AGP Executive Report

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue crisis is worsening fast, with 73,455 infections and 50 dengue-related deaths recorded so far in 2026—already higher than all 29 deaths in 2025—while the Western Province remains the hardest hit. Mosquito Control Crackdown: Police have filed 4,672 court cases over premises linked to mosquito breeding under the national dengue control programme, with legal notices and red notices available for repeat offenders. Water & Health Risk: Work has started on Japan-funded Northern Anuradhapura Water Supply Project Phase II (about $143m), aiming to deliver safe drinking water to tens of thousands of households and reduce fluorosis and kidney disease risks. Medical Support & Equipment: India has signed a Rs. 600m grant to equip Deniyaya Base Hospital as part of disaster preparedness, covering emergency, isolation, theatres, labs, and neonatal care. Ayurveda Surgery Link: AIIA concluded Saushrutam 2026, renewing collaboration with IIT Delhi to advance ayurvedic surgery and research. Public Health Capacity: UNDP and Sri Lanka’s Environment Ministry handed over advanced lab equipment (about Rs. 204m) to strengthen detection and management of hazardous chemicals and waste. Health & Safety at Sea: The Navy rescued a man drifting off Pothuvil after his dinghy’s motor failed, providing medical treatment after the rescue. Health Policy Debate: France’s assisted death bill passed, reigniting global discussion on end-of-life choices and safeguards.

Medical Equipment Boost: The Environment Ministry and UNDP handed over advanced lab equipment worth about Rs. 204 million to six Sri Lankan institutions to strengthen hazardous chemicals and pollution control, including work tied to mercury and waste and persistent organic pollutants. Hospital Upgrade (India-Sri Lanka): India signed an MoU to grant Rs. 600 million for state-of-the-art equipment for Deniyaya Base Hospital, with relocation planned as a disaster-preparedness move over the next three years. Dengue Watch: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation remains critical, with a live tracker reporting over 72,000 cumulative cases and a sharp rise in new infections, especially in the Western Province and Gampaha. Prison Health & Rights: The Human Rights Commission raised serious concerns after Welikada Prison allegedly denied its inspectors access, amid allegations of torture, ill-treatment and deaths linked to recent unrest. Suicide Report (Public Health Impact): Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne died from a gunshot wound at his residence, with police investigating. Travel Health Alert: UKHSA data shows more than 1,000 travel-associated illnesses this year, including malaria, dengue, Zika and enteric fever—urging travellers to check precautions before flying.

Dengue Surge Watch: Sri Lanka’s 2026 dengue tally has pushed past 73,000, with 25 districts affected and the Western Province leading; the latest dashboard flags 1,195 new cases today, 49 deaths, and a very high risk situation with the Monsoonal Surge Protocol active, urging immediate community vigilance, fluid containment and diagnostic testing. Prison Oversight & Rights: The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka raised serious concerns after prison authorities allegedly denied HRCSL inspectors access to Welikada Prison on 7 July, warning that failure to disclose transferred inmates’ whereabouts could breach enforced disappearance rules. Mental Health & Public Safety: Sri Lanka’s former police chief C.D. Wickramaratne (63) was reported dead after a gunshot at his Thalahena residence, with police investigating a suspected suicide. AI in Healthcare: Sri Lanka marked a milestone with AI-assisted robotic surgery performed for the first time, including deep pelvic procedures like hysterectomy and a complex kidney operation, highlighting lower risk for high-stakes operations. Local Health Services: Kalubowila hospital opened new cardiac and imaging units, expanding diagnostic and treatment capacity. Animal Welfare: PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya urged the public to stop abandoning pets and support stray animal welfare as PET EXPO 2026 opened, calling it a shared responsibility.

Dengue Emergency: Sri Lanka is stepping up a military-backed anti-dengue drive as cases surge—over 61,000 infections in the first six months and a death toll reported at 49—doubling medical and security teams in Colombo and nearby districts to find and destroy mosquito breeding sites and prevent hospital overload. Prison Health & Rights: The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says Welikada Prison denied its officers access during an unannounced visit, and it also raised serious concerns over allegations of torture, ill-treatment, delayed medical care, and family notification failures involving inmates transferred from Negombo. AI in Healthcare: Kalubowila Teaching Hospital opened new cardiac and imaging capacity, including a cardiac catheterization lab and lithotripsy unit, as Sri Lanka pushes further into advanced care. Robotic Surgery Milestone: A private hospital reported Sri Lanka’s first AI-enabled robotic surgeries, including deep pelvic procedures like hysterectomy and complex kidney operations. Quality Assurance Upgrade: The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board has started a fully digital transformation to modernise accreditation and improve secure online access, aiming to boost international recognition of Sri Lankan products and services. Mental Health Focus: A scoping review highlights help-seeking barriers for women with perinatal depression and their spouses, underscoring the need for better support pathways.

