AGP Executive Report

Public Health Workforce: The Government Physiotherapy Officers Association (GPOA) says physiotherapy services in public hospitals are crippled by recruitment delays, with some units reportedly closed and patients forced to travel long distances for care. Dengue Control: Sri Lanka launched a nationwide dengue mosquito control drive, inspecting 70,000+ premises across 14 districts on day one and warning of legal action where breeding sites are found, as cases rise. Cancer Care Funding: KOKO has joined Mastercard’s “Tap for Change” campaign to support building the Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital, linking everyday contactless payments to cancer infrastructure support. Elderly Care Crisis: A fire at a restaurant in Thalawathugoda left three dead, while separate coverage continues to spotlight the wider risk faced by older people in care settings. Cardiac Access: A commentary highlights long waits for angiograms in Colombo, with some patients reportedly waiting months, raising concerns about timely heart care. Health & Rights in Detention: Human rights and legal groups renewed calls for urgent specialised medical treatment for detained former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, citing physical and mental health deterioration. System Readiness: The government is preparing for possible El Niño impacts, focusing on protecting water storage, drinking water, and Yala agriculture.

Cancer Care Fundraising: KOKO has joined Mastercard’s “Tap for Change” campaign, turning everyday Tap & Go and KOKO e-commerce payments into support for building the Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital with the COC Foundation. Child Protection & Justice: Women MPs’ caucus is pushing for faster investigations and stronger safeguards in the Anuradhapura child abuse case, urging forensic/medical reports be obtained without delay and asking courts to reduce repeated trauma across multiple proceedings. Detention Health & Rights: HRCSL has summoned CID officers over former SIS chief Suresh Sallay’s case, while lawyers and his wife report deteriorating health, including refusal of food and treatment at Colombo National Hospital; calls continue for specialised medical care and PTA safeguards. Dengue Control Push: Sri Lanka inspected 70,000+ premises in a nationwide dengue mosquito control drive, with legal action planned where breeding sites are found; authorities cite 36,168 cases and 20 deaths so far this year. Cardiac Care Access: A commentary highlights long waits for angiograms in Colombo, raising concerns about timely access to essential heart diagnostics. Elderly Safety After Fire: Opinion pieces revisit the Horana elders’ home fire and broader gaps in registration and welfare of nursing/elder care facilities, spotlighting vulnerability of seniors living alone.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening, with cases reported at 35,228 this year and 20 deaths, prompting a special nationwide mosquito control programme running June 8–10 across 14 districts and 74 MOH divisions, with inspections and legal action for repeat breeding-site offenders. Detention Health Watch: Former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay remains in hospital in Colombo after refusing food and being put on saline, as opposition groups continue protests over his custody conditions and alleged mistreatment. Child Protection Oversight: Women Parliamentarians have urged authorities to follow court orders in the Anuradhapura child abuse case, speed up forensic and medical reports, and reduce repeated trauma across multiple ongoing proceedings. Nursing Workforce Push: Sri Lanka is set to recruit 3,000 student nurses, alongside moves to strengthen health capacity and training. Nutrition Concern: Health officials warn that one in five Sri Lankan schoolchildren face malnutrition, adding pressure on prevention and early support. Care Home Tragedy: Reports continue to follow the deadly elderly care home fire in Sri Lanka, where multiple deaths were recorded and the owner faced custody amid investigations.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening fast, with cases reported at 35,228 so far this year—up about 30–40%—and Colombo flagged as the worst-hit area; authorities are launching a special three-day mosquito control drive (June 8–10) across 74 MOH divisions in 14 districts, with police and armed forces support and legal action for repeat offenders. Detention Health Crisis: Former State Intelligence Service chief Major General Suresh Sallay has been admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo after health concerns while in CID custody, following claims from his family and lawyers of a hunger strike and denial of proper medical care. Nutrition & Lifestyle: Health officials say 15% of women in Sri Lanka are obese, highlighting rising nutrition and lifestyle-related risks. Food Security Shock (Global, Local Impact): A new WFP analysis warns the Middle East conflict is already pushing more people into hunger, including 1.3 million in Sri Lanka, as energy and delivery costs strain food access. Anti-Corruption & Health Governance Link: Korea and UN partners launched Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Initiative Assessment pilot to help public institutions improve integrity practices—aimed at strengthening systems that affect public services, including health.

