The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa — Minister of Health and Mass Media

¶ 01 We have commenced construction of new post offices and sub-post offices in several locations: Mahawela, Dodangaslanda, Balapitiya, Kaluwanchikudy, Batticaloa, Nagollagama, Bandagiriya, Jayanthipura, Kayts in Jaffna, Achchuveli in Jaffna, and Mullaitivu. Many of these post and sub-post offices will open to the public in December. Tomorrow, we will lay the foundation stone for the Dambulla Regional Mail Exchange, with an expected cost of Rs. 129 million. We are also investing Rs. 305 million to upgrade the circuit bungalow in Nuwara Eliya. Next year, we plan more new post and sub-post offices in several areas including Vankalai and Silavathurai in Mannar, Hambantota–Mirijjawila, Hambantota–Weerawila, Pitigala and Hiniduma in Galle, Devinuwara in Matara, Katiyawa in Anuradhapura, and Meegaswewa in Polonnaruwa.

¶ 02 This year, with an additional Rs. 600 million, we have renovated 227 existing post and sub-post offices, and these works are nearing completion. Thus, 100% of building rehabilitation expenditures for this year will be completed.

¶ 03 A major shortcoming in the postal service was the vehicle fleet. We are spending Rs. 250 million to purchase 10 new lorries, strengthening our delivery network. With support from the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Department of Railways, we are improving logistics. Our fleet is old; these 10 lorries are a vital asset. Further, to strengthen regional distribution, we have allocated Rs. 320 million for purchasing cab vehicles and are proceeding with procurement.

¶ 04 We are also adding new technology to post and sub-post offices: Rs. 180 million for 1,500 tablets for postal staff; Rs. 75 million for 225 desktop computers; and Rs. 20 million for laptops. From May to now, we have committed and are spending Rs. 2,085 million in capital expenditure for these upgrades.

¶ 05 Another long-standing issue was cadre and promotions. Recently, we recruited 22 officers on merit and 8 via limited competitive examination to the Executive Service Category Class II (Postmaster Grade), and 12 have already been appointed. Ten candidates for Assistant Postmaster (Management Assistant Grade) were referred to the Department of Examinations for vetting, and we will proceed with recruitment. Of 60 selected for Postmaster (Investigations), 28 have been appointed; the remaining 32 will be appointed shortly. For Postmaster (Audit) 12 of 41 have been appointed; the remaining 29 will follow. For Postmaster (General Post Office operations) 26 of 38 have been appointed; the remaining 12 will be finalized.

¶ 06 Additionally, we held an open competitive exam on 25 October to recruit 600 Postal Service Officers, conducted by the Department of Examinations, and we will recruit a further 70 through limited recruitment with the concurrence of the Public Service Commission. Of 378 Sub-Postmasters, 367 have already received appointment letters; the remaining 11 will be appointed. Of 40 drivers recruited openly recently, 36 have been made permanent; the remaining 4 will be appointed. We are also proceeding to recruit 20 more via limited recruitment; 7 have already been taken in.

¶ 07 We obtained approval to recruit 1,000 Post Assistants; 732 have already been appointed, and the remaining 268 will be appointed. This is the first large intake since 2021. We are also proceeding to recruit 1,000 more as registered substitutes. With these transformations, we will move toward meeting revenue targets. As at 30 September this year, our revenue target was Rs. 9,750 million and we have achieved Rs. 9,620 million. Our expenditure stands at Rs. 14,830 million.

¶ 08 The increased deficit—around Rs. 5,000 million—is largely due to the April salary increase. However, with new vehicles, office upgrades, technology, and recruitments, we will reduce this deficit swiftly and move toward profitability. I thank the Postmaster General, the Deputy Postmaster Generals, and the approximately 20,000-strong staff of the Department of Posts for their service.

¶ 09 Public confidence is vital. When it's eroded—such as due to the strike last August—the recovery of services including cash-on-delivery took a month or two. We appeal to all postal employees: government is investing in capital and recurrent expenditures for you; we expect a rapid transformation of the Postal Department in return.

¶ 10 We are also advancing in international postal rankings while rebuilding public trust with an efficient service.

