AGP Executive Report

Advanced Transplant Care: Asiri Central Hospital carried out its first liver transplant, a major step for local end-stage liver disease treatment. Blood Cancer Access: Lanka Hospitals launched “Hope,” Sri Lanka’s first private-sector Haematology Day Unit for same-day chemotherapy, immunotherapy and transfusion support. Dengue Emergency Response: Sri Lanka deployed the military to fight a surging dengue outbreak, with hospitals under strain as cases climb fast; a three-day islandwide control programme targets 600 high-risk Grama Niladhari divisions. School Nutrition Crackdown: A nationwide ban on fast food and sugary snacks in schools began this week to tackle rising childhood obesity and future diabetes/heart disease risk, with possible penalties for non-compliant canteens. Newborn Screening Push (Global): WHO urged countries to expand newborn screening for birth defects to prevent disability through early detection and treatment. Public Health Compliance: Poson dansal registration reached 4,302, with organisers required to follow health guidelines and coordinate with police for safer crowds. Wellness Tourism Boom: Sri Lanka is trending as a top wellness destination, with demand for retreats reportedly up sharply.

Dengue Emergency: Sri Lanka has launched a three-day islandwide dengue control programme targeting 600 high-risk Grama Niladhari divisions, as cases near 50,000 and hospitals face heavy strain; the drive focuses on removing mosquito breeding sites, cleanup operations and public awareness, with authorities urging residents to eliminate stagnant water and cooperate with inspection teams. School Nutrition Crackdown: The Ministry of Education has started enforcing a nationwide ban on fast food and sugary snacks in schools, covering items high in sugar, salt and fat, as officials link poor diets to rising overweight/obesity and future non-communicable disease risk. Health Rights in Focus: Spa therapists arrested in a police operation have filed complaints alleging their identities were revealed through released station videos, calling it a privacy and dignity breach. Public Health Policy: The Health Ministry is considering penalties for school canteens that flout new healthy food guidelines, including hygiene and supervision requirements. Maternal-Child Health Global Push: WHO urges countries to expand newborn screening for birth defects, stressing early detection and treatment can prevent disability. Wellness Tourism Boom: Sri Lanka is trending as a top wellness destination for 2026, with demand for retreats reportedly up sharply.

Dengue Emergency: Sri Lanka has deployed the military to fight the dengue surge, with army, navy and air force officers joining a special unit to find and destroy mosquito breeding sites as hospitals report over 1,000 dengue admissions daily. School Nutrition Push: The government has started enforcing a ban on fast food and sweets in school canteens, targeting high sugar, salt and fat items to curb rising childhood overweight and future diabetes and heart disease risk. Newborn Screening Call: WHO is urging countries to expand newborn screening for birth defects, saying early detection can prevent disability and save lives. Cancer Capacity Plan: Maldives’ health minister says core cancer services are planned by 2028, while Sri Lanka’s own cancer hospital project in Hulhumalé is also moving toward essential diagnostics and basic treatment by 2028. Transport Safety: A random drug screening at Maharagama’s Navinna bus stand found 13 out of 200 bus drivers and conductors tested positive for narcotics. Child Protection Spotlight: A report highlights alarming levels of child cruelty and abuse, pointing to the need for stronger protection and faster case handling. Local Health Governance: Opposition MP Namal questioned the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme’s effectiveness amid the dengue climb.

Dengue Emergency: Sri Lanka logged 1,069 new dengue cases in 24 hours, taking the year’s total to 47,179 with 28 deaths, as hospitals brace for more than 1,000 admissions daily. Military Vector Control: The President’s office says army, navy and air force officers will join a special unit to find and destroy mosquito breeding sites, with strict enforcement against premises allowing breeding. High-Risk Mapping: 538 Grama Niladhari divisions across 14 districts have been declared high-risk, with the Western Province worst hit. Nationwide Drive: A 3-day dengue control programme will run June 24–26 across 600 GN divisions, backed by monitoring and community committees. School Nutrition Crackdown: New Healthy School Canteen guidelines ban processed meats, sugar-heavy snacks and ultra-processed foods, including instant noodles and sugary confectionery. Water Safety Checks: Under “Thirasara Diyawara,” tests were carried out on 100 water sources and microbiological checks on 50 locations for bacterial contamination. Public Alert on Scams: Health inspectors’ union warns of fake PHIs extorting money during the dengue outbreak.