Detention health crisis: Former Sri Lanka State Intelligence Service chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has been admitted to the National Hospital of Colombo’s Emergency Treatment Unit on medical advice while in CID custody, after reports that he began a hunger strike and his wife filed an urgent complaint alleging torture, degrading treatment, and denial of medical care. Maternal and child health: Health authorities say a simple blood test can help prevent inherited blood disorders like thalassaemia by identifying carriers before marriage or pregnancy; officials also note about 3% of Sri Lanka’s population are thalassaemia carriers. Nutrition and obesity: An international survey presented during National Nutrition Month reports that 15% of women in Sri Lanka are obese, highlighting rising lifestyle-related health risks. Public health planning: Sri Lanka is preparing for a dengue surge with a special islandwide mosquito control programme as cases rise. Climate-linked risk: The Meteorological Department warns El Niño could bring drought conditions in July–August, threatening agriculture, power and water supplies.

Genetic Screening for Parents: Sri Lankan health professionals are urging prospective parents to get simple blood tests to identify thalassaemia carriers early, especially when both partners carry the trait or when close-relative marriages raise risk. Hunger Crisis Pressure: WFP warns a “perfect storm” of high energy costs and low funding is pushing more people in countries including Sri Lanka toward acute hunger. Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening, with health authorities reporting tens of thousands of cases and urging stronger community action to stop spread. Malaria Monitoring Alert: A new malaria-related parasite threat has been flagged, with officials calling for heightened surveillance since it may infect both humans and animals. Elderly Care Safety After Fire: Reports continue to focus on a deadly elderly care home blaze, with investigations and custody developments drawing attention to patient safety and oversight. Travel Health Reminder: Sri Lanka has announced free tourist visa entry for Omani citizens via ETA, alongside reminders to keep passports valid and arrange health insurance. Water for Yala Farming: Irrigation officials say major reservoir reserves remain generally healthy for Yala cultivation, though some areas are lower and weather forecasts are being watched.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue transmission risk has hit a very high level, with about 35,300 cases already recorded this year and nearly half concentrated in high-risk areas like Western Province, Gampaha, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Kandy—health authorities warn hospitals are under strain and urge urgent community action. Mosquito Control Push: A special nationwide mosquito control programme is set for June 8–10, targeting breeding sites after rainfall boosted mosquito numbers; the public is asked to remove stagnant water instead of relying only on coils and repellents. New Malaria Threat: The anti-malaria campaign warns of a malaria-related parasite that can infect both humans and animals, raising fears it could make eradication harder and require stronger surveillance. Child Nutrition Alarm: Health officials say one in five children under five faces malnutrition, with stunting, wasting and underweight reported—linked to higher future risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Elder Care Tragedy: Investigations continue after a deadly fire at an unregistered nursing home in western Sri Lanka, where staff allege chained patients were among the victims, intensifying calls for tighter oversight and humane care. Cancer Care Ethics: Supreme Court Judge Dr. Sobhitha Rajakaruna urged both judges and doctors to act with good conscience and ethics at the Colombo Retina Meeting 2026.

Malaria alert: Sri Lanka’s anti-malaria chief Dr. Prasanga Serasinghe warned of a malaria-related parasite that can infect both humans and animals, making eradication harder, as cases remain low but surveillance needs to ramp up. Dengue surge response: A special islandwide dengue mosquito control programme is set for June 8–10 across 74 MOH divisions in 14 districts, with police support and legal action against breeding sites; confirmed dengue cases have risen to 35,228 with 20 deaths. Care home tragedy: Investigations continue after a deadly fire at an unregistered western nursing home killed 12–13 residents; staff alleged some patients were chained, and the director was arrested over negligence. Child nutrition warning: Health officials say about one in five children under five in Sri Lanka face malnutrition, raising long-term risks for obesity and non-communicable diseases. Mosquito control message: Dr. Serasinghe urged people to stop relying only on coils and repellents and instead remove breeding sites like stagnant water and blocked drains. Eye care support: HelpAge received new collection tills from Seylan Bank to fund free cataract surgeries for underprivileged elderly patients. Sugar policy scrutiny: Sri Lanka’s sugar-reduction drive faces criticism over loopholes that may leave much of the poorest households still buying sweetened drinks outside label rules. Ocean conservation push: Sri Lanka called for stronger international action on marine conservation, linking ocean health to food security and the blue economy. Food security pressure: UN/WFP warned the Middle East conflict is pushing vulnerable households in Sri Lanka closer to acute hunger through higher fuel and food prices.

