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/
‘The late Mangala Samaraweera was a true democrat who staunchly opposed racism in all its forms. He was also against corruption. He was a unique person, an achiever, an artist, a creative person, well-read and practical-minded, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said. She believes that if Mangala Samaraweera (MS) lived, Sri Lanka would have been changed entirely for the better.
The former President was speaking at a special Mangala Samaraweera commemorative event held at the auditorium of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS), Colombo on April 22nd, which featured the donation of Minister Samaraweera’s wide-ranging and abundant private collection of books to several Sri Lankan libraries, including that at the BCIS and the Colombo Public Library.
The programme was termed, ‘Reading with Mangala: Insights into his Personal Library and its Onward Gifting to His Fellow Sri Lankans.’ The event marked MS’ 69th birthday.
The book donation was facilitated by the family of the late minister which coordinated closely with the BCIS to make the event a success. Besides former President Kumaratunga, the event was graced by the BCIS Council of Management, public personalities, associates and colleagues of the former minister, BCIS staffers, students and well-wishers.
At the outset of the commemoration, MS was introduced eloquently and at some length to the audience by the late minister’s niece, Chanchala. MS came across to us, basically, as a multi-talented, well-read, colourful and knowledgeable personality. A resourceful person who could change things for the better.
In a panel discussion featuring many dignitaries on Mangala the person and the public figure, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga mentioned the following as well: ‘Mangala had a vision for the country as a public figure and conceptualized policies in accordance with it. Among other things, he persuaded the entire SLFP to resolve the ethnic issue by political means.
‘In a survey done by a foreign company it was revealed initially that only 23 percent of the country’s Sinhala community supported a political solution to the ethnic conflict. I asked Mangala to tell me how our ideas could be taken to the public. He launched work on this project with 19 ministers. One positive result from these deliberations was the ‘Sudu Nelum Movement’ which Mangala backed to the hilt.
‘Subsequently, the message of a negotiated solution was taken to the country through innovative means, like Street Theatre and the ‘Thawalama’ campaign. Mangala gave of his best to these projects. Subsequently, in a second survey done it was disclosed that 68 per cent of the people accepted a political solution. Thus, did Mangala’s positive approach pay off. He stuck to his principles and never betrayed them.’
By Lynn Ockersz
Japan is ready to undertake fresh loan projects for Sri Lanka since the country has completed its debt restructuring process, Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata said.
“Japan is ready to consider taking on such commitments if there is a request from the Sri Lankan end but the undertaking of such projects depends on Sri Lanka’s debt servicing ability, ambassador Isomata added.
The ambassador made these remarks in response to a query raised during a round table discussion organised by the Pathfinder Foundation recently at the Taj Samudra’s Colombo Club. The theme of the event was, “Japan’s response to the US reciprocal tariffs and Japan- Sri Lanka relations in a turbulent world”. The forum was presided over by Pathfinder Foundation chairman ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke.
The ambassador also said that Japan was a victim of corruption in Sri Lanka and expressed optimism that the government would tackle the issue.
“Earlier, there were reports about some Japanese companies facing issues in Sri Lanka in securing investments. Japanese companies strictly observe compliance obligations and therefore never offer bribes or kickbacks, ambassador Isomata explained. Ambassador Isomata said that he attended the function to mark the launch of the ‘National Anti -Corruption Action Plan’ and listened to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking of efforts to address the issue. The ambassador emphasized the need to implement the plan.
Responding to the President’s remarks that politicians belonging to his National People’s Power (NPP) are not involved in any form of corruption, the ambassador said it is equally important to address the same involving Sri Lankan bureaucrats.
Commenting on Japan- Sri Lanka bilateral relations, Isomata said Sri Lanka is a very important partner for Japan in many ways.” As Sri Lanka’s economy is in the process of getting back on track with efforts underway to implement the IMF agreement, along with the debt restructuring agreement, I don’t think Japanese companies will come immediately to make new investments at this stage. But as the Sri Lankan economy goes back on track in a stable manner, I think we can cultivate the interest of Japanese investors to take a closer look at opportunities in Sri Lanka for further investment. We need cooperation with Sri Lankan people, he said.
The ambassador added: “We are seeing increasing numbers of young Sri Lankans going to Japan for employment in Japanese companies. There are two kinds of programmes for inviting young foreign workers into Japan right now.
“One is called the TITP -Technical Intern Training Programme. The second one, recently started, is SSW -Specified Skilled Worker Programme. Under these two programmes, an increasing number of Sri Lankan youngsters are going to Japan right now. We have opened up eight industrial sectors for Sri Lankan workers, starting with caregiving, hotel accommodation, food industry, agriculture, construction and most recently, the transportation sector, like bus driving and truck driving. This will strengthen Japan’s labour market. We need a young labour force because Japan is facing the problem of an ageing society.”
By Hiran H Senewiratne
The SLT Group has reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 2,001 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, a surge from Rs. 156 million in Q1 2024, reflecting effective financial management and improved operational efficiency.
SLT Group demonstrated strong performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenue increasing 3.4% to Rs. 27,851 million. The growth was primarily driven by Mobitel’s contribution of increased revenues while SLT PLC revenue remained stable.
The Group’s cost optimization initiatives continued to yield positive results, with operating expenses decreasing 2.9% amount to Rs. 710 million compared to the same period last year. The reduction, combined with revenue growth, led to a 13% increase in EBITDA to Rs. 10,443 million.
At company level, SLT PLC reported a marginal 0.7% increase in revenue of Rs. 117 million compared to Q1 2024, primarily driven by growth in enterprise, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and broadband streams.
SLT PLC also achieved significant cost declines, with operating expenses decreasing 5.2% amount to Rs. 838 million Year-on-Year (YoY). Notably, electricity expenses fell 38.3% following tariff reductions in March and July 2024. Vehicle hiring and fuel costs also decreased 22.7%, and repair and maintenance expenses curtailed by 12.5%.
SLT PLC specifically demonstrated impressive profit growth, with PAT increasing by 369.9% to Rs. 1,344 million compared to Rs. 286 million in Q1 2024. The notable performance was supported by a 380% surge in Profit Before Tax (PBT) to Rs. 1,920 million and a 60.3% increase in Operating Profit to Rs. 2,538 million.
Mobitel demonstrated strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, reporting notable revenue growth supported by the growth of data services. Total revenue reached Rs. 11.8 billion, reflecting the company’s success in capitalizing on demand for digital connectivity. Enhanced top-line performance, combined with effective cost reduction initiatives, led to a significant improvement in profitability.
EBITDA increased by 28.5%, resulting in a healthy EBITDA margin of 30%. Operating profit (EBIT) also recorded a marked improvement by 392%, with a 7% EBIT margin. PBT saw considerable growth, and the company successfully turned around its financial position, moving from a net loss in the first quarter of 2024 to a net profit of Rs. 477 million in the same period of 2025.
Reaffirming its commitment to delivering superior network experiences and the widest coverage across the island, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile was recognized as the country’s fastest 4G network for 2024 by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis at Mobile World Congress Barcelona, held in March 2025.
Leveraging strong Q1 results as a foundation for 2025 growth, the SLT Group aims to continue the ongoing digital transformation journey delivering innovative solutions and expanding services to meet customer needs. Through operational efficiency and digital advancement, investing in advanced technologies to strengthen market position, the Group remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s digital economy and creating value for all stakeholders.
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