A Sri Lankan delegation undertook a working visit to the Philippines from 22 to 24 March 2023, to participate in a study tour co-organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Health Organization (WHO).
The delegation comprised Minister of Health Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella, State Minister of Finance of Sri Lanka Shehan Semasinghe, State Minister of Health Seetha Arambepola, Member of Parliament Madura Vithanage; Member of Parliament Dr. Gayashan Nawananda, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena and Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies Dr. Dushni Weerakoon.
ADB conducted sessions on the best practices of health system of the Philippines, the Universal Health Care Act of the Philippines and the delegation attended discussion on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation PhilHealth’s engagement with the private sector.
Minister Rambukwella also had fruitful discussions with the Vice President of ADB Shixin Chen who assured the ADB’s commitment to the development of livelihood of vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka. State Minister of Finance, State Minister of Health, Director General of Health Services and the Charge d’Affaires a.i., of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines attended the meeting.
On the sidelines, the Health Minister met with the Officer-in-Charge of the Philippines’ Department of Health Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire and discussed the Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation and future collaborations with Sri Lanka in promoting healthier and safer spaces through the creation of policies and laws.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Manila
