AGP Executive Report

Student Health: A free eyecare programme has reached more than 1,000 University of Ruhuna students, with organisers planning to extend it to universities nationwide. Students who need glasses are expected to receive them within a month. Youth Tobacco Use: A WHO survey found the share of 13- to 17-year-olds who had tried smoking doubled from 6.4% in 2016 to 12.8% in 2024. Use of smokeless tobacco also rose, while a proposed ban on sales to people born in 2010 or later awaits approval. Cancer Care: Apeksha Hospital’s CT simulator remains out of order, leaving 1,500 cancer patients waiting. TB Treatment: India has sent Sri Lanka three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines worth Rs. 52 million amid an essential-drug shortage.

Student Health: More than 1,000 University of Ruhuna students received eye and hearing checks; those needing glasses are due to receive them free within a month, with the programme set to expand. Mental Health: World Mental Health Day coverage cited research indicating that nearly 60% of school students experience stress symptoms, while 24% of students in higher grades report depression symptoms. Cancer Care: Around 1,500 patients are waiting for treatment as Apeksha Hospital’s CT simulator remains out of order. Essential Medicines: India has donated three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines, worth Rs. 52 million, amid shortages in Sri Lanka. Urban Health: A government review of Colombo’s sanitation drive focused on sewerage, drainage and waste management improvements to address pollution and unhealthy conditions.

Urban Health: The Government reviewed the Clean Colombo programme, including sewerage, drainage and waste-management upgrades aimed at improving sanitation and reducing pollution and flooding. Mental Health: On World Mental Health Day, experts warned that stress and depression are affecting students: research cited by the child psychiatry college found stress symptoms in nearly 60% of school students, with about 24% of older students reporting depressive symptoms. Cancer Care: Around 1,500 patients at Apeksha Hospital face radiation-treatment delays because its new CT Simulator is unusable; private treatment can cost up to Rs. 2 million. Breast cancer remains a major concern, with an estimated 17 new diagnoses and three deaths each day. Infectious Diseases: Sri Lanka received three tonnes of anti-TB medicines from India, worth Rs. 52 million, amid essential-drug shortages. Rising HIV infections, particularly among young people, have also prompted fresh concern.

Mental Health: On World Mental Health Day, experts warn that school pressure, family problems, social media and abuse are contributing to widespread distress. Recent findings cited by child psychiatrists suggest nearly 60% of students experience stress symptoms, while about 24% of those in higher grades report depression symptoms. Cancer Care: Around 1,500 patients at Apeksha Hospital face delays in radiation treatment because a new CT simulator remains unusable due to a software compatibility issue. Private treatment can cost up to Rs. 2 million. HIV: Health data recorded 59 cases among 15–24-year-olds in the first half of 2026, renewing concern about infections among young people. Medicines and Treatment: India donated three tonnes of anti-TB medicines worth Rs. 52 million amid essential drug shortages. The NMRA is reviewing prices for about 6,000 medicines; price caps on 13 essential drugs are projected to save Rs. 5.7 billion. Two laparoscopy machines worth Rs. 120 million were also donated for Kandy and Ragama hospitals.

Cancer Care: Around 1,500 patients needing radiation therapy face delays at Apeksha Hospital after a new CT simulator remained unusable because of a software compatibility problem. Private treatment can cost Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 2 million. HIV: Health Ministry figures show 59 reported cases among 15–24-year-olds in the first half of 2026, renewing concern about infections among young people. Surgical Services: Two laparoscopy machines worth Rs. 120 million have been donated to the Health Ministry for Kandy National and Ragama Teaching hospitals. TB Treatment: India has supplied three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines, worth about Rs. 52 million, to help maintain treatment amid an urgent shortage. Medicine Costs: The NMRA is reviewing prices for 6,000 registered medicines; price controls on 13 essential drugs are projected to save Rs. 5.7 billion. Prevention and Safety: A new roadside unit will target smoke-emitting vehicles, as health data cited by the authorities link air pollution to about 7,000 premature deaths a year. The Navy also trained Kirinda fishers in first aid, basic life support and mental wellbeing for emergencies at sea.

