AGP Executive Report

Cervical cancer push: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry will add 18 colposcopy machines (Rs. 114m) to government hospitals, doubling capacity from 15 to 33—with 12 already installed and 6 more due in June—aimed at earlier detection and treatment of the country’s 5th most common women’s cancer. Meningitis alert: Health authorities confirm a recent illness wave is meningitis, with 100+ suspected/confirmed cases reported across districts including Deniyaya, Diyatalawa, Kurunegala and Kandy, and teams stepping up monitoring and school-focused awareness. Public health governance: Sri Lanka Customs crossed Rs. 1 trillion revenue in 132 days, a jump officials cite as recovery and enforcement, while critics warn it may reflect heavier costs on businesses and consumers. Justice & society: A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse was released on bail, while a separate case sees a warrant issued for Basil Rajapaksa over the Browns Hill land matter.

Cervical Cancer Push: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health says it will add 18 new colposcopy machines (Rs. 114 million) to government hospitals this year, doubling capacity from 15 to 33 to speed up screening and treatment for cervical cancer, the fifth most common cancer among women. Rollout Details: 12 machines are already installed across major hospitals (Anuradhapura, Badulla, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kurunegala, De Soysa Hospital for Women, Kandy, Gampaha, Matara, Monaragala, Puttalam, Hambantota), with the remaining 6 scheduled for June (Ampara, Ragama, Kalutara, Kuliyapitiya, Matale, Vavuniya). Upgrades: Five outdated units have also been replaced. Accountability in Health & Society: A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse was released on bail after a court order in Anuradhapura, keeping public debate intense. Regional Shock Context: Sri Lanka continues to watch wider instability risks, including fuel and travel disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz situation.

Rupee pressure and medicine fears: Sri Lanka’s rupee slid again toward the mid-350s per US dollar, reviving worries that dollar strain could soon hit pharmacy shelves, with doctors warning of possible medicine shortages like in 2022. IMF-linked anxiety: The latest slide is landing just before the IMF review, as officials point to external shocks while businesses brace for renewed inflation and uncertainty. Fuel-route shock ripple: With the Strait of Hormuz disruption pushing up global fuel costs, Sri Lanka is again scrambling for petroleum supplies—raising the stakes for transport, power, and healthcare logistics. Agriculture quarantine row: The Agriculture Department says a disputed chrysanthemum flower consignment was not illegally released, after lab tests found whitefly and white rust in part of the shipment. Elder care outreach: HelpAge Sri Lanka held a psychiatry students’ orientation on free services for vulnerable seniors, urging future doctors to build empathy into care. Accountability in courts: A warrant was issued for former minister Basil Rajapaksa after repeated non-appearances in the Browns Hill land case.

Pesticide & quarantine pressure: Sri Lanka’s Agriculture chief Thushara Wickramaarachchi says a flower shipment was inspected and released only after pests weren’t seen in most boxes, but lab tests later found whitefly and white rust in six Chrysanthemum boxes—those were incinerated at BIA on Jan 30, rejecting claims of illegal release and warning that such accusations can damage trust in Sri Lanka’s plant quarantine system. Suicide prevention at WHO: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told the World Health Assembly that banning highly toxic pesticides since 1990 helped cut pesticide-related suicides by nearly 70%, urging countries to add pesticide restrictions to national suicide plans. Economy & rupee anxiety: The rupee’s slide is again stoking fears of medicine shortages and renewed instability, with doctors’ unions warning import costs are already squeezing pharmacy supplies. Justice & accountability: A Matara court issued an arrest warrant for former minister Basil Rajapaksa over repeated non-appearances in the Browns Hill land case. Tourism test: Global travel uncertainty is hitting Sri Lanka’s tourism momentum, with arrivals slowing and cancellations rising.

