Business
Multi-sectoral collaboration vital for Sri Lanka to achieve Universal Health Coverage
The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) together with the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and the Center for Policy Impact in Global Health (CPIGH) of the Duke University, USA organised a virtual policy dialogue on ‘Planning for Universal Health Coverage amidst the 4Ds of Health Transitions’ on 25 August 2021. The dialogue was structured around a recent IPS study aimed at understanding how government, donors and key country stakeholders in the health sector perceive these transition challenges and their impact on the progress towards UHC, where they see the biggest gaps emerging, and what actions can help to address these challenges and gaps.
Health sector experts who spoke at the Dialogue flagged the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) in Sri Lanka.
Commencing the discussion, Dr Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research, IPS explained that there are four major, inter-linked transitions in diseases, demography, development assistance for health and domestic health financing – the “4Ds” of global health transition – that complicate Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve UHC. The associated challenges of these have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, IPS and Duke University have conducted research that brings into focus the importance of achieving UHC and the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Speaking next, Dr Padma Gunaratne, President, SLMA reflected on some of the achievements of the national health system including increased life expectancy and quality of healthcare. She noted that while these achievements are commendable, inequities and inefficiencies in healthcare continue to persist and a meaningful dialogue on planning for UHC is most timely.
Delivering the keynote address thereafter, Dr S Sridharan, Deputy Director-General (Planning), Ministry of Health pointed out that donor support for the health sector is declining. Meanwhile, there is rising demand for health services, an ageing population, and inadequate domestic financing for health. He recommended seven steps to address the challenges: (1) strengthening community response systems; (2) supporting reproductive health – adolescence, maternity and new-born health; (3) supporting platforms for integrated service delivery; (4) strengthening country population and supply chain; (5) investing in human resources (HR) for health and data systems for health; (6) strengthening and aligning national and global strategies; and (7) strengthening financial management and oversight.
The next speaker, Ipchita Bharali, Policy Associate, Duke University provided the audience with evidence on health transitions in an international context. She stated that many Middle-Income Countries (MICs) are expected to transition away from concessional multilateral and bilateral development assistance soon. However, they still face several health sector challenges such as high mortality rates, weak health systems, and large pockets of poverty in the countries. These challenges are intensified with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Session 1: Knowledge, capacity, and policy gaps that hinder UHC progress in Sri Lanka in the context of the 4Ds of health transitions and potential opportunities to tackle these gaps.
Knowledge gaps and opportunities
Ashani Abayasekara, Research Economist, IPS presented a summary of the study findings identifying the knowledge gaps. One of the findings highlighted was the rising burden of NCDs, as there was an acute focus on curing such illnesses by only considering drugs as the solution and understanding them as disease issues and not health issues. Prominence was also given to the gender disparities regarding NCDs. Lack of detailed and accurate data, poor research and development (R&D), and knowledge dissemination were some of the many gaps that were further identified as areas that needed immediate action.
Dr Susie Perera, Deputy Director-General (Public Health Services II), Ministry of Health in her reflections explained that one of the ways of alleviating the gaps is by targetted investments and incentivising stakeholders to conduct proper R&D, data collection, and knowledge dissemination. She noted that Sri Lanka has had many opportunities to strengthen its primary health and education systems with donor support, both of which are relevant to reducing the NCD burden. “A whole of government, multi-sector approach is needed,” she emphasised adding that digital literacy needs to be fostered in the health sector, along with a culture of innovation.
Prof. Amala De Silva, Professor in Economics, University of Colombo shared similar sentiments and noted that NCDs have an indirect relationship with economic performance. She flagged the need for multidisciplinary studies and proper accountable agency in research activities to achieve UHC in Sri Lanka.
Capacity gaps and opportunities
Thisali de Silva, Research Assistant, IPS presented the findings of the study on the capacity gaps that hinder UHC in the country. Poor financial and HR capacity was found to be the notable gaps in Sri Lanka. Some of the financial capacity gaps included inefficiencies in financial allocation, and financial management issues to name but two. On the other hand, the lopsided distribution of medical professionals and the lack of engagement in the financial side of the health sector have made for concerning capacity gaps in labour.
First to give thoughts on the study was Dr Dileep de Silva, Head of Human Resource Department, Ministry of Health. On the HR front, he explained that the issue in the lopsided distribution of medical professionals was due to the low applicants especially when looking at nurses, therapists, midwives and PHIs. Furthermore, one of the major reasons for the financial capacity gaps is a result of the underutilisation of capital budgets for the health sector.
Dr Anuji Gamage, Senior Lecturer in Community Medicine, Sir John Kotelawala Defence University identified healthcare migration as a problem driven by economic factors, unsatisfactory work environment, and professional career opportunities. She stated that a way of solving the uneven distribution of labour is a mechanism that would assure safety, and this is particularly important in a time of a global pandemic. “It is important to use strategies to keep the workforce safe and improve their wellbeing,” she affirmed.
