AGP Executive Report

Dengue Update: The Health Ministry says a modified dengue virus strain is now circulating, with changes that may leave more people vulnerable and raise the risk of wider spread. Mosquito Control Alarm: The National Dengue Control Unit reports mosquito breeding is heavily concentrated in public places—80% of breeding sites found in schools, government institutions, religious places and factories—while mosquito larvae density has climbed to about 12% (up from 8% in April), with schools showing a sharp jump. Public Health Call-to-Action: Authorities urge immediate fever care and faster clean-up of stagnant water, especially around homes and school premises. Climate & Health Link: Sri Lanka is also bracing for possible El Niño-driven extreme weather, which could disrupt monsoons and worsen conditions that support disease spread. Health System Support: China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development donated Rs. 4 million in medical equipment to hospitals affected by Cyclone Ditwah, targeting Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala. Wellness & Food: PM highlights using locally grown organic ingredients in bakery products to improve nutrition and support farmers and tourism. Local Governance & Care Access: A week of RTI-linked stories shows how community pressure can improve hospital staffing and set fair pricing for essentials like bottled drinking water.

Dengue Watch: Sri Lanka’s National Dengue Control Unit says mosquito breeding is surging, with 80% of identified breeding sites in public places and larvae density rising to about 12% in May (up from 8% in April). Schools are a major hotspot, with larvae found on 42% of inspected school premises, while households, government institutions, religious sites, and factory areas also show sharp increases. Health authorities are urging immediate clean-up of standing water and prompt medical care for anyone with fever. Public Health Mobilisation: A Dengue Control Week is set for June 15–20, focusing on prevention and removing breeding sites in public areas and schools to ease pressure on hospitals. Climate Risk: Experts warn El Niño is likely to strengthen through 2026, raising the odds of delayed monsoons, drought, heatwaves, and food and water stress—an added strain on health systems already recovering from recent extreme weather. Local Food & Nutrition: The Prime Minister says using locally produced organic ingredients in bakery products could boost farmers and tourism, while pushing the industry toward healthier, higher-nutrition options. Community Accountability: A report highlights how right-to-information requests have helped improve healthcare staffing and service quality at a Kilinochchi hospital, showing practical health-system gains from transparency.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening fast, with deaths rising to 21 and hospitals reportedly overflowing as cases surge; health authorities have announced a Dengue Control Week (June 15–20) to push mosquito-breeding site elimination and prevention in public places and schools. Public Health & Safety: Police have launched a nationwide crackdown on noisy, modified vehicles, with impounding for offenders and warnings that some riders are also using narcotics or prescription tablets during dangerous stunts. Biosecurity & Waste: The government plans tighter controls on plastic imports and stronger measures to prevent clinical waste entering the country, including proposals for specialized animal quarantine centres. Nutrition & Wellness: The PM says using locally produced organic ingredients in bakery products can boost farmers and tourism, while pushing the industry toward healthier, higher-nutrition options. Healthcare Support: China Friendship Foundation has donated Rs. 4 million in medical equipment to hospitals affected by Cyclone Ditwah, targeting districts including Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala. Care & Community: The NCPA reported 516 complaints of child labour and exploitation in early 2025, including 287 cases of children forced to beg, urging the public to report violations.