Rupee pressure and medicine risk: The rupee slid again, with warnings it could push into the Rs. 380-plus range, and doctors’ unions warn that dollar strain could trigger medicine shortages like in 2022. Economic nerves: Inflation rose to 4.7% in April, while officials insist the currency slide isn’t a full-blown crisis—yet markets remain cautious and bond T-bills were undersubscribed. Health justice spotlight: A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse was released on bail, after a court case that’s reignited debate on whether the law applies equally to the powerful and the vulnerable. Accountability in courts: Basil Rajapaksa faces an arrest warrant in the Brown Hill land probe after repeated non-appearances. Governance and environment: Parliament set up a subcommittee to investigate Norochcholai power plant environmental impacts. Tourism shift: Global tourism voices urged Sri Lanka to move from mass arrivals to higher-value experiences. Local healthcare capacity: Plasma exchange machines were donated to boost critical care, as hospitals continue to face operational strains.

Court Action: Matara Magistrate’s Court issued an arrest warrant for former minister Basil Rajapaksa after repeated failure to appear in an FCID-linked financial investigation over a Browns Hill land deal, rejecting his “unwell abroad” medical explanation as insufficient. Energy & Environment Oversight: Parliament appointed a subcommittee to probe the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant’s environmental impact, with health and power officials involved and plans to seek training support from Germany, Japan and China. Health & Cost Pressure: Doctors’ union leaders warn that rupee weakness is already squeezing medicine imports, risking shortages like 2022 unless Treasury offers relief for importers. Economy Watch: Inflation rose to 4.7% in April (from 2.4% in March), with non-food prices driving most of the jump. Public Safety: Police rolled out island-wide Vesak security and traffic plans for May 30. Healthcare Sector Growth: Medihelp opened a new Kiribathgoda branch, while Vida Medical Clinic expanded its Colombo 5 facility and Ceylinco Life donated a medical gas pipeline system to Teaching Hospital Kalutara.

Drug Crime Spotlight: Padukka is under pressure after reports alleging narcotics trade and extortion linked to roadside shops and congestion-causing “unauthorised” structures—locals say powerful business figures are involved, and the business community has raised the issue with the Divisional Coordination Committee. Public Health Watch: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has issued Ebola prevention guidelines, focusing on airport surveillance, readiness at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, diagnostic testing capacity, and tighter coordination with WHO—while stressing the country remains low-risk. Blood Disorder Alert: Authorities warn thalassaemia could rise over time, citing 45–60 major cases born yearly and about 2,500 patients currently in care; they’re pushing carrier screening before marriage and school/district awareness in higher-risk areas. Healthcare Expansion: Vida Medical Clinic has opened a larger Colombo 5 facility, while Medihelp expands to Kiribathgoda with OPD, ETU, labs and imaging. Policy & Oversight: Parliament has set up a subcommittee to probe the Norochcholai power plant’s environmental impact.

Ebola Readiness: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has issued a five-point Ebola prevention plan after WHO’s PHEIC move, including tighter airport surveillance, keeping the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Institute ready for treatment and diagnostics, and closer coordination with WHO—while stressing the country remains low-risk and urging calm. Thalassaemia Watch: Authorities say major thalassaemia cases are rising over time, with 2,500 patients identified so far; screening and carrier testing are being pushed in high-risk districts. Hypertension Rising: Health experts warn high blood pressure is increasing, linking it to smoking, alcohol, stress, poor sleep, diet and inactivity, and urging regular checks and medication adherence. Digital Push: UN-backed work on “OneRegistry” for civil registration and vital statistics is progressing, with a Cabinet paper expected next week and plans to equip divisional secretariats with computers and printers. Digital Economy Momentum: SLASSCOM’s Xcellerate Accelerator is backing investment-ready startups, while SLT-Mobitel reports strong early-2026 financial momentum tied to broadband demand. Controversy Over Children’s Gender Procedures: Castle Street Hospital for Women has denied claims that gender reassignment procedures are being done on children in public hospitals. Transport Tax Shock: A 50% surcharge on many vehicle imports (excluding two- and three-wheelers) has sparked calls for investigation after signs of possible leak-driven front-running.

