AGP Executive Report

Elderly Care Crisis: A fire at the Maupiya Sewana Elders Home in Horana (Western Province) killed 12 residents and injured six others; the owner, Isuru Anushka, was remanded until June 11 as a magisterial inquiry and police probe continue. Reports say the facility was not authorised and failed minimum regulatory standards, and forensic teams recovered additional remains after the blaze spread rapidly. Child Nutrition Alarm: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry says one in five schoolchildren is affected by malnutrition, citing stunting (about 10%), wasting (about 8%), and underweight (about 16%)—warning of long-term risks including later obesity and non-communicable diseases. Nursing Workforce Push: A gazette notice opens recruitment for 3,000 student nurses (A/L Science/Math streams) to support a 13,600-nurse target for 2025–2029. Medicine Costs Under Review: The NMRA says it is assessing medicine price revisions due to rupee depreciation, focusing on around 60 price-controlled medicine categories.

Child Nutrition Alarm: Health officials say about one in five Sri Lankan children under five are affected by malnutrition, with 10.1% stunted, 8.6% wasted and 16.1% underweight—warning that early undernutrition can later raise obesity and non-communicable disease risks. Elderly Care Fire Tragedy: Two separate reports detail deadly fires at elderly care homes in Horana/Kalutara, with confirmed deaths rising to 12 in one incident and 11 dead plus 3 missing in another; dozens were evacuated or rescued and investigations are underway. Blood Cancer Specialist Shortage: A public forum warns Sri Lanka has only four leukemia specialists for bone marrow transplant care, as blood cancer cases rise, urging urgent expansion of specialist capacity. Nursing Workforce Boost: A gazette notice calls for 3,000 additional student nurses, aiming to reach 13,600 new nurses by 2029, with applications open until June 30. Medicine Costs Under Review: The NMRA says it is assessing possible medicine price revisions as the rupee’s weakness increases import and production costs, focusing on about 60 price-controlled medicine categories. Pharma Export Push: The Export Development Board and NMRA launch an initiative to grow pharmaceutical exports, targeting USD 100 million in revenue.

Mental Health & Justice: Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered the CID to urgently explain detention conditions for former SIS chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Salley after a Judicial Medical Officer report cited PTSD, severe depression and extreme distress, with a stated high risk of self-harm/suicide. Public Health Watch: Sri Lanka reported about 250 suspected meningitis cases across multiple districts; health officials say the current spread is linked to an enterovirus and urge prevention and proper health practices. Disease & Prevention: A separate update warns of meningitis clusters affecting school children, with symptoms like fever, headache and neck stiffness; officials stress it’s a notifiable communicable illness and most patients recover quickly. Health System & Safety: Authorities reported 11 missing after a fire at an elders’ home in Horana; 47 were rescued and seven admitted to hospital. Climate & Health Risks: Meteorology warns El Niño could bring hotter, drier July–August, raising risks for water, agriculture, power and public health. Local Health Policy: Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa met UNICEF and SWA partners to strengthen water and sanitation services. Health & Wellness Access: Sri Lanka’s ICT exports milestone was highlighted by CSSL, pointing to growing digital services that can support health-sector modernization.

Water & Sanitation: Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa met UNICEF and SWA leadership to strengthen Sri Lanka’s water and sanitation services under Heads of State initiatives. Meningitis Alert: Sri Lanka reported about 250 suspected meningitis cases in areas including Deniyaya, Rikillagaskada, Diyatalawa, Welimada and Kandy; health officials say the current spread is viral (enterovirus group) and urge strict preventive practices. Maternal Health: Hepatitis B testing for pregnant mothers has been rolled out across all maternity clinics to further cut mother-to-child transmission, building on Sri Lanka’s earlier elimination of HIV and syphilis transmission. Heat Risk: Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal due to developing El Niño, with possible low rainfall affecting water, agriculture, power and public health. Fuel Costs: A new analysis explains how fuel prices have surged amid global oil shocks and rupee weakness, noting government intervention is limiting the worst-case impact on diesel and petrol. Vision Care at Work: Crystal International expanded free on-site vision screening for workers, providing eye exams and glasses to tens of thousands through factory partnerships. Cancer Screening: Sri Lanka is set to receive five new mammography machines worth Rs. 765 million to boost early detection.

