The Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to introduce a new approach for obtaining essential medicines, aimed at strengthening uninterrupted and efficient supply to the public.

Under the partnership, medicines that are difficult to procure through Sri Lanka’s national procurement system will be accessed via international mechanisms. Officials noted this will be particularly important for drugs with limited market access, few global suppliers, or small‑scale production.

The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Finance under the leadership of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, with Secretary Anil Jasinghe, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, and Finance Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma also placing their signatures.

The programme is expected to strengthen procurement and supply chain management, while enhancing the resilience and efficiency of Sri Lanka’s health service delivery system. Medicines will be sourced through UNDP’s global procurement networks of pre‑qualified suppliers, subject to quality assurance processes and oversight by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

Officials said large‑scale global purchasing will enable competitive pricing and more efficient access to medicines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

UNDP has decades of experience supporting governments worldwide in sustainable procurement, supply chain management, digital innovation, and institutional capacity building. The partnership is expected to ensure Sri Lankans receive quality health services and essential medicines more efficiently and at fair prices, strengthening the country’s free healthcare system. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has unveiled its first National Food Safety Policy, a landmark framework developed with support from the FAO and the European Union to strengthen food safety governance, safeguard public health, and boost confidence in the country’s agrifood systems. 

The policy, launched under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, sets out a coordinated, risk‑based approach to food safety across the entire food chain, from production to consumption, marking a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize its food control system. 

Although Sri Lanka has an established legal framework governing food safety, the country previously lacked an overarching national policy to guide and coordinate food safety efforts across institutions and sectors. The new policy addresses this gap by providing strategic direction for strengthening governance, enhancing surveillance systems, improving risk assessment and communication, building laboratory capacity, strengthening food safety legislation, and promoting greater awareness among producers, food businesses and consumers.

The policy also seeks to address emerging food safety challenges associated with changing food production systems, expanding domestic and international food trade, evolving consumer preferences, and increasingly complex food supply chains. It promotes a preventive, risk-based approach to food safety while strengthening coordination among stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, welcomed the adoption of the policy as a significant step towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s food safety system. “The National Food Safety Policy marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen public health and build greater confidence in our food systems. By establishing a clear national framework that promotes prevention, scientific risk management and stronger coordination across sectors, we are laying the foundation for safer food for every citizen while enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s agrifood sector. We appreciate the technical support provided by FAO and the European Union through the BESPA programme in helping us develop this important national policy.”

Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, highlighted the importance of strong food safety systems for public health and sustainable economic development. “Food safety is essential not only for protecting the health and well-being of consumers, but also for building resilient food systems, strengthening market confidence and creating new economic opportunities. Through the European Union-funded BESPA programme, we are pleased to support Sri Lanka in establishing its first National Food Safety Policy, which provides a strong foundation for modern, risk-based food safety governance. We are hopeful of seeing this policy translate into a robust implementation . This milestone reflects our continued partnership with Sri Lanka in promoting sustainable agrifood systems that benefit producers, businesses and consumers alike.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the European Union-funded Mainstreaming Standards-Based Best Practices for Agri-Food Sector Development (BESPA) programme, has supported the Ministry of Health and Mass Media since the programme’s inception in developing the National Food Safety Policy. Through the programme, FAO provided national and international technical expertise to develop the initial draft of the policy and continued to support its refinement through multiple rounds of technical review and stakeholder consultations.

The operationalization of the National Food Safety Policy will be supported by the proposed updated Food Act, which will provide the legislative framework for strengthening food safety control in Sri Lanka. In July 2026, FAO supported a national stakeholder consultation, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, to review the latest draft of the proposed Act and obtain final technical inputs from key stakeholders. 

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said the policy reflects the importance of coordinated action to strengthen food safety across the agrifood system. “Food safety is fundamental to protecting public health while building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. This landmark policy provides Sri Lanka with a strategic roadmap to strengthen food safety governance, improve coordination across sectors, and promote preventive, science-based approaches that benefit consumers, producers and the country’s economy. FAO is proud to have supported the Government of Sri Lanka, with funding from the European Union through the BESPA programme, in achieving this important milestone.”

The National Food Safety Policy outlines six strategic priority areas that will guide implementation. These include strengthening food safety governance and institutional coordination; improving food safety control throughout the food chain; enhancing legislation, standards and regulatory systems; strengthening surveillance, laboratories and risk analysis; promoting communication, education and capacity development; and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support effective implementation.

