Best decision maker:
WHO award for Health Minister
Nadira Gunatilleke
|
Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and WHO Country
Representative Dr. Firdosi Rustom Mehta view a picture and a
poem on display at the WHO office created by a patient
warded at the Angoda Mental Hospital. |
The World Health Organization (WHO) named Health Minister Maithripala
Sirisena for an annual award presented by the WHO for the best decision
maker in connection with health development and public well-being. The
award will be presented to Minister Sirisena for his decision to
implement pictorial warnings on cigarette packets, a Health Ministry
spokesman said.
The spokesman said the minister was informed about the award when he
visited the WHO office in Sri Lanka on the invitation of WHO Country
Representative Dr. Firdosi Rustom Mehta.
“This was the minister’s first observation visit to the WHO office in
Colombo. The minister had a cordial discussion with WHO officials during
the visit,” he said.
Minister Sirisena requested WHO to continue assistance and support
Sri Lanka’s struggle against tobacco, alcohol, dengue and Non
Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Dr. Mehta said the WHO will continue to support Sri Lanka to fight
against tobacco, alcohol, dengue and NCDs.
Minister Sirisena also viewed a painting and a poem displayed at the
WHO Office.
They were created by a patient warded at the Angoda Mental Hospital
which portrays the reality of life (sadness and happiness).
Dr. Mehta explained the meanings of the painting and poem to Minister
Sirisena. |
