State Minister lauds services rendered by Suvaseriya 1990

By Sandun A Jayasekera   

The ‘Suvaseriya1990’ pre-hospital risk management and ambulance service’ has filled a gap in the free healthcare system in the country since its inception, Epidemic and Covid Disease Control State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said.

 She added that the service it had been rendering in the last five years to the nation was immeasurable.   

“Sri Lanka has one of the best, efficient and effective free healthcare delivery systems in the world. The National Health Service has a good ambulance service.However, Sri Lanka did not have an Emergency Health Management (EHM) system in the past and the Suvaseriya 1990 has filled that gap,” she said.   

Addressing a ceremony held to mark the opening of the first ‘Suvaseriya 1990’ sub-station at the Mirihana Police Station yesterday, Minister Fernandopulle went onto say that the rural people were the most benefited from that service.   

“We must be committed to continue the good work initiated by any government and politics must not intervene in the process. I am determined to further develop the ‘Suvaseriya 1990’ service as it is a blessing to the nation’s free healthcare system, saving thousands of lives and helping countless number of families to access medical attention to their family members when they desperately need help,” Minister Fernandopulle stressed.   

She expressed her gratitude to Indian Premier Narendra Modi, the Indian Government and former State Minister Dr. Harsha De Silva who introduced ‘Suvaseriya 1990’ in 2016 after obtaining a grant of US$ 2.2 million from the Indian Government on the approval of PM Modi.   

Suvaseriya is a model to take inspiration for any private or state establishment on how to run a true national service that serves millions of fellow citizens

The measure of service delivered by this pre- hospital risk management and ambulance service was clearly manifested during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic, Dr. Fernandopulle said.   
She paid a special tribute the ‘Suvaseriya 1990’ staff for their courage and commitment to help Covid- 19 patients despite the risk they faced.   

Public Security Minister Rear Admiral, Sarath Weerasekara said ‘Suwaseriya 1990’ was a highly commendable social responsibility service that had been able to draw the commendation of all Sri Lankans and also his own appreciation.   

“Suvaseriya is a model to take inspiration for any private or state establishment on how to run a true national service that serves millions of fellow citizens,” Minister Weerasekara added.    Former state minister Dr. Harsha De Silva who initiated ‘Suvaseriya 1990’ said he was glad to see the resolve and dedication of Minister Fernandopulle to further develop the Suvaseriya service despite its launch by him.   

“The country needs politicians like Dr. Fernandopulle who does not let politics hinder good deeds. Progress of a nation can be achieved with politicians of her calibre,” Minister De Silva said.