By strengthening food safety systems, the policy is expected to reduce foodborne illnesses, improve consumer confidence, facilitate international trade, enhance nutrition outcomes, reduce food losses, support tourism, and strengthen the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s food and agriculture sectors.

FAO remains committed to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka in implementing the National Food Safety Policy and strengthening food safety systems through the European Union-funded BESPA programme as part of broader efforts to promote safer, healthier and more resilient agrifood systems that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to parents and the public following a surge in accidents linked to kite flying during the school holiday season.

Acting Director of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) , Specialist Dr. Pradeep Ratnasekara, said kite flying has become increasingly popular among children due to the prevailing dry weather, but careless practices are leading to frequent injuries and even life‑threatening incidents.

“Kite flying is enjoyable, but unsafe methods can cause serious harm. Parents and adults must pay constant attention to children’s safety,” Dr. Ratnasekara emphasized in his statement.

Dr. Ratnasekara further highlighted the following risks:

• Collisions and falls: Group kite flying often results in clashes and falls, while attempts to fly kites from rooftops or high places pose severe risks.
• Electrocution hazards: Contact between kite strings and high‑voltage power lines can transmit electricity, causing shocks and severe burn injuries.
• Severe burn injuries: Surgeons have reported cases where tissue, blood vessels, and nerves in the hands, arms, and chest were irreparably damaged, requiring surgical removal of affected parts.
• Fatal risks: Instant fatalities can occur if kite strings conduct electricity from high‑voltage wires.

The hospital director stressed that children’s enjoyment and their safety must be treated with equal importance. 

Parents, guardians, and society at large were urged to act responsibly and with awareness to prevent dangerous accidents. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has officially launched the Investment Case on Alcohol Control and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) SAFER Technical Package, aimed at reducing the health, social and economic harm caused by alcohol consumption.

The initiative was launched on Monday under the patronage of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, together with WHO Representative to Sri Lanka Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav.

Speaking at the event, Jayatissa said no economic profit or industry interest would be placed above the health of the public, stressing that protecting people’s lives and wellbeing remains the Government’s top priority.

He said alcohol-related harm affects not only public health but also imposes significant social and economic costs on the country, adding that the Government would strengthen regulations, particularly to protect young people and prevent the normalisation of harmful alcohol use.

The newly launched WHO SAFER Technical Package outlines five evidence-based strategies to help countries reduce alcohol-related disease, deaths and social harm, while the Investment Case highlights the health and economic benefits of strengthening alcohol control policies in Sri Lanka.

The programme was organised by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the WHO, Movendi International, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Interagency Task Force on Non-Communicable Diseases. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health will award appointments to 228 Public Health Management Assistants under its human resource development programme, at a ceremony chaired by Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on July 16.

According to the Health Ministry, the initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen staffing in the health sector. 

As the first phase, the ministry appointed 627 Health Services Assistants for the Western Province on 4 July. Further appointments will follow: 600 Health Services Assistants on 18 July and 762 on 1 August. In addition, the ministry has arranged to appoint 295 Dengue Control Assistants and 121 Overseers within the next two weeks.

Health authorities state that the programme aims to improve the quality of Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system, increase hospital efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted patient care and administration. 

The recruitment drive is being implemented under the direct guidance of Minister Jayatissa, with a pledge of full transparency.

The appointments are expected to provide permanent solutions to long‑standing staff shortages repeatedly highlighted by health‑sector trade unions and stakeholders. (Newswire)

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The 11th National Accident Prevention Week concluded today (10) with a focus on preventing accidents in schools, preschools, and day care centers, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard children and young learners.

Health Authorities highlighted that sudden accidents remain the leading cause of hospitalizations in Sri Lanka, as well as a major driver of disabilities and deaths. 

According to the Non‑Communicable Disease Unit of the Ministry of Health, each year, millions fall victim to accidents, with over one million requiring inpatient treatment. Estimates suggest nearly three million people seek medical care annually due to accidents, meaning one in every seven citizens faces such risks. On average, 6–8 Sri Lankans suffer accident‑related injuries requiring treatment every minute.

Statistics reveal that the majority of victims are within the productive age group of 15-44 years, where accidents are also the leading cause of death. Annually, 2,500–3,000 patients die after being admitted for accident treatment, while overall, 8% of Sri Lanka’s 150,000 annual deaths, about 8,000 -10,000 lives, are lost to sudden accidents. Alarmingly, more than 7,000 accident deaths occur before victims even reach hospital care.

