Sri Lanka's Public Health Service marked its centenary today (21) with a national celebration at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo, held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Public Health Service was established in 1926 with the creation of the Kalutara National Health Unit, the first field health unit in South Asia. Over the past century, it has expanded into a nationwide network of more than 362 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions, supported by Medical Officers of Health, Public Health Midwives (PHMs) and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs), who provide essential community-based healthcare services across the country.
The commemorative event, organised by the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, recognised 36 community health professional groups for their outstanding contributions to strengthening primary healthcare over the past 100 years. A centenary commemorative publication and a White Paper outlining the future direction of Sri Lanka's community health service were also launched under the patronage of the President, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa described the Public Health Service as a sector with "a proud history, a trusted present and a promising future." He highlighted the country's significant achievements in public health, noting that maternal deaths had declined from around 2,500 annually to about 25, while infant mortality had fallen from approximately 200 per 1,000 live births to between five and six. He also pointed to Sri Lanka's successful elimination of malaria, a disease that once claimed nearly 100,000 lives.
The Minister said these milestones demonstrate the country's remarkable progress in community healthcare and have positioned Sri Lanka as a model for lower- and middle-income countries seeking to deliver high-quality public health services. He attributed these achievements to the dedication of healthcare workers and commended community health personnel for their service during epidemics and disaster situations.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization Representative Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, who also serves as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, said preserving past achievements alone would not be sufficient as the country enters its second century of public health service. He noted that Sri Lanka now faces emerging challenges, including the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, an ageing population, mental health issues, climate-related health risks and future epidemics.
Dr. Pandav said the rise in non-communicable diseases is closely linked to unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption, while social, economic and environmental factors continue to influence health outcomes. He reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations and development partners to supporting Sri Lanka's efforts to promote sustainable development and improve public health.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Consultant Dr. Anil Jasinghe, said the Government's Arogya Programme provides a clear roadmap for the future development of community healthcare. He noted that while community health had previously suffered from inadequate investment, it has now been identified as a priority area, with greater emphasis on equity, technological innovation and strengthening the country's healthcare system, the PMD noted.
The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, the President of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, Consultant Dr. Vindya Kumarapeli and the President of the Sarvodaya Movement, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne also addressed the gathering.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, ministers, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, health administrators, community medicine specialists and representatives of international organisations, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations and UNICEF, attended the event.
