Sri Lanka’s 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service today (July 28) celebrates a decade since its first vehicle was flagged off at Galle Face in 2016.

Opposition MP Harsha de Silva, who spearheaded the initiative, said that the free ambulance service was launched amidst heavy protest from the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and certain political groups.

In a post on ‘X’, Harsha de Silva noted that the service has since grown into the country’s most loved and efficient public service, now attending to around 1,000 incidents daily and covering nearly 30,000 kilometres every day.

He expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for backing the project, and to the people of India for the initial USD 23 million grant that helped turn the idea into reality.

Harsha de Silva credited the vision and technological innovation of the board led by Dumindra Ratnayake, and the execution by more than 1,500 staff under CEO Dr. Sohan De Silva, for building Suwa Seriya into a service that can deliver a “fully equipped micro hospital” to any doorstep in under 13 minutes on average.

He also extended best wishes to the new management appointed last year by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging them to continue and improve on this life‑saving service.

“May 1990 Suwa Seriya continue to serve the people of this country for generations to come,” de Silva added. (Newswire)

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The management of the 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service (Suwa Seriya) today dismissed social media reports claiming the service had been deactivated, stressing that operations continue uninterrupted across the island.

In a statement, the Board of Directors, including the Chairman, described the circulating posts as “completely false” and misleading to the public.

They emphasized that Suwa Seriya remains fully functional nationwide, delivering services in the usual manner with improved efficiency. 

The management further assured that the emergency ambulance service will continue to operate without disruption in the future. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Harsha de Silva has criticized the Sri Lanka Police’s emergency hotline system, drawing comparisons with the Suwa Seriya 1990 free ambulance service. 

In a post on ‘X’, he noted that Suwa Seriya has managed roughly 5,000 calls per day for over seven years, more than the 4,500 calls the police claim to handle, and that 98.9% of those calls are answered on the first ring. 

He further highlighted Suwa Seriya’s average nationwide response time of 13 minutes, compared to what he described as the police’s 180-minute delay. 

Harsha de Silva credited Suwa Seriya’s efficiency to its digital systems, strict protocols, and above all, the attitude of its staff, adding, “We will teach you how to do it if you are humble enough to learn”.

His remarks came in response to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala’s recent admission that he receives daily complaints about delays in responses to 119 calls. 

Wijepala revealed that he personally contacted the 118 National Help Desk hotline after a complainant alleged that no action had been taken even three hours after reporting an incident to 119. 

The Minister said he advised the complainant to formally report the delay, acknowledging widespread public frustration with the system. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa says plans and actions are already underway to expand the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance fleet to 500 vehicles, incorporating the latest global technologies to modernize the service.

Minister Jayatissa further stated that discussions are ongoing with the Indian government to acquire 100 additional ambulances. 

He further said that, in addition, 20 ambulances are expected to be received under a loan facility from the Asian Development Bank, and another 25 as direct donations.

The Health Minister expressed these views after engaging in an inspection of a special training program conducted by the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation to enhance the skills of emergency medical technicians on Thursday. 

According to the Health Ministry, the program is being held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute over five days under the supervision of a team of experts in complementary medicine, led by Professor Will Broughton of Buckinghamshire New University, UK.

This marks the fourth time the specialized training series is being conducted. Professor Broughton and his team of experts have not received any payment or financial contribution from Sri Lanka for their participation. All expenses, including airfare, are covered by the British High Commission in Sri Lanka and the expert team itself.

Emergency medical technicians who successfully complete the training will be awarded an internationally recognized certificate. 

The Suwaseriya Foundation has already developed a ten-year strategic plan. Given that ambulances may take time to arrive due to various reasons, one of the key initiatives in the plan is to deploy trained officers to the location immediately via motorcycles upon receiving an emergency call.

Retired Major Niroshan Ratnayake, Chairman of the Suwaseriya Foundation, shared these details during a briefing. 

He emphasized that the foundation’s core mission is “saving lives.” Established under an Act of Parliament in 1990, Suwaseriya began as a donation from the Indian government and now operates as Sri Lanka’s national emergency ambulance service.

The training program was attended by Suwaseriya’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shrilal de Silva, Training Program Head Mr. Stanoshan, and several others. (Newswire)

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The name and 1990 hotline of the Suwa Seriya free ambulance service have not been changed, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed in Parliament today.

Addressing the house, Minister Jayatissa said no decision has been made on changing the existing colour of the ambulance service.

“The ambulance service was introduced in the 2015-2020 period when Ranil Wickremesinghe was Prime Minister, and with the intervention of MP Harsha de Silva. We will continue the ambulance service with the green colour introduced by your government. Do not make this an issue,” Minister Jayatissa further said. 

