Accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Health Care Agency Dr. Suresh Menon and several other high-level health officials from Seychelles, Minister Larue requested President Rajapaksa for Sri Lanka’s assistance to further develop several areas of her country’s health sector.

Expressing his satisfaction of the recent strengthening of bilateral ties between the two island nations, President Rajapaksa assured Sri Lanka’s assistance.

“The changes and progress we have seen [in Sri Lanka] is just remarkable,” Mrs. Larue said. “As island nations, we really need to work together.”

The delegation had visited both Government and private hospitals in Sri Lanka and spoke highly of the services available in the country.

“Your health indicators are as good as any developed country,” said Dr. Menon, while requesting the President for assistance in two specific areas: (1) Assistance in developing primary health centres; and (2) Assistance in training doctors and specialised nurses.

The delegation pointed out that there are a number of Sri Lankan doctors working in Seychelles, providing excellent services to the people. Dr. Menon also mentioned that the country’s biomedical unit is almost entirely staffed by Sri Lankans.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary to the President . Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne and Secretary to the Ministry of Health Mrs. Sudharma Karunaratne were also present for the meeting. (KH)