Representing Sri Lanka at the 78th Annual World Health Assembly (WHA) of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa delivered his address on Tuesday (20), emphasising the urgent need for sustainable financing in global healthcare systems.
The assembly, taking place from May 19 to 27 in Geneva under the theme “All for Health, Health for All,” brings together health ministers and over 15,000 delegates from WHO member states to discuss global health priorities and future strategies.
Minister Jayatissa highlighted Sri Lanka’s long-standing commitment to universal healthcare and stressed the importance of ensuring stable, long-term investments in health.
He expressed Sri Lanka’s support for the WHO Director-General’s report and commended the timely and relevant theme of this year’s assembly.
He acknowledged the recent economic challenges Sri Lanka has faced and noted that recovery is being achieved through the resilience of its people and strong global solidarity.
He expressed deep appreciation for the international support received and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A key concern raised by the Minister was the migration of health professionals from Sri Lanka. From 2022 to 2025, 726 specialist doctors, 2,800 nurses and 1,116 medical officers have migrated to other countries, causing a significant financial and human resource loss to the national health system.
Dr. Jayatissa called for greater responsibility from destination countries and urged the WHO to ensure the effective and ethical implementation of the Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. Sri Lankan tourism
The Minister also noted that one-third of Sri Lanka’s population sought outpatient care in 2023. To meet this growing demand and prevent gaps in service delivery, the Government has initiated comprehensive primary healthcare reforms, with the goal of leaving no one behind.
Highlighting current global challenges such as debt, disease outbreaks and malnutrition, Dr. Jayatissa emphasised the need for increased health sector investments and the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration.
He affirmed that the Sri Lankan Government remains committed to protecting the health of its citizens through coordinated and sustainable strategies.
Sri Lanka’s delegation to the WHA includes Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Himali Arunatillake and First Secretary Nishanthini Victor, among other senior officials.
