The Sri Lanka Community Medical Specialists Association has revealed a significant increase in the life expectancy of Sri Lankans, marking a milestone in the nation’s healthcare advancements. According to the latest data, life expectancy for men has risen to 76 years, while for women, it has reached 80 years. This was disclosed by the Association’s Chairman, Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, during a media briefing on January 30.
Why Has Life Expectancy Increased?
Experts attribute this remarkable increase to socio-economic progress, advancements in healthcare, and improved health literacy among the population.
“Our socio-economic development, the political decisions taken, and policies implemented over the past 75 years have played a key role in extending life expectancy,” explained Dr. Jayaratne.
Improvements in medical technology and access to advanced healthcare services have been major contributors. Breakthroughs in emergency medicine, particularly for life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, have significantly improved survival rates.
“Ten years ago, if you had a heart attack, you had to rely on divine intervention. But now, as soon as you reach the hospital, we dissolve the blood clot, insert a stent, and send the patient home within three days. This is the progress we have achieved,” he said.
Sri Lanka Tops Regional Life Expectancy
Comparing Sri Lanka’s life expectancy to its South Asian neighbors highlights the country’s superior healthcare outcomes. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data:
- India: Men – 65 years | Women – 69 years
- Bangladesh: Men – 73 years | Women – 74 years
- Pakistan: Men – 65 years | Women – 66 years
- Nepal: Men – 68 years | Women – 71 years
Sri Lanka’s 76-year life expectancy for men and 80-year life expectancy for women put it ahead of the regional average, reinforcing the country’s standing as a leader in healthcare and public well-being.
Policy Reforms Needed for Aging Population
While increased life expectancy is a positive indicator, Dr. Jayaratne emphasized the urgent need for policy changes to address challenges posed by an aging population.
“People today can work productively until 70 years or beyond. In Australia, people can continue working for as long as they are able. We need to revise policies to accommodate this and ensure that elderly individuals remain active contributors to society,” he said.
Changes Required in Healthcare Services
With the rise in life expectancy, the healthcare system must adapt to the needs of an aging population. Dr. Jayaratne identified non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cancer treatment, mental health services, and rehabilitation for the elderly as priority areas requiring improvement.
Additionally, he called for a restructuring of medical education to produce more healthcare professionals specialized in geriatric care.
Birth Rate Declines, Death Rate Rises
Dr. Jayaratne highlighted concerning trends in birth and death rates in Sri Lanka.
Between 2019 and 2023, the number of births has declined, while deaths have increased. On average, 313,000 pregnancies are reported annually, leading to 250,000 live births. However, a growing percentage of children are affected by health issues.
“Approximately 30% of children in the country suffer from obesity, while many others struggle with malnutrition,” he said.
Call for Legalizing Termination of Fetuses with Fatal Defects
Sri Lanka has made progress in reducing stillbirths, with the Colombo Declaration on stillbirth prevention gaining international recognition. However, legal restrictions on terminating fetuses with fatal birth defects remain a challenge.
“Even India has allowed this procedure, but despite trying for 20 years, we have not been able to implement it in Sri Lanka. The Community Medical Specialists Association is leading efforts to change this law,” he stated.
Concerns Over Child Mortality and Suicides
The doctor also raised alarms about child mortality and youth suicides in the country.
- Approximately 3,300 children under five die every year in Sri Lanka.
- Unofficial reports suggest nearly 200 children under 18 committed suicide in 2024.
Dr. Jayaratne stressed the need for stronger mental health programs and greater intervention in preventing child suicides, urging the government to take immediate action.
Sri Lanka’s increasing life expectancy reflects decades of progress in healthcare and social policies, but new challenges have emerged, requiring urgent policy reforms to ensure a sustainable future for the aging population.
