Highlights

Programme Budget Planning 2014/15 – Sri Lanka

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Sri Lanka is known to be exemplary for its high attainment in health indicators with limited resources. WHO Country Office has been proud to be associated with this success along with the Ministry of Health and other collaborators for over 60 years. All these successes could be attributed to good foresighted planning since inception. As customary, WHO once again is in the process of planning its next biennial workplan along with the Ministry of Health and other partners. The manner in which it is being carried out bears witness to the close and effective collaboration between WHO and its partners.

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World No Tobacco Day 2013

31 May 2013

This years World No Tobacco Day on 31 May again highlighted the health risks associated with tobacco use and the need for strengthening effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The theme for this year was “Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship”. In spreading, this year’s theme Sri Lanka organized many events through the Ministry of Health as well as ADIC (Alcohol & Drug Information Centre).

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Certificate Course in Palliative Care for Medical Officers

18 & 19 May 2013

Improving capacities of medical officers on palliative care has been identified as an important intervention in expanding palliative care services throughout the country. The certificate course in palliative care for medical officers was offered by the institute of palliative medicine, Calicut, India (WHO Collaborating

Centre in community based palliative care and long term care) in association with college of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka (CGPSL) together with the

national cancer control program, Ministry of Health & WHO Country office Sri Lanka.

Commemorating UN Global Road Safety Week

10th May 2013

The Non Communicable Diseases Unit of the Ministry of Health together with many other stakeholders including Health Education Bureau, Primary Care Services Unit, Ministry of Education, Expert Committee on Road Accident Prevention - Sri Lanka Medical Association, National Road Safety Council, Department of Motor Traffic, Traffic Police Division of the Sri Lanka Police and the World Health Organization commemorated the UN Global Road Safety Week 2013, from the 6th of May to the 10th of May 2013.

World Health Day 2013

7^th April 2013

World Health Day which is celebrated on 7 April each year to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. The theme for 2013 is high blood pressure . This was seen as a very good opportunity for Sri Lanka to highlight progress made on tackling NCDs and disseminate facts of MRI study that was done on assessing salt consumption in addition to the WHD main themes. There were numerous activities organized both at central and peripheral level for world health day. The following activities were conducted for this:

·          Initiation of WASH cluster

·          Salt awareness week

·          Initiation of school NCD prevention programme

·          Media seminar

·          Print & electronic media - Interviews, feature articles and paper advertisements

·          WHD reception hosted by WHO Country Office

·          Island-wide advocacy programmes for WHD

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The Year of Preventing Non Communicable Diseases

January 2013

It was indeed a milestone in the journey of prevention and control of Non Communicable Diseases that the year 2013 has been declared as “The year for prevention & Control of Non Communicable Diseases” This decision was taken by the Minister of Health after consultation with HE president of Sri Lanka and after obtaining approval from the Cabinet of Ministers. The national event to launch this program was held in the North Western Province with the Hon Minister of Health, Chief Minister, provincial health minister and other ministers of the province and many dignitaries.

Read More on Launch of year of NCDs - January 2013

Sri Lanka Joins the WHO global Network of Age friendly cities

(December 2012)

Wellawaya Division of the Moneragala district is now a member of the WHO Global Network of Age friendly cities and communities (GNAFCC) since December 2012. This has been attained through the laudable efforts of Mr Senarath Attanayake, Provincial councilor of Uva province.

Read More on  Sri Lanka Joins the WHO global Network of Age friendly cities

Launch of the guidelines for management of NCDs in Primary Health care

12 November 2012

The launch of the guideline for management of NCDs in primary health care using the total risk assessment approach has been a significant milestone in Sri Lanka. The guidelines have been developed by the Ministry of health for use by medical officers involved in primary health care. The guidelines will also be used for screening of those presenting at healthy Lifestyle centers at primary health care institutions which have adapted the total risk assessment approach. These guidelines were prepared using the WHO PEN protocol after extensive consultations with various stakeholders. The inauguration was attended by the Hon Minister of Health and many dignitaries.

Read More on Launch of the guidelines for management of NCDs in primary health care – 12 November 2012

Sixty Years of WHO Presence in Sri Lanka, Designation of NIHS as a WHO Collaborating Centre and the Launch of CCS

16th October 2012

16th October 2012 marked another milestone in the close and successful collaboration between WHO and the Government of Sri Lanka. It was a day to commemorate three important events; Launching of WHO Sri Lanka’s third Country Cooperation Strategy, WHO Sri Lanka’s completion of 60 years of country presence and the designation of NIHS as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Workforce. The day’s colourful proceedings took place at the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) in Kalutara. Minister of Health, Hon. Maithripala Sirisena graced the occasion along with many senior dignitaries including Minister of Minor Export Crop Promotion, Hon. Reginald Cooray, Secretary Health, Dr Nihal Jayathilake, Provincial Minister of Health, Hon. Jagath Angage, Dr Sangay Thinley, Director FHR and Dr Monir Islam, Director HSD from WHO SEARO, members from academia and staff of WHO Country Office for Sri Lanka.

