The first professional association of public health officers in Sri Lanka was the Society of Medical officers of health which was established during the British colonial era on 26 November 1927. It was established with a view to safeguarding interests of its members and promoting public health in the country and stimulating interest of the public in matters relevant to their health. Dr. F.E. Bridger was the first president. It started with a membership of 26 which rose to 56 in 4 years. The society consisted of Medical Officers of Health (MOH), specialists in public health and professionals engaged in the advancement of public health. "The transactions of the society of medical officers of health of Ceylon" was their annual journal, made up of papers presented at the annual meeting.