¶ 11 Turning to Ayurveda: Some Members, including the Leader of the Opposition, said allocations are insufficient. We are prepared to allocate more. Last year, we directed over Rs. 2,000 million in capital spending. The new eight-storey building at the National Ayurveda Hospital, Borella, has advanced but requires additional work to be fully functional. At inception, approvals were incomplete, including from the Colombo Municipal Council, and there were issues with sewage, water, power, etc. This is a national hospital that will provide free care and also have paying wards. We have allocated Rs. 300 million this year to complete deficiencies: a 1,600 kVA generator, pump room, generator room, water and fire-fighting units, and—most significantly—Rs. 200 million for the sewerage system, in coordination with the Department of Railways, the Ministry of Transport, and the RDA. We aim to recruit staff and operationalize the building by April–May next year.

¶ 12 We are renovating Ayurveda teaching and research hospitals: Gampaha/Yakkala Wickramarachchi Teaching Hospital (Rs. 50 million); Kayts Siddha Teaching Hospital (new allocation); Trincomalee Koneshapuri Siddha Teaching Hospital (Rs. 18 million); Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurveda Research Hospital (Rs. 50 million); Ampara Ayurveda Research Hospital (Rs. 30 million); and Primary Health Promotion Centres at Galenbindunuwewa, Kebitigollewa, and Rambewa (Rs. 9.5 million). Mihintale Maithripala Senanayake Memorial Traditional Research Hospital (Rs. 5 million); Manchanthoduvai Unani Ayurveda Research Hospital (Rs. 20 million). Over 95% of these renovations are complete. We have identified the need for new buildings at Yakkala Wickramarachchi, Koneshapuri Siddha Teaching Hospital, and the Nintavur Ayurveda Research Hospital, to be funded in the next budget.

¶ 13 A key challenge in Ayurveda is staffing. We appointed 303 Ayurveda/Siddha/Unani Medical Officers (we had approval for 304); they have assumed duties. We are discussing allowances for Ayurveda medical officers with the Ministry of Finance after the Budget.

¶ 14 On drug production costs: due to higher prices of imported raw materials, we allocated Rs. 162 million to develop medicinal herb gardens at Girandurukotte, Pattipola, Pallekele, Kanneliya, Pinnaduwa, Haldummulla, etc., and are promoting “Osu Diriya” community cultivation. The Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute is being upgraded, including as an urban garden and tourism attraction in Maharagama, but it faces a shortage of research officers—about 130 vacancies—which we have sent to the Secretary to the Prime Minister for recruitment clearance.

¶ 15 The State’s Ayurveda pharmaceuticals arm produced Rs. 606 million in 2024; by October 2025 output reached Rs. 602 million, and we expect a record for the year. Sales were Rs. 1,350 million in 2024; by October this year Rs. 1,198 million, with further growth expected.

¶ 16 On the Homoeopathy Hospital, Welisara: 14 clinics are functioning; 83,000 patients were treated Jan–Oct. There are 11 medical officers and new vacancies; we have approvals to recruit three more medical officers and nine other staff (nursing, MLT, dispenser, pharmacist), to further regularize services. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy are being integrated into the National Health Policy after extensive consultations.

¶ 17 We are expanding Combined Care Units—for example, at Bandarawela and Pottuvil Base Hospitals—within the same premises but under respective systems, and plan to extend these collaboratively for research on selected diseases. Space has already been allocated at the National Ayurveda Hospital, Borella. We are digitizing Ayurveda health management information systems in several provincial hospitals, which also supports medical tourism.

¶ 18 On media: Our Deputy Minister covered many points. We aim to safeguard the people’s right to information, protect media freedom, and enhance journalists’ professional dignity. The Budget enhances scholarships for journalists and provides concessions for equipment purchases as announced by H.E. the President. We are establishing a Chartered Institute for journalists after consultations; groundwork is nearing completion. The new Media Policy is in its final stage. Journalists are also preparing a Code of Ethics; we will facilitate. A housing complex for artists and journalists around Colombo is underway. Our goal is justice for the public while protecting and elevating the profession.

¶ 19 On health sector medicines: I speak as the Minister who reduced the prices of the largest-ever list of medicines—350 items—through a structured, gazetted pricing formula under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). Previously, ad-hoc reductions of 48 (in 2017) and 12 more were made and later reversed. Our formula imposes price caps upon registration, creating a sustainable mechanism.