Dengue Emergency: Sri Lanka reported 1,069 new dengue cases in 24 hours, taking the yearly total to 47,179 with 28 deaths, as health officials warn hospitals are nearing capacity and frontline staff are under heavy mental and physical strain. Mosquito Control Push: A three-day national dengue control program will run June 24–26 across 600 Grama Niladhari divisions, with short-term actions led by state institutions, schools and local bodies, plus a monitoring unit to strengthen legal follow-up. Public Health Alert: The Public Health Inspectors’ Union says scammers are impersonating PHIs and extorting money during the dengue outbreak; residents are urged not to pay anyone claiming to conduct official inspections. Sanitation Link: Doctors’ groups warn garbage piling near the Ministry of Health (around Norris Canal Road) could become mosquito breeding grounds, urging immediate cleanup to protect patients and nearby hospitals. Diagnostics Upgrade: The Ministry plans nearly Rs. 2 billion to deploy 11 new CT scanners nationwide to speed up diagnosis for stroke, cancer, cardiovascular disease and trauma. School Nutrition Policy: Sri Lanka launched Healthy School Canteen Guidelines banning several unhealthy food categories to tackle rising nutrition-related health problems among children.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka recorded 1,069 new dengue cases in a day, pushing total infections to 47,179, with 112 MOH divisions flagged as high-risk and Maharagama still a hotspot; authorities plan an urgent high-level dengue control discussion today. Local Sanitation: Doctors warn garbage piled near the Ministry of Health (including Norris Canal Road) is creating mosquito breeding risks, urging immediate cleanup to protect patients at nearby hospitals. Prevention Gaps: Health entomology experts say earlier warnings weren’t acted on consistently, with delays in vector-control, clean-up and awareness campaigns helping the surge. Scam Warning: Public Health Inspectors’ unions report impostors demanding money during dengue inspections; PHIs do not collect payments—public should verify identities and report fraud to police. Human Rights & Health: The Global Sri Lankan Forum urges President intervention over Major General (Ret.) Suresh Sallay’s worsening health while held under the PTA, calling for expedited transparent judicial handling. Care Access: The Ministry of Health says 11 advanced CT scanners under a Rs. 1.95 billion programme are being rolled out to speed diagnosis for strokes, cancers, heart and emergency injuries.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening fast, with 112 MOH divisions now flagged as high-risk and outbreaks reported in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Matara, Galle, Kandy and Ratnapura; health officials warn mosquito breeding sites and stagnant water removal are still not happening enough, even as surveillance and control efforts ramp up. CT Scanner Boost: The Ministry of Health says 11 advanced CT scanners worth Rs. 1.95 billion are being rolled out to speed up diagnosis for strokes, cancers, heart and vascular disease, injuries and emergencies, with several already installed and more procurement underway. Public Health Policy: Health authorities have ordered an urgent dengue control drive across 14 high-risk districts, while experts stress stronger community clean-up participation to cut transmission. Witness Protection Claim: The wife of detained ex-SIS chief Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has sought state protection, alleging CID surveillance and intimidation of her children while he receives treatment at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Nutrition & Wellness Link: Plate it Forward and Dilmah are expanding “Harvest²” across Batticaloa rural schools, aiming to support 2,700 children with daily meals and farm-to-school produce, alongside organic gardens and health-focused community education. Yoga for Healthy Ageing: International Yoga Day coverage highlights yoga’s role in physical and mental well-being, including Sri Lanka-based messages from Bageshwar Dham leaders and related wellness events.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka is facing a severe dengue outbreak, with reports of 44,480 cases and 28 deaths so far this year, and health officials warning the rise could continue for weeks; cases are concentrated in districts including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Kandy and Kurunegala, with emphasis on removing mosquito breeding sites and seeking early care. Hospital Capacity Boost: The Ministry of Health says 11 advanced CT scanners under a Rs. 1.95 billion programme are being rolled out to speed up diagnosis for strokes, cancers, heart and vascular conditions, and emergency injuries—some already installed at Kalutara and Kurunegala Teaching Hospitals, with others being installed at major hospitals with ADB support. Public Health Pressure: A separate report highlights concerns that Sri Lanka’s public healthcare system is under strain, citing specialist shortages and the impact of medical “brain drain” after the 2022 crisis. Healthcare Policy & Costs: Opposition figures urge the IMF not to remove fuel subsidies, warning it could push up diesel, electricity tariffs, and medicine prices—raising hardship for already vulnerable households. Medical Tourism Watch: A global ranking lists the world’s top medical tourism destinations for 2026, reflecting growing demand for affordable, high-quality care abroad.