According to the National Accident Surveillance System, falls account for 25-27% of hospital admissions, road traffic accidents for 15%, and injuries from falling objects, animal bites, assaults, and cuts for another significant share. Among outpatients, 70% are treated for animal bites. Road accidents claim about 2,500 lives annually, while suicides account for more than 3,000 deaths. Other causes include drownings, poisonings, snake bites, electrocutions, violent acts, and murders. Over half of accidents occur in homes, with about a quarter on roads.

Health officials have warned that tens of thousands live with lifelong disabilities caused by accidents, which not only devastate victims but also impose long‑term burdens on families, society, and the economy. A considerable portion of the national health budget is spent on accident treatment, making prevention critical for sustainable development.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that most accidents can be prevented through awareness, adherence to safety measures, and responsible behavior. 

The week‑long program, held from July 6-10, engaged multiple ministries and institutions to raise public awareness, inspect high‑risk areas, and plan short‑, medium‑, and long‑term measures. Authorities stressed that prevention efforts must continue beyond the designated week in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health has provided details of food items banned under the newly unveiled “Guidelines on Healthy School Canteens”, aimed at creating student‑friendly canteens that provide affordable, safe, and nutritious meals.

The guidelines call for maintaining a clean, safe, and easily accessible environment free from disease‑carrying vectors, continuous supervision of canteen operations, and awareness among food handlers about personal hygiene and responsibilities. 

Food menus are to be introduced with attention to children’s preferences, nutritional value, and local food culture.

Under the prohibited list, the Health Ministry has prohibited:

• Processed meats such as sausages, meatballs, bacon, ham, and foods prepared with them (burgers, hot dogs, pizza).
• Flour and sugar‑rich foods including pastries, donuts, eclairs, biscuits, and cakes.
• Instant foods and flavorings such as instant noodles, soup cubes, seasoning powders, and canned pickles.
• Sugar‑rich sweets including chewing gum, toffee, lollipops, puddings, ice cream, and processed desserts.
• Salt‑rich snacks like boondi, muscat, dodol, murukku, and extruded snacks (Tipi Tip).
• Unhealthy beverages such as carbonated drinks, high‑sugar drinks, flavored milk and yogurt drinks, energy drinks, and instant tea/coffee.

The Health Ministry said the measures are designed to promote healthier eating habits among schoolchildren while reducing exposure to foods linked to non‑communicable diseases. (Newswire)

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Coinciding with National Nutrition Month 2026, the Ministry of Health today (22) unveiled the “Guidelines on Healthy School Canteens”, aimed at creating student‑friendly canteens that provide affordable, safe, and nutritious meals.

According to the Health Ministry, the launch took place under the patronage of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa at the Faculty of Medicine Auditorium in Colombo.

Prepared with technical support from the Ministry’s Nutrition Division and in coordination with the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, the guidelines focus on five objectives: 

• Ensuring a healthy school generation free from non‑communicable disease risks Providing nutritious food
• Instilling correct attitudes toward healthy eating
• Promoting dietary practices into society
• Maintaining proper canteen management and sanitation.

Addressing the event, Minister Jayatissa stressed the need to rapidly spread the message of healthy school canteens, warning that strong decisions are required to tackle Sri Lanka’s growing nutrition challenges. 

He noted that while many sectors recognize the issue, reluctance remains in implementing proper measures. He also highlighted that schools must prioritize children’s nutrition over project sponsorships withdrawn by companies following food regulations.

The program is designed with the future in mind, targeting children who will form the aging population by 2070–2080. The Minister added that nutrition is central to combating non‑communicable diseases, requiring continuous intervention and shifts in public attitudes.

Alongside the launch, the Health Ministry shared statistics from 2025, which showed that among children under five, stunting stood at 10.1%, wasting at 8.65%, underweight at 16.19%, and overweight/obesity at 0.57%. Among pregnant mothers, 13.2% were underweight in the first trimester, while 14.3% suffered from moderate to severe anemia.

The 2021 STEPS survey found 47.6% of adult women and 30% of adult men overweight, with 15.2% of women and 6.3% of men obese. 

Meanwhile, the 2024 Global School‑based Student Health Survey reported that many students aged 13–17 regularly consumed unhealthy foods and drinks, 17.4% drank carbonated beverages daily, 28% consumed sugar‑sweetened drinks daily, and more than 70% had fast food at least once in the past week.