¶ 20 Examples: - Co-amoxiclav injection: Rs. 1,492 reduced to Rs. 1,025 - Cefotaxime injection: Rs. 506 to Rs. 425 - Loratadine syrup: Rs. 513 to Rs. 431 - Paclitaxel injection: about Rs. 42,000 to Rs. 26,332 - Carbamazepine tablet: Rs. 58 to Rs. 47 - Nimodipine IV infusion: Rs. 6,350 to Rs. 4,100

¶ 21 More reductions—another 200–250 medicines—will follow in coming months under the same methodology.

¶ 22 Regarding alleged shortages: A document tabled by the Leader of the Opposition titled “Out of Stock at MSD” and “Nationally out of stock” had no source, date, or official authentication. We checked items: - Benzyl benzoate application: monthly requirement 2,083; stock 22,155 - Cholecalciferol 50000 IU capsules: monthly requirement 33,333; MSD stock 76,800; nationally 178,190 - Lidocaine topical aerosol 10%: monthly requirement 450; stock 6,612 - Tamoxifen 20 mg: monthly requirement 150,000; stock 627,024

¶ 23 For items like dexamethasone, there are different strengths; while 0.5 mg has ample stock (e.g., 62 million vs 9 million monthly requirement), the 4 mg line incurs higher cost; clinicians understand such management realities. We are addressing this systematically.

¶ 24 The root cause of gaps was tendering delays in 2024. Of 868 priority items, SPC typically procures ~464. By 31 Dec 2024, SPC had issued indents for only 114 items (Rs. 4 billion). As at 21 Nov this year, tenders have been called for 450 items (vs 328 by Nov 2024), awards issued for 298 (vs 176 in 2024), and indents issued for 215 items amounting to Rs. 21.7 billion (vs Rs. 4 billion in 2024). In 2024 SPC spent Rs. 48 billion; this year we have allocated Rs. 110 billion—evidence of our corrective action.

¶ 25 Distribution and storage sometimes cause local stockouts. Our Medical Supplies officials surveyed remote hospitals: - Ampara District: Padiyathalawa District Hospital had 139 of 151 items; Panama District Hospital 177 of 196 - Batticaloa District: Araiyampathy District Hospital 103 of 105 (98%); Chenkalady 97 of 106 (91%); Eravur Base Hospital 109 of 115 (94.7%) - Monaragala District: Badalkumbura District Hospital 101 of 106 (95%); Thanamalwila District Hospital 184 of 204 (90%) - Trincomalee District: Nintavur Base Hospital 395 of 410 (96%); Sainthamaruthu District Hospital 185 of 188 (98%)

¶ 26 We accept there are shortages but they are being progressively stabilized.

¶ 27 At NMRA, as at 31 Dec 2024 there were 1,424 new registration files pending; today, the new registration backlog is zero. Re-registrations pending then are also cleared. Device registrations have been cut from 731 (31 Dec 2024) to 280 (new), with re-registrations reduced to zero and renewals from 355 to 150. This required recruiting staff and extensive overtime. I acknowledge the contributions of former CEO Dr. Sabeen Semage, current CEO Dr. Kumudu Bandara, and the team led by Specialist Dr. Ananda Wijeywickrama, who drove the pricing reforms, including defending them in court with the Attorney-General’s Department.

¶ 28 A major national issue is waiting lists for cardiac and other non-communicable disease (NCD) procedures. NCDs account for about 80–83% of deaths; cardiovascular diseases for ~34%. Women die mostly from cancers; men, mostly from heart disease. At the National Hospital, the bypass surgery waiting list is about 9,600; some wait up to 5 years. For angiograms and stenting, about 5,000 are waiting, with 7–11 months lead time. The National Hospital performs 700–900 bypasses per year and 500–600 angiograms per day; this is inadequate.

