Sri Lanka Moving Toward Economic Stability – Minister Nalinda Jayatissa
Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Sri Lanka is currently progressing toward economic stability, adding that this has not been an easy process.
He made these remarks while attending a certificate awarding ceremony for 275 Family Health Service Officers who successfully completed their training. The event was held today (26) at the auditorium of the new outpatient department of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
The training programme was conducted by the Training, Education and Research Division of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media in collaboration with the Kalutara National Institute of Health Sciences, across 11 training centres established island-wide.
A total of 275 trainees were selected, including 10 candidates with prior professional experience at the central government level and 265 recruits from provincial councils.
The programme focuses on maternal and child health education, supervision of family welfare activities, and monitoring trainee family health officers during their practical training.
The Minister noted that Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system received special recognition at this year’s World Health Assembly organized by the World Health Organization, highlighting the contribution of Family Health Service Officers to the country’s healthcare achievements.
He further stated that these officers—mostly young women—work closely with communities by visiting households and providing care, often acting as caregivers, friends, and supporters to families.
Family health services in Sri Lanka are now considered a strong model in addressing non-communicable diseases, and their role is expected to expand further within newly established health and wellness centres.
The Minister also announced plans to provide motorcycles to Family Health Service Officers in the future and to implement a salary increase scheduled for January.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, including Secretary Anil Jasinghe and other deputy secretaries and medical directors, also participated in the event along with trade union representatives and ministry staff.
