Business
Non-Communicable Diseases surging in SL; health financing a huge issue
Gamani Corea Foundation’s 16th round table discussion
By Lynn Ockersz
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are surging in Sri Lanka currently. Coupled with this development is a rapidly rising ageing population in the country and connected problems, Dr. Palitha Abeykoon said, while addressing a range of local health issues and their consequences at the Gamani Corea Foundation’s (GCF) 16th round table discussion held at the BMICH on January 30th.
Dr. Abeykoon, who, among other positions, is the chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, pointed to the following principal problems, besides other pressing matters in the local health sector, in an issues paper he presented at the GCF forum: ‘Equity and access issues have come to the fore against a backdrop of severe resource constraints. Patients are driven to pay out of pocket to meet their health needs in the public health sector. Such expenses are estimated at 50 percent per patient. While NCDs are very much to the fore, “mobility and mortality” afflict a considerable proportion of the aged. A fast-ageing population compounds these issues. Besides, the potential for more pandemics is very much present.
‘The number of elders in the local population is escalating. Consequently, NCDs will be on the rise and we will see a proliferation of mental health problems and other disabilities linked to ageing, going forward. The current severe socio-economic crisis makes health financing a huge challenge.
‘There is a crop of external factors that compounds our health sector issues. Some of these are: the global climate crisis, asymmetries in economic performance among countries at the regional and global level, conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and tensions in the Indian Ocean.
‘Sri Lanka’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) is one of the strongest in the region but it is bedeviled by a lack of good governance.’
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Minstry of Environment, who moderated the forum said at this juncture that, ‘Bad governance is the main culprit. Non-adherance to the basics of good governance is rampant locally. Even among some technocrats and bureaucrats anarchy prevails. The principle of equity is violated in some top bodies.’
Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Consultant Physician Dr. Saroj Jayasinghe, presenting an issues paper, made the following points among a range of other matters: ‘For the past 50 years we have been saying the same thing in relation to Sri Lanka’s health questions and reforms, and that is indeed the issue.
‘With regard to efficiency in health administration and participatory decision-making, we have been paying only lip service in Sri Lanka. A blueprint to revive the health sector in the long term is needed. However, the proposal for a National Health Commssion is a step in the right direction. Empowering the public is also of vital significance.
‘We need to focus, among other matters, on tertiary care, structural reforms, health technology assessments and the strengthening of links between health sector reform and social reform.
‘Service innovations in the areas of primary health care, clinic/ hospital visits, screening and the hospital work force are important. ‘We need MOH type institutions for NCDs as well. Mobilizing resources is important but we need to remember that the private sector in healthcare will collapse in the absence of state sector personnel. However, the public sector could exist independently, while the private sector cannot do so.’
Following Prof. Jayasinghe’s presentation, a lively discussion followed on the issues raised with audience and panel participation. Winding-up proceedings GCF Chairman Dr. Lloyd Fernando said that the Foundation would be taking up the matters that were discussed with the government in the days to come. He stressed on the need for national planning in the health sphere and undercored the importance of a holistic approach in this undertaking.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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