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka is facing its worst dengue outbreak in years, with 44,480 cases and 28 deaths reported since January; health officials say infections nearly doubled from 5,651 in April to 10,638 in early June, with the western region hit hardest and hospitals under strain. Prevention Push: Authorities are urging people to remove mosquito breeding sites and seek early care as the Health Minister warns cases could overwhelm facilities if the rise continues. Local Health Safety Case: Police have launched investigations into the death of a 33-year-old physiotherapist from Weligama, whose body was found near Teldeniya Hospital; an alleged suspect linked to fraud and corruption cases is being sought. Policy Pressure on Care Access: Opposition leaders urged the IMF not to remove fuel subsidies, warning it could drive up medicine and living costs—raising concerns for public health affordability. Medical Tourism Spotlight: TTW announced its Top 50 medical tourism destinations for 2026, highlighting global demand for affordable, quality healthcare travel.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka is battling its worst dengue outbreak in years, with 44,480 cases and 28 deaths reported so far this year, and infections nearly doubling from 5,651 in April to 10,638 in early June as mosquito breeding worsened after Cyclone Ditwah. Hospital Strain Warning: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa warned that if cases keep rising, the public hospital system could buckle, stressing that the only short-term control is destroying breeding grounds. Prevention Push: Authorities are expanding surveillance and community clean-up efforts, urging people to remove stagnant water and seek early care for symptoms. Healthcare Leadership: The Ministry of Health and Media appointed new directors to 17 key healthcare institutions, including major hospital and provincial health service posts. Cardiac Safety Alert: The Medical Supplies Division ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of cardiac stents over safety concerns, instructing hospitals to isolate remaining stocks. Public Health Funding Pressure: A separate report highlights fears of a wider public healthcare collapse amid shortages and “brain drain,” while citizens face rising costs.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka is facing its worst dengue outbreak in years, with 44,480 cases and 28 deaths reported since January. Health officials say infections nearly doubled from 5,651 in April to 10,638 in the first two weeks of June, with the rise linked to Cyclone Ditwah debris creating more mosquito breeding sites. Hospital Pressure: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa warned that if cases keep climbing, the public hospital system could be overwhelmed, urging communities to destroy breeding grounds now. Targeted Response: The National Dengue Control Unit says cases are concentrated in high-risk districts including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Galle, Ratnapura, Hambantota, Kegalle and Kurunegala, and is expanding mosquito-control and surveillance while urging early medical care. Healthcare Administration: In parallel, the Ministry appointed new directors to 17 key healthcare institutions, aiming to strengthen long-term healthcare planning. Cardiac Safety Alert: The Medical Supplies Division ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of cardiac stents nationwide after safety concerns, instructing hospitals to isolate remaining stocks.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka is facing its worst dengue outbreak in years, with health authorities reporting 44,480 cases and 28 deaths since January, and a sharp jump from 5,651 in April to 10,638 in the first two weeks of June; officials link the rise to post-cyclone debris creating more mosquito breeding sites, with the western region hit hardest. Hospital Pressure Warning: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa cautioned that if cases keep climbing, public hospitals could be overwhelmed and patient care may collapse, urging communities to destroy breeding grounds now. Prevention Focus: Doctors and officials say the most effective short-term action is eliminating mosquito breeding sites at homes, offices, and public spaces, and seeking early medical attention when symptoms appear. Healthcare Leadership Moves: The Ministry of Health and Media appointed new directors to 17 key healthcare institutions, aiming to strengthen the sector through long-term planning. Cardiac Safety Alert: The Medical Supplies Division ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of “inferior” cardiac stents and told hospitals to isolate remaining stocks under an NMRA safety directive. Wellness & Education: Sri Lanka also announced a science-based preschool curriculum overhaul and promoted International Yoga Day wellness programming.