Policy gaps and opportunities
The frequent changes made to the number of ministries, reversal of implemented policies and several other implementation hurdles, especially at the provincial level were shown to be some of the major policy gaps identified through the study. Ashani Abayasekara highlighted several opportunities to focus amid all these gaps such as creating a knowledge hub, and collaboration and coordination with non-state sectors.
Dr Ruvaiz Haniffa, Past President, SLMA in his reflections, called for a grassroots level approach through family doctors and homecare. “Too many people are currently missing out on health coverage in the primary preventive care sector. We have not put in policies in the primary curative sector,” he said stressing that the need of the hour is to provide holistic primary curative care. Uditha Palihakkara (Past Chairman of the Finance Commission), speaking in his personal capacity, expressed the view that the policy gaps are a result of low national budgets to the health sector as a whole.
Session 2: Multi-sectoral collaboration for Sri Lanka’s health systems – reflections from development partners, private sector, academia and civil society.
Based on the study, Dr Deepika Attygalle, Senior Health Specialist, World Bank and Ms Shiranthi Rathnayake, Additional Director General, Department of National Planning asserted that multi-sectoral collaboration is vital for Sri Lanka’s goal of achieving UHC of which, collaboration between the finance and medical sectors is particularly important. Dr Olivia Nieveras, Public Health Administrator, World Health Organization spoke about how donors should more agile in their activities. Sampath Manthreenayake, Additional Director-General, Department of External Resources added that there should be a collective system for better results on donor financing.
Way Forward
Moderated by Dr Nisha Arunatilake, a fruitful question and answer session took place with several important questions raised from participants around the world. The proceedings were wrapped up with an iteration on the need for a strong primary curative healthcare system and multi-sectoral collaborations as the way forward.
Link to original blog: https://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2021/08/27/multi-sectoral-collaboration-vital-for-sri-lanka-to-achieve-universal-health-coverage/
Dialog Axiata PLC announced its consolidated financial results for the three months ended 31st March 2025. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the “Company”) and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the “Group”).
The Group delivered a strong performance across Mobile, Fixed Line, Digital Pay Television and Tele-infrastructure businesses recording a positive Revenue growth of 4% Year on Year (“YoY”) to reach Rs43.3Bn for Q1 2025. On a Quarter on Quarter (“QoQ”) basis Revenue declined by 5% owing to conscious scaling down of low margin international wholesale business amounting to Rs1.7Bn for Q1 2025. Group Core Revenue was recorded at Rs41.4Bn for Q1 2025, up 20% YoY albeit declining 2% QoQ due to days impact. Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”) recorded a growth of 45% YoY to reach Rs19.7Bn albeit declining 7% QoQ due to moderate decline in core Revenue.
Headline EBITDA margin improved 12.8 percentage points as compared to Q1 2024. The Group Net Profit After Tax (“NPAT”) was recorded at Rs4.1Bn for Q1 2025 up 49% YoY albeit declining 39% QoQ. Dialog Group continued to be a significant contributor to state Revenues, remitting a total of Rs14.8Bn to the Government of Sri Lanka (“GoSL”) during Q1 2025. Total remittances included Direct Taxes and Levies amounting to Rs4.5Bn as well as Rs10.3Bn in Consumption Taxes collected on behalf of the GoSL. The Group continues to remain steadfast to meet growing demand from both retail and corporate sectors, whilst also ensuring seamless experience and leadership in Sri Lankas’ Broadband and ICT sectors. Dialog mobile network was recognised by third party network monitoring platform as the leader across 5G Experience, Coverage and Overall Experience. The Capital expenditure (“Capex”) for Q1 2025 reached Public
Rs3.7Bn representing an increase of 36% YoY. As a result of improved performance and controlled Capex, the Group recorded Operating Free Cash Flow (“OFCF”) of Rs12.3Bn for Q1 2025 up 71% YoY and >+100% QoQ.
In the recent quarter, Dialog was honoured as the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 14th consecutive year and the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the 4th time at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2025, held on March 18, 2025. This recognition, awarded based on the voice of the people, reflects the strong affinity with Sri Lankans over the years. Dialog was also recognized at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2024, winning the ‘Non-Financial Services Category’ for its exemplary commitment to sustainability and transparency. This achievement reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its business strategy and operations.
