Sri Lanka hosts Universal Health and Preparedness Review under WHO guidance

A two-day Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) commenced on October 22 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa took part in the inauguration of the session, held on October 22 and 23. Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that safeguarding lives and ensuring the continuity of healthcare services during pandemics, natural disasters and other public health emergencies are key responsibilities of the government. He stressed the importance of strengthening preparedness before emergencies occur, rather than limiting efforts to responding after a crisis has emerged.

Sri Lanka is hosting the review following a request made at the 79th World Health Assembly in 2025. Building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the review aims to assess the country's national capacities to respond to future public health emergencies and strengthen the health system by bringing together the entire government machinery and society.

Minister of Science and Technology Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Additional Secretary (Public Health) Dr. Mahendra Arnold, and WHO Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav also attended. Representatives of the World Health Organization, officers of the Tri-Forces, senior health officials, representatives of government institutions and academics were also present.