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Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response: saving lives today, preparing for tomorrow

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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Sri Lanka was extremely vulnerable to the spread of the virus because of its thriving tourism industry and large expatriate population. The first case was detected on January 27, 2020 and the first Sri Lankan national tested positive for COVID-19 on March 10, 2020. In response, the government of Sri Lanka rapidly introduced measures to curb the spread of the disease and imposed a strict island-wide lock-down on March 16, 2020. Infected patients were treated in secure environments, testing and contact tracing efforts were quickly escalated, and awareness raising campaigns on risk and prevention measures were implemented. Already facing fiscal constraints, the pandemic placed additional resource demands on the country. The challenge was to quickly coordinate the mobilization of financial, technical and procurement support to contain the pandemic.

Approach

Within this context, the World Bank responded quickly, leveraging the dedicated COVID-19 Fast-Track Facility, to mobilize resources and prepare the project in just 10 working days. Recognizing the limited availability of the health authorities for separate detailed design discussions, strategies and project priorities were built on gaps and needs outlined in the Health Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery plan that was being developed by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and development partners including WHO, World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), among others. This approach allowed for swift preparation, while ensuring coordinated financing support by multiple partners. Bank financing was used to fill resource gaps and to supplement and scale up Sri Lanka’s pandemic management strategy.

The project adopted a flexible approach to respond to urgent health needs, enabling reimbursement for routine goods and operating expenditures for facilities that were engaged in the COVID-19 response. This helped identified facilities to quickly upgrade their wards to make them COVID-ready. Flexibility to use ongoing government procurement methods (adopting the principles of advance procurement) were provided for the first three months following project signing.

Activities were also initiated to strengthen the National Emergency Operation Unit and its island wide network. For better preparedness, selected hospitals are now being developed as medical centers for current and future pandemic situations, and the existing laboratory system is being strengthened. The project is also helping to develop the country’s infection control and surveillance systems and supporting epidemiological studies on the patterns of transmission, and on community response and behavior. This research will underpin long-term plans and strategies on pandemic management.

The World Bank also provided additional financial resources in the form of cash transfers to high-risk populations including the elderly and disabled and patients with chronic diseases. This social sector response was in addition to the health sector response to manage vulnerabilities that emerged due to COVID-19.

The project will also strengthen mental health services and services for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) at the community level especially during emergency situations. These activities will be implemented with support of a grant from the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF).

Results

Within six months of project implementation, World Bank financing—both through the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)—has contributed to the following results between March and October 2020:

As of October 1, 2020, there were a total of 3,380 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka, with 3,233 fully recovered and 13 deaths. The spread of COVID-19 has been limited to 18 out of 26 districts in the country, with 8 districts having no reported cases. Even among the 18 districts with COVID-19 cases, the caseload is concentrated in 6 districts, with the majority of cases in the district of Colombo, the capital city. In the remaining 12 districts there are fewer than 10 cases per district. This relatively low COVID-19 morbidity and mortality number reflects the government’s strong and rapid response and effective implementation of the ‘test, track, isolate and treat’ strategy supported through this project.

300,000 units of PPE have been procured and delivered, along with essential medical consumables (‘treat’); 32 quarantine centers are up and running across country (‘isolate’); and 250,000 PCR test kits have been procured through the project, facilitating testing randomly at outpatient departments, in community settings and at ports of entry (‘test’).

805 public health inspectors have been provided with motor bikes to travel to conduct contact tracing; and double cabs (pick-up trucks) have been provided to 25 offices of the Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) to enhance grassroots community outreach (‘track’).

Plans for transforming select hospitals into 9 provincial case management centers and 25 district level suspected case management centers covering all parts of the country are underway. The preliminary design stage has been completed and site inspections are currently ongoing. The centres are expected to be refurbished with dedicated isolation wards, robust infection control and waste management systems and upgraded laboratory facilities.

Preliminary work on establishing a Bio Safety Level 3 laboratory at the Medical Research Institute (MRI) has been initiated.

699,915 vulnerable populations, which include the elderly, disabled and those with chronic kidney disease from low income households benefited from social cash transfers in the months of April and May 2020.

Bank Group contribution

The World Bank has provided $217.56 million in financing for the project. This includes a $35 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $180.84 million from the International Development Association (IDA), and a grant of $1.72 million from the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF).

Partners

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 management strategy is led by the Ministry of Health, and is being implemented with support from a network of development partners including WHO, UNICEF and other United Nations agencies. The Bank has actively participated in the Emergency Health Cluster meetings, chaired by the WHO, and is also Co-Chair of the Health Development Partner Working Group, which will be coordinating the medium- to long-term plans for health preparedness. UNICEF has also been contracted under the project to support the Ministry of Health in the procurement of essential medical consumables and PPEs. The regular dialogue and coordination with the partner network has helped prevent duplication and has enabled the Bank to identify the gaps in the country’s emergency response strategy and to address these gaps through the project. This is strengthened by the close working relationship with the Ministry of Health, established through the previous and ongoing projects including the Primary Health Care Systems Strengthening Project (PSSP).

Since 2004, the World Bank has funded two major health sector development projects in Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening the health system service delivery, and quality of care, improving emergency treatment unit facilities, and preparing the system to respond to emerging health challenges. These investments have helped to strengthen the health service delivery network, which has been the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response strategy. Moving forward, the project will continue to develop emergency health care services at the secondary and tertiary levels, in line with national strategies and priorities, and will build capacities and establish emergency response systems, mechanisms and facilities that will benefit the population of Sri Lanka in years to come.