Maternal health: Sri Lanka has started Hepatitis B screening for pregnant mothers in all maternity clinics, building on earlier HIV and syphilis mother-to-child prevention gains. Rabies push: Health officials say Sri Lanka spends over Rs. 5 billion a year on rabies control, aiming for zero deaths by 2030; dog bites drive nearly all cases. Dengue surge: The Ministry of Health reports 33,864 dengue cases and 19 deaths so far this year, with higher counts in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, prompting renewed mosquito-control activities. Rabies on the ground: Mannar Island’s recent sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drive recorded 734 sterilizations and 985 vaccinations, as teams continue animal welfare and rabies risk reduction. Workplace wellbeing: Crystal International expanded free vision screening for over 38,000 factory workers across Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia, providing eye exams and free glasses for refractive errors. Health access infrastructure: Sri Lanka is also set to receive new mammography machines to boost cancer detection capacity. Public safety: A drunk driver crash during Wesak celebrations in Meegoda killed at least six people and injured 13.

Rabies Elimination Push: Sri Lanka is stepping up its rabies control drive, aiming for zero rabies deaths by 2030, with spending of over Rs. 5 billion annually—Rs. 800 million for human prevention and treatment and Rs. 2.5 billion for dog and animal vaccination—after deaths fell to 14 in 2025 and three in early 2026. Dengue Surge: The Ministry of Health reports 33,864 dengue cases and 19 deaths so far this year, with highest burdens in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces; health officials are urging household clean-ups to cut mosquito breeding. Triple Elimination in Maternity Clinics: A nationwide rollout expands blood screening for pregnant mothers to include Hepatitis B alongside existing HIV and syphilis testing. Ebola Readiness: Health authorities say Sri Lanka has preparedness plans, traveller monitoring, and quarantine and infectious disease capacity in place in line with WHO guidance. Mannar Rabies Control on the Ground: A Mannar Island campaign delivered 734 sterilizations and 985 anti-rabies vaccinations, plus additional veterinary treatments, as part of long-term dog population management. Road Safety at Vesak: A drunk driver crashed into a Wesak food queue in Meegoda, killing six and injuring 13, highlighting ongoing traffic safety risks around festival crowds.

Mosquito-borne disease warning: Health experts say dengue and chikungunya are rising after recent monsoon rains, urging anyone with fever lasting over two days to seek prompt care and blood tests, especially in Colombo and Gampaha. Maternal health screening upgrade: The Ministry of Health has rolled out its Triple Elimination programme in all maternity clinics, adding Hepatitis B testing to existing HIV and syphilis screening from June 1. Neurology services expand: The renovated Institute of Neurology at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka opens today after nearly Rs. 99 million in upgrades, adding dedicated wards plus physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Rabies control on Mannar Island: A two-week sterilisation and vaccination drive recorded 734 sterilizations and 985 anti-rabies vaccinations, alongside other veterinary treatments, as part of the Mannar Island Rabies Eradication Project. Road safety tragedy at Vesak dansala: A drunk driver crashed into a queue at a free food stall in Meegoda, killing six and injuring seven; the driver is set to be produced in court.

Road Safety Crisis: A drunk 42-year-old cab driver allegedly under the influence of alcohol crashed into a Vesak dansala queue in Meegoda, killing six and injuring seven; the suspect was arrested and is set to be produced in court. Mosquito-Borne Disease Alert: Health experts warn that dengue and chikungunya are surging after rains; people with fever lasting over two days should seek care and get blood tests, as early symptoms can look alike. Maternal Health Upgrade: The Ministry of Health has launched the Triple Elimination programme in all maternity clinics, adding Hepatitis B screening to existing HIV and syphilis tests to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Neurology Care Boost: Sri Lanka’s renovated Institute of Neurology at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka opens today after a Rs. 99 million refurbishment, expanding wards and adding physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy services. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Ministry says Sri Lanka is ready to respond to any Ebola threat, with quarantine monitoring, traveller screening, and preparedness plans aligned with WHO guidance. Gig Workers Policy: A Sri Lanka-focused policy group urges protection for gig workers ahead of an ILO platform-economy standard, warning flexibility must not mean lack of safeguards.

