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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka, with support from the Government of Japan, inaugurated a newly constructed Port Health Office at the Port of Colombo, signaling a milestone in strengthening Sri Lanka’s border health security and preparedness for public health emergencies.
The text of the Japanese embassy press release: “The new facility was handed over to the Ministry of Health to strengthen health screening, surveillance and emergency response capacities at the Port of Colombo. In 2025 alone, the Port Health Service granted more than 4,190 Free Pratique clearances and conducted 365 ship sanitation inspections, demonstrating its important role in protecting public health while supporting safe maritime trade.
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media said: “Today’s inauguration marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s health security and national resilience. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to building a healthier, safer and more resilient Sri Lanka, while ensuring that our ports remain prepared to meet the public health challenges of the future.”
The Port Health Office will provide essential border health services to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats at the Port of Colombo. Its functions include inspecting international vessels, issuing Free Pratique and ship sanitation certificates, conducting surveillance and vector control activities, and coordinating emergency public health responses.
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, attending the event stated: “The Government is committed to strengthening the Port of Colombo’s position as a leading maritime hub in the Indian Ocean Region. This new Port Health Office enhances our capacity to safely and efficiently manage increasing international maritime traffic while meeting international health standards, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a safe, resilient and competitive gateway for global maritime trade.
The Port Health Office was established under “The Project for Strengthening Capacity of Border Control for Responding to Infectious Diseases in Southwest Asia,” implemented by IOM with support from the Government of Japan. In Sri Lanka, the project supports the Port of Colombo and the Bandaranaike International Airport through investments in infrastructure, technology, equipment and capacity building to enhance compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and build resilience against future public health threats.
The project also strengthens border health systems through the donation of medical equipment, improved waste management, standard operating procedures and training for frontline personnel. Complementary investments at Bandaranaike International Airport further enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity to facilitate safe, secure and efficient international travel while improving preparedness for future public health emergencies.
Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, stated, “Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Sri Lanka’s strategic importance as a safe and reliable maritime hub in the Indian Ocean is greater than ever. As the country experiences record growth in tourism and trade, building robust, crisis-resilient border health infrastructure today is indispensable to preventing future disruptions, safeguarding public health, and supporting Sri Lanka’s long-term economic prosperity.”
By strengthening operational efficiency, health security and inter-agency coordination at points of entry, the project contributes to supporting stronger borders, safer mobility and strengthens resilience to infectious disease threats while contributing to the country’s economic recovery.
Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives added, “This newly established Port Health Office represents a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s ability to detect, prepare for and respond to public health threats. IOM remains committed to supporting national efforts to strengthen and sustain resilient points of entry, helping to safeguard public health while facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration.”
IOM continues to work closely with the Government of Sri Lanka and partners to strengthen border management and public health systems, supporting resilient and future-ready points of entry that protect people, facilitate safe mobility and strengthen national resilience.”
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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has called for an independent regulatory body to oversee fuel pricing and safeguard fair competition among petroleum suppliers.
The matter came up during a committee meeting chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday at the Parliamentary complex, where members examined disparities in fuel procurement costs between the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and private distributors.
Officials pointed out that while the CPC meets part of the country’s fuel demand through its refinery, private operators depend entirely on imported refined petroleum products. The Committee was informed that the two groups face substantially different landing costs.
However, private distributors are required to base their retail prices on those announced by the CPC, raising questions about whether the existing arrangement places them at a competitive disadvantage, according to a Parliament Department of Communication statement.
Members stressed the need for an independent and transparent system to regulate pricing, taking into account procurement costs, taxation and distribution expenses, while ensuring equitable treatment of all market participants.
The Committee also called for replacing broad-based fuel subsidies with targeted relief for economically disadvantaged groups and public transport operators.
Other matters reviewed included proposed standards for imported vehicle tyres and revisions to the Aswesuma welfare scheme.
The meeting examined regulations issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2508/27 of October 1, 2026, and Supplementary Estimate No. 07 of 2026.
Sri Lanka’s economic growth has slowed sharply while inflation, youth unemployment and poverty continue to put pressure on the public, former Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday.
Addressing a media briefing, organised by the People’s United Opposition, in Colombo, Prof Peiris said economic growth had declined from 5.8% in the second quarter of 2025 to 4.2% in the second quarter of 2026.
He also claimed that the economy was now about 2% below the level recorded in 2008.
Prof. Peiris said inflation had risen from 6.3%, in June, to 8% by August, while food inflation had reached 8.5%. He warned that continued inflation would erode people’s savings and the value of their assets.
He said the value of the US dollar had risen from Rs. 293, in October 2024, to Rs. 337, increasing import costs and placing additional pressure on the repayment of foreign debt.
Prof Peiris said the economic contraction, inflation and foreign exchange difficulties had hampered job creation, while unemployment among educated youth had risen to 43%, which, he described, as the highest youth unemployment rate in Asia.
He also said that Sri Lanka had attracted no large-scale foreign investment over the past two years, citing what he said were concerns raised in a US State Department report over weak institutional coordination, frequently changing policies and tax policies.
Prof Peiris further criticised the Government over the pace of expenditure, claiming that only 28% of funds allocated in last year’s Budget had been spent by September.
He said only about 8% of the Rs. 500 billion allocated for people affected by the Ditwah disaster had been spent, arguing that institutional inefficiency, rather than a shortage of funds, was responsible.
Peiris also questioned the economic impact of the Government’s vehicle import policy, claiming that the reopening of vehicle imports had resulted in a significant outflow of foreign exchange.
He said Customs revenue from vehicle imports, which he put at Rs. 255.1 billion in 2025, had declined to about Rs. 200 billion by September this year and was likely to fall further.
Against this backdrop, Prof Peiris said the Government should use the Budget, scheduled to be presented on November 12, to introduce practical measures to address the country’s economic problems.
Former Ministers Dr Rajitha Senaratne, Patali Champila Ranawaka and Suren Raghavan also addressed the press
A total of 107,829 dengue cases have been reported across Sri Lanka so far this year, with 81 deaths attributed to the disease, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said.
The Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases at 22,502, followed by Colombo with 20,799 cases and Kandy with 8,803 cases.
July recorded the highest monthly number of dengue cases so far this year, with 29,964 cases reported during the month.
The NDCU said 1,577 cases had been reported during the first few days of November alone.
In view of the prevailing rainy weather, the NDCU has declared a special Dengue Prevention Week from yesterday (09) to November 14.
The programme is aimed at strengthening dengue prevention activities and controlling mosquito breeding grounds amid conditions favourable for the spread of the disease.
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