The Sri Lanka Heart Association came into being after an informal meeting at the residence of Dr. G. R. Handy in 1969. Those present were Dr. N. J. Walloopillai, Dr.Theva A.Buell, Dr. S. J. Stephen and Dr. A. T. W. P. Jayawardene. Dr. Handy was elected as the first president and held office till 1972 when Dr. Walloopillai took over.
Founded in 1969, the Sri Lanka Heart Association today is a member of the World Heart Federation (WHF) and the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC). It is also one of the founder members of the SAARC Cardiac Society.
With a history of more than 40 years; an active council comprising senior most Cardiologists in the country; and an equally active membership, today it has become the main gathering point for the Cardiologists of the country with the aim of further enhancing their professional knowledge while informing the public about cardiovascular health.
Annual SLHA Scientific Sessions and Sri Lanka Intervention Meeting (SIM) are its two main academic events annually which are well patronized by both local and overseas cardiologists alike.