The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 (a) (i) Yes. (ii) We intend to improve it in phases.

¶ 02 Short-term measures: 1. Recruit required staff as soon as possible (primarily Emergency Medical Technicians). Approved cadre is 895; 534 are in post. We will increase applicants by awareness among school-leavers through the Kelaniya University-affiliated diploma and broader outreach. 2. Obtain necessary approvals to utilize previously unspent funds. We have allocated Rs. 5,000 million in this Budget. Previously, funds were released as late as November, delaying procurement and infrastructure. With Treasury support for this Rs. 5,000 million, we can resolve these issues. 3. Strengthen public awareness of the 1990 emergency number to reduce confusion with other hotlines.

¶ 03 4. Continue the previously launched “Adopt an Ambulance” initiative. 5. Ensure continuous ambulance repairs and maintenance.

¶ 04 Medium-term measures: 1. Strengthen the fleet by adding 150 more ambulances to keep nationwide response time under 10 minutes. We have begun discussions with the Government of India; agreement exists for 50, with potential to reach 150 as indicated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Additionally, the Asian Development Bank will support with a mix of loan and grant-funded ambulances. 2. Further expand the Emergency Command and Control Centre. 3. Establish a training centre for the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation and conduct ongoing training.

¶ 05 Long-term measures: 1. Conclude an MoU with Buckinghamshire New University (UK) to introduce a degree pathway for our technical officers. 2. Introduce mechanical CPR devices and an advanced life support ambulance system to enhance survival. 3. Upgrade the Emergency Command and Control Centre to international standards.

¶ 06 (b) Does not arise.