AGP Executive Report

WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee: Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa led the country’s delegation at the 79th WHO regional meeting in Timor-Leste, urging stronger cross-border cooperation as the region faces ageing, rising non-communicable diseases, climate-linked health risks, workforce shortages and rapid tech change. Public Health Reform Focus: A Sri Lankan health expert, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, warned reforms can’t stay stuck in paperwork and projects; he called for practical results at grassroots level, better coordination across health institutions, and stronger disease prevention plus pharmaceutical management. Food & Nutrition Systems: Bhutan hosted the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, bringing nearly 400 participants to rethink food security through both policy and values-driven choices—an angle Sri Lanka’s leaders also engaged with. Health Tech Cooperation: Sri Lanka discussed with Indian biotech experts using advanced tools to strengthen medical research and improve detection and management of non-communicable diseases. Consumer Safety: Sri Lanka’s court ordered destruction of 8,500+ seized drinking water bottles over alleged counterfeit SLS logo use and misleading branding. Regional Health Milestone: Thailand was verified by WHO as having eliminated rubella as a public health problem. Care Access Tech Abroad: Maldives reported its first robotic-assisted surgeries, aiming to reduce the need for patients to travel for specialized care.

Primary Care Overhaul: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says Sri Lanka will shift patients to a primary-care first model, with about 1,000 new “Arogya” centres to route cases to hospitals only when needed—aiming to cut unnecessary hospital visits. WHO Regional Focus: Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa leads the country’s delegation at the 79th WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee in Timor-Leste, warning that climate change, dengue, ageing, chronic illness, workforce pressure and digital risks demand stronger regional cooperation. Tech for NCDs: Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni met Indian biotechnology experts to explore advanced tools for medical R&D and better detection, management and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Food & Nutrition Push: A piece on Sri Lanka’s School Meal Programme highlights its scale—about Rs. 33 billion nationally—and the role of school meals in preventing malnutrition. Public Health Enforcement: A court ordered destruction of 8,500+ bottles of drinking water seized over alleged misuse of SLS standard logos and misleading branding, following a Consumer Affairs Authority raid. Dengue Prevention in Schools: The education ministry orders dengue eradication activities ahead of the second phase of the third term.

Primary Care Reform: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says Sri Lanka will shift patients to a primary-care first model, with 1,000 new “Arogya” centres to assess cases and refer to hospitals/specialists—aimed at cutting unnecessary hospital visits. Child Cardiac Care: Asiri Central Hospital completed its 100th atrial septal defect surgery under the Suraksha Insurance Scheme, expanding access to life-saving treatment for schoolchildren. Regional ENT Access: Colombo hosted the 14th SAARC ENT Congress, focusing on more equitable ear, nose, throat and head-and-neck care across South Asia amid workforce and access gaps. Dengue Prevention in Schools: The education ministry begins the second phase of the third term with dengue eradication activities and inspections in schools, alongside transport support. WHO Leadership: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa heads to Timor-Leste for the 79th WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia session. Digital Health Backbone: Sri Lanka’s digital economy push keeps SLT-Mobitel as a strategic state asset to expand connectivity and enable digital identity and government services.

Suraksha Insurance milestone: Asiri Central Hospital marked its 100th pediatric heart surgery—an Atrial Septal Defect “hole in the heart” operation—under the Suraksha Insurance Scheme, giving 100 schoolchildren access to life-saving care through public-private collaboration. ENT access push: Colombo hosted the 14th SAARC ENT Congress, bringing 400+ specialists to focus on more equitable ear, nose, throat and head-and-neck care across South Asia. Dengue prevention in schools: The second phase of the third school term begins tomorrow, with the Education Ministry ordering dengue eradication activities and inspections to monitor mosquito-control efforts. Digital health enabler: The government reiterated it will keep SLT-Mobitel as a strategic state asset to power Sri Lanka’s digital economy—supporting digital identity, government services, broadband expansion and AI-enabled systems. Water safety concern: Research highlights worsening urban water quality risks for low-income communities in Colombo, where pipe-borne water dependence and contamination could raise health burdens during heat and water cuts. Regional health diplomacy: Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa heads to Timor-Leste for the WHO Regional Committee session, leading Sri Lanka’s delegation.

