Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko and a delegation of seven high-ranking diplomatic officials concluded a significant three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening health sector cooperation between the two nations. The delegation arrived on May 3 at approximately 10:20 a.m. aboard Aeroflot flight SU-288 at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Upon their arrival, Minister Murashko and his entourage were officially welcomed by a delegation including Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director of International Health Anil Samaranayake, and the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Levan Dzhagaryan. Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was also part of the welcoming party.
Throughout their visit, from May 3 to May 5, the primary objective was to hold special discussions to bolster relations and cooperation in the health sector. A key meeting took place on May 4 at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, where Minister Murashko engaged in extensive talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni and Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan were also in attendance. Discussions focused on strengthening Sri Lanka's healthcare system, with Russia offering full support for upgrades, particularly in primary healthcare and the integration of modern technology, including AI and digitalization. A notable proposal included an AI technology system capable of identifying 42 diseases in agricultural and urban areas. Opportunities for advanced medical education in Russia for Sri Lankan doctors were also highlighted.
In addition to these discussions, meetings were also planned with Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.
On May 4, the Russian delegation visited the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo. During their visit to the National Hospital, Minister Murashko and his delegation observed the functioning of the new Outpatient Department (OPD), Emergency Treatment Unit, and Accident Service, and reviewed the modern medical equipment in use. The visits aimed to explore how Sri Lankan health and educational institutions could be empowered with modern technology and to foster medical knowledge exchange.
Cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia in the health sector is expected to expand into specific areas including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, specialist medical training, student exchange programs, joint academic courses, Ayurveda, health tourism, and digitalization. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) are anticipated to be signed between the health ministries of Sri Lanka and Russia to formalize these collaborative efforts.