The 78th session of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia commenced in Colombo yesterday (13), with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa being elected as chairman. He will serve in this capacity for a period of one year.

The three-day session, which will continue until tomorrow (15), marks a significant event for Sri Lanka as host nation. It is attended by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr. Katerina Bohm, Health Ministers from eight member States, Ambassadors from two nations, and other WHO experts.

The meeting will focus on shaping the region’s health strategy for the coming year. Delegates are expected to adopt new proposals addressing major health challenges, review progress on previous resolutions, and renew commitments to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of all people across the region.

Revitalising efforts to achieve health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will also be among the key priorities discussed during the session.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls, and to translating principles into practical action for equality and dignity.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the Opening Ceremony of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, held at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing on 13 October, upon the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

On her arrival at the CNCC, the Prime Minister was welcomed by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Madam Peng Liyuan. Following President Xi’s welcome address, Heads of State and Government delivered their remarks, including the address by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the forum the Prime Minister stated; “Nearly thirty years after the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing and the Beijing Platform for Action, we still draw on that comprehensive framework for gender equality.

We have made real progress: female literacy has risen, maternal mortality has nearly halved, and global life expectancy has increased from 69 years in 1995 to 76 years in 2023.

Yet serious gaps remain: women’s labour-force participation stands at just 48.7% compared with 73% for men; women account for only about 35% of graduates in science and technology; 47.8 million more women than men face moderate or severe food insecurity; and movement toward political parity is far too slow.

All-round development of women is, therefore, a holistic process across education, health, the economy, politics, society, and culture and it demands our continued commitment.”

The Prime Minister further emphasised Sri Lanka’s national commitments, including increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making to ensure meaningful representation at every level, and implementing the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2023–2027), in line with CEDAW and UNSCR 1325.

She affirmed Sri Lanka’s resolve to ensure that women from diverse social backgrounds, including those from working-class and marginalised communities, are represented across all sectors.

After the Opening Ceremony, the Prime Minister attended the official banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Madam Peng Liyuan at the CNCC.

Sri Lanka is hosting the 78th Regional Conference of the World Health Organization (WHO) for South and Southeast Asia in Colombo from today (13) to October 15.

The opening ceremony of the Tourist House and Stamp Office at the Ella Post Office of the Sri Lanka Postal Department was held recently under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, in line with the 151st World Post Day celebrations.

These two initiatives aim to generate additional revenue for the Postal Department while also contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. Addressing the event, Minister Dr. Jayatissa emphasized the importance of positive transformation and innovation to strengthen the Department’s ability to face future challenges.

The event featured several symbolic activities, including the unveiling of the tourist house nameplate, the lighting ceremony, the sale of commemorative stamps to both local and foreign visitors, and the first official booking of the new tourist facility.

The upper floor of the Ella Post Office, originally built as an official residence in 2018, was renovated and transformed into a tourist accommodation at a cost of approximately Rs. 2 million in 2025. The renovation followed earlier upgrades made in 2024 at a cost of Rs. 4.5 million.

Located in one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations, the new facility is expected to serve as both a revenue-generating venture and a value-added service for visitors to Ella.

The event was attended by MP Ravindra Bandara, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara, Deputy Postmasters General Premachandra Herath, Thusitha Hulangamuwa, and Chameesha de Silva, along with other officials and staff of the Sri Lanka Postal Department.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya arrived in Beijing, China, on 12 October for an official visit to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, upon the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. On her arrival, she was welcomed by Ms. Cao Shumin, Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration.

During the first day’s programme, the Prime Minister visited the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases imperial architecture and nationally curated collections. The Great Wall, also a UNESCO site, stands as a symbol of China’s historical ingenuity and ongoing conservation efforts.

Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne officially assumed her duties as the Deputy Minister of Mass Media at the Ministry of Mass Media in Narahenpita this morning (11).

Her appointment follows a Cabinet reshuffle carried out by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in conjunction with the 2026 budget, aimed at accelerating and streamlining the government’s development goals.

Speaking after taking office, Dr. Ariyaratne highlighted the ongoing initiatives under the “Rich Country, Beautiful Life” policy and noted that many projects are still underway. She emphasized that the Ministry of Mass Media plays a central role, reflecting government policies and state affairs both locally and internationally through the media.

Dr. Ariyaratne stressed the importance of responsible journalism, media freedom, and balanced information, stating that policy formulation to achieve these goals will require the cooperation of all stakeholders.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says that the Government is creating a national renaissance in the postal service and that the 152nd Postal Day should be celebrated as a postal day that achieved its goals.

World Post Day, which celebrates the postal service that delivers happiness, hope, and love for millions of people throughout the country and around the world, fell yesterday (9).

The national celebration to mark the occasion organised by the Postal Department was held at the Badulla Postal Complex Auditorium with the participation of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The 151st World Post Day is being celebrated this year, and this is also the 56th National Post Day celebration in this country.

The Minister also stated that the postal service has a long history and is of economic importance, and that the Government is bringing about a national renaissance of the postal service.