However, the Health Minister pointed out that the ambulance service needs to be developed in line with the global medical emergency services.

“The 1990 hotline and ambulance service is well registered in the public’s mind. So we will not change the hotline, its name or the green colour. What we intend to do is to develop it by introducing the latest technology in line with global standards,” he said.

Briefing the Parliament further, Minister Jayatissa said, “We allocated Rs. 500 million for this service in 2025. We are recruiting emergency medical technicians. Discussions are underway with India to obtain 100 more ambulances. Another 85 ambulances are to be received from the Asian Development Bank as a grant. We intend to strengthen the fleet to 500 ambulances and upgrade its services with modern technology per global standards and train the relevant staff accordingly.”

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service has been brought under the purview of the Health Ministry and is being developed as a unit of the ministry. 

His clarification comes after the opposition recently raised concerns over alleged changes being made to the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service, after a newspaper advertisement was published with changes to the logo. 

Watch : https://www.facebook.com/reel/2073103369762466 

Responding to Minister Jayatissa, Opposition MP Harsha de Silva displayed the new letterhead of the ambulance service, stating that it is now identified as a National Emergency Ambulance Service.

“At the bottom, it refers to Suwa Seriya in small print. But it bears no resemblance to the original Suwa Seriya Service. Please do not change this. People are used to the old name,” he said, addressing Parliament today. 

MP Harsha de Silva appealed to the government not to change the objective of the service, pointing out that it is purely an emergency response ambulance service, but the government’s advertisement refers to something entirely different. 

Replying to MP Harsha de Silva, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reiterated that the motive of the government was to only upgrade the services of the ambulance in line with global practices. (Newswire) 

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Opposition MP Harsha de Silva says it has been confirmed that changes have been made to the 1990 Suwa Seriya free ambulance service.

In a post on ‘X’, MP de Silva said the name ‘Suwa Seriya’ has been dropped and changes have been made to the ambulance service’s logo and colours, at least on paper. 

“So is it now official? “Suwa Seriya” has been dropped from the name, and the logo and colours have been changed, at least on paper.  The question is, when was the “1990 Sri Lanka Emergency Medical Service” established? Under what law? What are its objectives? It states clearly this service is “emergency AND pre-hospital care,” he questioned.

MP Harsha de Silva pointed out that what was established by the 1990 Suwa Seriya Act No 18 of 2018 was purely a ‘pre-hospital care’ ambulance service. 

He said, as such, by law, Suwa Seriya cannot transport patients intra-hospital even in an emergency. 

“The objective was and must continue to be ‘pre-hospital care’. If it is to be changed, the law must be changed, and necessary accreditations must be obtained. What a circus this has become!” he added. (Newswire)

So is it now official? “SuwaSeriya” has been dropped from the name and the logo and colours have been changed, at least on paper.

The question is when was “1990 Sri Lanka Emergency Medical Service” established? Under what law? What are its objectives? It states clearly this… pic.twitter.com/FyD8SjAuS3

— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) October 14, 2025

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MP Harsha de Silva criticizing reported government attempts to change the logo and colour scheme of the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service, called the move unnecessary.

Speaking to media, De Silva said that following discussions with TATA Group Chairperson Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Sri Lanka is expected to receive approximately 150 more ambulances for the service.

“1990 Suwa Seriya is a well-recognized and widely accepted brand. Making changes to it makes no sense,” he said, commenting on reports that the government had instructed alterations to the free ambulance service’s visual identity.

“They seem to think this service belongs to me, which is absurd. If they want to change the name and colour, there’s no point in telling me about it,” he added.

De Silva said that considerable effort and investment had gone into building the brand, and rebranding would require further time, planning, and funding. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Harsha de Silva today raised concerns over the alleged moves by the government to make changes to the 1990 Suwa Seriya free ambulance service. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP de Silva said that instructions have been given to change the logo and colour of the ambulance service.

“They have received a directive to remove the name 1990 Suwa Seriya. They have also been instructed to change the colour. What is this? Why are you doing this? It has been instructed to use your party colour. It has been instructed to destroy the Suwa Seriya service,” MP Harsha de Silva said. 

The SJB MP pointed out that the Suwa Seriya ambulance service has been launched to provide a complete pre-hospital care service, and it has served over 2.5 million people as of now. 

“This is not a national emergency ambulance service. This was not brought for this purpose. Please do not destroy this service. This is a service loved by the public. Please do not play with this service. Please let it continue operating as it is without changes,” he further appealed to the government.

MP Harsha de Silva urged the government to amend the law pertaining to the ambulance service if it wishes to make changes to it. (Newswire)

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The “Suwa Seriya” ambulance service, which provides free emergency medical care across Sri Lanka via the 1990 hotline, is set to expand under a new initiative aimed at improving efficiency and addressing operational challenges, Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.

