Pediatrician Salary in Sri Lanka 2026
Complete salary guide for child specialists in government and private hospitals
Quick Answer
Pediatricians in Sri Lanka earn LKR 200,000-600,000/month. Government consultant pediatricians earn LKR 200,000-350,000. Private pediatricians earn LKR 250,000-600,000. Pediatric subspecialists (neonatologists) earn LKR 300,000-700,000. Combined government and private practice yields LKR 400,000-800,000. Starting pediatrician salary: LKR 200,000-250,000.
Pediatrician Salary by Experience
| Level | Experience | Government (LKR) | Private (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Consultant | 0-3 years | 200,000 - 250,000 | 220,000 - 350,000 |
| Established Pediatrician | 4-8 years | 240,000 - 300,000 | 350,000 - 500,000 |
| Senior Pediatrician | 9-15 years | 280,000 - 350,000 | 450,000 - 600,000 |
| Neonatologist | Subspecialist | 250,000 - 400,000 | 400,000 - 700,000 |
| Pediatric Subspecialist | Cardiology/Neuro | 280,000 - 420,000 | 450,000 - 750,000 |
Private Hospital Pediatric Salaries
| Hospital | Level | Monthly (LKR) | Consult Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durdans Hospital | Consultant Pediatrician | 300,000 - 550,000 | LKR 2,500-4,000 |
| Lanka Hospitals | Consultant Pediatrician | 280,000 - 500,000 | LKR 2,500-4,000 |
| Nawaloka Hospital | Consultant Pediatrician | 250,000 - 480,000 | LKR 2,000-3,500 |
| Asiri Hospital Group | Consultant Pediatrician | 250,000 - 450,000 | LKR 2,000-3,500 |
| Lady Ridgeway (Govt) | Consultant | 220,000 - 350,000 | Free + Private |
Pediatric Subspecialty Salaries
High-Demand Subspecialties:
- + Neonatologist: LKR 300K-700K
- + Pediatric Cardiologist: LKR 350K-750K
- + Pediatric Neurologist: LKR 300K-650K
- + Pediatric Endocrinologist: LKR 280K-600K
- + Pediatric Nephrologist: LKR 280K-550K
Other Subspecialties:
- + Pediatric Gastroenterologist: LKR 250K-550K
- + Pediatric Pulmonologist: LKR 250K-520K
- + Pediatric Oncologist: LKR 280K-580K
- + Developmental Pediatrician: LKR 250K-500K
- + Pediatric Surgeon: LKR 350K-900K
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary of a pediatrician in Sri Lanka?
Pediatricians in Sri Lanka earn LKR 200,000-600,000/month depending on sector, experience, and subspecialty. Government consultant pediatricians earn LKR 200,000-350,000. Private pediatricians earn LKR 250,000-600,000. Pediatric subspecialists (neonatologists, pediatric cardiologists) earn LKR 300,000-700,000. Combined government and private practice earnings reach LKR 400,000-800,000.
What is the starting salary of a pediatrician in Sri Lanka?
A newly qualified pediatrician starts at LKR 200,000-250,000/month in government service (Entry Consultant grade). Starting private practice pediatricians typically combine with government work, earning LKR 220,000-350,000 total monthly. Pure private pediatricians may start at LKR 180,000-280,000 while building patient base, increasing to LKR 300,000-500,000 within 3-5 years.
How much does a private pediatrician earn?
Private pediatricians in Colombo earn LKR 350,000-600,000/month through consultations and patient care. Suburban pediatricians earn LKR 200,000-400,000. Private hospital pediatric departments (Durdans, Lanka Hospitals, Asiri, Nawaloka) pay LKR 250,000-500,000 base. Consultation fees of LKR 2,000-4,000 per visit contribute significantly to income. High-volume pediatricians see 20-40 patients daily.
What is the salary of a neonatologist in Sri Lanka?