TB Treatment: India has donated three tonnes of essential tuberculosis medicines, worth about Rs. 52 million, to help Sri Lanka maintain treatment for patients amid an urgent need for supplies. Early Childhood Care: National standards for preschools and childcare centres are planned for 2027, alongside a new preschool policy and measures to strengthen children’s nutrition and care. Cancer Awareness: Breast cancer causes about three deaths a day in Sri Lanka, with more than 6,000 new cases reported annually; health officials urge early detection as many patients seek care late. Hospital Services: Dialog has completed the restoration of a fully equipped operating theatre and upgraded endoscopy unit at Chilaw District General Hospital, bolstering surgical and diagnostic services. Charity Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa remains in custody over allegations that Rs. 10 million raised for a CT scanner for Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital was misused; she denies wrongdoing.

Cancer Alert: Breast cancer kills about three people a day in Sri Lanka, with more than 6,000 new cases reported annually. Health officials urge early detection, warning that many patients seek care only after symptoms advance. TB Care: India has donated three tonnes of essential anti-TB medicines—more than 1.5 million tablets, valued at Rs. 52 million—to help maintain treatment supplies. Hospital Services: Chilaw District General Hospital has received a fully equipped operating theatre and upgraded endoscopy unit through Dialog’s restoration project, strengthening surgical and diagnostic care for the area. Children’s Hospital Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa remains in custody over allegations that Rs. 10 million raised for a CT scanner for Colombo’s Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital was misused. She denies wrongdoing; investigators say the scanner was not provided.

TB Treatment: India donated three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines, worth Rs. 52 million, to support treatment continuity in Sri Lanka. HIV Prevention: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said new HIV infections may exceed last year’s 874 cases; authorities suspect some infections among young men who use drugs may be linked to social-media-organised parties. Hospital Funding Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was remanded until October 13 over allegations that Rs. 10 million intended for a scanner at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital was misused. She denies wrongdoing. Snakebite Risk: A World Snake Congress in Kandy put Sri Lanka’s snakebite burden in focus, with coverage citing around 110,000 bites annually.

Hospital Funding Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was remanded until October 13 over alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million donated for a CT scanner for Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital. She denies wrongdoing. TB Treatment: India donated three tonnes of essential anti-TB medicines, worth Rs. 52 million, to help maintain treatment supplies in Sri Lanka. HIV Concerns: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said new infections may exceed last year’s 874 cases, with authorities noting a rise among young men who use drugs. Patient Safety: Two men were arrested in Meegalewa for allegedly posing as doctors with forged documents; police seized medicines valued at about Rs. 1.5 million. Cancer Care: Patients continue to face distressing waits when essential cancer medicines are unavailable at government hospitals.