¶ 29 The Budget increases allocations by 66% for cardiac and stroke services: - Opened a Cardiology Unit at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital - Three-storey building for a Cardiology Unit at Ampara District General Hospital, to complete by Dec 2027 (Rs. 720 million total; Rs. 200 million in 2025) - Ratnapura Teaching Hospital: new Cardiac Unit, Rs. 3,243 million over three years (Rs. 400 million in 2025), to complete by 2027 - Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Heart Centre: Rs. 1,600 million in 2026; Rs. 1,800 million total; complete in 2027 - National Stroke Centre, Mulleriyawa: Rs. 1,328 million total; Rs. 300 million in 2026; complete in 2027 - Polonnaruwa Stroke Unit: Rs. 1,200 million total; Rs. 100 million in 2026; complete in 2028 - National Hospital Heart Centre (Sri Lanka’s first integrated Heart Centre): ~Rs. 12,000 million total; Rs. 200 million in 2026; complete by 2028, with 16 dedicated floors for cardiac care

¶ 30 Cath labs: Currently 15 installed, with about three non-functional. Each costs ~Rs. 200 million. In 2026: - National Hospital: 3 new cath labs - Galle National Hospital: 1 new (plus 1 more via aid, making 2 new units) - Kandy National Hospital: 1 - Batticaloa Teaching Hospital: 1 - Ratnapura Teaching Hospital: 1 - Badulla Teaching Hospital: 1 - Jaffna Teaching Hospital: 1 - Colombo South (Kalubowila): 1 Total 11 new cath labs by end-2026, significantly cutting waiting times.

¶ 31 Angiography machines (~Rs. 200 million each): Currently 8 (one at Kalubowila down). In 2026 we will add 5: National Hospital, Anuradhapura Teaching, Colombo North (Ragama), Galle National, and Peradeniya Teaching.

¶ 32 On cancer services: About 100 new cancer patients are reported daily (~33,000 annually; about 107 per 100,000 population). Among women, breast and cervical are most common; among men, oral cancer. About 800 new paediatric cancers are reported annually. Unfortunately, many are detected at stage III or higher: ~63% oral, 45% cervical, 37% breast.

¶ 33 We will expand oncology infrastructure: - Ratnapura Teaching Hospital: new three-storey Oncology Unit (total Rs. 3,543 million; Rs. 300 million in 2026), to complete by 2028 - Kandy National Hospital Oncology works (total Rs. 3,846 million; Rs. 400 million in 2026), to complete by Dec 2027 - Tellippalai Cancer Hospital (Jaffna): Rs. 100 million in 2026; total Rs. 474 million to complete works

¶ 34 Radiation therapy: We now have 8 linear accelerators; we will add 8 more by end-2026, bringing the total to 16: - Maharagama Apeksha Hospital: +6 - Kandy: +2 - Galle: +2 - Badulla: +1 - Hambantota: +1 - Ratnapura: +1 - Kurunegala: +1 - Anuradhapura: +1 - Jaffna: +1 We are phasing out Cobalt-60 teletherapy machines (currently 9). Brachytherapy machines (currently 2) will be increased by 4–5 next year. Mammography machines will increase from 18 to 23 by 2026.

¶ 35 Diagnostics and equipment maintenance: Service agreements were often neglected, causing downtime. Of 13 MRI machines nationally, about 9 are typically functional; in 2026 we will add 6 MRIs for Sirimavo Bandaranaike Hospital (Peradeniya), Galle National, Kandy National, Batticaloa Teaching, Apeksha (Maharagama), and the National Hospital. We have 46 CT scanners (including five in Provincial Council hospitals); we plan 8 more in 2026: for Colombo National, Kandy National, Galle National, Kalubowila, and Kurunegala. We are also procuring CTs for Dambulla, Kuliyapitiya, and Nawalapitiya, subject to resolving an ongoing legal matter. The Biomedical Engineering Division will strengthen proactive monitoring to intervene before failures.

¶ 36 Human resources: Approved cadres date to 2017/2018, while services and wards have expanded. We are updating cadre with the Ministry of Finance. This year, 386 specialist doctors returned from overseas training; total specialists now 2,024. In recent months we recruited 1,738 grade medical officers. Approval for 64 dental surgeons is before the PSC; 84 dental officers have been given internship. We appointed 303 Ayurveda doctors. We have also given internship appointments to 2,138 and 1,925 medical graduates in two batches. In the next two years, about 2,700–2,800 locally trained MBBS graduates (excluding foreign graduates) will join service from our 12 faculties plus KDU.

