Business
High out-of-pocket expenditure seen as affecting healthcare access of local households
By Ifham Nizam
Although the general understanding is that universal health coverage (UHC) could be achieved only through publicly- funded healthcare systems, high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) is a tax on health and leaves many a local household behind with regard to availing substantial healthcare, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University’s, Senior Lecturer, Dr. Anuji Gamage said.
Speaking at a recent symposium held at the BMICH titled ‘Poverty Alleviation in an Era of Economic Crisis; Impact of Socioeconomic Disparities on Vulnerabilities’ under the specific topic, `Unravelling the Facts Influencing Health Care Access Outcomes’, she said that OOPE accounts for about 50 percent of total health expenditures in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Gamage added: ‘Sri Lankan households spend private money on healthcare services due to various reasons. Considering NCD care, monthly household expenditure is approximately Rs. 5000.00. The direct health and non-health costs incurred on regular clinic follow-up for NCD (Non-communicable diseases care) at public and private healthcare facilities lead to high Catastrophic Health Expenditure (25%).
‘Patients incur high OOPE on direct medical costs. There are sector-wise variations in OOPE. Costs incurred for vehicle hiring are higher for the estate sector, whereas by-stander cost was very high for urban dwellers. These sectoral determinants should be studied. When we analyze for direct non-health reasons for OOPE, it was for by-standers and transport-related costs.
‘High out-of-pocket expenditures by families to obtain medical care can impoverish them and affect their healthcare-seeking decisions, ultimately hindering Sri Lanka from achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
‘Sri Lanka is a welfare state that provides free healthcare and education. The assumption is that a healthy human would contribute to growth by being economically active. Hence, these have high returns on investments (ROI). The understanding is that UHC can only be achieved through publicly funded healthcare systems.
‘Recent studies have revealed that the proportion of chronic diseases and complications are high in Sri Lanka. Patients with chronic conditions incur high OOPE for hospital admission and are prone to catastrophic health expenses. Studies have repeatedly found that services rendered to patients with chronic conditions warrant a more integrative approach to reduce the burden of costs and that essential services need to be delivered uninterruptedly.’
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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