Speaking during a visit to the Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service headquarters in Rajagiriya, Jayatissa said the government is committed to strengthening the service by addressing key issues, including staff shortages, training needs, and funding constraints. Originally launched as a donation from the Indian government, Suwa Seriya is now fully operated by the Sri Lankan government.

During the visit, the minister inspected the service’s emergency dispatch and control unit, telephone communication center, and a fully equipped ambulance. He later held discussions with the Board of Directors of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation to review the service’s current operations and future plans.

Concerns raised during the discussions included the shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the need for better employee facilities, and recruitment challenges. Officials also discussed increasing budget allocations, improving salaries, and introducing a new uniform for staff.

The minister stressed the importance of staff retention through competitive salaries and enhanced training programs. The possibility of engaging security forces personnel in operations, if required, was also discussed, along with additional training opportunities for existing staff.

A Cabinet paper has been submitted to acquire 150 new ambulances to strengthen the fleet, officials revealed. The discussion also focused on expanding and promoting the service in high-tourist areas to ensure emergency medical support for foreign visitors.

Currently, Suwa Seriya operates 322 ambulances across Sri Lanka, including 25 provided by the government. The service handles over 5,000 emergency calls daily, responding to approximately 1,050 incidents.  (NewsWire)

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Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has expressed regret over the government’s decision to make changes to the leadership and board of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation, expressing regret over the dismissal of the team behind the ambulance service.

Taking to ‘X’, MP Premadasa said that the dedicated team behind the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service was one that had excelled during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. 

He pointed out that such high-performing teams are rare and should be rewarded, not disregarded due to political shifts. 

“I urge the government to foster a culture that values and retains talent committed to public service excellence,” he added. 

MP Sajith Premadasa’s comments come after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed a new chairman and two new board members to the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation this week. (Newswire)

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A new chairman and two new board members have been appointed to the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), A.M.N. Ratnayake has been appointed as the new chairman of the Foundation. 

The two new board members include R.J.M.A.P. Sampath and Nalin Perera. 

The appointment letters were presented today (Jan 06) at the Presidential Secretariat by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. (Newswire)

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The proposal to obtain 95 ambulances for the ‘1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation’ as grants from India and the Asian Development Bank has received Cabinet approval. 

According to the government, the ‘1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation’ was initiated with a fleet of 297 Ambulances which were obtained from TATA Sons (Pvt) Ltd in India under a grant of the Indian Government in 2016, to provide pre-hospital treatments and emergency treatment services. 

At present, 322 ambulances are operated, including 25 ambulances provided by the Government of Sri Lanka. As per the target of the Suwa Seriya Foundation, it has been identified that 450 ambulances and 25 back-up ambulances are required and there is a dearth of 150 ambulances at present. 

Accordingly, TATA Sons (Pvt) Ltd from India has agreed to provide 50 ambulances and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide 45 ambulances, as grants. 

The Cabinet has agreed to the proposal presented by the Minister of Health to take necessary steps to obtain the said ambulances for the ‘1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation’. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has adopted two ambulances for the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation, to support Sri Lanka’s healthcare system by ensuring increased access to emergency healthcare services. 

According to the CSE, this is in response to the programme, ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ which was initiated by the Board and Management of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation.

The two ambulances were released for service on Sunday (May 12) from the Colombo Stock Exchange head office located at the World Trade Centre. The CSE branches are located in Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Panadura, Negombo, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Batticaloa, and Ambalantota.

Launched in 2016, Suwa Seriya is a national ambulance service providing free pre-hospital emergency care across the island, mobilizing 322 ambulances country-wide. Providing emergency pre-hospital care within the ‘golden hour’ saves lives and mitigates potential health complications.

Speaking on the release of the ambulances for service, the chairman of the 1990 Suwa Seriya board Dumindra Ratnayake said, “CSE came forward to donate to the cause in our time of need. With their support, we have refurbished two ambulances which will service the Panadura and Kandy areas. We thank CSE for their support and commitment to 1990 Suwa Seriya.”

The CEO of the CSE, Rajeeva Bandaranaike stated, “We see this as an opportunity for us to do our part in supporting the commendable efforts taken by the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation.”

He went on to say, “Supporting and safeguarding the community in which we live is something that we, as an exchange are passionate about and, it is ultimately crucial for sustaining the economic wellbeing of the country as a whole.” (Newswire)

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Concerns have been raised about the lack of ambulances and funds to operate the 1990 Suwa Seriya Free Ambulance service in Sri Lanka. 

