Prof. Athula Sumathipala, Director of the Institute for Research & Development in Health and Social Care (IRD), participated in the Advocacy Meeting and Workshop on the National Health Policy 2026–2035, held on Friday, 9th May 2025, at Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla.
The event was inaugurated by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media and was graced by the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, and several other distinguished experts.
The workshop featured 15 small group discussions covering key topics such as demographic transitions, evolving disease patterns, healthcare reforms, and governance.
Prof. Sumathipala participated in the group discussion on governance reforms and presented its key insights to the wider assembly. His presentation underscored the critical importance of accountability and evidence-informed policymaking in Sri Lanka’s health sector. He also emphasized that proactive planning must address not only the training of essential human resources but also the development of effective strategies to retain them.
The IRD was honoured to be part of this significant initiative towards building a more resilient and equitable health system, aligning with its 25-year commitment to conducting research for the benefit of the people.
IRD MEDIA UNIT