Ebola readiness: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry has moved to a five-step plan after WHO’s Ebola Public Health Emergency alert, including tighter airport surveillance, keeping the NIID ready for suspected cases, and strengthening in-country monitoring and coordination with WHO—while officials stress Sri Lanka is “low risk” and the public should not panic. Chronic disease warning: Health experts say high blood pressure cases are rising, urging regular checks and lifestyle changes (less salt, no smoking, better sleep, more exercise) because uncontrolled BP can drive stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Health policy spotlight: At the World Health Assembly, Sri Lanka highlighted that childhood cancer success means more than survival—survivors need lifelong, dignified care—while WHO also recognized Sri Lanka for eliminating mother-to-child HIV and syphilis as a public health concern. Market pressure: Sri Lankan shares fell again as broad losses hit IT and health stocks, while bond yields climbed ahead of the weekly T-bills auction. Public health context: Dengue remains a live concern with monsoon-linked mosquito breeding flagged, and prevention committees are being activated.

Child Cancer Care at WHO: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told the World Health Assembly in Geneva that the goal isn’t just survival for childhood cancer, but a healthy, dignified life for survivors—highlighting long-term heart, endocrine, learning, mental health and reproductive risks, and Sri Lanka’s push for lifelong care. WHO HIV/Syphilis Win: Sri Lanka also received WHO recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis as a public health concern. Digital Governance Push: Sri Lanka and the UN discussed accelerating digital reforms, including the OneRegistry civil registration overhaul, with a Cabinet paper on CRVS reform expected next week. Public Health Alerts: Mixed expert views emerged on Ebola risk—no immediate danger, but calls for stronger airport screening and quick medical checks for travellers returning from Africa. Dengue Pressure: Dengue remains high, with 29,589 cases and 15 deaths reported by May 18; authorities urged prompt care for persistent fever and warned against self-medicating. Health System & Safety: Police opened fire on a lorry transporting cattle illegally after it failed to stop, injuring a suspect and arresting another. Economy-Health Link: Rupee weakness and external finance stress continue as reserves stay tight and oil costs bite—conditions that can ripple into healthcare supply and access.

Childhood Cancer Care: Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told the World Health Assembly that “survival alone is not enough” for children who beat cancer—success must also mean healthy, dignified, productive lives. WHO Recognition: Sri Lanka also received WHO special recognition for eliminating mother-to-child HIV and syphilis as a public health concern, with the Public Health Achievement Certificate presented in Geneva. War Heroes’ Welfare: In Parliament, the Defence Deputy Minister outlined new pension benefit amendments for widows and orphans of certain injured/medically retired personnel, alongside plans to regulate the private security sector. Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka’s dengue tally has climbed to 29,589 cases and 15 deaths (as of May 18), with health officials urging care if fever lasts over two days and warning against self-medication beyond paracetamol. Hospital Capacity Boost: Germany-made plasma exchange machines were donated to strengthen Sri Lanka’s critical care capacity.

Bee Boost: Sri Lanka’s Agriculture Department is pushing a fourfold jump in honey output from 50 to 200 metric tons, rolling out modern methods after World Bee Day celebrations in Peradeniya to Sahas Uyana. Currency Pressure: The rupee’s slide is back in focus, with the Central Bank saying exchange-rate moves can’t be the only yardstick for the economy, even as businesses feel the swings. Public Health Lens: A new South Asia-wide look flags intimate partner violence as a major public health issue linked to self-harm and suicide risk. Care Capacity Gap: Sri Lanka warns it has only four specialists for blood cancers and bone marrow transplants, as delays and medicine shortages continue to strain treatment access. Health System Watch: The NMRA is facing hundreds of pending medicine licence renewals, threatening supply of essential drugs. International Links: Sri Lanka and Belarus signed air services plus education and healthcare MoUs during a recent ministerial visit. Maritime Crisis: Somali pirates renewed ransom demands for the release of 17 hostages, including 10 Pakistanis.

