AGP Executive Report

Childhood Cancer Awareness: A Health Promotion Bureau briefing says 900–1,000 children and young people (birth–19) are diagnosed with cancer in Sri Lanka each year, with leukemia, brain, bone and eye cancers among reported types—highlighting the need for early detection. Malaria & Tetanus Milestone: WHO has recognised Sri Lanka for sustaining 10 years malaria-free status and maintaining elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. Healthcare & Pharma Ties with India: Sri Lanka is pushing to deepen cooperation with India in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare technology, aiming to reduce reliance on costly medicine imports. Road Safety (Injuries): A Colombo-bound bus overturn in Minneriya left 22 injured, with passengers treated at nearby hospitals; police are investigating the cause. Public Health & Climate Risk: Research presented to a parliamentary climate committee warns extreme weather is stressing Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and ecosystems, threatening habitats for endemic species. Economic Health (Banking Warning): A global financial expert flags risks in Sri Lanka’s banking sector—including non-performing loans and capital buffers—urging urgent reforms. Rupee Watch: The rupee edged higher against the US dollar, offering slight relief for import costs. Healthcare Tech Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India highlights opportunities at a New Delhi conference on healthcare technologies and pharma manufacturing, including APIs, devices and quality-control systems. Expressway Funding Scrutiny: A parliamentarian questions whether “domestic funds” for expressways hide dollar liabilities, calling for transparency. Rohingya Health Access: A Rohingya refugee urges UNHRC action for detainees’ access to UNHCR, legal help and essential services like healthcare.

WHO Recognition: Sri Lanka received a WHO citation for sustaining malaria-free status for 10 years and maintaining elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for a decade, with the award presented during the WHO South-East Asia regional committee session in Timor-Leste. Public Health Alert: The CDC issued a travel advisory after a rise in dengue cases among US travelers returning from several countries including Sri Lanka, urging mosquito-bite prevention like repellents, long sleeves, and screened or air-conditioned sleeping areas. Drug Enforcement: Two Sri Lankans were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport after authorities seized about Rs. 53 million worth of Kush, highlighting ongoing crackdowns on synthetic drugs at entry points. Regional Health & Safety Links: Sri Lanka’s anti-drug push featured in talks with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with Colombo seeking stronger cross-border support to tackle trafficking routes that threaten public health. Women’s Health Access: A new Women’s Health Van initiative in the Greater Toronto Area aims to bring health products, education, and support directly to underserved women by reducing barriers like transport and stigma.

WHO Recognition: Sri Lanka received a special WHO citation for sustaining malaria-free status and eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus for 10 straight years, with the award presented to Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa during the WHO South-East Asia regional committee session in Timor-Leste. Drug Safety & Enforcement: Two Sri Lankans were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport after authorities seized about Rs. 53 million worth of “Kush” synthetic cannabinoid, underscoring ongoing crackdowns on high-risk substances entering the country. Primary Health Access Debate: Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa hit back at calls to reduce hospital visits, warning of life-saving drug shortages (including cancer medicines) and citing dengue cases exceeding 100,000, while defending patients’ right to seek care. Public Health Systems: A new mobile women’s health initiative in the Greater Toronto Area plans to bring products, education, and healthcare support directly to underserved communities—highlighting how outreach models can reduce barriers to care. Health & Resilience Tech: Gujarat’s CM inaugurated the BHISHM Cube-R300, a portable emergency hospital meant to deliver trauma care and critical services within minutes during disasters.

Stroke & physiotherapy: World Physiotherapy Day (Sept 8) spotlighted how physiotherapy and physical activity can help prevent, manage and rehabilitate cardiovascular disease and stroke—Sri Lanka’s stroke burden remains high, with major risk factors including high blood pressure, inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco, alcohol, diabetes and obesity. Hospital access debate: Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa hit back at President Dissanayake’s call to reduce hospital visits, saying it suppresses people’s right to seek care—he also flagged shortages of life-saving drugs (including for cancer) and dengue cases exceeding 100,000. Family doctor system: Doctors’ union leaders say any push for a family doctor model must strengthen free healthcare and avoid adding costs for essential services, warning about weaknesses in the current system. Food safety & public health: Court-ordered destruction of over 200 kg of fish seized after dynamite fishing—authorities said the stock was unfit for human consumption and that explosive fishing can harm marine ecosystems. Climate stress on health: Sri Lanka’s drought-linked restrictions on tourist access to a national park underscore how El Niño-driven dry conditions can worsen pressures on ecosystems and, indirectly, community wellbeing. Labour health protections: Thailand approved agreements to bring 10,000 Sri Lankan workers under a system that includes health checks and legal recruitment safeguards. Kidney care boost: A major donation equipped Sri Lanka’s new National Kidney Stone Referral Centre in Meerigama, aiming to expand specialised urology procedures through the public system.

World Physiotherapy Day (Sri Lanka stroke focus): A Daily Mirror feature marks 8 September with a reminder that physiotherapy and physical activity can help prevent, manage and rehabilitate cardiovascular disease and stroke—highlighting Sri Lanka’s heavy stroke burden and key risk factors like high blood pressure, inactivity, diet, tobacco and diabetes. Public healthcare access debate: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa criticised remarks urging people to avoid hospital visits, saying it suppresses the right to seek care—pointing to shortages of life-saving drugs and rising dengue cases. Family doctor system—protect free care: Doctors’ union leaders say Sri Lanka’s planned family doctor model should reduce outpatient overcrowding without pushing patients into extra costs, warning of gaps that could undermine free healthcare. Kidney stone care boost: Philanthropist Eng. Nahil Wijesuriya donated modern equipment for Sri Lanka’s National Kidney Stone Referral Centre in Meerigama, aiming for over 1,000 complex procedures annually once fully operational. Workplace health: Another report stresses paid leave as a real health need, not just a benefit—citing occupational hazards and burnout risks. Food safety & enforcement: Court-ordered destruction of over 200 kg of fish seized after dynamite fishing, after inspections found it unfit for human consumption. Labour migration with health checks: Thailand approved agreements to bring in 10,000 Sri Lankan workers, including health examinations, insurance, legal recruitment steps and work permits.

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.