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1. TRENDS IN POLICY
DEVELOPMENT
The overall emphasis of the state policy is on the social
justice and equity, economic well-being and individual rights. The overall
policy of the state, particularly with regards to health and social welfare,
has remained fairly consistent and stable, despite the changes of government
and political structures. As a result, the process of health services
development has continued over the years, resulting in improved health
status.
As a result of the pursuance of the social
welfare-oriented state policy over the five decades, Sri Lanka has outstanding
achievements in literacy and health status of its people. The overall
economic policy of the government is being increasingly oriented towards free
market mechanisms, aiming at improving efficiency as well as preserving
achievements in equity, economic well being and individual rights. The process of disinvesting public
enterprises has been on for quite sometime. The government policy in health
is to promote harmonious growth of both public and private sectors in order
to widen people’s choice in seeking care and ease out increasing burdens on
government health institutions.
Inter-sectoral collaboration in health development is
demonstrated in national health policy through multi-sectoral councils and
committees at different levels. The governments of Sri Lanka make substantial
investments in health, education and poverty alleviation programmes. The poor
segments of the population have been much benefited due to such investments.
The community action for health has since been given
consideration in planning and management of health services. Under the Janasaviya programme initiated in 1989, individuals and
groups were given opportunities to participate in development activities. The
Samurdi (Prosperity) movement was launched in 1994.
The target families, selected on the basis of family needs, skills and
assets, are given a welfare allowance to engage in economic activities. The
1.5 million housing programme started in 1987 has immensely benefited the
poor.
The overall social status of women is satisfactory. The
societal attitude is liberal with women’s role and responsibility in economic
and social activities outside home.
Sri Lankan policy, irrespective of the government in
power, has always regarded education and health as crucial to socioeconomic
development, while the concept of equity and social justice in favour of the underprivileged has also been a feature of
state policy. This has resulted in a high literacy rate of 90.1 percent
(1994) and a life expectancy at birth of 70.7 for males and 75.4 for females
(1996/2001). There is also substantial investment in poverty alleviation. The
overall social status of women is satisfactory and women constitute 42
percent of the occupational workforce (1985-86).
Armed conflict that was raging for more than two decades
in the North and East of the country has been a major constraint to the
development of the country. There was migration and displacement of
population of severely affected areas to safer places, resulting in problems
of food, shelter, sanitation and provision of preventive and curative healthcare.
Since late 2001, situation in Sri Lanka has shown noticeable
improvements. On the peace front, a memorandum of understanding signed
between the government of Sri
Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in February 2002 has resulted in a
cease-fire. Five successful rounds of peace discussions - facilitated by Norway
- have taken place and significant advances have been made for a resolution
of the long standing conflict. As a solution to the armed conflict, further
changes in administration can be anticipated with ongoing peace negotiations
between the government and armed groups, who have captured a part of the land
through an armed struggle.
Related Links Ministry of Health, National Health Policy Institute of Public policy development
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