Hospital Supply Strain: Sri Lanka’s medicine pipeline is under fresh pressure as hundreds of import licence renewals sit pending at the NMRA, delaying orders and raising fears of shortages for chronic care and acute pain medicines. Regulatory Bottlenecks: Industry says the backlog is linked to a new renewal approach that folds price reviews into licence renewals—while global lead times mean stockouts could hit within months. Care Capacity Boost: On the positive side, Sri Lanka received two German plasma exchange machines worth over Rs. 50 million to strengthen treatment for conditions including leptospirosis and blood-related cancers. System Stress Signals: Colombo National Hospital has also launched an urgent review over medicine shortages, equipment delays, and administrative inefficiencies, as overcrowding continues to strain the country’s main referral centre. Global Health Diplomacy: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa is set to address the World Health Assembly in Geneva today.

Specialist Shortage Alarm: Sri Lanka is seeing 15,000–18,000 new cancer cases yearly, but only four blood-cancer/bone-marrow transplant specialists are available nationwide—three at Apeksha Hospital and one in Kandy—while some trained doctors have left overseas. Medicine Supply Risk: Delays in NMRA licence renewals are leaving hundreds of renewals pending, threatening medicine orders because companies need 90–120 days to restock. Hospital Operations Under Review: Colombo National Hospital is facing an urgent probe after staff flagged medicine shortages, equipment delays, staffing gaps and admin bottlenecks. New Critical-Care Boost: Two German blood plasma exchange machines (Rs. 50m+) were handed to the Health Ministry to expand plasmapheresis for leptospirosis, blood cancers and transplant-related care. Public Health Push: Universities and experts are stepping up anti-smoking efforts, while policymakers also discuss a “generational tobacco ban” modelled on the Maldives. Economy Pressure, Health Impact: The rupee is weakening again past Rs. 330 per dollar, raising fears of higher inflation and costs for essentials.

Plasma Exchange Boost: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry received two Germany-made Com.Tec MultiProcedural blood plasma exchange machines worth over Rs. 50 million, aimed at improving care for leptospirosis, blood cancers, immune disorders, severe snakebite complications, and pre/post transplant patients. Hospital Operations Under Fire: Colombo National Hospital is facing an urgent review after staff raised alarms over medicine shortages, delayed equipment supply, staffing gaps, and administrative bottlenecks that are slowing patient care at the country’s main referral centre. Anti-Smoking Push: Universities and health stakeholders backed stronger tobacco control, including better cessation support and public awareness, while Sri Lanka also weighs a “generational tobacco ban” model inspired by the Maldives. Community Care: HelpAge Sri Lanka distributed wheelchairs and hearing aids worth about Rs. 500,000 to needy elders across several districts, highlighting growing mobility and hearing needs among ageing citizens. Regional Health Shock: Maldives cave-diving deaths continue to ripple—search efforts were suspended after a military diver died during recovery operations.

Hospital Readiness: The Health Ministry received two new German-made Rs. 50 million plasma exchange machines to boost plasmapheresis care for leptospirosis, blood cancers, immune disorders, snakebite complications, and transplant support. Medicine Shortages: Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni ordered an urgent review after Colombo National Hospital staff flagged gaps in medicine supply, equipment delays, staffing strain, and admin bottlenecks. Anti-Smoking Push: Universities, doctors and partners launched a national push to strengthen smoking cessation and public awareness, with talks now also exploring a “generational tobacco ban” model inspired by the Maldives. Policy Pressure: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa hit back at Sri Lanka’s vehicle tax hike, warning it will raise costs as the rupee weakens. Health Education: Cancer specialists renewed calls for earlier diagnosis and screening, warning many patients still arrive late. Transport Disruption: A train derailment between Kelaniya and Wanawasala injured 10 passengers and caused delays.