Dengue Response: Sri Lanka’s National Dengue Control Unit has announced a special islandwide mosquito control programme on June 8–10, targeting 74 MOH divisions across 14 districts as confirmed dengue cases rise to 35,228 (up 30–40% year-on-year) with 20 deaths reported so far. Elder Care Safety Crisis: A deadly fire at an unregistered nursing home in Anguruwatota (Western Province) killed 12 residents and injured eight; the director was arrested and remanded as investigations look into negligence and possible electrical causes, while survivors are being transferred to another facility. Cancer Care Procurement Delays: Medical specialists warn that long delays in acquiring modern cancer radiation therapy equipment have left patients with outdated cobalt-based treatment and increased costs, pushing the country to spend far more than earlier procurement would have required. Pharma Exports Push: The EDB and NMRA met local manufacturers to tackle barriers to pharmaceutical export growth, including product registration delays and compliance hurdles. Community Health & Resilience: UN-linked reporting highlights how global crises are worsening hunger and health risks, with Sri Lanka flagged among countries facing rising pressure from disrupted trade and higher fuel costs.

Dengue Control Push: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry will run a special dengue mosquito control programme on June 8–10 across 74 MOH divisions in 14 districts, with police and tri-forces support and “red notices” for properties breeding mosquitoes; confirmed dengue cases this year have climbed to 35,228, up about 30–40% year-on-year, with the Western Province (especially Colombo) hardest hit. Elderly Care Safety Crisis: The owner of an illegally operating Maupiya Sewana elderly care home was remanded until June 11 after a fire killed 12 residents and injured six; investigators say the facility lacked authorization and minimum regulatory standards, and forensic teams are still working to determine the cause. Child Nutrition Alarm: Health officials warn that one in five Sri Lankan schoolchildren (and around one in five under-fives) is affected by malnutrition, citing a “triple burden” of undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, with stunting and wasting still significant. Cancer Treatment Delay: A doctors’ union says long delays in procuring modern cancer radiation therapy equipment have deprived patients of better treatment and forced the state to spend far more than earlier procurement would have cost. Pharma Export Drive: EDB and NMRA met manufacturers to tackle barriers like product registration delays and slow regulatory approvals, aiming to boost Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical export growth. Public Health & Wellness: Sri Lanka will host a landmark global snake congress in Kandy (Oct 1–4), highlighting snakebite mitigation and ecosystem health as part of public health planning.

Elderly Care Crisis: A fire at the Maupiya Sewana Elders Home in Horana (Western Province) killed 12 residents and injured six others; the owner, Isuru Anushka, was remanded until June 11 as a magisterial inquiry and police probe continue. Reports say the facility was not authorised and failed minimum regulatory standards, and forensic teams recovered additional remains after the blaze spread rapidly. Child Nutrition Alarm: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry says one in five schoolchildren is affected by malnutrition, citing stunting (about 10%), wasting (about 8%), and underweight (about 16%)—warning of long-term risks including later obesity and non-communicable diseases. Nursing Workforce Push: A gazette notice opens recruitment for 3,000 student nurses (A/L Science/Math streams) to support a 13,600-nurse target for 2025–2029. Medicine Costs Under Review: The NMRA says it is assessing medicine price revisions due to rupee depreciation, focusing on around 60 price-controlled medicine categories.

Child Nutrition Alarm: Health officials say about one in five Sri Lankan children under five are affected by malnutrition, with 10.1% stunted, 8.6% wasted and 16.1% underweight—warning that early undernutrition can later raise obesity and non-communicable disease risks. Elderly Care Fire Tragedy: Two separate reports detail deadly fires at elderly care homes in Horana/Kalutara, with confirmed deaths rising to 12 in one incident and 11 dead plus 3 missing in another; dozens were evacuated or rescued and investigations are underway. Blood Cancer Specialist Shortage: A public forum warns Sri Lanka has only four leukemia specialists for bone marrow transplant care, as blood cancer cases rise, urging urgent expansion of specialist capacity. Nursing Workforce Boost: A gazette notice calls for 3,000 additional student nurses, aiming to reach 13,600 new nurses by 2029, with applications open until June 30. Medicine Costs Under Review: The NMRA says it is assessing possible medicine price revisions as the rupee’s weakness increases import and production costs, focusing on about 60 price-controlled medicine categories. Pharma Export Push: The Export Development Board and NMRA launch an initiative to grow pharmaceutical exports, targeting USD 100 million in revenue.

