Strengthening Preventive Healthcare: 42 New Wellness Centers to Launch Under ‘Healthy Sri Lanka’ Initiative

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani , jadetime staff

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Image Source -: The Official Government News

COLOMBO: In a significant move to fortify the nation’s primary healthcare system, the government has announced the inauguration of 42 new Health and Wellness Centres across 21 districts on January 24th. This expansion marks the second phase of an ambitious pilot project aimed at establishing 1,000 such centres island wide to promote a proactive approach to public health.

The ‘Healthy Sri Lanka’ Vision

Operated under the "Healthy Sri Lanka" programme, these centres are a result of the strategic guidance provided by the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The initiative shifts the focus from curative care to preventive medicine, empowering local communities to manage non communicable diseases (NCDs) and maintain overall well-being through localized medical support.

Building on Initial Success

The second phase follows the successful implementation of the first pilot stage in 2025. During that period, five key centres were established as "proof of concept" in the following locations:

· Mapalagama (Galle District)

· Ath Oya (Ratnapura District)

· Thalpitiya (Kalutara District)

· Polagollawatte (Kandy District)

· Gankanda (Matale District)

The positive outcomes from these initial sites have paved the way for the current rapid expansion into 21 districts.

Ambitious Targets for 2026

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has set a rigorous target to establish a total of 250 new centres within this calendar year. This network is designed to ensure that quality wellness services are accessible to citizens in even the most remote corners of the country.

Significant Financial Commitment

To ensure the sustainability and high standards of these facilities, the Government has allocated a substantial Rs. 1,500 million in the 2026 Budget. This investment underscores a major policy shift towards strengthening preventive healthcare, which is expected to reduce the long-term burden on the country’s major hospital infrastructure.

By prioritizing wellness and early detection, the ‘Healthy Sri Lanka’ programme aims to foster a more resilient and health conscious population, ensuring that every citizen has a gateway to professional medical advice within their own community.