Health officially stressed that these trends underscore the importance of implementing the new guidelines not only in schools but across institutions, ministries, and even high‑level meetings and ceremonies. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health will tomorrow inaugurate the upgraded Biomedical Engineering Services Centre, modernised at a cost of over Rs. 501 million, alongside the distribution of Rs. 228 million worth of equipment to provincial units. 

The ceremony, presided over by Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, marks a major step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s biomedical engineering capacity with international support.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Miyon Lee, and Korea International Healthcare Foundation Secretary General Baek Kwan-baek will also attend.

The Korea International Healthcare Foundation has provided more than Rs. 501 million for the modernisation of the Biomedical Engineering Services Centre, which operates under the Ministry of Health and Mass Media. 

The work includes the construction of a new auditorium and the upgrading of the centre with modern facilities. 

The foundation has also allocated Rs. 228 million to provide engineering tools, medical testing equipment and repair tools to biomedical engineering services units established under the Central, North Central, Northern, Eastern, Uva and Southern Provincial Councils. 

The upgraded centre will help improve the efficiency and productivity of biomedical engineering services provided to the public.

The modernisation has expanded available space and strengthened technical and logistical facilities. The new auditorium will support training for officers, technicians and engineers, while also providing better visual facilities for demonstrations during academic and technical sessions. 

The Korea International Healthcare Foundation funds the project titled “Capacity Building of Biomedical Engineering Services in Sri Lanka”.

The project’s main activities include upgrading the facilities of the Biomedical Engineering Services Centre and its provincial units, establishing a medical equipment inventory management system, providing medical testing equipment and repair tools, supplying mobile workshop vehicles, and conducting postgraduate programmes and short technical courses to strengthen the capacity of biomedical engineering staff.

Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Consultant Dr Anil Jasinghe, additional secretaries, deputy directors general, directors, chief financial officers and other ministry officials are expected to attend the event.

Representatives of Korean institutions, including KOICA, Korea Exim Bank, KOTRA, the EPS Centre and the Saemaul Foundation, as well as officials from the headquarters of the Korea International Healthcare Foundation and its Sri Lanka office, are also expected to take part. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has appointed nine new Deputy Directors General, including directors for the National Hospitals in Colombo, Kandy and Galle, filling positions that had remained vacant for several years.

Appointment letters were handed over on Thursday (11) at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media by Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

Speaking at the event, Jayatissa described the appointments as a major milestone for the ministry and an important step toward strengthening the country’s healthcare administration.

Several Deputy Director General positions, including key posts at the National Hospitals in Colombo, Kandy and Galle, had remained vacant for between seven and eight years, affecting administrative and management functions within hospitals and health institutions.

Recruitment for the posts followed interviews conducted in May.

Jayatissa said the ministry had spent much of the past one and a half years addressing long-standing administrative shortcomings and had now established a stronger foundation for future reforms.

The minister also assured the newly appointed officials that they would be able to perform their duties independently, free from political interference.

Health Ministry Secretary Anil Jasinghe said Deputy Directors General form the backbone of the ministry and called on the newly appointed officials to use their experience and expertise to serve the public effectively.

The appointments included Dr. M.S.S. Indika Kumara as Deputy Director General of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Dr. P.S. Kiriwandeniya as Deputy Director General (Medical Services) I, Dr. Chandana Gajanayake as Deputy Director General (Dental Services), Dr. K.D.P. Weerasinghe as Deputy Director General (Education, Training and Research), Dr. K.T.C.L. Kumarapeli as Deputy Director General (Mental Health) II, Dr. Priyantha Athapaththu as Deputy Director General of the National Hospital Galle, Dr. S.P.L. Ranaweera as Deputy Director General (Medical Supplies), Dr. M.N. Weerasuriya as Deputy Director General of the National Hospital Kandy and Dr. H.M. Thilakarathna as Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services). (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s three‑day national dengue mosquito eradication programme continued across 72 Medical Officer of Health divisions in 14 districts for the second consecutive day today (09). 

The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health, began yesterday (08) and runs until tomorrow (10).

According to the National Dengue Control Unit’s progress report from the first day, 31,196 premises were inspected. Of these, 8,121 locations were identified as potential breeding sites, while 2,097 premises were confirmed to contain dengue mosquito larvae. Authorities issued 1,165 notices and took legal action against 789 individuals.