Plastic & Biosecurity Crackdown: Sri Lanka plans tighter controls on plastic imports and to stop clinical waste entering the country, after a high-level Environment Ministry meeting with Customs and health/biosecurity agencies. Dengue Alarm: Health officials warn Sri Lanka is at high risk of a dengue epidemic as cases climb and a nationwide drive found mosquito larvae in thousands of premises. Child Protection Push: The National Child Protection Authority reports hundreds of complaints in early 2025, including children forced to beg, urging the public to report abuse and reminding that under-16s must attend school. Security Detention Scrutiny: A UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture is set to visit Sri Lanka amid claims of worsening health and restricted access for detained ex-intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, raising concerns about transparency in custody. Road Safety Health Link: Police launch a nationwide operation against modified, excessively loud exhaust vehicles, targeting dangerous stunts and warning that some youths are also using drugs or prescription tablets. Cyclone Medical Aid: China Friendship Foundation donates Rs. 4 million in medical equipment to hospitals in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala after Cyclone Ditwah. Digital Payments for Care Costs: SLT-MOBITEL mCash integrates GovPay so citizens can pay government services digitally, including healthcare charges, via #111# and the mCash app.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka is on the brink of a dengue epidemic, with nearly 39,000 cases reported this year and a nationwide clean-up drive finding mosquito larvae in thousands of premises, raising fears that transmission could surge further if public action and prevention efforts don’t intensify. Child Protection: The National Child Protection Authority says it received 516 complaints on child labour and exploitation in the first part of 2025, including 287 cases of children forced to beg, warning that offenders can face jail or fines and urging the public to report abuse. Renal Care Milestone: Asiri Central Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Centre reports over 200 successful transplants with a success rate above 98%, highlighting the role of early specialist care for patients at risk of kidney failure. Digital Payments for Health Costs: SLT-MOBITEL mCash has integrated GovPay, enabling secure digital payments for thousands of government services—now including healthcare charges—plus on-the-spot traffic fine payments. Health System Support for Disabled Veterans: A parliamentary discussion led by the Defence Deputy Minister focused on faster welfare delivery for disabled Tri-Forces and Police personnel, including medical board assessments with Ministry of Health representation. Public Health Safety: Officials also cautioned about hidden risks from everyday plastic food containers, urging safer choices to reduce potential health harms.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka is at high risk of a dengue epidemic as cases climb to nearly 39,000 this year, with health teams finding dengue larvae in thousands of premises during a nationwide eradication drive. Child Protection: The National Child Protection Authority says it received 287 complaints of children forced into begging in 2025, warning parents and others involved can face jail or fines. Renal Care Milestone: Asiri Central Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Centre reports 200 successful transplants with a success rate above 98%, highlighting local access to advanced renal treatment. Plastic & Food Safety: Health authorities warn that low-quality plastic containers can release microplastics and chemicals into food, especially when used for storing or heating hot meals. Health in Detention: Sri Lanka’s detained ex-intelligence chief Suresh Sallay is reported to be in hospital amid claims of medical neglect and worsening conditions. Disaster Response: The UN has concluded its Cyclone Ditwah Humanitarian Priorities Plan after reaching over 575,000 people, with renewed focus on early warning systems. Anti-Corruption in Hospitals: A Ragama inquest officer was arrested over an alleged Rs. 100,000 bribe tied to issuing an inquest report.

Kidney Care Milestone: Asiri Central Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Centre says it has reached 200 successful transplants with a 98%+ success rate, highlighting local access to advanced renal care and the need for early specialist consultation for CKD and diabetes/hypertension patients. Public Health Alert: Health authorities warn Sri Lankans about hidden risks from low-quality plastic food containers, especially when used for hot meals/drinks, citing microplastics and chemicals like BPA that may migrate into food. Dengue Surge: NIID doctors report more than 5,000 dengue cases in 10 days, warning hospitals could be overwhelmed if the trend continues, while training and prevention efforts ramp up. Food Safety Enforcement: Arachchikattuwa authorities raided an illegal canned fish factory, seizing unlicensed products and urging consumers to check SLSI certification and proper labelling. Maternal Health & Rights: A pregnant Sri Lankan care worker in the UK fears separation after Home Office “go home” letters targeted her husband and child, adding stress ahead of a planned Caesarean. Disaster Recovery: UN’s humanitarian plan for Cyclone Ditwah has concluded, reaching 575,000 people, with renewed focus on early warning and resilience. Water Safety Tragedy: An 11-year-old died after drowning at Galle Face while bathing; five children were rescued and hospitalised, with another child still missing.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka has recorded over 5,000 dengue cases in just 10 days, warning of an “unbearable burden” on hospitals unless the trend slows. Water Safety Tragedy: An 11-year-old died after drowning at Galle Face Beach as strong currents swept children away; five were rescued and treated, while another child remains missing. Medicine Access Watch: Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said medicine price revisions are being reviewed amid rising import and production costs, with supply concerns growing. Health System Capacity: Sri Lanka’s state university system faces a major lecturer shortage, with FUTA warning the gap could damage higher education and professional training quality. Detention and Care Concerns: The Communist Party raised alarms over former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay’s prolonged detention and alleged mistreatment, while the government insists he has not been treated improperly. Easter Sunday Probe: Sri Lanka’s public security minister told parliament that investigations link Sallay to directing the 2019 Easter attacks, allegations Sallay denies.