Breast Cancer Awareness (Pink October): Colombo Municipal Council and the Indira Cancer Trust marked October’s Pink October by lighting the CMC building pink, urging women to prioritise breast health, screening and early detection. Child Health Insurance: Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC) will provide free SLR 1 million life cover to parents of every child born on World Children’s Day (1 Oct 2026), with coverage linked to hospitals nationwide. Cancer Awareness via Digital Platform: Dialog Axiata and the Indira Cancer Trust continued breast cancer awareness through Yeheli.lk, offering free monthly SMS reminders and a public pledge for early detection. Road Safety & Injury Prevention: Police intensified seat-belt enforcement on expressways, with nearly 3,000 people already facing legal action; officials stressed belts prevent serious injuries in high-speed crashes. Longevity & Lifestyle Guidance: A longevity doctor promoted “10 commandments of longevity,” focusing on low-cost basics like protecting attention and maintaining healthy habits. Food & Nutrition Research: A systematic review reported cinnamon may support memory and brain-related processes in early studies, but human proof remains limited. Health System Access (Community Check-ups): A health check-up camp at the Sri Lanka High Commission combined allopathic screening with preventive diagnostics and Ayush approaches. Medical Case Update: Former SIS director Suresh Salley was cleared for discharge from the National Hospital and expected back in CID custody. Workplace/Health Link: An engineering conference highlighted building fire safety and safer infrastructure—key for public health outcomes.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Dialog Axiata and the Indira Cancer Trust kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by lighting up Dialog’s HQ in pink and continuing outreach via Yeheli.lk, offering free SMS reminders and encouraging screening and early detection. Road Safety: Sri Lanka Police stepped up enforcement of mandatory seat belts on expressways, with nearly 3,000 people facing legal action, warning that unrestrained passengers can suffer severe or fatal injuries in high-speed crashes. HIV Update: Sri Lanka recorded 860 new HIV cases over the past year, bringing the total reported to 7,403, with authorities urging early testing and treatment to reduce transmission. Rabies Prevention Push: Veterinary associations alleged sabotage attempts against the national rabies prevention programme, saying 1.2 million dogs were vaccinated in five months and calling for updated laws. Health & Community Support: A health check-up camp at the Sri Lanka High Commission promoted Ayush alongside allopathic screening, aiming to tackle lifestyle-related illnesses through a more holistic approach. Housing & Health Link: World Habitat Day 2026 highlighted “Shelter for All,” with Sri Lanka’s PM launching housing initiatives and a Habitat Satisfaction Index to track quality of living, water, sanitation, safety and amenities.

Rabies & dog control: Sri Lanka’s rabies prevention strategy is under fresh pressure as veterinary groups warn the country may be spending too much on post-bite treatment instead of fully eliminating rabies in dogs, even as vaccination and a proposed Rabies Elimination and Dog Registration Bill remain in debate. HIV update: Health authorities report 860 new HIV cases over the past year, bringing Sri Lanka’s total to 7,403, with testing coverage reported at 1.2 million and officials urging early diagnosis and treatment. Rabies programme sabotage claims: Veterinary associations allege an “unforeseen hand” is trying to undermine the rabies prevention programme, following claims of large-scale dog vaccination progress. Snakebite prevention focus: Sri Lanka’s 110,000 annual snakebite burden is highlighted at a World Snake Congress in Kandy, with renewed attention on prevention and public awareness. Housing & health link: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya marks World Habitat Day by vesting 5,000 public houses and launching a Habitat Satisfaction Index, tying safer living conditions to dignity and wellbeing. Health governance & rights: Human Rights Watch says Sri Lanka’s proposed Protection of State from Terrorism Bill keeps abusive powers, raising concerns for civil freedoms that affect health access and community safety. Legal/FCID case: Shiranthi Rajapaksa seeks anticipatory bail over the Siriliya Saviya probe, citing risk of arrest on return after medical treatment abroad. Public health tech: A Sri Lankan scientist in the US develops NASA-supported 3D-printed protein cookies from plastic and plant waste, aiming to turn discarded materials into nutrition.

Rabies Control Under Fire: Sri Lanka’s rabies prevention programme is facing fresh criticism as veterinary associations allege sabotage and question whether the country is spending too much on post-bite treatment instead of eliminating rabies in dogs; officials say 1.2 million dogs were vaccinated in five months, while WHO-linked figures still show human deaths and large numbers needing post-exposure care. Snakebite Focus in Kandy: Sri Lanka hosted the world’s first international congress devoted entirely to snakes, spotlighting the scale of snakebite risk in the country (WHO estimates around 110,000 bites and 45,000 envenomings annually). World Children’s Day Support: SLIC Life renewed its Rs. 1 million free life cover for parents of children born on 1 October 2026, rolling out the benefit island-wide through partner hospitals. Health Innovation & Nutrition: A Sri Lankan US-based team developed “µBites,” a 3D-printed protein cookie concept turning plastic PET and plant waste into edible nutrition, supported by NASA. Visa Health Rules (Oman): Oman listed Sri Lanka among 11 countries whose student-visa applicants must submit an original medical certificate. Prison Health Pressure: Prison numbers fell to 36,364, but remand inmates still make up over 70%, keeping pressure on healthcare and justice processes.

