Minister Senaratne stated this participating as the Chief Guest in an event held to launch the register of stroke patients in Sri Lanka recently at the Colombo National Hospital.

Speaking at the event, the minister said that steps have been taken to establish stroke centers throughout the country.

The Minister of Health further said stroke has been identified as a major cause of paralysis among adults and care must be taken to eliminate the cause of strokes and the government has taken several steps.

According to the Health reports prevalence of stroke in Sri Lanka is 10 per 1,000 people.

The Minister said the impact of stroke on the economy and families is very powerful, therefore, the hospital facilities have been upgraded for stroke patients.

"We must also focus on the rehabilitation of patients after a stroke. It is also important to educate the general public about the actions that need to be taken to curb the disease. That includes lifestyle changes and emergency management," the Minister said.