In this study, we propose a mathematical model based on the graph theory for the wavelength assignment problem arising in the design of SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) over WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) ring networks. We propose a branch- and -price algorithm to solve the suggested models effectively within reasonable time in realistic SDH over WDM ring networks. By exploiting the structure of ring networks, we developed a polynomial time algorithm for efficient column generation and a branching rule that conserves the structure of column generation. In a computer simulation study, the suggested approach can find the optimal solutions within reasonable time and show better performance than the existing heuristics.