President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that in order to advance the country economically, it is essential to ensure efficiency and transparency across all sectors. He further noted that the current Government’s digitalisation programme is designed to elevate Sri Lanka not only economically but also socially.

The President made these remarks while participating in the ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo, to launch the National Cyber Protection Strategy (2025–2029) and to open the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC) yesterday (19).

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT), in collaboration with the Digital Economy Ministry and with the technical support of the World Bank, has introduced the National Cyber Protection Strategy 2025–2029. This initiative aims to establish a secure, reliable and inclusive digital ecosystem as a significant step in the country’s digital economic transformation programme.

The strategy envisions the establishment of the necessary legal and administrative framework forcyber security, the creation of a skilled workforce equipped with knowledge and expertise in cyber security and the enhancement of public awareness, including among schoolchildren. It also seeks to improve the preparedness of state institutions, strengthen the capacity of Sri Lanka CERT, protect institutions that manage critical digital infrastructure and foster collaboration with multiple stakeholders to create a secure cyberspace.

The National Cyber Security Operations Centre, inaugurated today, will provide 24-hour monitoring of 37 institutions managing critical digital infrastructure, including the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Department of Motor Traffic and the Department of Inland Revenue, in order to identify and respond to potential cyber-attacks. Its mandate includes the continuous monitoring of cyber threats, risks and attacks, issuing immediate alerts to relevant parties and protecting government systems and public digital services. The centre will also support both state institutions and the private sector to ensure safe digital operations by strengthening system resilience, providing early warnings, ensuring swift responses to threats and raising awareness. The benefits of the centre include continuity of operations, rapid response, cost-effectiveness, compliance and trust.

The National Cyber Protection Strategy (2025–2029) was formally presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Digital Economy, by the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne.

Addressing the gathering, the President further observed that countries capable of swiftly harnessing advances in science and technology achieve rapid progress. He emphasised that the national cyber security framework will play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, strengthening the economy and protecting citizens’ way of life.

Commenting further, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that today marks the beginning of a significant undertaking. He noted that what has been opened is not merely a building or an office. If Sri Lanka is to pursue a strong path of digitalisation, he stressed, security, resilience and reliability are indispensable. The cyber security system inaugurated today is therefore a vital milestone in Sri Lanka’s digital economic journey.

Whether considering politics or the global economic trajectory, the key factor is that countries able to rapidly absorb technological and scientific advancements move swiftly toward the forefront of development. Conversely, states that fail to adopt these advances are increasingly left behind. This, I believe, is the core of the crisis currently facing Sri Lanka.

We all know that many ideas and concepts were generated in the 16th and 17th centuries, yet most of them only became a reality in the 20th century. Advances in health, the emergence of democratic elections allowing people to choose their leaders in a world once dominated by royal hierarchies and new forms of human interaction all came into practical existence during this period. Similarly, the digitalized world began to assume a major role from the late 20th century onward.

In line with the government’s policy theme, “A Rich Country, a Beautiful Life”, an urgent program has been launched to modernize Sri Lanka’s postal service, which has a history spanning over 200 years, and to develop both its physical and human resources.

As part of this initiative, the foundation stone for a new Kaluwanchikudy Post Office in Batticaloa District, Eastern Province, was laid yesterday (18) at a cost of Rs. 29.5 million, under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The construction will commence immediately, with the building expected to open to the public by December 2025, serving over 9,000 residents.

Minister Jayatissa emphasized that this marks the first post office construction in the Kaluwanchikudy area in 35 years, highlighting the current government’s commitment to postal modernization after past administrations failed to act. In addition, Rs. 200 million has been allocated for new vehicles, laptops, desktops, and recruitment to strengthen the workforce.

The Minister further stressed that the government upholds racial harmony and democracy, ensuring strict action against any attempts to incite racial or religious conflicts.

This project is part of a broader plan, with Rs. 600 million allocated this year to construct 20 new post office buildings nationwide, reinforcing the vision of the Sri Lanka Postal Department to become a leading service provider through innovative and multifaceted offerings.

Sri Lanka’s third nanosatellite, developed with the technical contribution of local engineers, is set to be launched into orbit tomorrow (19), according to the Arthur C. Clarke Institute in Moratuwa.

Named ‘Birds–X Dragonfly’, the satellite was transported to the International Space Station (ISS) on August 24 via NASA’s SPX-33 rocket mission. It is scheduled for deployment into orbit from the ISS at 2:15 p.m. tomorrow.

Sri Lanka entered the space era in 2019 with the launch of ‘Ravan-1’, followed by ‘Kitsune’ in 2022, developed under a multinational cooperation project. The Birds–X Dragonfly marks the latest milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing participation in space technology.

The government’s film sector, which has grown and evolved since 1949, deserves due recognition, said the Minister of Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayathissa.

He expressed these views this afternoon (16) at the inauguration of the renovated Film and Digital Archive Unit of the Government Information Department.

The Minister further stressed that such facilities should be made available to school children and youth, enabling them to explore and appreciate the nation’s cinematic legacy.

Since its establishment on September 17, 1949, the government film sector has preserved a wealth of invaluable works produced through cinema, DVDs, and digital media, which are carefully safeguarded at the Archive Unit.

Commenting on the renovation, Minister Jayatissa noted that although the project was initially estimated at Rs. 19 million, the fully-equipped archive unit was successfully completed at a cost of only about Rs. 6 million and it's significant saving for the government.

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata visited the National Hospital of Sri Lanka on September 10. He was accompanied by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The purpose of this visit was to review the status of operation of the advanced medical equipment provided through Japan’s ODA project.