Dengue Watch: Sri Lanka’s dengue cases are down, but health officials warn the risk isn’t gone—mosquito breeding can rise before cases do, and hospitals still face ward congestion. Water & Health Equity: Research highlights how urban water quality problems hit low-income Colombo communities hardest, especially as heat and water cuts push people toward less protected sources. Diabetes & Stigma: A new report spotlights “insulin taboo” where patients refill but avoid injections out of fear—raising concerns about worsening control and preventable complications. Food Safety Push: Sri Lanka has launched a National Food Safety Policy, aiming to strengthen enforcement and protect consumers. Healthcare Tech in Focus: Kings Hospital Colombo introduced SSI Mantra 3.0 to advance robotic-assisted surgery locally. Disaster Response Link: The Atlas Angel II exchange in Sri Lanka shared medical and disaster-response practices, including urban search and rescue and emergency medical response. Trade & Health Sector Angle: Benelux talks point to EU integration opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters, with healthcare flagged among collaboration areas.

Dengue Watch: Sri Lanka’s dengue cases are down (about 1,000 peak to ~500 daily), but health officials warn against complacency, urging households to keep checking for mosquito breeding spots as mosquito numbers can rise before cases do. Infectious Disease Preparedness: Cabinet approved a review committee to amend Sri Lanka’s 1897 Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance to strengthen the legal framework for infectious disease control amid rising travel and trade. Water & Heat Risks: Research highlights how urban poor communities in Colombo struggle with contaminated sources and water cuts, with extreme heat pushing people toward less protected water. Climate Threats to Health: El Niño is expected to persist into early 2027, with uneven impacts on rainfall, agriculture, water and electricity—raising food and livelihood risks. Mosquito-Borne Financial Safety: Ceylinco General launched a specialised Dengue and Chikungunya insurance cover (up to Rs. 250,000) including home recovery plus hospital/ICU benefits for a low annual premium. Regional Health-Environment Link: South Asia is urged to cut waste-sector methane now, citing major climate and health co-benefits.

Dengue Watch: Even as Sri Lanka’s daily dengue numbers fall (about 1,000 peak down to ~500), health authorities warn the risk isn’t gone. Community doctors urge people to keep checking homes for mosquito-breeding spots, noting mosquito populations can rise before cases do, while some state hospitals still report congested dengue treatment wards. Infectious Disease Preparedness: The Cabinet has approved a review committee to amend Sri Lanka’s 1897 Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, aiming to strengthen the legal framework for infectious disease prevention as travel and trade increase cross-border spread risks. Cancer Medicine Shortage Risk: A cancer drug stock worth over Rs. 250 million (Filgrastim/G-CSF) is reportedly stuck in storage due to a regulatory approval dispute, raising fears of further shortages for patients. Care Upgrade: Kings Hospital Colombo introduced the SSI Mantra 3.0 robotic surgical system to expand access to minimally invasive, precision-led procedures locally. Mosquito-Bite Protection: Ceylinco General Insurance launched a specialised Dengue and Chikungunya cover offering up to Rs. 250,000, including home recovery plus hospital and ICU benefits. Climate & Health Link: El Niño is expected to strengthen, with warnings it could disrupt agriculture, water and electricity—factors that can quickly affect food prices and livelihoods.

Infectious Disease Law: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a review committee to amend the 1897 Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, aiming to strengthen the legal framework for infectious disease prevention as travel and trade increase cross-border risks. Dengue Watch: Dengue cases are down, but health authorities warn Sri Lanka is not out of the woods—mosquito breeding can rise before cases do, and hospital wards still face congestion. Cancer Drug Shortage Risk: A stock of Filgrastim (G-CSF) worth over Rs. 250 million is reportedly at risk of being destroyed due to a regulatory approval dispute, while patients face essential medicine shortages. Health Tech in Hospitals: Kings Hospital Colombo has introduced the SSI Mantra 3.0 robotic surgical system to expand access to minimally invasive, precision-led procedures and reduce the need for overseas treatment. Food Safety Policy: Sri Lanka launched its first National Food Safety Policy, targeting coordination across the food chain with surveillance, lab capacity, risk assessment and education to close implementation gaps. Climate & Health: El Niño preparedness is urged for agriculture, water and electricity impacts that can drive food-price stress and health risks. Wellness & Coverage: Ceylinco General unveiled a specialised Dengue and Chikungunya insurance cover with home recovery plus hospital and ICU benefits.