The activities will also complement the work being carried out under the ongoing Bank-funded PSSP project, which aims to strengthen healthcare service delivery at the primary care level. The COVID-19 project addresses health facilities beyond the primary care level, and in this way will support the continuum of care and overall health sector development plans financed by the government and the development partner network.

Beneficiaries

The project has benefited the entire population of Sri Lanka by supporting the emergency response, contributing to saving lives. While infected people, medical and emergency personnel and service providers, and high risk populations, such as the elderly, disabled and chronic kidney disease patients from low income households have benefited in particular; through population based preventive measures, the project has touched the lives of everyone in Sri Lanka. Further, by focusing on strengthening the capacity of the public health system throughout the country for future pandemic preparedness, it will continue to benefit the people of Sri Lanka.

English Brief : https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2020/10/21/sri-lanka-covid-19-response-saving-lives-today-preparing-for-tomorrow

Sinhala Brief : https://www.worldbank.org/si/results/2020/10/21/sri-lanka-covid-19-response-saving-lives-today-preparing-for-tomorrow

Tamil Brief : https://www.worldbank.org/ta/results/2020/10/21/sri-lanka-covid-19-response-saving-lives-today-preparing-for-tomorrow



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Businesses urged to address environmental challenges

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Dignitaries at an environment-linked awareness-raising event.

Central Environmental Authority (CEA) chairman Dr. Tilak Hewawasam urged businesses to take greater responsibility in addressing environmental challenges, warning that failure to act could have severe long-term economic consequences.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Hewawasam emphasized that sustainability is no longer just a compliance issue but a core business strategy.

“Environmental responsibility is not just a regulatory obligation—it is a business imperative. Companies that integrate sustainable practices will lead the way in economic resilience and innovation, he said.

Hewawasam’s remarks come as Sri Lanka faces mounting environmental concerns, including waste mismanagement, deforestation and rising carbon emissions. The CEA has been advocating for stronger corporate participation in tackling these issues, encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies, efficient waste disposal systems and renewable energy sources.

Hewawasam stressed that the government alone cannot drive sustainable change. “The private sector must step up, adopt green technologies and rethink supply chains to minimize environmental impact, he told journalists.

He also noted that businesses investing in sustainability are more likely to attract investor confidence and long-term profitability.

“With global markets increasingly rewarding eco-friendly brands, Sri Lankan companies risk being left behind if they fail to align with international environmental standards, he added.

“The CEA continues to push for stronger collaboration between businesses and policymakers to accelerate the country’s transition to a green economy.”Hewawasam stressed that businesses must view sustainability not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to drive innovation and long-term success.

By Ifham Nizam

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Sri Lankans Vote Dialog as the Telecommunication Brand and Service Brand of the Year

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Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has been 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 relationship Dialog has built with Sri Lankans over the years and the trust they continue to place in the brand.

Since 2007, the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards have been a unique symbol of consumer-driven recognition in Sri Lanka. Unlike industry-judged awards, they are based on a comprehensive nationwide survey, providing a transparent reflection of public sentiment. These accolades honour brands and individuals who have earned the trust and admiration of Sri Lankans, forging strong emotional connections. For Dialog, this recognition underscores its deep-rooted relationship with the people and its commitment to delivering reliable connectivity and exceptional service.

“We are truly humbled and grateful to the people of Sri Lanka for this recognition,” said Supun Weerasinghe, Director / Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC. “To be chosen as the Telecommunication Brand of the Year for 14 years and the Service Brand of the Year for 4 years is an honour we deeply appreciate. It reflects the trust and confidence placed in us by millions across the country, and we remain committed to strengthening this bond by delivering innovative, accessible, and reliable connectivity that enhances lives and enterprises.”

Dialog’s continued recognition at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards is a testament to its dedication to serving Sri Lankans. As the nation’s #1 connectivity provider, Dialog will continue evolving to meet the changing needs of its customers, ensuring that every solution and service contributes to a more connected and empowered Sri Lanka.

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Sierra Cables’ share sale bolsters bourse; indices wax positive

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The CSE yesterday was somewhat active because Sierra Cables contributed more than half of the turnover. The company sold its shares at a price 24 percent lower than the previous price level. Market sources revealed that an LOLC Group company purchased 146 million Sierra Cables shares at a market price of Rs 12.30 per share, amounting to Rs 1.8 billion.

This gave some impetus to the market and the All Share Price Index also became positive. Sierra Cable’s previous price was Rs 15.50. Consequently, the All Share Price Index went up by 256.7 points, while S and P SL20 rose by 98.3 points. Turnover stood at Rs 3.67 billion with four crossings.

Those crossings were reported in Citizens Developments Business Finance, where two million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 464 million; its shares traded at Rs 232, HNB 295,000 shares crossed for Rs 90 million; its shares traded at Rs 305, JKH, 4 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 80.8 million; its shares traded at Rs 20.20 and TJ Lanka 900,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.6 million; its shares traded at Rs 49.50.

In the retail market top six companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sierra Cables Rs 1.8 billion (146 million shares traded), CCS Rs 168 million (2.2 million shares traded), JKH Rs 79.5 million (3.9 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 67.8 million (562,000 shares traded), TJ Lanka Rs 60 million (1.2 million shares traded) and Vallibel One Rs 58.4 million (one million shares traded). During the day 197 million share volumes changed hands in 11468 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector entities were the main contributors to the turnover, especially with Sierra Cables and JKH, while banking sector counters were the second highest contributor to the market turnover.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 296.45/65 to the US dollar in the spot market, weaker from 296.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were slightly down.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 9.75/85 percent, down from 9.84/90 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 10.08/15 percent, down from 10.14/20 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2030 was quoted at 10.25/34 percent, down from 10.25/38 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.75/85 percent, down from 10.85/97 percent.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

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