Ambassador Isomata toured the new Outpatient Department (OPD), which has MRI and CT scan machines donated by the Japanese government. These machines significantly enhance the quality of medical diagnostics in Sri Lanka. He also inspected critical care equipment which was donated by the Rotary Club of Hamamatsu South, Japan, at the Non-Trauma Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). The equipment facilitates rapid diagnosis and treatment of non-traumatic emergency cases.

Additionally, Ambassador Isomata visited the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Accident Ward, where he observed the bedside patient monitors and the central monitoring system installed, also provided by the Japanese government. These monitors and the system enable real-time monitoring of critical patients, allowing for swift medical responses.

In his remarks, Ambassador Isomata emphasised Japan’s long-standing support for Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector, starting with the construction assistance of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in the 1980s. He highlighted Japan’s recent contributions to hospitals nationwide and efforts to assist in the enhancement of medical services in the country, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Minister Jayatissa expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s continuous support, acknowledging its significant impact on improving the quality of healthcare for the people of Sri Lanka. This visit not only showcased the tangible benefits of Japan’s support, but also reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka. Both countries expressed their commitment to continue collaborating to promote the health and well-being of all Sri Lankan citizens. This visit reinforced the shared goal of deepening cooperation in the healthcare sector and pursuing the well-being of all citizens.

A special Japanese delegation, led by Ambassador H.E. Akio Isomata, together with Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, inspected the Sri Lanka National Hospital yesterday (10). The visit focused on reviewing the advanced medical equipment recently donated by the Government and people of Japan.

The inspection aimed to assess the treatment services provided by the donated equipment and to explore further avenues of support for strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.

Japan’s donation, valued at 1,000 million yen, included an MRI machine, a CT scan machine, a Cathlab treatment unit, and a range of essential medical and surgical equipment. These contributions are expected to enhance diagnostic capacity and improve the quality of patient care at the country’s premier government hospital.

Minister Jayatissa expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government and Ambassador Isomata, noting that Japan’s assistance plays a crucial role in the continued development of Sri Lanka’s health sector. Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding friendship with Sri Lanka and pledged continued support for future healthcare initiatives.

ri Lankan wildlife photographer Lakshitha Karunaratne’s striking image, “Toxic Tip”, has been named among the 100 award-winning photographs at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, now in its 61st year at the Natural History Museum, London.

The photograph, which captures a lone elephant foraging through a waste disposal site in Sri Lanka, was selected from a record-breaking 60,636 entries submitted worldwide. Karunaratne has long documented the human-elephant conflict on the island, where nearly 7,500 elephants often struggle for survival — some tragically seeking food in open rubbish dumps.

Expressing his gratitude, Karunaratne described the recognition as both humbling and significant. He emphasized that “Toxic Tip” shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of poor waste management on Sri Lanka’s elephants, calling for greater sustainability and responsibility in protecting wildlife.

Often referred to as the “Oscars of Wildlife Photography,” the competition highlights the power of photography as both an art form and a tool for raising awareness. Karunaratne’s work, selected among just 0.16% of submissions, has already reached global audiences through international media coverage.

In his statement, he urged: “Let us move towards a world where waste is managed responsibly, where sustainability is not a choice but a way of life. By protecting our elephants, we safeguard not only a species but also the spirit of nature that belongs to us all.”

Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing met with Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa on Monday (1) at the Ministry premises to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in healthcare.

The Ambassador commended the government’s forward-looking plans to enhance the health sector and reaffirmed Indonesia’s support in expanding access to quality healthcare services.

She also inquired about Sri Lanka’s state-to-state pharmaceutical procurement programme and opportunities to increase the supply of Indonesian-produced medicines to the local market.

Minister Jayatissa highlighted several initiatives, including expanding local pharmaceutical production, improving procurement processes, facilitating imports from Indonesia, and implementing a new primary healthcare promotion programme.

He further stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties not only in health but also in cultural, political, and economic areas.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Indonesian Embassy Third Secretary Sheila Ananta Ully were also present at the discussions.

A 23-member delegation of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association, led by Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, visited India from August 26 to 30. The delegation comprised office-bearers and executive committee members of the Friendship Association, representing various political Parties, along with Parliamentary staff. The visit provided the delegation an opportunity to witness India’s institutional and developmental transformation across key sectors.

The delegation called on the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. Welcoming the recent formation of the Friendship Association, the Speaker emphasised the importance of building institutional capacities and exploring new areas of collaboration. The visiting delegation conveyed appreciation for India’s consistent and unconditional support to Sri Lanka and reiterated their commitment to advancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

In a separate engagement, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa held a bilateral meeting with Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of India, discussing ongoing cooperation in the Health sector and identified opportunities for further collaboration.

During the visit, the delegation also explored India’s advancements in Public Health and Education. This included visits to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jan Aushadhi Kendra—a flagship initiative providing affordable essential medicines—and the edtech startup Physics Wallah. These visits offered valuable insights into India’s innovation-led approach in Healthcare and Education, and its scalable models for inclusive development.

To enhance Economic and Commercial linkages, the delegation participated in a Business Roundtable organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The discussion focused on deepening Trade and Investment ties, with emphasis on cooperation in the areas of Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare infrastructure, and Technology.

Additionally, the delegation attended informative sessions organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) on Legislative procedures, committee functioning, Governance frameworks, and Media engagement.

The visit marked a significant milestone in the evolving Parliamentary partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Coming within 3 months of the formation of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association in May 2025, and following the visit of 20 Sri Lankan Members of Parliament for an orientation programme in India earlier that month, this delegation-level visit reinforces the strong democratic ethos and enduring friendship shared between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khalid Hamoud Nasser Alkahtani praised the Government’s new policy of establishing a people-friendly health service free from corruption and malpractices.

He assured continued support for the development of Sri Lanka’s health and media sectors.

The Ambassador had made this assurance when he met Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at his Ministry recently.