¶ 37 Nursing: We inducted 3,441 nurses in May and October—the largest intake in history—after 5–6 years without recruitment. We obtained approval for 875 more nursing graduates; 556 have reported and started six months of training. In October, 2,625 (A/L 2022 batch) were admitted to nursing schools. By 2027, about 13,000 nurses will have joined service. We restarted Ward Sister training: 524 “A-Grade” nurses are under training for ward management and supervision; another 105 for public health supervision (629 total). We recruited 1,682 Public Health Nursing Officers. We have also recruited 15 dental technicians, 17 ophthalmic technologists, 33 school dental therapists, 963 Public Health Midwives, 300 Public Health Inspectors, 15 medical recorders, and 671 dengue field assistants. Training has commenced for occupational therapists (43), pharmacists (90), radiographers (41), speech therapists (9), and audiographers, as well as diploma and degree-level allied professionals. For MLTs and physiotherapists, recruitment must follow PSC procedures, including competitive exams where required; we invite challengers to appeal to PSC. Protracted litigation delays harm the very graduates concerned; the best course is to withdraw suits and proceed through merit lists so we can recruit into remaining vacancies.

¶ 38 Allied training underway includes: 26 entomology officers, 63 school dental therapists, 58 X-ray technicians, 15 public health laboratory technologists, 133 dispensers, and 1,105 attendants.

¶ 39 We will recruit: 14 Medical Supplies Assistants, 49 Housekeepers, 50 Ward Clerks, and 1,939 Health Support Staff. Of these, 1,430 junior staff will be recruited immediately with PSC approval. We will also recruit 106 Hospital Overseers and promote 1,000 Attendants.

¶ 40 Consistent with the President’s Budget statement, we will grant permanency shortly to the remaining ~300 dengue control assistants (O/L qualified). About 1,500 Health Support Staff recruited in 2017–2018 worked 7–8 years without permanency; now we are regularizing them.

¶ 41 Our health service persists despite staff shortages across grades; professionals go beyond duty to maintain care. We will retain them and, as the economy stabilizes, improve facilities. When the Treasury holds additional liquidity to stabilize markets, our medical professionals understand the macro rationale. We will continue dialogue-based solutions rather than confrontation.

¶ 42 On the Sri Lanka Medical Service: Specialists, administrative and grade medical officers requested a distinct, unified service. Under the President’s leadership, several rounds of consultations were held at Parliament and the Presidential Secretariat. A committee led by the DGHS will submit the final paper by 31 January; thereafter we will consult Public Administration and Finance to establish the Sri Lanka Medical Service.

¶ 43 We are also addressing medical officers’ BodMOs/DAT issues: transport allowance, extra duty allowance fixation, and research allowance alignment with the Science and Technology sector, to facilitate access for health professionals. Following the April basic salary increase for all public servants, another tranche will be paid in January; allowances will adjust accordingly. After the Budget, we will engage the Ministry of Finance to finalize sectoral improvements and retention measures.

¶ 44 Since 2016, it is our governments that ensured enhanced pension benefits. We are addressing quarters and on-call room deficits: many buildings started in 2012–2014 stalled mid-way; we will complete them. We are allocating about Rs. 2,200 million over two years to build a specialist/medical officers’ quarters complex at Anuradhapura; similar projects will proceed gradually elsewhere, with Provincial Councils also building quarters.

¶ 45 Nurses face hardships, with many residing in hospitals to maintain services. We will expedite elevating the nursing diploma to degree level. A committee with the UGC, Higher Education Ministry, Nursing Council, and Ministry of Health meets again on 29 November to finalize the roadmap to convert nursing schools into degree-granting institutions. We will also fund better facilities at nursing schools, many of which operate from temporary buildings.

¶ 46 We will amend the outdated Nursing Service Constitution to reflect the graduate profile and modern needs and provide necessary welfare facilities.

¶ 47 Primary health care reform: Public Health staff—nursing officers, PHMs, and PHIs—play a major role. By next May, we will provide motorcycles to about 2,500 of them. Our aim is to lift the nursing service to international standards as part of primary care strengthening.