Cardiac Care Spotlight: Australian leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington says she lived with SVT (sudden fast heartbeats) and had an ablation in March—then returned to form with a hat-trick in the Vitality Blast, highlighting how timely heart rhythm treatment can restore active lives. Road Safety & Family Support: After a deadly minibus crash on Dubai’s Emirates Road killed seven (including one Sri Lankan) and injured nine, Burjeel Holdings CEO Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil announced an AED 1 million humanitarian package for medical recovery, travel, and children’s education. Public Health Infrastructure: Cabinet approved Rs. 150 million for 26 public sanitation projects under the Clean Sri Lanka Program, aiming to improve urban cleanliness and public health for residents and tourists. Dengue Prevention Push: Sri Lanka escalated dengue control with nationwide inspections and a three-day prevention drive as cases surge. Disaster Recovery: A Sri Lanka–Japan UNDP initiative will clear disaster waste and rehabilitate community facilities for over 900,000 people affected by Cyclone Ditwah, supporting long-term resilience. Health in Custody Controversy: Sri Lanka’s minister alleged ex-intelligence chief Suresh Sallay “directed” the 2019 Easter bombings; Sallay’s hunger strike and hospital admission keep medical neglect and detainee welfare concerns in focus.

Clean Sri Lanka Program: Cabinet approved Rs. 150 million for 26 public sanitation projects across 24 local government areas in 2026, aiming to boost public health, urban cleanliness and tourist-facing facilities. Water & sanitation policy: Government advanced a national water tariff policy covering all water supply and sanitation providers under the sector reform programme, focusing on fair and affordable access while keeping services financially sustainable. Dengue prevention push: Authorities escalated islandwide dengue control with a special prevention drive as cases surged, including plans for a new mosquito control programme. Health workforce strain: Government Physiotherapy Officers Association warned physiotherapy services are crippled by recruitment delays, with some hospital units closed and patients forced to travel for care. Elderly care safety: Reports highlighted the deadly fire at an elderly care facility, with multiple deaths and arrests, renewing calls for tighter oversight of nursing homes. Health in detention: Family of detained ex-intelligence chief Suresh Sallay renewed urgent appeals over deteriorating health and alleged medical neglect, including a hunger strike. Public health data: Cabinet approved steps to conduct the Sri Lanka Community and Health Survey again (last done in 2016) to track progress toward national and SDG health goals. Child nutrition concern: Coverage flagged malnutrition risks, including findings that a significant share of Sri Lankan children face nutritional challenges. Regional health-linked labour rules: Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries (including Sri Lanka), with bans on others—an issue that can affect migrant health and welfare.

Public Health Workforce: The Government Physiotherapy Officers Association (GPOA) says physiotherapy services in public hospitals are crippled by recruitment delays, with some units reportedly closed and patients forced to travel long distances for care. Dengue Control: Sri Lanka launched a nationwide dengue mosquito control drive, inspecting 70,000+ premises across 14 districts on day one and warning of legal action where breeding sites are found, as cases rise. Cancer Care Funding: KOKO has joined Mastercard’s “Tap for Change” campaign to support building the Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital, linking everyday contactless payments to cancer infrastructure support. Elderly Care Crisis: A fire at a restaurant in Thalawathugoda left three dead, while separate coverage continues to spotlight the wider risk faced by older people in care settings. Cardiac Access: A commentary highlights long waits for angiograms in Colombo, with some patients reportedly waiting months, raising concerns about timely heart care. Health & Rights in Detention: Human rights and legal groups renewed calls for urgent specialised medical treatment for detained former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, citing physical and mental health deterioration. System Readiness: The government is preparing for possible El Niño impacts, focusing on protecting water storage, drinking water, and Yala agriculture.

