WHO appointment victory for Lankan people - Health Minister

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: Being appointed as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Health Organisation is not a personal victory but a victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Government and Sri Lanka, gained in the International arena, said Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The International community's perspective on Sri Lanka's health sector has been confirmed and strengthened with this appointment, Minister de Silva told the media on his arrival to Colombo yesterday.

Minister de Silva said the appointment improved the attitude of the International community on Sri Lanka.

"Although I have a lot of work in this new position, I will give priority to my duty as the Healthcare and Nutrition Minister. I will set up a secretariat of the WHO here in Sri Lanka to carry out all of my duties effectively.

"I will take part in several important conferences in the near future and will get the opportunity to meet several high ranking persons who are in important decision making positions," the minister said.

Information and Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Power Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Deputy Health Minister Suresh Vadivel, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Minister Jayaratne Herath, and SLFP Organiser, Horana, Vidura Wickramanayaka welcomed the Minister at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

"I will explain to them the real situation of Sri Lanka and use such opportunities to build a positive image for Sri Lanka at International level," he added. Minister de Silva pointed out that Sri Lanka lost the opportunity of getting elected to the UN Human rights body because of a well organised conspiracy launched by the LTTE and its supporters including certain Sri Lankans.

But in the WHO it was different and there is a well established positive identity for Sri Lanka which was built during the past few years through dedication and hard work. Some forces created a very negative image of Sri Lanka at international level and today a positive image has been created, he said.

Minister de Silva stressed that he will take steps to assist the health sector of developing countries in Africa and Asia and will try his best to get assistance from donors to develop the health sector in such countries.

Arrangements will be made to get the attention of the International community towards health problems of developing nations.