Robotic Surgery Milestone: Sri Lanka performed AI-enabled robotic-assisted surgeries for the first time, including a hysterectomy and a complex kidney procedure, highlighting safer options for high-risk “deep pelvic” operations. Human Rights & Prison Access: HRCSL raised serious concerns after Welikada Prison denied unannounced access to its officers and also flagged allegations of reprisals, torture, medical neglect, and delays over inmates transferred from Negombo. Dengue Crackdown: Sri Lanka is intensifying a military-backed anti-dengue drive, doubling medical and security teams from Thursday in Colombo and worst-hit nearby districts as cases and deaths climb. Dengue Risk Focus: A study points to roadside drainage as a major driver of dengue spread, urging authorities to cover and manage open drains rather than focusing only on households. Cardiac Care Upgrade: Kalubowila Teaching Hospital opened new cardiac catheterization, DSA imaging, and lithotripsy units to strengthen free healthcare services. Digital Accreditation: SLAB is moving toward fully digital accreditation with a redesigned, cybersecurity-focused website to boost efficiency and global recognition. Tourism & Wellness Angle: THASL urges a shift to high-value experiential tourism, including wellness and sports, targeting resilient short-haul markets like India and China.

Dengue Control Push: Sri Lanka is ramping up a military-backed dengue drive as deaths rise to 49 and cases surge past 61,000 in the first six months, with new efforts starting in Colombo and nearby districts and expanding to more areas with extra medical and security staff. Public Health Enforcement: The Public Health Inspectors’ Union says legal action has been taken against over 10,000 people for allowing dengue-breeding conditions, after inspections of more than 125,000 premises, as Colombo and Gampaha remain high-risk. Community-Level Action: Health workers carried out fumigation at the Narahenpita Street Fair as part of Colombo Municipal Council dengue measures, underscoring the push for targeted local interventions. Mosquito-Borne Travel Warnings: UK health officials urge travellers to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and Zika, with imported cases already exceeding last year’s totals. Healthcare Innovation: Sri Lanka marked a milestone with AI-assisted robotic surgeries at Asiri Surgical Hospital, with surgeons directing procedures while the system supports precision and visualization. Drug Safety Alert: A counterfeit drug factory in Puducherry was sealed after a racket involving fake Pregabalin tablets was linked to shipments intended for Sri Lanka. Kidney Care: A new kidney stone treatment centre opened in Mirigama for the growing surgical queue.

Dengue Control: Sri Lanka is ramping up a military-backed anti-dengue drive as deaths rise to 49, with medical staff and security forces doubling from Thursday and focusing on Colombo and worst-hit nearby districts; officials say infections have surged to 61,057 in the first six months of 2026, more than double last year’s pace. Public Health Enforcement: The Public Health Inspectors’ Union says legal action has been taken against 10,000 people for allowing mosquito breeding, after inspections of 125,000 premises; dengue cases reported this year are 69,951 with 48 deaths. Clinical Tech in Care: Sri Lanka marked a milestone with its first AI-assisted robotic surgeries at Asiri Surgical Hospital, with surgeons in full control and benefits cited including reduced blood loss, smaller incisions and faster recovery. Tobacco & Health Costs: Verité Research says Sri Lanka has lost over Rs. 25 billion in potential cigarette tax revenue since 2025, launching a “Cigarette Tax Leakage Tracker” to push evidence-based policy. Animal Bite Safety: Health officials urged the public to keep feeding stray dogs—but also vaccinate for rabies, sterilise and provide medical care, noting dog bites drive over 250,000 hospital treatments yearly. Environment & Health: SLEAN called for stricter enforcement of Sri Lanka’s plastic bag charge, warning inconsistent compliance harms rivers, beaches, wildlife and public health. Health System Pressure: After “Ratama Ekata,” prison population has jumped to over 42,000, adding strain to the prison system following Negombo clashes.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka is nearing 70,000 dengue cases, with 69,951 reported as of July 13 and 1,279 more confirmed in the next day; Western Province leads (33,127), while health authorities urge people to remove stagnant water and seek care for persistent fever and severe headaches. Prison Health & Safety Crisis: The Negombo prison clashes continue to claim lives, with two more officials dying and the toll rising to 32; overcrowding and security failures are again in focus as inmates are transferred and access restrictions remain. Surgical Innovation: Asiri Surgical Hospital in Colombo carried out Sri Lanka’s first AI-assisted robotic surgeries, including a uterus removal and a complex kidney procedure, with surgeons in full control of the robotic system. Early Childhood Focus: National Early Childhood Care and Development Week runs July 14–20, promoting healthier growth and better access to quality early services for children nationwide. Public Health Support: UNDP and the Environment Ministry handed over advanced lab equipment worth about LKR 204 million to strengthen monitoring of hazardous substances in healthcare and agriculture. Travel Health Alerts: UKHSA warnings highlight rising imported mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue and Zika, with guidance on repellents, protective clothing, and mosquito nets. Mental Health & Safety Online: Police are investigating a suicide during a Facebook livestream in Karandeniya, after a man returned from South Korea.