Breast Cancer Care Upgrade: Sri Lanka’s state hospitals will receive five new mammography machines worth Rs. 765 million to boost early breast cancer detection and reduce long waiting times, with units planned for NHSL, Karapitiya, Kandy, Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital and Apeksha Hospital, plus two reconditioned machines for Trincomalee and Nuwara Eliya. Neurology Services Expanded: The renovated Institute of Neurology at NHSL is set to open on June 1 after a Rs. 99 million upgrade, including refurbished ward complexes with separate male and female wards. Health System Costs & Access: Fuel prices were raised by up to 6% after an IMF $695 million instalment, pushing up transport and household costs and adding pressure as subsidies are phased down. Local Health & Safety: A Sri Lankan Tamil refugee girl in Chennai was killed after a gang-related incident led to an SUV ramming her two-wheeler; her injured friend was admitted to hospital and police arrested suspects. Community Wellness Culture: Vesak events in Panadura highlighted community-led shramadana and dansela-style support, reinforcing compassion-focused public health habits through local participation.

Nursing Workforce Boost: Sri Lanka will recruit 13,600 nurses to the public health service by 2029, with nearly half expected to be filled this year; 515 BSc Nursing graduates have already received Grade III Nursing Officer appointment letters after a six-month orientation at 31 government hospitals. Menstrual Health Crisis: Rural women and schoolgirls face “menstrual hygiene insecurity” as sanitary product prices soar due to currency depreciation, taxes, and higher production costs, with calls for urgent policy action to cut the burden. Road Safety & Care Access: An SLTB bus crash in Monaragala left at least 26 passengers injured; victims were taken to the Monaragala District Hospital for treatment. Food Safety & Exports: Sri Lanka tightens agricultural export controls after EU warnings over excessive pesticide residues, requiring SL-GAP certification for EU-bound fresh produce and limiting handling to registered exporters. Public Health Risk Watch: Health authorities confirm meningitis cases across several districts, urging vigilance as monitoring continues. Religious Abuse Case: A senior Sri Lankan monk accused of child sexual abuse has been suspended by the Buddhist hierarchy pending legal proceedings, while bail and travel restrictions remain in place.

Nursing Workforce Boost: Sri Lanka will recruit 13,600 nurses to the public health service by 2029, with nearly half expected this year; 515 BSc Nursing graduates received Grade III Nursing Officer appointment letters after a six-month orientation at 31 government hospitals. Diabetes Snapshot: New international figures show Sri Lanka at 11.3% diabetes prevalence among adults (20–79), with rates rising globally and a “silent disease” warning for earlier screening and care. Menstrual Health Pressure: Rural women and schoolgirls face “menstrual hygiene insecurity” as sanitary product prices surge due to currency depreciation, taxes, and higher import and production costs; calls are growing for policy action and tax relief. Food Safety for Exports: Sri Lanka tightens food safety rules after EU concerns over pesticide residues, requiring SL-GAP certification and authorised exporters for EU-bound produce. Dairy Expansion: Pelwatte plans a Rs. 1.86 billion greenfield liquid milk facility in Kurunegala, targeting operations from July 2027. Road Safety in Focus: An SLTB bus crash in Monaragala injured 26 passengers, who were taken to Monaragala District Hospital for treatment. Public Health Logistics: The registration period for Vesak Dansal ends today, with guidelines and registration through Medical Officer of Health offices. Essential Services Extended: A gazette notice extends “Essential Services” coverage, including health services and ambulances, water, food, transport, telecoms, and state banking.

Nursing Workforce Boost: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health is issuing appointment letters to 515 newly recruited graduate nurses today—the first intake in five years—aimed at deploying Grade III nursing officers across major government and teaching hospitals islandwide. Diabetes Alert: New data highlights that 1 in 3 adults has diabetes in this country, with figures rising—another reminder to strengthen screening and early care. Menstrual Health Under Strain: Rural women are facing “menstrual hygiene insecurity” as sanitary product prices surge due to taxes, currency depreciation, and higher production costs; opposition leader Sajith Premadasa also renewed calls for zero tax on sanitary products to tackle period poverty. Food Safety for Exports: Sri Lanka tightens food safety rules after an EU warning, requiring SL-GAP certification for fresh produce exports to meet EU pesticide residue limits. Healthcare Continuity: A gazette extends “essential services,” explicitly including health services and ambulances, to keep critical care running without interruption. Accident Care Demand: A SLTB bus crash in Monaragala left 26 injured, who were taken to the district hospital for treatment.