The Minister emphasised that the postal service, also generates revenue by providing services. He also pointed out that the Government is taking steps to strengthen the services provided through human resource development, building development, and equipping the postal service with modern technology, and that all employees have the responsibility to turn all post offices into entrepreneurial centers.

The Minister stated that the 152nd Postal Day should be celebrated with the trust of the people as a rapidly developing, modern technology-based service that has achieved its goals and is not a burden on the Government.

Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said that efforts should be made to build a positive response among the public towards the postal service.

He also stated that the services would be launched under the guidance of the Universal Postal Union and that the postal service should be made a service that would not be a burden on the country, and that all staff should dedicate themselves to achieving the objectives of the service.

The commemorative stamp issued by the Department of Posts to mark the 151st World Post Day was released under the patronage of the Minister and with the participation of distinguished guests.

The Minister also presented Postal Day commemorative magazine and presented award certificates to best performing Sub-Post Offices, Postal Superintendents’ Offices, District Administrative Superintendents’ Offices, and District Accounts Offices.

The Cabinet of Ministers is expected to be reshuffled today (10), according to political sources. The government has reportedly decided to carry out the reshuffle in order to accelerate and enhance the efficiency of its development objectives, in line with the 2026 Budget.

Accordingly, the newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers are scheduled to be sworn in before the President at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (10).

The reshuffle is as follows:

• Cabinet Ministers –The following Cabinet Ministers have been sworn in:

  • Bimal Niroshan Ratnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development

  • Anura Karunathilaka – Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation

  • Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe – Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply

  Deputy Ministers –

  The following Deputy Ministers have been sworn in:

  1. Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando – Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

  2. T.B. Sarath – Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply

  3. M.M. Mohamed Muneer – Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs

  4. Eranga Gunasekara – Deputy Minister of Urban Development

  5. Dr. Muditha Hansaka Wijayamuni – Deputy Minister of Health

  6. Aravinda Senarath Vitharana – Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation

  7. H.M. Dinidu Saman Kumara – Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs

  8. U.D. Nishantha Jayaweera – Deputy Minister of Economic Development

  9. Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne – Deputy Minister of Mass Media

  10. M.I.M. Arkam – Deputy Minister of Energy

The National Commemoration of World Post Day was held today (9) at the Badulla Postal Complex Auditorium under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

This year marks the 151st World Post Day and the 56th national commemoration celebrated in Sri Lanka.

During the event, the First Day Cover issued by the Department of Posts to mark World Post Day 2025 was officially presented to Minister Jayatissa by Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of officials, including Uva Provincial Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Badulla District Parliamentarian Ravindra Bandara, Uva Provincial Secretary Anusha Gokula Fernando, Badulla District Secretary Prabath Abeywardena, Senior DIG of Uva Province Mahesh Senaratne, and several officers of the Postal Department.

The Sri Lanka Postal Department granted permanent appointment letters to 731 newly selected postal assistants yesterday, at a ceremony held at Temple Trees, with Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa in attendance.

This recruitment marks the first time the Postal Department has hired permanent postal assistants since 2021. The department had been struggling with a severe operational crisis due to 1,982 vacancies at the end of last year. Upon a request from Minister Jayatissa, the Cabinet approved the recruitment of 1,000 assistants on August 19, 2025. The 731 appointees were selected from qualified relief workers already registered with the department and are being inducted into Grade III of the Primary Non-Technical Service category. The Health and Media Ministry is currently working to recruit the remaining 269 postal assistants.

Addressing the appointees, the Minister announced that Rs. 2.085 billion has been allocated this year for the modernisation of the postal service. This investment includes Rs. 250 million for purchasing lorries, Rs. 320 million for purchasing cab vehicles, Rs. 180 million for acquiring 1,500 tablet computers to introduce modern technology to sub-post offices, Rs. 75 million for purchasing 225 desktop computers, Rs. 40 million for providing renewable solar energy to some post offices, Rs. 600 million for the construction of 20 new post offices, which the Minister expects to be completed before the end of December and Rs. 600 million for the renovation of 209 existing post offices.

“All of this is being provided at a time when the Post is a financial burden on the Treasury,” the Minister emphasised.

The Minister stressed that the ultimate goal of these investments and recruitments is to transform the postal service from a Treasury burden into a profit-generating entity.

“The purpose of these recruitments is to rapidly deliver all services, win the public’s trust, increase revenue, and make the Post a place that adds revenue, not burden the Treasury,” he said.

He reminded the recruits and the management that this is a challenge they must accept. While he fulfils his duty as the subject Minister, the Postmaster General and the management must take their responsibility, and the employees must also commit to this challenge.

The Minister issued a stark warning: if the postal service fails to become profitable even after these resources are provided, the Government will have to reconsider whether it should continue to invest Treasury funds to maintain the department in its current form. He noted that if the income of a post or sub-post office does not even cover the salary of the employee, the feasibility of continuing that office must be reviewed.

The Minister urged all nearly 20,000 postal employees to work together as one family to elevate the service, emphasising that their conduct impacts the public in many ways. He expressed his expectation that all postal workers will act responsibly, understanding the Government’s immense commitment to developing the 200-year-old postal service.

