PoliticsHealthWorldHOTTuesday, May 19, 2026

Sri Lankan Health Minister Addresses 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva

TLDR

Minister Jayatissa addressed 79th WHA on AI, governance.
Met Bhutan, Bangladesh ministers on health solutions.
Discussed Nippon Foundation projects for Sri Lanka.
194 countries attended WHA themed 'One world for Health'.

Sri Lanka's Health and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Nalintha Jayatissa, participated in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva, Switzerland. The assembly, which commenced on May 16th and is scheduled to conclude on May 22nd, saw Minister Jayatissa address the main session on May 18th. As the current Chairman of the World Health Organization's Regional Conference for South and Southeast Asian countries, he also engaged in several parallel sessions and held bilateral discussions with health ministers from nations including Bhutan, Thailand, and Bangladesh, as well as organizations like the Nippon Foundation. The event was officially opened by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, bringing together health ministers and delegates from 194 member states.

4 Updates

Update #5\u00b7 May 23 · 12:17 PM

The 79th World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from May 16th to May 23rd under the theme 'One world for Health', has concluded. The assembly, which saw participation from health ministers of 194 countries, provided opportunities, new relationships, and recognitions for Sri Lanka's health sector development, according to the Ministry of Health.

Update #4\u00b7 May 22 · 1:31 PM

On May 22nd, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa addressed a special session at the 79th World Health Assembly focused on "Artificial Intelligence in Health: Laws, Ethical Oversight, Research and Equity". He emphasized that the successful implementation of AI in healthcare globally depends on strong governance systems, public trust, ethical oversight, and proper legal frameworks.

Update #3\u00b7 May 21 · 12:01 PM

On May 20th, the bilateral discussions with Bangladesh's State Minister of Health and Family Welfare M.A. Muhit and Bhutan's Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, held during the 79th WHO Health Assembly, focused on new technologies, current health challenges, and short, medium, and long-term solutions and future plans for Sri Lanka's health sector. The following day, May 21st, Minister Jayatissa met with Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, for discussions on projects funded by the foundation in Sri Lanka, including hospital development, and contributions to public health, education, and the welfare of the disabled community.

WhatsApp Post on X

Pulse Check — How do you feel?

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!