Outlining an emergency faced recently, a Sri Lankan Doctor says due to the unavailability of a Suwa Seriya Ambulance in the vicinity, an ambulance was dispatched from 13 km away, during which an ill person died. 

Taking to ‘X’, she further revealed that, in conversation, Suwa Seriya Foundation Chairman Dumindra Ratnayaka had acknowledged that the free ambulance service was facing several obstacles in providing a smooth operation. 

Following are the seven key factors that had been outlined by Ratnayake as having resulted in affecting the operations of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Free Ambulance Service,

• Only 322 ambulances for the 22 million population
• 56 ambulances are out of service
• Many trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and drivers have migrated
• Each EMT needs 6 months of training before being given the responsibility of handling an emergency
• Difficult to hire new EMTs because of the poor salary scale. Out of the 200 new EMTs chosen, only 45 want to join
• Ambulances aren’t repaired properly because experienced mechanics have migrated
• Suwa Seriya needs sustainable public-private funding to increase  salaries & provide better service (Newswire)

My 51 yr old neighbour died at home. I had to give CPR to him in his bathroom. Desperatly called Suwaseriya, but they did not have any available ambulances nearby. We could not save him on time..

Why is funding Suwaseriya 1990 & saving lives not a priority for Lankan government?

— Yasuni Manikkage (@ManikkageYasuni) May 14, 2024

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Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has issued a clarification following reports of staff of the ‘Suwa Seriya’ free ambulance service in Sri Lanka leaving the country.  

Taking to ‘X’, MP de Silva acknowledged that the 1990 Suwa Seriya was losing staff to migration.

The Parliamentarian said that, however, the ambulance service was actively recruiting, which has seen roughly a 20% success rate and consists of tough criteria and low salaries.

He pointed out that 41 out of 297 locations in Sri Lanka are offline and that 4 out of 20 locations in Colombo are idle; ie 20% and not 60% as reported in the media.

Further clarifying the offline status of the ambulance service, MP de Silva said that the service is offline only 14% islandwide and 20% is for the Colombo District.

The MP alleged that this may be a result of certain elements internally attempting to bring the service down, which unfortunately happens in Sri Lanka.

“Our staff is totally dedicated and some are volunteering to shift around while others shifted. None of the critical locations are offline. Fear not, CEO @kcsdesilva head of medical ops Dr Srilal and unsung 1,250 heroes led by 24×7 Chair @DumindraR and board will keep this country’s most loved service going,” he assured. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka’s Free Ambulance Service, 1990 Suwa Seriya, marks its 7th anniversary today (July 28). 

The pioneer of the ambulance service, Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva, stated that this momentous occasion celebrates the unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the people of Sri Lanka and reaffirms the dedication to providing unparalleled support to maintain this indispensable service, regardless of any challenges that may arise.

In its seven years of operation, 1990 Suwa Seriya has emerged as the most efficient public service in Sri Lanka, achieving remarkable milestones. With a staggering 6,609,357 calls answered and 1,581,554 emergencies attended, the service has proven to be a lifeline for countless individuals in critical situations.

Issuing a statement to mark the occasion, MP Dr. Harsha de Silva recalled the early days of the service, acknowledging the strong opposition from trade unions and the financial struggles faced during the economic crisis. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support received from the private sector, which played a pivotal role in keeping the service operational. 

“Today, 1990 Suwa Seriya stands tall as the saviour of the nation, a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and collaboration. The success of 1990 Suwa Seriya would not have been possible without the unwavering support of various individuals and entities,” he said.

MP Dr. Harsha de Silva extended his appreciation to everyone involved, including President Ranil Wickramasinghe, whose support was instrumental in establishing the service. He also acknowledged the dedicated Directors, particularly the Chairman of Suwa Seriya Foundation, Dumindra Ratnayake, and the tireless staff who work day and night to ensure the service’s seamless functioning.

Since its inception on July 28, 2016, 1990 Suwa Seriya has attended to approximately 15,000,000 patients, setting an exceptional standard in emergency response times. Responding to calls within an astounding 8 minutes and 45 seconds in Colombo and 14 minutes and 29 seconds outside Colombo, the service has earned a reputation for its exceptional efficiency.

MP de Silva reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining and enhancing the 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service for the greater good of the nation, emphasizing the critical importance of its continued existence as an indispensable lifeline for the people of Sri Lanka.

He also expressed profound gratitude for India’s invaluable support in kickstarting this initiative, especially acknowledging the unwavering backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who heeded his call and has remained ever-supportive throughout the journey.

On this occasion, MP Dr. Harsha de Silva extended his heartfelt regards to all the board members and 1500 dedicated staff, acknowledging their dedication and perseverance in ensuring the success of this vital service. (NewsWire)

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