Sri Lanka Allocates Rs. 5.43 Billion to Strengthen Pandemic Preparedness
Sri Lanka has approved a Rs. 5.43 billion programme to strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for and respond to future pandemics and public health emergencies.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved 35 activities under the Integrated One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response Strengthening Project, following a proposal submitted by the Minister of Health and Mass Media.
The project will receive Rs. 5,431 million, including Rs. 4,785 million in grant assistance through the Pandemic Fund and Rs. 646 million from the Sri Lankan Government.
One of the key priorities is to upgrade the facilities of the National Public Health Investigation Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute (MRI).
The programme’s 2026–2028 action plan also proposes establishing a Sri Lanka Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, with funding expected from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The initiative aims to address weaknesses identified during Sri Lanka’s response to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies, particularly diseases that can spread between animals and humans.
The government says stronger coordination between human and animal health services is essential to detect threats early and respond more effectively.
Sri Lanka signed an agreement for Pandemic Fund grant assistance on March 20, 2025. All activities supported by the grant must be completed by March 31, 2028.
The government highlighted the country’s progress in controlling communicable diseases and improving maternal and child healthcare. Sri Lanka has also maintained vaccination coverage above 95%.
The new programme is expected to build on these achievements and strengthen the country’s ability to protect public health against future disease outbreaks.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
Source : Newswire
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