At an entity level, the Company continued to contribute a major share of Group Revenue (74%) and Group EBITDA (72%) during the quarter. Company Revenue was recorded at Rs32.3Bn up 26% YoY due to consolidation of Airtel business and stable pricing in the consumer space. On a QoQ was down 1% owing to days impact. EBITDA was recorded at Rs14.2Bn for Q1 2025 representing a growth of 63% YoY on the back of strong revenue performance and moderation in cost increase. On a QoQ basis EBITDA declined by 21% due to higher Network and Manpower costs. The Company NPAT was recorded at Rs2.9Bn for Q1 2025, up 78% YoY albeit declining 64% QoQ. Dialog Television (“DTV”), continued to consolidate its leadership position in the Digital Pay Television space, maintaining a strong subscriber base of over 1.6Mn as of end Q1 2025. DTV Revenue reached Rs3.1Bn for Q1 2025, remaining stable YoY albeit declining 6% QoQ due to slow down in subscription revenue and days impact. DTV EBITDA was recorded at Rs475Mn a growth of 3% YoY whilst declining 29% QoQ largely in line with the revenue movement. NPAT was recorded at a negative Rs367Mn for the quarter. Dialog Broadband Networks (“DBN”) featuring the Group’s Fixed Telecommunications, Broadband and International Businesses recorded Revenue of Rs9.0Bn for Q1 2025, down 38% YoY and 17% QoQ. The headline Revenue decline was due to the scaling down of low margin international wholesale business. The Core Fixed Business recorded a Revenue of Rs7.8Bn for Q1 2025, up 6% YoY and 2% QoQ. The EBITDA Public for DBN grew 24% YoY and 82% QoQ to record at Rs5.0Bn for Q1 2025, driven by decline in Network and Manpower costs. NPAT reached Rs1.6Bn for Q1 2025 increasing 72% YoY. More details are available at the following links:
Dialog Axiata PLC direct weblink: https://www.dialog.lk/financial-report-archives#quaterly-reports
CSE direct weblink: https://www.cse.lk/pages/company-profile/company-profile.component.html?symbol=DIAL.N0000
Dialog sustainability: https://www.dialog.lk/sustainability
Season 4 Honda Purudu Championship Finals were held at the Temple Trees Auditorium on the 27th of April, with the Rotary district governor, Sushena Ranatunga, as the chief guest. The governor enlightened the audience, filled with teachers, principals and other educators the importance of bringing back the lost values in our country. He thanked the children for learning and expressing these important values using performing arts and advised them to make them part of their daily lives.
Children in Sri Lanka are navigating a world filled with complex moral dilemmas and often lack the guidance to cultivate essential values like kindness, honesty, and respect. Honda Purudu Championship is part of the Little Minds Strong Values (LMSV) program, conceptualised by Rotarian Rukshan Perera, supported by the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan, and collaborated with the Ministry of Education to roll out to schools around the country. LMSV attracts the children with engaging, value-embedded, video-animated songs that teach core values while inspiring the child
ren to express these values and perform skits in school and join the Honda Purudu Championship through the performing arts. This process aspires to place values education at the forefront of children’s lives (in school and at home) and mould the next generation to become compassionate and responsible leaders.
HONDA PURUDU CHAMPIONSHIP: The annual Honda Purudu Championship further encourages children and schools to participate and sustain these values while winning Awards & Certificates. It is open to preschoolers, primary and secondary schoolers in the Solo and Group categories. As a byproduct, the children continue to enhance their talents in the performing arts.
Season 4 LMSV Championship has made remarkable strides with more than 11,000 children showcasing active engagement nationwide, with schools embracing LMSV values in various innovative ways, benefiting thousands of children. The professional judges selected 140 children, and they were invited to the finals in Colombo. They came from North, South, East and West – Jaffna, Ampara, Batticaloa, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Badulla, and several other big cities and small towns. Children selected LMSV songs of their choice to eagerly express these values via Song, Dance, Speech, and Drama. In the process, they surprised the audience with their fabulous talents, wearing beautiful costumes, expressing these values in the mediums they enjoy, and elevating the afternoon to an impressive event.
The principals, teachers and other educators spoke very highly of the event; “We are thankful to the Ministry of Education and Rotary for introducing LMSV to schools”, “This is an innovative program for children to build future leaders with good morals”, “Every child must be exposed to the LMSV program to build the future of our country”…etc.
COMPREHENSIVE WEBSITE TO DRIVE THE PROCESS: LMSV website WWW.LMSV.LK provides a comprehensive platform that connects educators with integrated tools in one seamless experience. It’s a one-stop shop for teachers, parents, students, and the community to learn the program via online tutorials, guides, and presentations.
This is an annual event organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan, and we welcome all school principals, teachers and parents around the country to help the children join the Honda Purudu Championship and learn these important values for life. Season 5 will begin in May 2025.
Sri Lanka celebrates a moment of immense national pride as hachajah – the artistic moniker of Colombo-born singer, songwriter and producer Charith Peris — secures two prestigious accolades at the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), hosted by the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA). These global awards, considered the highest honour in recorded a cappella music, have previously recognised internationally acclaimed acts like Pentatonix, now a household name in the genre.
hachajah’s debut EP, No Place Like, was awarded Best Semi-Professional Post-Collegiate Album or EP, while his poignant single Colombo Sky earned Best Song by a Solo Performer. With eight nominations and runner-up honours in two additional categories, this debut marks a breakout moment for the artist – and a significant cultural win for Sri Lanka.
“Winning a CARA was a personal dream. To win two with my first EP is surreal,” hachajah shares. “These awards are an honour to receive, as they recognise my journey, my Sri Lankan roots, and the stories I carry through music.”
Known for his distinctive fusion of pop a cappella with traditional Sri Lankan narratives and musical elements, hachajah crafts songs that are both deeply personal and widely resonant. Drawing from his experiences growing up in Colombo during the civil war, his music explores themes of identity, longing, and cultural memory.
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