Menstrual health affordability: Sri Lanka’s Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance warns sanitary product prices have surged to among the highest in Asia, driven by rupee depreciation, multiple taxes, and higher import and production costs—fueling “menstrual hygiene insecurity” that can keep rural women and schoolgirls out of work and class. Food safety & exports: Sri Lanka tightens agricultural export controls after EU concerns over excessive pesticide residues, requiring SL-GAP certification and limiting EU-bound handling to registered exporters using authorised facilities. Women’s rights policy push: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa calls period poverty a national crisis, urging tax cuts on sanitary products and stronger menstrual equity measures. Essential services continuity: A gazette extends “essential services” coverage, including health services, ambulances, water, food, transport, telecoms and state banking/insurance. Dairy investment: Pelwatte plans a Rs. 1.86 billion liquid milk expansion in Kurunegala, targeting operations by July 2027. Community water & sanitation: Rotaract Kandy’s multi-phase project improves water pumps, pipelines, and sanitation blocks in cyclone-affected rural schools. Health system access: Vesak Dansal registration period ends today, with guidance via the Epidemiology Unit and MOH offices.

Essential Services Act: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a wide range of public services “essential” under the Essential Public Services Act to keep life running after the cyclone, explicitly including hospital and healthcare services, ambulances, water and drainage, public transport, and telecommunications. Menstrual health push: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa renewed calls to cut taxes on sanitary products and treat period poverty as a national public health and rights issue, linking it to school absenteeism and barriers to care. Food safety for exports: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved making fresh fruit and vegetables exported to the EU SLGAP-certified, after EU findings of high agrochemical residue risk. Ebola vigilance: Health experts urged vigilance following a suspected Ebola case in India, stressing Sri Lanka’s low transmission risk but warning imported cases are possible due to travel links. IMF funding update: The IMF completed reviews, unlocking about US$695m to support Sri Lanka’s reform programme, while noting continued exposure to external shocks. Community water & sanitation: Rotaract Kandy’s Project Flowing Hope improved school water and sanitation with new pumps, pipelines, and sanitation facilities for hundreds of students.

Health Access & Fundraising: A Sri Lankan student in the UK says his father needs urgent catheter surgery, but the family can’t afford the estimated LKR 500,000 cost and he’s started a GoFundMe to cover treatment and travel. Public Health in Schools: Rotaract and Rotary partners in Kandy completed a multi-phase project restoring water and sanitation at three under-resourced Central Province schools, including new pumps, pipelines, and modern toilet facilities for hundreds of students. Menstrual Health Policy Push: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day by calling for national action on period poverty, better access to affordable products, and improved school and workplace sanitation. Food Safety for Exports: Cabinet approval makes SLGAP-certified farms and registered exporters mandatory for fresh fruit and vegetables exported to the EU, after residue concerns flagged high-risk levels. Maternal & Child Care Workforce: Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said future arrangements will provide motorbikes for Public Health Midwives, while certificate awards went to 275 newly trained PHMs. Disease Vigilance: Health experts urged vigilance after reports of a suspected Ebola case in India, stressing Sri Lanka’s current low risk but highlighting the need for preparedness given travel links. Tea & Wellness Culture: Sri Lanka’s International Tea Day celebrations in Korea highlighted Ceylon tea’s global role, while a separate health-focused piece discussed black tea’s antioxidant-rich profile.

IMF Boost for Sri Lanka: The IMF completed Sri Lanka’s combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the EFF, unlocking about US$695–700 million (SDR508 million) and citing generally strong programme performance, though it flagged missed continuous targets on avoiding new external payment arrears and not tightening import restrictions. Public Health Workforce: Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said arrangements are being made to provide motorbikes for Public Health Midwives, while also noting the role of PHMs in maternal and child healthcare and the system’s recent WHO recognition. Ebola Vigilance (Regional Risk): Sri Lankan health experts urged vigilance after reports of a suspected Ebola case in India, stressing Sri Lanka’s current low transmission risk but warning that frequent travel links could raise the chance of an imported case. Kidney Care Milestone: Polonnaruwa China–Sri Lanka Friendship Kidney Hospital reported its first successful pediatric kidney transplant outside a children’s hospital, with both child and donor recovering well. Food Safety for Exports: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved making EU-bound fresh fruits and vegetables mandatory from SLGAP-certified farms and through registered exporters and approved facilities, after EU findings of high-risk agrochemical residue levels. Cervical Cancer Equipment: The Health Ministry plans to add 18 colposcopy machines to strengthen cervical cancer services. Child Health & Safety (Online): A call for action over social media harm to children under 16 urged Sri Lanka to move beyond discussion toward regulation.