The Minister who is leading the Sri Lanka delegation at the ongoing 70th World Health Assembly also updated the Assembly on the progressive action taken by the Government in combating Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as introducing 80% pictorial warning on tobacco, increase of tobacco tax to 90%, introduction of a ‘traffic light labeling system’ to control sugar in fizzy drinks. Minister Senarathne also called for increased partnership in combating Dengue and H1N1.

On 21st May, Minister Senaratne also addressed the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting outlining Sri Lanka’s successes in the health sector which were commended by the Health Ministers present at the meeting. The Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland praised Sri Lanka on its higher quality outcome achieved at a minimum cost, and indicated that this is a model that could be replicated across the Commonwealth. She made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Minister Senaratne, and requested Sri Lanka to consider leading within the Commonwealth on digital –health.

To celebrate the success of WHO certification of elimination of Malaria, Sri Lanka together with the Maldives and the Regional Office of the WHO in New Delhi organized a special event on 22nd May on the sidelines of the 70th WHA in Geneva which was graced by Dr. Margeret Chan, the Director General of the WHO.

The Minister also met with the World Bank Representatives to discuss potential cooperation in the areas of establishing additional Accident and Emergency Care Centers, design and implement the ‘family physician’ concept, and to expand the currently launched ‘Lifestyle Health Centers’ throughout the country.