At least let this 'policy' see the light of day - Maithripala

Nadira Gunatilleke

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena expressed the hope that the proposed National Migration Health Policy to be introduced by him would not go the route of the National Drug Policy and other 'National Policies' that were still born.

Minister Sirisena said during his 24 years in Parliament, several National Policies were presented to the House with a lot of talk.

"However, these remained as policies for ever without being implemented. Once a National Policy is being formulated, it has to go to the Legal Draftsman, Attorney General's Department, the Cabinet and finally to Parliament. It is a long process which needs everybody's dedication.

I am happy to launch a National Migration Health Policy under the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa," Minister Sirisena said. The minister said having a National Migration Health Policy is important for the country because those who left Sri Lanka during the three decade war are now returning while tourism is flourishing due to the peaceful environment in the country. "Around two million Sri Lankans are working abroad.

International relations have improved and people from various countries arrive in Sri Lanka to work in various fields such as construction, technology and engineering.

"The Immigration and Emigration system of the country should also function effectively to prevent diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria," he said.