Schools were a key focus, with 56 inspected, 31% showing breeding risks and larvae found in seven. Construction sites also posed high vulnerability: of 178 inspected, 93 had breeding potential and 41 contained larvae, leading to legal action against 24 sites. Government institutions were checked as well, with 189 inspected, larvae discovered in 50, and 70 flagged as risky.

Among 96 religious places inspected, 18 had larvae and 42 showed breeding potential. Factories too were vulnerable, with 17 of 77 inspected found to contain larvae. The largest inspections were at households, where 28,230 homes were checked, resulting in 7,088 identified as risky and 1,760 containing larvae. Legal action was taken against 657 households.

The Ministry highlighted that schools and construction sites show particularly high vulnerability to dengue breeding. It urged the public to keep their surroundings clean, destroy breeding sites, and extend maximum cooperation to the programme. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health has issued an extraordinary gazette to recruit 3,000 student nurses, marking the first phase of a plan to add 13,600 personnel to the nursing service between 2025 and 2029.

The recruitment is open to students who passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in the science or mathematics streams in 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024. 

Eligible applicants can submit applications through the official website of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, www.health.gov.lk, from May 29 to June 30. 

The ministry said qualified applicants will be selected after interviews. Training for the selected student nurses is expected to begin later this year. 

According to current health sector data, 43,553 nursing officers are serving in Sri Lanka’s state health system. To help address the shortage of health workers, the ministry recruited 3,441 Grade III nursing staff during the past two years. 

It also recently issued appointment letters to 515 B.Sc. Nursing graduates. Nearly 7,800 student nurses are currently undergoing professional training at nursing schools across the country. 

The Ministry of Health said the planned recruitment of 13,600 nursing personnel from 2025 to 2029 is being carried out under the guidance of Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health announced today that Sri Lanka has commenced its Triple Elimination programme across all maternity clinics, marking a new milestone in maternal and child health.

According to the Ministry, from June 1 onward, blood testing of pregnant mothers will include screening for the Hepatitis B virus, in addition to existing checks for HIV and Syphilis.

The Ministry noted that Sri Lanka successfully implemented the Dual Elimination programme, preventing mother‑to‑child transmission of HIV and Syphilis.

In 2019, the World Health Organization certified Sri Lanka as one of the first countries to achieve this milestone, and the nation has since maintained that status with continuous recognition.

“As the next step, the Triple Elimination programme has now been launched, ensuring that all pregnant mothers are tested for Hepatitis B alongside HIV and Syphilis. This will be carried out at every maternity clinic islandwide,” the Ministry of Health said in its statement. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s health sector is set for a major upgrade in cardiac care, with 16 state‑of‑the‑art cardiac catheterization laboratories (Cath labs) to be installed in leading hospitals islandwide this year under the instructions of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the new facilities will be established at Colombo, Kandy, and Galle National Hospitals, as well as teaching hospitals in Batticaloa, Ratnapura, Badulla, Jaffna, Kalubowila, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and at the Trincomalee District General Hospital.

According to the Ministry, Rs. 715 million has been allocated for four machines at Batticaloa, Ratnapura, Badulla, and Galle National Hospital.

Under the Asian Development Bank’s Health System Improvement Project, Rs. 1,188 million will fund three machines at Colombo National Hospital and one each at Kandy, Jaffna, and Kalubowila. 

In addition, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assistance will provide Rs.1,200 million for six machines, including two at Anuradhapura and one each at Kurunegala, Badulla, Kandy, and Trincomalee.

In total, Rs. 3,103 million will be spent on the project. With the new installations, the number of Cath labs in the government hospital system will rise to 26.

Currently, Cath labs are operational at Colombo, Kandy, and Galle National Hospitals, as well as at Jaffna, Kurunegala, Ragama, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Children’s Hospital in Peradeniya, and Polonnaruwa District General Hospital.

The Health Ministry states the expansion will double annual treatment capacity, reduce waiting lists, and ensure 24‑hour services for heart attack patients. 

It is also expected to lower mortality and morbidity from heart disease while strengthening diagnostic and treatment capabilities nationwide. (Newswire)

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A proposal to make all children born after 2010 a tobacco-free generation has been formally handed over to the Minister of Health, signalling a decisive step in Sri Lanka’s fight against tobacco and alcohol-related harm.

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) presented the concept paper, backed by scientific research, to Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and the Ministry of Health for legal action. 