Dengue Watch: Sri Lanka’s dengue threat is still “not over” as health officials warn mosquito numbers can rise before cases do, urging communities to remove stagnant water and keep up prevention even when infections look low. Food Safety Policy: Sri Lanka has launched a National Food Safety Policy with FAO support to strengthen science-based, risk-focused controls across the food chain—aiming for safer, healthier agrifood systems. National Health & Care Access: A renovated clinic in Meeriyabedda (Badulla) highlights how primary care is reaching remote communities, supporting newborn and maternal check-ups amid ageing and climate pressures. Wildlife Health Milestone: Dehiwala Zoo’s sea lion “Botham” is recovering after Sri Lanka’s first-of-its-kind cancer surgery for squamous cell carcinoma, a rare veterinary success story. Public Health Signals Beyond Borders: Hawaiʻi reported dengue virus in wastewater but no active cases—another reminder that surveillance can flag risk early. Workforce & Mobility: SLBFEA says school dropouts can apply for certain Japan truck-driving jobs with required language skills, expanding overseas healthcare and other job pathways.

National Food Safety Policy: Sri Lanka has launched its first National Food Safety Policy to strengthen food safety governance across the full food chain, using a coordinated, science-based, risk-focused approach, with support from FAO and the EU-funded BESPA programme. Dengue warning: Health officials say dengue cases may look lower, but the threat remains; communities are urged to remove stagnant water and treat mosquito control as an ongoing effort. Dengue in wastewater abroad: Hawaiʻi’s health department reported dengue virus detected in wastewater (no active local cases tracked), underscoring how quickly outbreaks can spread via travel and mosquitoes. Local health access story: A feature highlights Meeriyabedda clinic in Badulla as a lifeline for newborn and maternal care, showing how resilient primary services matter amid ageing and climate pressures. Food systems diplomacy: PM Harini Amarasuriya met Bhutan’s PM in Thimphu to expand cooperation on education, healthcare, trade, tourism, air connectivity, and climate action. Water disruption: A 24-hour Colombo-area water cut is scheduled due to maintenance at Ambatale Water Treatment Plant. Healthcare workforce abroad: SLFEA says recruitment is open for overseas jobs in Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Middle East, including healthcare roles, with applicants advised to check www.slfea.lk.

National Food Safety: Sri Lanka launched its first National Food Safety Policy, backed by the FAO and the European Union, to strengthen food safety governance from production to consumption, improve surveillance and risk assessment, and upgrade lab capacity through an updated Food Act framework. Public Health Alert: The Health Ministry reported dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi Island, with follow-up testing pending—an example of how dengue risk can spread via travel-linked cases and mosquito exposure. Nutrition Push: Experts called for urgent, measurable action on malnutrition and child stunting at Pakistan’s “Act for Nutrition” conference, urging whole-of-government, multisector steps across health, agriculture, water and sanitation, and social protection—relevant for Sri Lanka’s own child nutrition agenda. Digital Health Collaboration: Globesight and Pakistan’s Digital Authority held a technical working session on the digital health pathway, sharing regional lessons with Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka on integrating digital public infrastructure into primary healthcare. Healthcare System Modernisation: Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja took charge as DGAFMS, with a stated focus on modernising military healthcare, digital health, medical research and innovation, and better services for personnel and dependents. Bilateral Health & Climate Links: PM Harini Amarasuriya met Bhutan’s PM in Thimphu, discussing cooperation across education, health, trade, tourism, air connectivity, and climate and deforestation action. Court Health Update: A court ordered a health report on former SIS chief Suresh Sallay to confirm whether he needs continued inpatient treatment or can be discharged.

Court & Health: Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered the National Hospital of Sri Lanka to submit a health report on former SIS chief Major General (Ret.) Suresh Sallay, saying it must state whether he still needs inpatient care or can be discharged, as he remains held under a third 90-day detention order linked to the Easter Sunday attacks. Nutrition & Public Health: An “Act For Nutrition” conference in Islamabad highlighted how malnutrition and stunting are underfunded despite “catastrophic consequences,” pushing for practical, measurable interventions beyond statistics. Disaster Preparedness: Sri Lanka launched the Atlas Angel II 2026, a five-day multinational humanitarian and disaster response exercise to strengthen search-and-rescue and emergency coordination, with 347 personnel including 71 foreign participants. Digital Health Collaboration: Globesight and Pakistan’s Digital Authority held a technical working session on sharing regional experiences for a digital health pathway, including lessons for integrating digital public infrastructure into primary healthcare. Health Policy Reform: Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said legal reforms are underway to introduce house arrest as an alternative to imprisonment, aiming to ease prison overcrowding through bail and Government Analyst report reforms. Wellness & Education: Sri Lanka’s AI Academy partnered with Tomorrow University in Germany to launch applied AI degrees via a work-study model, positioning AI skills for broader industry use.