¶ 48 Capital program: Over the next four years, we will invest Rs. 158 billion for Ministry of Health construction—Rs. 25 billion (2026), Rs. 55 billion (2027), Rs. 32 billion (2028), and Rs. 30 billion (2029). The largest share is to complete projects started in 2012–2014 and stalled. Cabinet has approved 17 such projects. If completed by 2018–2019, they would have cost Rs. 29 billion; due to delays, completion now costs ~Rs. 58 billion. About Rs. 14 billion was paid back then; now the Treasury must provide ~Rs. 44–45 billion to finish. We will complete these after rationalization. Additionally, we propose to reconstruct Deniyaya Hospital (landslip-prone site) and resolve land issues blocking Dambulla Hospital expansion; Rs. 1,000 million is allocated to commence both in this Budget, with approximately Rs. 16 billion over subsequent Budgets to complete.

¶ 49 We are also piloting “Arogya Suwatha Centres” to strengthen primary care. Under MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe’s guidance, pilots are running in three districts; Public Health Nursing Officers have already surveyed 275–300 households per area, giving us a strong dataset. We are training 80 more officers to expand centres this year. The President allocated Rs. 1,500 million in the Budget for this scale-up. By 2041, 26% of Sri Lankans will be elderly; combined with rising NCDs, primary care strengthening is essential.

¶ 50 We have 82 Primary (Base) Hospitals; we will invest USD 100 million (~Rs. 31,000 million) over the coming years, in consultation with Provincial Councils, to upgrade many of them. We will also enhance hospital accreditation and introduce a National Patient and Health Worker Charter—work has begun via an oversight committee. We will improve patient care culture across facilities.

¶ 51 Digitalization: We must accelerate e-health records and telemedicine. I am not satisfied with our pace; we will intensify efforts, as technology helps level resource disparities beyond construction and staffing.

¶ 52 Our national health development follows a plan. The National Health Policy 2026–2035 is in its final stage, aligned with the national policy framework, along with a National Health Strategic Master Plan. It identifies which hospitals should be National Hospitals and which Base Hospitals should be upgraded. We will not downgrade any existing institutions; rather, we will add where justified by population and geography.

¶ 53 Our Universal Health Coverage (UHC) index is around 67; the Ministry’s target is to reach 80–82 within a few years—on par with peers like Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. All stakeholders’ cooperation is needed, under our “Healthy Sri Lanka” initiative.

¶ 54 In September, Sri Lanka hosted the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee (SEARO) meeting in Colombo; the WHO Director-General attended with many ministers. As a result, Sri Lanka now holds the Chair of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia—an opportunity to further our system’s development.

¶ 55 I thank the Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe; the Additional Secretaries across Health, Mass Media, and Indigenous Medicine; the Boards and chairpersons of our institutions; hospital directors; and all staff for their dedication. This is a collective national effort; we welcome Members’ constructive inputs via advisory committees and district coordination subcommittees on health.

¶ 56 With that, I conclude my reply, thanking the Hon. Presiding Member for the extra time.

¶ 57 Procedural: We also moved amendments under the Appropriation Bill (Committee Stage) to increase capital allocations for the Ministry of Health and Mass Media: - Ministry of Health and Mass Media total: Recurrent Rs. 449,999,998,000; Capital increased to Rs. 105,100,000,000 (agreed to). - Head 111, Programme 01 — Recurrent Rs. 195,999,998,000 (agreed to); Capital increased to Rs. 43,100,000,000 (agreed to). - Head 111, Programme 02 — Recurrent Rs. 217,340,000,000 (agreed to); Capital Rs. 56,835,000,000 (agreed to). - Head 210 (Department of Government Information) — Programme 01 Recurrent Rs. 450,000,000; Capital Rs. 105,000,000 (agreed to). - Head 211 (Department of Government Printing) — Programme 01 Recurrent Rs. 4,165,000,000; Capital Rs. 2,160,000,000 (agreed to). - Head 220 (Department of Ayurveda) — Programme 01 Recurrent Rs. 275,000,000; Capital Rs. 60,000,000; Programme 02 Recurrent Rs. 4,025,000,000; Capital Rs. 1,040,000,000 (all agreed to). - Head 308 (Department of Posts) — Programme 02 Recurrent Rs. 27,745,000,000; Capital Rs. 1,800,000,000 (agreed to).

¶ 58 Further, under the 1971 Finance Act No. 38, Section 14, Parliament approved: - Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Annual Report 2021 (with Auditor General’s observations). - Independent Television Network Limited Annual Report 2022 (with Auditor General’s observations). These had been considered by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media, and Women’s Empowerment.