Is it possible that the Ministry of Health building is more than just an office? It is a place where the health policies of an entire nation are crafted. Welcome to the Ministry of Health in Colombo. This central government ministry is responsible for health in Sri Lanka. It handles national policy on health and nutrition. Indigenous medicine also falls under its purview.
The Ministry of Health was formed in 1931. Its headquarters are located here at 385 Ven. Baddegama Wimalawansa Thero Mawatha. That’s quite a mouthful isn’t it?
The ministry oversees a large workforce. In 2020, it employed over 150000 people. The annual budget is also substantial. In 2025, it was LKR 604 billion which is about 6.7% of the country’s GDP.
Provincial councils manage most public hospitals. However, some hospitals are directly controlled by the central government. These are known as line ministry hospitals. As of 2016, there were 47 such hospitals. They accounted for 47% of all public hospital beds.
The current Minister of Health is Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. She assumed office in 2024. The ministry has a vision for Sri Lanka. It strives for a healthier nation. This contributes to economic, social, mental, and spiritual development.
The mission is to improve the nation’s well-being. This is achieved through health services that are accessible to all. These services include promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.
The Ministry of Health plays a key role nationally. It develops health policies and guidelines. They also handle training for medical staff. They manage teaching hospitals and specialized institutions. The ministry purchases medical supplies in bulk.
The Epidemiology Unit is part of the Ministry of Health. It focuses on preventing the spread of diseases. They are using surveillance methods. They monitor notifiable diseases. These include vaccine-preventable diseases. The unit also publishes weekly and quarterly reports. They provide disease information and fact sheets.
The ministry’s objectives are clear. They aim to deliver comprehensive health services. The goal is to reduce disease and promote health. They also empower communities to maintain their health. Inter-sectoral coordination is essential for improving the health system. They improve human resource management for health. They also work to improve health financing.
Several specific objectives guide their work. They provide technical advice on health promotion. This involves advocacy and behavior change communication. They support health programs through various strategies. These include social marketing and community mobilization. The ministry promotes health care consciousness. They use mass media to reach the public. The ministry also monitors and evaluates health programs. Research related to community behavior change is also supported.
As we stand here, consider the vast impact of this ministry. It touches every citizen in Sri Lanka. From policy creation to health promotion. The Ministry of Health works tirelessly for a healthier future.