Digital Health & Identity: Sri Lanka’s SL-UDI push aims to use demographic and biometric data to verify citizens digitally—supporting welfare targeting, reducing duplicate claims, and enabling remote access to healthcare and services, with concerns raised over data sovereignty and foreign-linked control. Pensioners’ Health-Related Relief: DFCC Garusaru expanded long-term pension loans up to Rs. 12 million, with repayment up to 15 years—helping retirees cover medical needs and household costs. Digital Health Cooperation: Globesight and Pakistan’s Digi­tal Authority held a technical working session on the digital health pathway, sharing regional lessons with experts from Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka on interoperable systems and primary care. Climate & Health Risks: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood was attributed to climate change, underscoring rising disaster risk across South Asia—an issue Sri Lanka health planners will watch as heat and extreme weather drive illness. Snakebite Burden: A new study highlights snakebites may cause far more deaths than official figures suggest, with Sri Lankan researchers involved—raising urgency for prevention and faster treatment. Workforce & Care Access: A U of T Scarborough nurse practitioner program is expanding local clinical placements to improve community health capacity, reflecting a broader push for culturally responsive care.

Maternal & newborn health funding: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF announced a $1.2 million programme to strengthen maternal and newborn care in Pakistan, reaching 410,000 mothers and newborns and boosting antenatal care and institutional delivery rates, as part of a wider South Asia effort that also includes Sri Lanka. Tourism value vs arrivals: Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is seeing stronger visitor numbers but weaker earnings—2025 arrivals hit 2.36m while earnings rose only 1.6% to $3.22b, and 2026 first-half earnings fell 11.8%—prompting calls to shift strategy toward higher-spending travellers and more local spending. Heat & health trade-off: A new report highlights how air conditioning saves lives during heat waves, but also increases climate and power-grid strain, with global cooling demand expected to surge. Health leadership in armed forces: Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja took over as the 47th DGAFMS, tasked with strengthening military healthcare and expanding digital health capabilities. Judiciary independence concerns: 40 professional bodies, including medical groups, urged Sri Lanka to withdraw the proposed 22nd Amendment, warning it could undermine judicial independence—an issue that can indirectly affect public trust in health and justice systems.

Maternal & newborn health funding: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF announced US$1.2 million to strengthen maternal and newborn care across South Asia, including Sri Lanka, aiming to boost antenatal care and institutional deliveries. Judiciary independence & health workforce links: 40 professional bodies and unions, including GMOA and Academy of Health Professionals Sri Lanka, joined BASL in opposing Sri Lanka’s 22nd Amendment, warning it could weaken judicial independence—an issue that can ripple into how health services are governed. Drug treatment pressure: Sri Lanka’s National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says illicit drugs may be harder to obtain in parts of the country, while more people are seeking rehabilitation, straining existing centres and prompting plans to expand capacity. Heat & cooling trade-offs: Experts warn that while air conditioning and cooling can save lives, rising heat and cooling demand also worsen climate impacts—relevant for Sri Lanka’s heat-related illness risk. Medicine import dependence: A report highlights Sri Lanka’s heavy reliance on imported medicines (~85%), raising concerns about supply-chain failures and quality assurance. Corruption case with health-sector context: Sri Lanka’s ex-finance minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested over alleged misuse of state funds; the coverage also recalls earlier health-sector medicine shortages during a prior minister’s tenure. Public safety incident: Four people drowned after being swept away while bathing at Epamulla beach; bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortems.

Heat & Health: Scientists warn that air conditioning saves lives during heat waves, but rising cooling demand could worsen global warming and strain power grids. Disaster Preparedness: A severe storm in Cyprus left multiple people dead or injured, while South Asia’s cross-border disaster planning is questioned as Nepal-Tibet floods continue to devastate communities and overwhelm response systems. Local Safety & Public Health: Sri Lanka Police urged strict compliance on loudspeaker noise rules, citing health and psychological harm—especially for children, the elderly, and patients. Community Health Tragedy: Bodies of four missing bathers were recovered from Epamulla/Pamunugama after rough seas swept them away. Drug & Rehab Focus: Sri Lanka’s drug control authorities say illicit drug availability may be declining, but more people are seeking rehabilitation, stressing capacity gaps. Health System & Access: WFP and the Ministry expanded Home-Grown School Feeding support in Nuwara Eliya with nearly Rs. 22m in agricultural equipment to boost nutritious meals. Medicine Supply & Enforcement: Police and Navy arrested a man in Anuradhapura with 400 medicine tablets allegedly meant for illegal sale.