Mental Health & Justice: Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered the CID to urgently explain detention conditions for former SIS chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Salley after a Judicial Medical Officer report cited PTSD, severe depression and extreme distress, with a stated high risk of self-harm/suicide. Public Health Watch: Sri Lanka reported about 250 suspected meningitis cases across multiple districts; health officials say the current spread is linked to an enterovirus and urge prevention and proper health practices. Disease & Prevention: A separate update warns of meningitis clusters affecting school children, with symptoms like fever, headache and neck stiffness; officials stress it’s a notifiable communicable illness and most patients recover quickly. Health System & Safety: Authorities reported 11 missing after a fire at an elders’ home in Horana; 47 were rescued and seven admitted to hospital. Climate & Health Risks: Meteorology warns El Niño could bring hotter, drier July–August, raising risks for water, agriculture, power and public health. Local Health Policy: Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa met UNICEF and SWA partners to strengthen water and sanitation services. Health & Wellness Access: Sri Lanka’s ICT exports milestone was highlighted by CSSL, pointing to growing digital services that can support health-sector modernization.

Water & Sanitation: Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa met UNICEF and SWA leadership to strengthen Sri Lanka’s water and sanitation services under Heads of State initiatives. Meningitis Alert: Sri Lanka reported about 250 suspected meningitis cases in areas including Deniyaya, Rikillagaskada, Diyatalawa, Welimada and Kandy; health officials say the current spread is viral (enterovirus group) and urge strict preventive practices. Maternal Health: Hepatitis B testing for pregnant mothers has been rolled out across all maternity clinics to further cut mother-to-child transmission, building on Sri Lanka’s earlier elimination of HIV and syphilis transmission. Heat Risk: Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal due to developing El Niño, with possible low rainfall affecting water, agriculture, power and public health. Fuel Costs: A new analysis explains how fuel prices have surged amid global oil shocks and rupee weakness, noting government intervention is limiting the worst-case impact on diesel and petrol. Vision Care at Work: Crystal International expanded free on-site vision screening for workers, providing eye exams and glasses to tens of thousands through factory partnerships. Cancer Screening: Sri Lanka is set to receive five new mammography machines worth Rs. 765 million to boost early detection.

Maternal health: Sri Lanka has started Hepatitis B screening for pregnant mothers in all maternity clinics, building on earlier HIV and syphilis mother-to-child prevention gains. Rabies push: Health officials say Sri Lanka spends over Rs. 5 billion a year on rabies control, aiming for zero deaths by 2030; dog bites drive nearly all cases. Dengue surge: The Ministry of Health reports 33,864 dengue cases and 19 deaths so far this year, with higher counts in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, prompting renewed mosquito-control activities. Rabies on the ground: Mannar Island’s recent sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drive recorded 734 sterilizations and 985 vaccinations, as teams continue animal welfare and rabies risk reduction. Workplace wellbeing: Crystal International expanded free vision screening for over 38,000 factory workers across Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia, providing eye exams and free glasses for refractive errors. Health access infrastructure: Sri Lanka is also set to receive new mammography machines to boost cancer detection capacity. Public safety: A drunk driver crash during Wesak celebrations in Meegoda killed at least six people and injured 13.

Rabies Elimination Push: Sri Lanka is stepping up its rabies control drive, aiming for zero rabies deaths by 2030, with spending of over Rs. 5 billion annually—Rs. 800 million for human prevention and treatment and Rs. 2.5 billion for dog and animal vaccination—after deaths fell to 14 in 2025 and three in early 2026. Dengue Surge: The Ministry of Health reports 33,864 dengue cases and 19 deaths so far this year, with highest burdens in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces; health officials are urging household clean-ups to cut mosquito breeding. Triple Elimination in Maternity Clinics: A nationwide rollout expands blood screening for pregnant mothers to include Hepatitis B alongside existing HIV and syphilis testing. Ebola Readiness: Health authorities say Sri Lanka has preparedness plans, traveller monitoring, and quarantine and infectious disease capacity in place in line with WHO guidance. Mannar Rabies Control on the Ground: A Mannar Island campaign delivered 734 sterilizations and 985 anti-rabies vaccinations, plus additional veterinary treatments, as part of long-term dog population management. Road Safety at Vesak: A drunk driver crashed into a Wesak food queue in Meegoda, killing six and injuring 13, highlighting ongoing traffic safety risks around festival crowds.