Top 10 Oncologists in Sri Lanka (2026) — Rated & Reviewed

Frequently asked

How do I find the best oncologist in Sri Lanka?

Review Guru ranks 10 oncologists by aggregated patient reviews and ratings. Compare their feedback, check which hospitals each practises at, and confirm SLMC registration — then channel through the hospital directly.

Are the oncologists listed on Review Guru verified?

Listings display SLMC (Sri Lanka Medical Council) registration where we've been able to verify it, alongside practice locations and patient reviews. Always confirm a doctor's current registration and channelling availability with the hospital before booking.

How much does a oncologist consultation cost in Sri Lanka?

Private channelling fees vary by doctor and hospital — typically a few thousand rupees plus the hospital's booking charge. Confirm the current fee when you channel, as rates change.

What is the difference between an oncologist and an oncological surgeon?

An oncologist (medical or clinical oncologist) treats cancer with non-surgical therapies — chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drugs, hormone therapy and, for clinical oncologists, radiotherapy — and usually coordinates a patient's overall cancer treatment plan and follow-up. An oncological surgeon (surgical oncologist) is a surgeon who removes tumours and affected lymph nodes and performs biopsies to confirm a diagnosis. Many patients see both: surgery to remove a tumour, followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy with an oncologist, or chemotherapy first to shrink a tumour before an operation. To compare cancer surgeons, see the oncological surgeon list on Review Guru at /doctors/oncological-surgeon.

Can I channel an oncologist directly in Sri Lanka without a referral?

At private hospitals in Sri Lanka you can generally channel an oncologist directly through the hospital's channelling desk, app or website without a formal GP referral. That said, an oncologist will need your investigation results — biopsy or histology report, scans and blood tests — to plan treatment, so bring every report you have, and a referral letter from the doctor who made the diagnosis makes the first consultation more productive. In the government system, access to oncology clinics is through a referral from a government hospital consultant or medical officer. If you have symptoms but no diagnosis yet, a GP or the relevant specialist is usually the faster first step for the tests needed.

Where is chemotherapy given in Sri Lanka — Maharagama Apeksha Hospital vs private cancer units?

Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama (the National Cancer Institute) is the country's main government cancer hospital, providing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and cancer surgery free of charge; several provincial teaching hospitals also run oncology units. Because it serves patients from across the island, clinics can be busy and waiting times longer. Private hospitals in Colombo and some regional cities run oncology and day-care chemotherapy units, which typically offer shorter waits and more flexible scheduling, but patients pay for consultations, drugs and day-care charges — which can be substantial over a full course, so ask for an estimate and check what your insurance covers. Some patients combine the two, for example being diagnosed privately and treated at Apeksha, or the reverse. Discuss the options with your oncologist before starting treatment.