system allows specialist consultants to significantly supplement their government salary, making total compensation competitive with private sector.