Negombo Prison violence: Two more prison officers died after the July 5–6 clashes, pushing the toll to 32 overall (10 officers, 21 inmates confirmed dead; others injured and still receiving treatment). Mental health & online risk: Police are investigating the death of a 35-year-old man who died by suicide during a Facebook livestream after returning from South Korea; his body is at Elpitiya Hospital morgue. Tobacco control: Verité Research says Sri Lanka has lost over Rs. 25 bn in potential cigarette tax revenue since 2025 because taxes sit below WHO’s recommended benchmark; a “Cigarette Tax Leakage Tracker” dashboard was launched. Climate-resilient healthcare: India and Sri Lanka signed an MoU for a LKR 600 million grant to equip Deniyaya Base Hospital (emergency, operating theatres, HDU, special care baby unit) as part of post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery. Digital health insurance: NITF will require public servants to update Agrahara insurance records online by July 31, moving benefit disbursements fully to its portal. Dengue watch (regional): UK health officials warn of rising imported mosquito-borne viruses, including a Zika record, urging travellers to take precautions.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue cases have climbed to 68,672 with 47 deaths, and health officials warn the next two weeks are “extremely critical,” urging households to remove stagnant water and protect against mosquito bites. HIV Update: HIV infections are rising, with Colombo and Gampaha reporting the highest numbers; a mobile clinic programme is expanding free, confidential screening and counselling. Kidney Care: A new kidney stone removal treatment centre opened in Mirigama to ease a surgery queue of 5,000+ patients, citing limited theatres and modern endourology access as key bottlenecks. Cyclone Ditwah Healthcare Support: India signed an MoU to provide LKR 600 million (about $1.8m) for state-of-the-art equipment for the new Deniyaya Base Hospital, including emergency, operating theatres, HDU and special care baby units. Public Health & Environment: A USD 38m GEF-UNDP project launched to strengthen mercury and hazardous chemical monitoring and improve healthcare waste disposal, with lab equipment handed over. Insurance Digitisation: NITF will push the Agrahara health insurance scheme paperless via an online registry by July 31, 2026. Tobacco-Free Generation Call: A public appeal urges a policy banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 Jan 2010.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening fast, with confirmed cases reaching 68,672 and 47 deaths reported so far in 2026; health experts warn the next two weeks are “extremely critical,” urging households and schools to remove stagnant water and step up mosquito protection. Child Protection: The Women and Child Affairs Minister urged parents to dress preschool children in clothing that covers arms and legs, echoing school guidance as the outbreak peaks. HIV Update: HIV infections are rising, with Colombo and Gampaha recording the highest numbers; a mobile clinic programme is expanding free, confidential screening and counselling. Kidney Care: A new Kidney Stone Removal Treatment Centre opened in Mirigama to help ease a surgery queue of over 5,000 patients. Waste & Environment: MEPA launched the “Ocean Watch” app to improve coastal waste management, while the Environment Ministry unveiled a USD 38.2m project to strengthen mercury and healthcare waste handling. Local Health Infrastructure: India pledged about Rs. 600m in medical equipment for the new Deniyaya Base Hospital. Prison Violence Probe: HRCSL launched an investigation into Negombo Prison violence, including deaths, injuries, alleged torture, and transfer-related deaths.

Insurance & Wellness Tech: Union Assurance becomes the only Sri Lankan insurer to win a Celent Model Insurer Award for customer experience, citing its Connected Life Initiative that links digital life insurance with wellness support through its Clicklife app. Prison Accountability: Sri Lanka’s HRCSL has launched an investigation into the Negombo Prison violence, including deaths, injuries, alleged torture of transferred inmates, and a reported denial of access during an unannounced visit—while stressing no conclusions yet. Dengue & City Health: With dengue cases surging, Colombo’s worsening sanitation is pushing calls for urgent cleanup, including a renewed push around restoring Beira Lake to cut mosquito breeding. Water & Public Health Infrastructure: The Thambuttegama water supply project was inaugurated, with treatment capacity and a network expected to improve drinking-water safety for thousands of households. Population Data for Health Policy: UNFPA and Sri Lanka’s Parliament signed an MoU to strengthen evidence-based policymaking using population data, including impacts on women’s health and rights. Food System Policy: Sri Lanka opened the rice market for surplus use beyond direct plates, allowing value-added products to protect farmers from price drops.

