Human rights activists have raised concerns about widening healthcare inequality faced by transgender individuals in Sri Lanka, urging the government to intervene and reduce the cost of hormone-related medication and gender-affirming surgeries.
Although gender-transition surgeries are now performed locally at the Colombo National Hospital and several private hospitals, advocates say the procedures remain unaffordable for many.
According to social activist and LGBTQIA+ advocate Chanu Nimesha, surgery at the National Hospital costs around Rs. 2.12 million, with hormone medication adding another Rs. 500,000. She argues that while local surgeries are still cheaper than abroad—where costs range from Rs. 2.5 million to Rs. 3 million—the pricing structure in state hospitals remains prohibitive for a marginalized community.
Activists also highlight a critical shortage of hormone drugs in government hospitals, forcing transgender patients to rely on private pharmacies where prices are significantly higher.
Despite submitting a written request to a government representative, the community claims the issue has received no official attention so far.
Advocates warn that the lack of affordable medical options places transgender individuals at risk of unsafe treatments or delays in medically necessary care.
Ms. Nimesha called on the Minister of Health to urgently reform pricing and ensure the availability of essential hormone medication in state hospitals, stressing that access to transition-related healthcare is not a privilege but a matter of basic rights and dignity.