The vision of the Sri Lanka Postal Department is to become the best connectivity partner by providing modernised, multi-faceted services.

The event was attended by Health and Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary Kelum Wijenaike, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara, Deputy Postmasters General H.M.P. Herath (Operations) and Chamesha De Silva (Administration), Controller (Operations) Indika Perera, Administration Secretary (Staff) Samanthika Premaratne, Senior Administration Secretary Chamil Wickramarachchi, Provincial Deputy Postmasters General, trade union representatives and other officials.

The fifth ‘Arogya Suwatha Centre’ (Health and Wellness Centre) in the national pilot project was recently (3) ceremonially opened to the public in Dankanda, Matale, under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Minister Jayatissa emphasised that the country has achieved high success in maternal and child health by providing continuous and accountable healthcare to a precisely identified population. He stressed that this successful model must now be applied to other sectors of the health service, which is the core reason for establishing the Arogya Suwatha Centres.

The opening of the Dankanda centre, which will serve nearly 5,000 residents across the Grama Seva divisions of Dankanda, Weralugasthenna, and Dambagolla 1, is part of the Government’s new ‘Healthy Sri Lanka’ programme. The new health policy aims to establish 1,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide in its first phase, with 100 centres scheduled to be opened by the end of 2025.

The centres are designed to be community-focused and easily accessible. During the opening, the Minister personally registered and issued the card to the centre’s first client.

The Dankanda centre is the fifth to be opened as part of the initial pilot project. The first four centers were opened in Mapalagama, Galle (September 26); Ethoya, Ratnapura (September 27); Thalpi­tiya, Kalutara (September 29); and Polgollawatte, Kandy (October 3).

Minister Jayatissa reiterated that the centres are not hospitals but wellness centres. He explained that the staff will be assigned to care for a specific, identifiable population of between 5,000 to 10,000 people across four to five Grama Niladhari divisions.

The centres will focus on areas like Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the elderly population, mental health, and nutrition. The primary goal is early disease detection – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer – before patients develop complications and require hospitalisation.

The Minister added that the centres will evolve beyond being mere counselling and medicine-dispensing points. Services will be gradually introduced, including traditional and Ayurvedic treatments, physical exercise, yoga, and music therapy.

Each centre will be assigned a comprehensive healthcare team, including a family doctor, a community health nurse, and a coordination officer. The centres will offer a range of services including treatment and counselling for NCDs; elderly, rehabilitation, and palliative care; primary eye, oral, and mental health care; nutritional counselling and alcohol rehabilitation services; youth and adolescent care services; and selected laboratory tests.

For medical issues exceeding the local doctor’s capacity, the centre will schedule appointments for patients at the nearest secondary or tertiary hospital. The project’s main objective is to empower the public regarding their health and use community participation to address region-specific health challenges.

The event was attended by Matale District MP Deepthi Wasalage, Central Province Chief Secretary G.H.M.A. Premasinghe, Provincial Director of Health Services Dr. Nihal Weerasuriya, Matale Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Udara Gunathilaka, Deputy Director General of the Health Ministry Dinipriya Herath, Director (Primary Care Services) Dr. Sarathchandra Kumarawansa and Central Province Health Ministry Secretary Jagath Adhikari, alongside other dignitaries, health staff, and residents.

The NinthABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention (CADP-2025) will be held from November 25–27 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo.

Organised by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and hosted by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), it will be the largest international media event in Sri Lanka this year, bringing together delegates from over 35 countries.

Delegates will include high-level representatives from major broadcasters such as NHK (Japan), CMG (China), ABC (Australia), Doordarshan (India), TRT (Turkey), and RTM (Malaysia). They will join Sri Lankan broadcaster experts and other key stakeholders in climate communication and disaster preparedness.

With climate disasters on the rise, the role of the media is shifting from reporters of tragedy to partners in resilience. SLRC believes that hosting CADP-2025 is both an honour and a privilege for Sri Lanka.The Summit logo, website, and the mascot were launched at a ceremony held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel on Septmber 30.

The Summit theme, ‘Building Resilience through Media: For a Cleaner, Greener and Safer Tomorrow’, highlights how media can go beyond daily reporting to play a proactive role in safeguarding communities. Key features of the programme include:

• Launch of the Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan (DPRP) Model for Media, supported by UNESCO.
• High-level keynote addresses and thematic panels on disaster communication and climate action.
• Training workshops for journalists to build practical skills in disaster reporting.
• The ABU Climate Change and DRR Awards Ceremony.

Since its inception in 2014 in Jakarta, the CADP Summit has been hosted by countries including Thailand, Bangladesh, Fiji, Nepal, and the Maldives. The initiative was born after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed over 227,000 lives across 14 countries, underscoring the urgent need for stronger media engagement in disaster preparedness.

CADP-2025 in Colombo will spotlight Sri Lanka’s commitment to resilience and climate communication, while also promoting the nation as a sustainable tourism destination. A closing declaration will outline a regional roadmap for media cooperation in disaster risk reduction and climate action.