Oct 03, Colombo: United Nations international organizations in Sri Lanka have commended Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi on the measures taken to control the COVID-19 epidemic in the country.

World Health Orgnaization (WHO) Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Dr. Razia Pendsey, Sri Lanka’s UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Hanna Singer, International Technical Specialist, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Mr. Jairo Andres Villamil-Diaz, UN Development Program Policy Expert and Team Leader Mr. Fadhil Bakeer Markar, and Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Sri Lanka Xuebing Sun participated in the discussion.

Representatives of the international organizations told the Minister of Health that they would continue to support all health development activities carried out by the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka.

The representatives expressed appreciation for the health policies implemented by the new Government, including the President, for the development of the health sector in Sri Lanka, especially in the field of primary health development. It was also agreed to provide financial assistance for the expansion of public health services.

FAO’s Mr. Xuebing said that he would support the implementation of a food security program targeting the children of Sri Lanka in the future.

Dr. Razia Pendse, Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Sri Lanka, said that special assistance was provided for the control COVID-19 in Sri Lanka during the coronavirus pandemic. She also said that steps will be taken to continue this program in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Fadhil Bakeer Markar said that a program has been set up to implement infrastructure and special projects in Sri Lankan hospitals.

Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that she was pleased to see the appreciation of the COVID-19 control program in the country.

“On behalf of the new Government, including His Excellency the President, and as the Minister of Health, I appreciate all the international organizations that support the health development programs being implemented in Sri Lanka,” the Minister said.

Health Secretary Major General Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe was also present at the occasion.