The document, prepared under the leadership of NATA Chairman Specialist Dr. Ananda Ratnayake and LL Amila Isuru of Rajarata University’s Faculty of Medicine, also included recommendations to amend and strengthen the NATA Act.  

The proposals highlight two key measures:

• Updating existing regulations under the NATA Act.
• Denying access to tobacco products for all individuals born after a set age limit, aligning Sri Lanka with global trends where similar laws have already been adopted.

Minister Jayatissa welcomed the initiative, stressing that tobacco and alcohol remain major obstacles to building a healthier future for children. He instructed NATA to provide detailed provisions for legislative amendments.

Dr. Ratnayake underscored the urgency, noting that nearly 80% of deaths in Sri Lanka stem from non-communicable diseases, with tobacco and alcohol as leading causes. Globally, tobacco use claims around 8 million lives annually, including 7 million from direct consumption and 10% from passive smoking. Alcohol use contributes significantly to mortality and health burdens as well.

Sri Lanka faces an estimated 22,000 deaths each year due to tobacco and alcohol, alongside severe economic and social costs. Both substances are also identified as gateways to other drugs.

LL Amila Isuru warned of rising cigarette use among schoolchildren and the heavy toll on public health expenditure. 

He emphasized that reducing prevalence and restricting access remain the most effective strategies to protect future generations. (Newswire)

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A retired Chief Legal Officer of the Ministry of Health has been arrested on corruption charges and remanded until May 5, 2026.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption confirmed that its officers arrested the suspect on Tuesday (21) at around 3.45 pm, after investigating a complaint.

According to the Bribery Commission, while serving as a legal officer, the suspect prepared three lease agreements to extend the rental period of the Medi House building leased to the Ministry of Health. 

The suspect allegedly demanded Rs. 4,134,887 as preparation fees, accepted Rs. 2,000,000, and sought the balance.

From the remaining amount, the suspect is accused of cashing a cheque worth Rs. 500,000 issued under the name Medi House Private Company from an account at the People’s Bank

The suspect was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court and ordered to be remanded until May 5. (Newswire)

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The second phase of the nationwide initiative to set up 1,000 wellness centres is set to deliver 42 new facilities across 21 districts on January 24, expanding access to quality primary healthcare services for communities throughout Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry of Health, the initiative is being implemented under the “Healthy Sri Lanka” programme, launched on the instructions of the Minister of Health, Nalinda Jayatissa.

Five wellness centres were established in 2025 in Mapalagama in Galle District, Ath Oya in Ratnapura District, Thalpitiya in Kalutara District, Polgollawatta in Kandy District, and Gankanda in Matale District.

Building on the experience gained from the pilot phase, the Ministry plans to establish 250 new wellness centres islandwide within this year. A total of Rs. 1,500 million has already been allocated for this purpose from the current national budget. 

These centres will be established in the following districts: three in Colombo, two in Gampaha, three in Kalutara, two in Kandy, one in Ratnapura, two each in Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Badulla, Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya and Trincomalee, and one in Matale.

The official inauguration of the programme will be held under the patronage of Minister Jayatissa, with the opening of the Kananwila and Heenatiyangala wellness centres in Kalutara District.

These wellness centres are designed to provide a wide range of primary healthcare services, located in easily accessible areas. Each centre will be staffed by a healthcare team of eight, including a family physician and a community health nurse.

The centres are expected to operate with strong community participation and the involvement of local organisations, while also establishing mechanisms to address both routine and emergency health issues specific to the local population. Empowering the public with knowledge and awareness of health is a key objective of the project.

Services to be provided include the detection, treatment and management of non-communicable diseases; early detection of cancer; minor surgical procedures; elderly care; rehabilitation and palliative care; primary eye care; oral health services; mental health care and counselling; nutrition services and counselling; alcohol rehabilitation and counselling; youth and adolescent health services; selected laboratory investigations; and community empowerment initiatives, among a broad range of essential primary healthcare services. (Newswire)

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A special discussion was held under the aegis of the Minister of Health, Nalinda Jayataissa, regarding expanding the process of maintaining proper standards in drug quality testing.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Health yesterday, chaired by Minister Jayatissa, attention was focused on expanding the process of maintaining drug standards, with emphasis on conducting drug quality testing in a systematic and regulated manner.

Accordingly, officials representing the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC), Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) under the Ministry of Health, and the Medical Research Institute (MRI) participated in the discussion.