Cancer Care Fundraising: KOKO has joined Mastercard’s “Tap for Change” campaign, turning everyday Tap & Go and KOKO e-commerce payments into support for building the Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital with the COC Foundation. Child Protection & Justice: Women MPs’ caucus is pushing for faster investigations and stronger safeguards in the Anuradhapura child abuse case, urging forensic/medical reports be obtained without delay and asking courts to reduce repeated trauma across multiple proceedings. Detention Health & Rights: HRCSL has summoned CID officers over former SIS chief Suresh Sallay’s case, while lawyers and his wife report deteriorating health, including refusal of food and treatment at Colombo National Hospital; calls continue for specialised medical care and PTA safeguards. Dengue Control Push: Sri Lanka inspected 70,000+ premises in a nationwide dengue mosquito control drive, with legal action planned where breeding sites are found; authorities cite 36,168 cases and 20 deaths so far this year. Cardiac Care Access: A commentary highlights long waits for angiograms in Colombo, raising concerns about timely access to essential heart diagnostics. Elderly Safety After Fire: Opinion pieces revisit the Horana elders’ home fire and broader gaps in registration and welfare of nursing/elder care facilities, spotlighting vulnerability of seniors living alone.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening, with cases reported at 35,228 this year and 20 deaths, prompting a special nationwide mosquito control programme running June 8–10 across 14 districts and 74 MOH divisions, with inspections and legal action for repeat breeding-site offenders. Detention Health Watch: Former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay remains in hospital in Colombo after refusing food and being put on saline, as opposition groups continue protests over his custody conditions and alleged mistreatment. Child Protection Oversight: Women Parliamentarians have urged authorities to follow court orders in the Anuradhapura child abuse case, speed up forensic and medical reports, and reduce repeated trauma across multiple ongoing proceedings. Nursing Workforce Push: Sri Lanka is set to recruit 3,000 student nurses, alongside moves to strengthen health capacity and training. Nutrition Concern: Health officials warn that one in five Sri Lankan schoolchildren face malnutrition, adding pressure on prevention and early support. Care Home Tragedy: Reports continue to follow the deadly elderly care home fire in Sri Lanka, where multiple deaths were recorded and the owner faced custody amid investigations.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening fast, with cases reported at 35,228 so far this year—up about 30–40%—and Colombo flagged as the worst-hit area; authorities are launching a special three-day mosquito control drive (June 8–10) across 74 MOH divisions in 14 districts, with police and armed forces support and legal action for repeat offenders. Detention Health Crisis: Former State Intelligence Service chief Major General Suresh Sallay has been admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo after health concerns while in CID custody, following claims from his family and lawyers of a hunger strike and denial of proper medical care. Nutrition & Lifestyle: Health officials say 15% of women in Sri Lanka are obese, highlighting rising nutrition and lifestyle-related risks. Food Security Shock (Global, Local Impact): A new WFP analysis warns the Middle East conflict is already pushing more people into hunger, including 1.3 million in Sri Lanka, as energy and delivery costs strain food access. Anti-Corruption & Health Governance Link: Korea and UN partners launched Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Initiative Assessment pilot to help public institutions improve integrity practices—aimed at strengthening systems that affect public services, including health.

Detention health crisis: Former Sri Lanka State Intelligence Service chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has been admitted to the National Hospital of Colombo’s Emergency Treatment Unit on medical advice while in CID custody, after reports that he began a hunger strike and his wife filed an urgent complaint alleging torture, degrading treatment, and denial of medical care. Maternal and child health: Health authorities say a simple blood test can help prevent inherited blood disorders like thalassaemia by identifying carriers before marriage or pregnancy; officials also note about 3% of Sri Lanka’s population are thalassaemia carriers. Nutrition and obesity: An international survey presented during National Nutrition Month reports that 15% of women in Sri Lanka are obese, highlighting rising lifestyle-related health risks. Public health planning: Sri Lanka is preparing for a dengue surge with a special islandwide mosquito control programme as cases rise. Climate-linked risk: The Meteorological Department warns El Niño could bring drought conditions in July–August, threatening agriculture, power and water supplies.

Genetic Screening for Parents: Sri Lankan health professionals are urging prospective parents to get simple blood tests to identify thalassaemia carriers early, especially when both partners carry the trait or when close-relative marriages raise risk. Hunger Crisis Pressure: WFP warns a “perfect storm” of high energy costs and low funding is pushing more people in countries including Sri Lanka toward acute hunger. Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue situation is worsening, with health authorities reporting tens of thousands of cases and urging stronger community action to stop spread. Malaria Monitoring Alert: A new malaria-related parasite threat has been flagged, with officials calling for heightened surveillance since it may infect both humans and animals. Elderly Care Safety After Fire: Reports continue to focus on a deadly elderly care home blaze, with investigations and custody developments drawing attention to patient safety and oversight. Travel Health Reminder: Sri Lanka has announced free tourist visa entry for Omani citizens via ETA, alongside reminders to keep passports valid and arrange health insurance. Water for Yala Farming: Irrigation officials say major reservoir reserves remain generally healthy for Yala cultivation, though some areas are lower and weather forecasts are being watched.