Amid viral claims of decline, Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry releases data-backed evidence showing steady improvement, rising service coverage, and a clear path toward 80 percent universal health access by 2030.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, has firmly rejected claims circulating in the media that Sri Lanka’s health sector has deteriorated, stating that such reports are based on false interpretations and inaccurate statistics. He emphasized that Sri Lanka is on track to achieve an 80 percent health service coverage target by 2030 through the implementation of the National Health Policy and the National Health Strategic Master Plan.
Dr. Jasinghe made these clarifications in a special press release, referring to verified data from Universal Health Coverage assessments and the World Health Organization World Bank 2025 Global Monitoring Reports. According to the Ministry, several misleading reports have been widely shared across social media, electronic media, and print platforms, presenting distorted indicators and creating the false impression that the national health service has declined to a critically low level.
In response to these claims, the Secretary issued the press release to outline the actual progress of Sri Lanka’s health service indicators, supported by factual data and visual evidence. He reiterated that Universal Health Coverage aims to ensure all citizens have access to quality health services when and where they are needed, without financial hardship.
The World Health Organization World Bank 2025 Global Monitoring Report explains that progress toward this goal is measured using the Service Coverage Index, which reflects access to essential health services. According to the report, Sri Lanka recorded a strong UHC index of 72 percent in 2023, marking a notable improvement from 67.4 percent in 2019.
Building on this progress, the National Health Policy 2026 to 2035 and the National Health Strategic Master Plan 2026 to 2035 aim to raise service coverage to 80 percent by 2030. This target reflects sustained efforts to strengthen primary health care, expand community-based services, improve maternal and child health, enhance non-communicable disease management, and advance health technology.
The Ministry has also prioritized investments in health infrastructure, access to essential medicines, laboratory and diagnostic services, disease surveillance, and health information systems that support evidence-based decision-making. Expanding services in rural and underserved areas, along with improved referral pathways, has further strengthened health system resilience.
Dr. Jasinghe noted that Sri Lanka remains a strong regional performer in free public health services and equitable access. He stressed that ongoing reforms, including the Primary Health Care Systems Strengthening Project, integration of preventive and curative services, and policies to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, will safeguard the country’s public health legacy and ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all citizens by 2030.