Prison & Human Rights: Sri Lanka’s HRCSL says no conclusions yet in its probe into the Negombo Prison violence, including deaths and injuries, allegations of torture, and claims of ill-treatment of transferred inmates, while UN rights officials also urge a prompt, independent, transparent investigation with unrestricted access to prisons. Forensics: Post-mortems reported gunshot deaths and fatal blunt-force head injuries among officers and inmates, with some cases still pending. Public Health & Care Access: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the 2027 Budget will strengthen public healthcare—especially primary care via “Arogya Suwa Seva Centres”—and restart suspended hospital projects, alongside faster tech upgrades to reduce reliance on private treatment. Dengue Response: Western Province dengue risk is rising, with hospitals under strain and experts warning the next two weeks are critical as mosquito breeding accelerates. Tobacco Policy: SLMA and a tobacco expert committee urge a “Tobacco-Free Generation” policy banning sales to those born after 2010. Water Safety: Thambuttegama’s new water supply project is inaugurated to improve drinking-water safety and reduce chronic disease risk. Inclusive Health Data: UNFPA and Parliament sign an MoU to strengthen evidence-based policymaking using population data, including protections for women and young people.

Prison Health & Rights: The UN Human Rights Office is urging Sri Lanka to launch a prompt, independent, transparent probe into the deadly Negombo Prison violence and alleged torture, highlighting overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention and poor conditions; it also calls for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka to have unrestricted access to Negombo and other prisons where transferred inmates were held. Dengue Response: Colombo’s dengue surge is pushing calls for urgent city-wide action, including environmental cleanup around Beira Lake and warnings that the next two weeks in the Western Province could be critical as hospitals face capacity strain. Public Healthcare Funding: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the 2027 Budget will strengthen public healthcare—especially primary care via “Arogya Suwa Seva Centres”—and expand technology in state hospitals to reduce reliance on costly private treatment. Water & Kidney Disease: New and restarted drinking-water projects (including Thambuttegama and Anuradhapura North phases) are being framed as long-term steps to improve safe water and tackle chronic kidney disease of unknown origin. Sexual Health Screening: A mobile blood testing programme in Colombo and Gampaha is offering voluntary screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and other STDs with counselling and referral for treatment. Tobacco Prevention: SLMA and a tobacco expert group have urged a “Tobacco-Free Generation” policy to ban tobacco sales to people born after 2010.

Public Health Funding: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the 2027 Budget will strengthen Sri Lanka’s public healthcare, with more focus on primary care via “Arogya Suwa Seva Centres” and technology upgrades in state hospitals to cut reliance on costly private treatment. Dengue Alert: Western Province is facing a critical two-week dengue risk as mosquito larval density rises; hospitals are reportedly beyond capacity, with some patients sharing beds. Water & Kidney Disease: The Thambuttegama Water Supply Project (Rs. 32bn) was commissioned to provide safe drinking water to 91,810 people, targeting chronic kidney disease of unknown origin linked to poor water quality. More Water Projects: The government also plans 22 drinking water projects next year and new connections for nearly one million families, again tying clean water to CKDu prevention. Sexual Health Screening: A mobile blood testing programme in Colombo and Gampaha will screen for STDs including HIV and Hepatitis B, with voluntary, confidential results and counselling. Prison Health & Rights: After the Negombo prison riot that killed 28, UN and HRCSL calls are growing for prompt, independent investigations, unfettered access to prisons, and urgent medical care for injured inmates amid allegations of torture and ill-treatment. Tobacco Policy Push: SLMA and a tobacco expert group urge a “Tobacco-Free Generation” policy banning sales to people born after 2010.

Public Healthcare Funding: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the 2027 Budget will strengthen Sri Lanka’s public healthcare to internationally recognised standards, with a big push on primary care via “Arogya Suwa Seva Centres,” faster hospital technology upgrades, and restarting suspended health infrastructure projects. Prison Health & Rights: After the Negombo Prison violence, the HRCSL says it has not reached conclusions but is reviewing deaths, injuries, alleged torture, and delays in medical care for transferred inmates; the UN Human Rights Office calls the situation “deeply alarming” and urges prompt, independent, transparent probes with unrestricted HRCSL access. Dengue Surge: Dengue cases have climbed past 66,000, with deaths reported and warnings that spread is accelerating in schools and universities, prompting intensified mosquito control. STI Screening Access: Mobile blood testing for HIV and STDs begins in Colombo and Gampaha, offering voluntary, confidential screening with counselling and treatment referrals. Kidney Disease & Clean Water: New drinking water projects are underway and planned—including the Thambuttegama Water Supply Project and the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project—linked to tackling chronic kidney disease by improving safe water access. Non-communicable Care Capacity: Sri Lanka faces a kidney stone surgery backlog of over 5,000 patients, with a new Mirigama treatment centre set to open to reduce waiting lists.