In a significant affirmation of its burgeoning leadership within the sphere of international public health, Sri Lanka recently assumed a pivotal role at the heart of regional health governance in New Delhi. The High-Level Preparatory (HLP) Meeting for the Seventy-ninth (79th) Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, which convened from the 20th to the 22nd of July 2026, was chaired by the Honourable Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, the Deputy Minister of Health of Sri Lanka. This high-profile engagement, staged at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, underscored the nation’s instrumental contributions to the collective health security and developmental aspirations of the region, which is home to over a quarter of the global population.
The proceedings were formally inaugurated by Dr. Catharina Boehme, the Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, whose opening remarks highlighted the imperative for collaborative action in an era replete with complex epidemiological challenges. The meeting served as a vital deliberative forum, bringing together senior representatives and health luminaries from Member States to cultivate a unified consensus on pressing regional health priorities. This consensus is intended to form the bedrock of the discussions and resolutions that will be presented during the upcoming 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee, a cornerstone event in the regional health calendar.
A Strategic Mandate Guided by the Banyan Framework
The deliberations in New Delhi were not merely administrative in nature but were profoundly guided by the Banyan Framework for Health and Well-being (2026–2028). This newly inaugurated strategic direction for the WHO’s work across the South-East Asia Region provides a comprehensive roadmap for advancing health outcomes through a lens of equity and resilience. The Banyan tree, an enduring symbol of strength and interconnectedness across many Asian cultures, aptly reflects the framework’s objective of fostering health systems that are both deeply rooted in community needs and expansive in their protective reach.
Under the astute chairmanship of Hon. Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, the HLP meeting meticulously examined the framework’s core tenets. The discussions emphasised that the pursuit of health and well-being must be the antithesis of fragmented, siloed interventions. Instead, a holistic approach, one that weaves together geographical data, socioeconomic determinants, and technological innovation, is required to meet the evolving needs of the global Sri Lankan community and their regional neighbours.
Accelerating Universal Health Coverage and Equity
A primary focal point of the three-day meeting was the acceleration of progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). For many decades, Sri Lanka has been lauded internationally for its robust primary healthcare model, and its role in chairing this meeting allowed for a productive exchange of institutional expertise. The delegation highlighted the necessity of strengthening equitable access to specialised healthcare, ensuring that the benefits of modern medicine are not restricted to urban centres but are extended to the most vulnerable populations across the region.
The resilience of health facilities was also a critical subject of enquiry. In the wake of recent global health shocks, the HLP meeting examined strategies to fortify healthcare infrastructure against the dual threats of pandemics and climate-related disasters. It was agreed that resilient health systems are not merely those that can withstand a crisis, but those that can continue to provide high-quality, people-centred care under significant strain.
The Digital Transformation of Health Systems
The digital transformation of health systems was identified as a transformative catalyst for improving health delivery and administrative efficiency. By integrating digital solutions, ranging from telemedicine to advanced health information systems, Member States aim to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients. This digital leap is particularly relevant for Sri Lankans abroad and the wider regional community, as it facilitates a more seamless and responsive healthcare experience.
Hon. Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni pointed out that the digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that the adoption of new technologies does not inadvertently widen the health equity gap. The meeting called for regional cooperation in developing interoperable digital health standards, a move that is expected to streamline cross-border health initiatives and improve the monitoring of multi-disease elimination efforts.
Intensifying the Battle Against Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases
The meeting also addressed the persistent challenge of tuberculosis (TB) and the broader goal of multi-disease elimination. Despite significant progress over the last decade, TB remains a formidable public health concern in South-East Asia. The HLP meeting intensified regional efforts to mobilise resources and implement innovative screening and treatment protocols. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to the goal of ending the TB epidemic, recognising that success in one nation is inextricably linked to the progress made by its neighbours.
The focus on multi-disease elimination reflects a strategic shift towards integrated health services. Rather than addressing diseases in isolation, the Banyan Framework encourages a unified approach that tackles various communicable and non-communicable diseases simultaneously, thereby optimising the use of limited health resources and enhancing the overall impact of public health interventions.
Sri Lanka’s Delegation and Multilateral Commitment
Sri Lanka’s role in this high-level forum was further bolstered by the presence of a distinguished delegation, which included Dr. S. Sridharan, the Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Ministry of Health. Dr. Sridharan’s involvement underscores the technical depth that Sri Lanka brings to the regional table, particularly in the realms of strategic health planning and resource allocation. The collective expertise of the Sri Lankan representatives was instrumental in navigating the complex technical discussions and building a shared vision for the future of regional health.
The chairmanship of Hon. Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni reflects a broader trajectory of Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to regional cooperation. By engaging proactively in multilateral forums like the WHO Regional Committee, Sri Lanka continues to advocate for inclusive and people-centred health systems that prioritise the well-being of all citizens. This leadership on the international stage is a source of great pride for the global Sri Lankan community, showcasing the nation’s ability to influence global health policy and contribute to the common good.
Watch the Regional Health Update
For those interested in a broader overview of recent health developments and regional news, the following broadcast provides valuable context on the issues discussed during the New Delhi meetings:
As the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee approaches, the foundations laid during the HLP meeting in New Delhi will undoubtedly prove crucial. The consensus reached on digital health, UHC, and disease elimination sets a clear and ambitious agenda for the coming years. eLanka remains dedicated to bringing you the latest updates on these vital developments, celebrating the achievements of Sri Lankans as they lead the way in fostering a healthier, more resilient world.
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Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MDzczf28A/ (Colombo Gazette / Ministry of Health), kindly email us at info@eLanka.com.au if any information needs to be corrected.
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