Government committed to strengthening national health sector

Colombo, Feb. 15 (Daily Mirror) - The Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening the national health sector, with a focus on systemic reforms, increased state investment, and enhanced efficiency. Addressing the 9th Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine (SLCOMM) held at the Waters Edge Hotel in Battaramulla, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) highlighted the importance of healthcare as a fundamental pillar of national development and a key priority under the country’s vision of “A Thriving Nation – a Beautiful Life.”

The ceremony, held in grandeur, was also graced by Duminda Ariyarathne, Consultant General Surgeon and Immediate Past President of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, as the Guest of Honour. Senior officials from the Tri Forces, including the Army and Air Force Commanders, Chief of Staff of the Navy, and health services leaders, as well as international delegates, attended the event.

In his address, the Deputy Minister underscored the theme of the sessions, “Back to Basics: Reinforcing Foundational Readiness in Military Medicine,” noting that military medicine operates in uniquely demanding environments. Professionals in this field require not only clinical competence but also discipline, resilience, leadership, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. He stressed that maintaining core principles such as preparedness, ethical integrity, and professional excellence is essential, especially in the face of rapid technological advancement and evolving security challenges.

Highlighting the Government’s ongoing efforts, the Deputy Minister pointed to initiatives aimed at reforming the health sector, including measures to reduce the financial burden on families through increased state funding, strengthened transparency mechanisms, and digitization to enhance service delivery and efficiency.

He emphasized that health is a fundamental human right and central to national development, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.