The assurance was given by the UK Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, Lord Hannett of Everton, during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, as part of his three-day official visit to the country.
The meeting was also attended by the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s free public healthcare system, ongoing efforts to modernise health services, challenges faced by the sector, the installation of advanced medical equipment in state hospitals, and key healthcare development projects.
During the talks, Dr. Wijemuni briefed the UK delegation on the challenges posed by communicable and non-communicable diseases, the delivery of efficient patient care through the public health system, and the technical and financial constraints affecting the sector. In response, Lord Hannett expressed readiness to support Sri Lanka through technical expertise and financial cooperation.
The Deputy Minister also outlined the government’s plans to strengthen primary healthcare services through the islandwide expansion of the “Arogya” Primary Healthcare Centres programme, improve healthcare infrastructure, introduce modern health technologies, and advance the digitalisation of health services.
Lord Hannett commended the government’s people-centred healthcare initiatives and shared experiences from the United Kingdom’s advanced healthcare system. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation to support the future development of Sri Lanka’s health sector.
The meeting marked the first official engagement between Dr. Wijemuni and Lord Hannett since the Deputy Minister assumed office. It also took place during Lord Hannett’s second visit to Sri Lanka within the past year.
Several officials from the British High Commission and the Ministry of Health were also present at the meeting.
