This year’s budget allocated the highest amount ever for free healthcare – Health Minister:
President’s economic transformation garnered international recognition – MP Rajitha Senaratne:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the imperative of not forgetting the hardships endured in the past due to shortages of essential resources such as medicines, fuel and fertilisers critical for the country.
He called upon all citizens to unite behind the government’s initiative aimed at fostering a new economic transformation in Sri Lanka, ensuring that future generations do not have to face similar challenges.
The President highlighted this during his address at the ninth General Assembly of the All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association (AIPPOA), which took place on Thursday afternoon at the Golden Rose Hotel in Boralesgamuwa. The President also extended his appreciation to the All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association for their steadfastness during the past COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, fulfilling their responsibilities to the country.
Following the enactment of the New Medicines Act in 2015, the establishment of the All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association has been facilitated. The association has played a crucial role in regulating drug prices, ensuring adequate drug supply, and actively contributing to various social welfare initiatives, including bolstering the government’s kidney fund and health fund.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented awards to All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association (AIPPOA) President Chandika Gankanda, top-performing officials and to top–performing District Associations.
The Board of Directors of the All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association also presented a memento to the President. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the occasion, further remarked: “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Government to the All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association for supplying essential medicines during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.Your proactive response and commitment were crucial during a challenging period when governmental systems faced significant strain.
Furthermore, as per the communication from your association, we are actively engaging to address arising issues and implement necessary actions. It is undeniable that many lives in our country have been preserved due to your dedication. In the past, there were financial constraints hindering access to essential medicines nationwide, yet you remained steadfast. Your unwavering commitment exemplifies the responsibility we expect from every citizen of our nation, a trait unfortunately not always prevalent.
Neither you nor I are unfamiliar with these challenges, but we are collectively dedicated to rebuilding our country to the best of our abilities.
When I assumed leadership of this country, we faced dire circumstances. Foreign exchange was scarce, and funds for essential medicines and fuel were lacking.
We were confronted with tough choices, deciding whether to allocate funds for fuel or fertilizers.
Opting for fertilizers, we revived agricultural activities, boosting production and ensuring access to medicines and fuel for our people. It was a challenging period, but crucial support from the Indian and Bangladeshi governments enabled us to import medicines and essential food items, sustaining us through the initial difficult 06 months. Subsequently, the nation began to progress steadily.
During this time, there were heart-wrenching moments when people sought medicines without means to pay. You have faced the agonizing choice of denying them medication or providing aid amidst scarcity.
These decisions were agonizing, but collectively, they propelled our country forward. Implementing necessary measures, including VAT adjustments, bolstered our revenue streams, strengthened the rupee, and facilitated economic progress.
Today, we are advancing as a nation due to the resilience shown during these trying times.