The meeting addressed matters such as conducting drug quality testing through the laboratories of these institutions, maintaining proper coordination among them, increasing the scope of testing activities, and resolving issues and supervisory concerns related to drug quality reports submitted to the NMRA.

The Health Minister observed that there are certain limitations in conducting drug quality testing solely through the NMRA’s laboratory. Therefore, he emphasized the need for a more structured and expanded program in the future. He added that since such a program would take time, possibilities of carrying out these activities through other government institutions should also be explored.

He further stressed that priority should be given to problematic and questionable drugs during this process, ensuring that the drug supply chain is not disrupted. The Minister highlighted that all institutions must work together with a clear vision to implement this program effectively.

The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director‑General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology Y.L. Mohamed Nawavi, Chairman of the NMRA Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, its Director‑General and Chief Executive Officer Dr. K.M.G.K. Bandara, along with officials representing institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan health authorities have launched a high-level investigation into two deaths and several adverse reactions reported at government hospitals after patients were administered an anti-nausea injection, prompting regulators to suspend multiple drug batches linked to an Indian manufacturer.

The deaths, including that of a 23-year-old woman receiving treatment for dengue at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH), have raised fresh concerns over drug safety and oversight in the country’s public health system.

The young woman, identified as Sandumini Divyanjali, was admitted to IDH earlier this month with dengue fever. Her father, Thushara Kumbalathara, told the media that she developed severe complications shortly after being given medication through a saline drip.

He said her condition deteriorated rapidly within an hour of the injection, with sudden fever spikes, chills and convulsions. She was transferred to intensive care but died within 24 hours of admission. An inquest later returned an open verdict pending further investigations.

“We suspect something went wrong with the medicine given at the hospital. We still have no report explaining what happened,” her father said.

Health officials later confirmed that Sandumini was among the patients who had been administered Ondansetron, an anti-emetic commonly used to control vomiting.

A second death, involving a 37-year-old woman, was also reported after she developed complications following the same injection, according to Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Several other patients were reported to have suffered serious allergic-type reactions at hospitals in Colombo and Kandy.

In response, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) on Dec. 12 issued an “urgent” notice suspending the use and sale of four batches of Ondansetron Injection USP 8 mg/4 mL, marketed as Ondanman 8 and manufactured by Maan Pharmaceutical Ltd of India.

The affected batch numbers are OD24021E, OD25009E, OD25024E and OD25023E.

Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni said reports of mild complications linked to the drug had been received since late November, but authorities escalated action after the deaths and severe reactions were flagged.

“Once a death is reported, we treat it with the utmost seriousness,” he said, adding that all injections supplied by the same manufacturer have been temporarily suspended pending a full investigation.

On Dec. 16, the NMRA expanded the suspension to include 10 medicines imported through the same company, halting their use in both government hospitals and private pharmacies.

NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said initial alerts about possible contamination were received from hospital specialists, leading to an emergency review by a technical committee.

At the same time, health officials cautioned that investigations are ongoing and that it has not yet been conclusively established whether the deaths were directly caused by the drug, underlying illnesses or other treatments administered.

Health Minister Jayatissa acknowledged limitations in Sri Lanka’s capacity to test every imported drug shipment, noting that most quality checks are triggered after adverse events are reported.

Doctors’ groups have called for stronger regulatory safeguards, urging authorities to determine whether the problem occurred during manufacturing, transportation or storage.

“Identifying whether the defect occurred at the production stage is critical,” said Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, a spokesman for the Government Medical Officers’ Association. “Public confidence depends on transparent answers.”

For families like Sandumini’s, those answers cannot come soon enough.

“She went to the hospital to recover,” her father said. “We just want to know why she never came home.” (Newswire)

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A recent investigation into the Ministry of Health has revealed that 705 government medical officers who vacated their posts owe the State a total of Rs. 1,156 million, while another 116 officers owe Rs. 119 million, bringing the total outstanding amount to over Rs. 1.27 billion.

The figures were revealed in a special audit report into the medical officers who had vacated posts and attachments of foreign-trained specialist medical officers.

Foreign-trained specialist doctors have failed to fulfill their service obligations under government bonds, with recovery of dues progressing slowly, the report said. Some officers have not returned to serve after overseas training, despite signing agreements with the Health Ministry.

The Health Ministry has been urged to recover the outstanding amounts promptly and to enforce disciplinary and legal measures against defaulters to ensure accountability within the public health service. (Newswire)

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