World Children’s Day 2026: SLIC Life and Castle Street Hospital for Women handed over a Rs. 1 million free life cover to parents of children born on 1 October, repeating the island-wide fifth-year initiative aimed at early family financial protection. School Health & Nutrition: The Ministry of Education, with Save the Children, held Sri Lanka’s National School Meal Forum, discussing how to sustain school feeding for over a million children and strengthen links with school-based health services. Digital Access for Kids: PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the government is pushing to connect secondary schools nationwide by end-2026 and improve safe, responsible technology use for children. HIV Update: UNAIDS reports Sri Lanka’s HIV infections are rising, with estimated new infections increasing sharply since 2010, while the NSACP notes updated higher living-with-HIV estimates. Public Health & Safety: GMOA warned proposed dog vaccination law changes could disrupt Sri Lanka’s rabies control programme. Road Safety: Police reported four deaths in three separate crashes within 24 hours. Health in Policy: Sri Lanka’s UNGA participation highlighted commitments on health and digital public infrastructure.

HIV Update: UNAIDS reports Sri Lanka’s new HIV infections have risen sharply since 2010, with the NSACP estimating about 860 new acquisitions in 2025 and a higher living-with-HIV estimate than earlier figures. School Health & Nutrition: The Government says it will expand and coordinate the School Meals Program, allocating Rs. 33,600 million for 2026 and reaching over 1.5 million children across nearly 9,000 schools, linking meals with school gardens and health services. Dengue Prevention: A dengue expert explains mosquito breeding varies by area, with common sources including water in discarded items, household containers, and local water features—guiding targeted clean-up and water management. Dog Vaccination Law: The GMOA warns proposed changes could disrupt Sri Lanka’s rabies control by making dog vaccinations dependent on direct veterinary surgeon supervision, despite limited staffing. Road Safety: Police report four deaths in three separate crashes within 24 hours, including collisions involving three-wheelers and a motorcycle-bus crash. Sports & Health Angle: Sri Lanka named a 16-player ODI squad for Pakistan/England tri-series with Pathum Nissanka’s participation dependent on medical clearance.

HIV Update: UNAIDS reports Sri Lanka’s estimated new HIV infections rose by over 20% from 2010 to 2025, with the NSACP estimating about 860 new acquisitions in 2025 (up from ~360 in 2010) and 8,650 people living with HIV in 2025. Rabies & Animal Health: GMOA warns proposed dog-vaccination law could disrupt Sri Lanka’s rabies control, arguing vaccinations should not be limited to direct veterinary-surgeon supervision given current capacity and past coverage drops after a 2017 transfer. Dengue Prevention: A dengue-control expert says mosquito breeding sites vary by area—ranging from water in discarded items and household containers to shallow wells and plantation-related water—so local clean-up and water management must be targeted. School Nutrition: PM Harini Amarasuriya says LKR 33,600 million is allocated for the 2026 School Meals Program, aiming to expand coverage to 1.5 million students across 8,990 schools. Snakebite Awareness: Sri Lanka’s snakebite burden—nearly 10,000 cases annually—is highlighted at the first World Congress on Snakes in Kandy, stressing most species are harmless but bites can be deadly. Community Care: Sri Lanka’s embassy in Lebanon and Lions held a Medical Day for nearly 200 migrant workers, offering screenings from diabetes and hearing to vision and mammography. Safety & Health: A Kosgoda police raid ended in a shootout; the injured suspect was admitted to Balapitiya Hospital.