Neonatologists (NICU specialists) earn LKR 300,000-700,000/month. Government neonatologists earn LKR 250,000-400,000 base. Private hospital neonatologists at Durdans, Lanka Hospitals, Asiri Central NICU earn LKR 400,000-700,000. Neonatology requires additional 2-3 years training after pediatric board certification. High-demand subspecialty due to premature births and NICU care needs.
Which hospitals employ pediatricians in Sri Lanka?
Major employers: Lady Ridgeway Hospital (largest childrens hospital), National Hospital Colombo, Teaching Hospitals (Karapitiya, Kandy, Jaffna). Private hospitals: Durdans Hospital, Lanka Hospitals, Nawaloka Hospital, Asiri Hospital Group, Hemas Hospital. Private pediatric clinics and channelling centers employ many pediatricians. Government pediatricians often combine with private hospital work.
How long does it take to become a pediatrician in Sri Lanka?
It takes 10-12 years to become a pediatrician: 5 years MBBS + 1 year internship + 3-4 years MD Pediatrics postgraduate training. Subspecialties (neonatology, pediatric cardiology) require additional 2-3 years fellowship. Total training: 11-14 years after A/L. During pediatric postgraduate training, doctors earn LKR 120,000-200,000 as senior house officers and registrars.
What are pediatric subspecialties and their salaries?
Pediatric subspecialties earn higher than general pediatrics: Neonatologist LKR 300K-700K, Pediatric Cardiologist LKR 350K-750K, Pediatric Neurologist LKR 300K-650K, Pediatric Endocrinologist LKR 280K-600K, Pediatric Nephrologist LKR 280K-550K. Subspecialization requires additional 2-3 years training. Most pediatric subspecialists work in major teaching hospitals and private childrens hospitals.
Do pediatricians in Sri Lanka do private practice?
Yes, consultant pediatricians in government service can practice privately. Many government pediatricians see patients at private hospitals evenings and weekends, earning LKR 100,000-300,000 additional monthly. Popular pediatricians with good reputation earn LKR 200,000-500,000 from private consultations. Combination of government salary plus private practice provides stable high income of LKR 350,000-700,000.
What is the consult fee for pediatricians?
Pediatrician consultation fees in Sri Lanka: Government hospitals free or minimal. Private hospitals: LKR 2,000-4,000 per consultation in Colombo private hospitals, LKR 1,200-2,500 in suburban clinics. Senior pediatricians with established reputation charge LKR 3,000-5,000. Vaccination visits cost LKR 1,500-3,000. Follow-up consultations LKR 1,200-2,500. Emergency pediatric consultations higher at LKR 3,000-6,000.
Is pediatrics a good career in Sri Lanka?
Yes, pediatrics is a rewarding career with strong job security and good earning potential. Demand remains high due to child healthcare focus. Flexible work options: full-time government, private practice, or combined. Regular hours compared to other specialties (less emergency). Opportunity to work with children makes it emotionally satisfying. Subspecialty training increases earning potential. Overall, pediatrics offers balanced lifestyle and financial stability.
How much does a pediatrician earn per day?
Pediatricians earn roughly LKR 10,000-30,000 per day depending on practice type. Private pediatricians seeing 25-40 patients earn LKR 15,000-35,000/day through consultations. Government pediatricians earn LKR 8,000-12,000/day as salary. Combined practice yields LKR 15,000-25,000/day. Clinic days with high patient volume can generate LKR 40,000-60,000 including procedures and vaccinations.
What is the difference between pediatrician and pediatric surgeon salary?
Pediatricians (medical specialists) earn LKR 200,000-600,000/month. Pediatric surgeons earn LKR 350,000-900,000/month due to surgical procedure fees. Pediatric surgery requires additional 5-6 years training beyond pediatrics or 2-3 years beyond general surgery. Pediatric surgeons perform operations on children: surgeries, corrections, cleft repairs. Procedure income makes pediatric surgeons earning higher than general pediatricians.