Dengue Watch: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa warned Sri Lanka’s hospital system could struggle if dengue cases keep rising, urging the public to destroy mosquito breeding sites by keeping homes and public places clean. Dengue Surveillance: Experts say the main driver is Aedes aegypti, which bites multiple people in one reproductive cycle, helping dengue spread fast in dense urban areas. Local Accountability Clash: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa criticised dengue response as inefficient, alleging local authorities delay action and that hospitals are overcrowded while some patients are sent home. Medicine Costs: Sri Lanka may see pharmaceutical price hikes after Indian suppliers flagged delays in over 1,000 import licences and NMRA pressure to cut Maximum Retail Prices, raising fears of shortages by June/July. Early Childhood Health: Sri Lanka is rolling out a science-based preschool curriculum, stressing play-based learning and warning that toxic stress in early years can harm lifelong physical and mental health. Wellness & Yoga: Kurundu Wellness marked International Yoga Day with a “Stillness & Renewal” experience, while the World Bank held a yoga session themed around healthy ageing.

Dengue Surge & Hospital Strain: Sri Lanka is stepping up dengue control as cases rise, with health officials warning of a new strain and urging urgent action in high-risk districts; hospitals are under pressure and breeding sites remain widespread. School Nutrition Push: The Health Ministry has introduced “Healthy School Canteen Guidelines” to improve child nutrition, set standards for cleaner, balanced meals, and reduce sugary, salty and fatty foods. Early Childhood Reform: Preschool education is getting a science-based overhaul, with the government citing early brain development and warning that toxic stress can harm long-term health. Sedentary Life & DVT Risk: Doctors warn that prolonged sitting and reduced activity among young people are linked to Deep Vein Thrombosis, described as a “silent killer.” Maternity Laws & Work: A new discussion highlights how Sri Lanka’s maternity leave protections support women’s health and job security, while noting gaps for fathers. Pharma Price Concerns: Sri Lanka may see medicine price increases after NMRA and import-license issues with Indian suppliers raise shortage fears. Local Health Tech Milestone: Asiri Central Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Centre marks 200 successful transplants, reinforcing renal care capacity. Community Health & Access: Wickramarachchi Opticians and Hearing Care celebrates 50 years, including major hearing-care advances like cochlear implants.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka has launched a nationwide dengue prevention drive after warnings that a new virus strain could spread faster, with officials citing 41,144 cases and 24 deaths so far this year; Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says hospitals—especially in Colombo—are already overcrowded and urges the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites to cut transmission. School Nutrition: The Health Ministry introduced Healthy School Canteen Guidelines to improve child nutrition, setting standards for clean, balanced meals and reducing foods high in sugar, salt and fat. Child Health Watch: Health authorities also report rising childhood obesity linked to soft drinks and sedentary habits, with 17.4% of teens aged 13–17 regularly consuming carbonated beverages. DVT Warning: Doctors warn that sedentary lifestyles among young people are increasing risk of DVT, described as a “silent killer,” as prolonged sitting and reduced activity contribute to blood clot formation. Vision & Hearing Care: Wickramarachchi Opticians and Hearing Care marked 50 years of eye and hearing services, including support for cochlear implant procedures. Mental Health & Media: A Deputy Media Minister urged responsible suicide reporting, saying journalists should avoid sensational details and help reduce stigma by directing people to seek support.

Dengue Surge Response: Sri Lanka has launched a nationwide dengue prevention drive after a new virus strain raised infection risk, with the Health Ministry warning hospitals could be overwhelmed if admissions keep rising; officials say 41,144 cases and 24 deaths have already been reported this year, and a Special Dengue Prevention Week (June 15–20) is targeting mosquito breeding sites in public spaces, schools, workplaces and homes. Hospital Pressure: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said Colombo facilities are overcrowded and urged the public to eliminate breeding grounds to cut transmission at the source. Child Nutrition Push: The Health Ministry introduced Healthy School Canteen Guidelines to improve child nutrition, setting standards for clean, balanced meals and limiting foods high in sugar, salt and fat. Childhood Obesity Alert: Authorities linked rising childhood obesity to soft drinks and sedentary lifestyles, noting 17.4% of teens aged 13–17 regularly consume soft drinks. Tobacco Tax Impact: A report says Sri Lanka lost about Rs. 9.4bn in tobacco tax revenue in 2024 as consumers shifted to cheaper cigarette brands after a 20% tax increase. Healthcare Access for Seniors: DFCC Bank expanded DFCC Garusaru benefits with Vision Care, offering discounts plus complimentary eye screening and eye pressure tests.