Sri Lanka is facing a growing public health risk as several major diseases show an upward trend, according to the latest audit report issued by the National Audit Office.
The report shows significant increases in child mortality, waterborne diseases, malaria cases linked to Barawa disease, and leishmaniasis infections—indicating a widening gap in the country’s disease control efforts.
Child mortality under five, which should fall to seven deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030, has risen to 12.2. Infant mortality remains high at 7.2 per 1,000 live births despite a target of four.
Waterborne disease deaths, which were supposed to be reduced to zero, have increased from 16 in 2023 to 20 last year.
Cases of malaria related to Barawa disease—expected to remain at zero—have climbed to 1,109.
Leishmaniasis, which should be maintained at fewer than one case per 100,000 people, has surged to 4,448 patients.
The audit also raises concerns about falling immunization coverage and inadequate control of high blood pressure. While Sri Lanka aims for 100 percent infant vaccination by 2030, coverage stands at 96.7 percent. Blood pressure management, also targeted at 100 percent, is at just 65 percent.
Chairman of the Federation of Doctors' Trade Unions for Medical and Civil Rights, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, said the worsening figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen primary healthcare. He warned that without more staff and better health infrastructure, Sri Lanka will continue to fall short of key public health goals.
