The World Health Organization has invited Sri Lanka to participate in a new voluntary health security evaluation system, and the government has accepted the proposal following Cabinet approval.
Sri Lanka will host the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR), a recently established voluntary assessment framework developed by the World Health Organization to help member states strengthen their capacity to detect, prevent, and manage health emergencies. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved participation in the programme following a proposal from the Minister of Health and Media.
The UHPR operates through a peer-review model in which the host nation leads the evaluation process while receiving input and assessment from other countries. The framework emphasizes comprehensive engagement across government and society, requiring coordinated action at the highest political levels.
According to officials, the review will enable Sri Lanka to build upon its existing health security infrastructure and mechanisms. Through the process, the country aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination, establish more robust governance frameworks, and reinforce its commitment to protecting public health and responding to potential health threats.