World Heart Day 2012

29 September 2012

The theme for 2012 is on protecting the hearts of women and children through heart-healthy actions. For more than a decade now the World Heart Day has been used to address the global CVD epidemic, and encourage heart-healthy living. Governments from 194 countries agreed through a World Health Assembly resolution in May 2012 to the first-ever global mortality target on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs – including CVD, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases) and made a commitment to reduce premature NCD deaths by 25 per cent by 2025.

National Transplant Programme established in Sri Lanka

25th of September 2012

Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena appointed on “The Technical Advisory Council on Human Tissue Transplantation” at a ceremony held at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Health, on 25th of September 2012. The responsibility of the council is to advice the Minister on matters arising out of the administration and implementation of the provisions of the act or the regulations made thereunder.

Consensus Achieving Workshop for finalization of National Policy & Strategic framework on prevention & control of cancers

25 September 2012

At least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer. A well-conceived, and managed national cancer control programme is an effective public health intervention that lowers cancer incidence and improves quality of life of cancer patients, no matter what resource constraints a country faces.

Short Course on Child Injury Prevention

18—20 September 2012

Every day globally more than 2000 children and teenagers die from an injury which could have been prevented. A joint WHO / UNICEF report was produced in 2008 as a call to keep kids safe by promoting evidence-based injury prevention interventions and sustained investment by all sectors. This presented countries with current knowledge about the five most important causes of unintentional injury – road traffic injuries, drowning, burns, falls and poisoning – and makes seven recommendations for action.

Mobilizing Youth for NCD Prevention

17 August 2012

It was indeed a historic occasion where the Ministry of Health and Ministry of youth affairs and skills development joined hands for NCD prevention as a follow up to multi stakeholder meeting was held in July 2011 prior to the UN General assembly in September 2011.

Launch of the National programme for prevention of hearing impairment and deafness in Sri Lanka

11th - 12th September 2012

A WHO Situation review on hearing loss in the South East Asia states that 9% of the population of Sri Lanka suffers with disabling hearing loss and is the second most prevalent disability in the country. The reported high prevalence of hearing loss and ear diseases, that are largely preventable and treatable point towards the need for public health programme aimed at prevention and hence the formulation of a national program.

The launch of the National Program for prevention of hearing impairment was done under the patronage of the Hon Deputy Minister of Health Lalith Dissanayake as well as the secretary, ministry of Health Dr Nihal Jayathilake. This event coincided with the Sound hearing 2030 meeting titled “Symposium on Comprehensive planning of HRD ear and hearing care as well as the 4th General body meeting of the society for Sound Hearing” held in Colombo from the 11-12 September.

SEARO Benchmark Assessment of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity of Sri Lanka

14th - 16th May 2012

WHO Emergency and Humanitarian Action (EHA) Programme on SEARO benchmarking on emergency preparedness and response was carried out on 14th - 16th May 2012 as a  joint venture of HEDMaTC, Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya, Disaster Preparedness and Response Division of Ministry of Health (MoH) and the WHO Sri Lanka office.

World No Tobacco Day 2012

31st May 2012

The World No Tobacco Day this year was again commemorated through activities conducted by various organisations including the Ministry of health, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol as well as NGOs. A media briefing was organized by the Health Education bureau on 28th May to highlight this years theme for WNTD—”Stop Tobacco Industry interference” This resulted in much media publicity in electronic as well as print media especially on the 31st May.

Launch of the World Report on Disability

30^th May 2012

The 30th of May 2012 was indeed a landmark day for Sri Lanka as this marked the occurrence of three important events including the launch of the World report on disability, National Consultation for formulating an action plan for disability and a national handicraft exhibition and sale by disabled trainees of the vocational centers situated island wide.

World Health Day 2012

7^th April 2012

“Good health adds life to years”

The World Health Organization Country Office for Sri Lanka (WCO) supported a number of activities to mark the World Health Day 2012. This year’s theme was “Ageing and Health” with the slogan “Good Health adds Years to Life”. Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Services, UN agencies, diplomats, exministers of health, ministers & parliamentarians related to health sector, non-governmental organizations and more importantly the National Secretariat for Elders of the Ministry of Social Services partnered with WCO in ensuring the success of carrying the message that:

Strengthening Partnerships with Rotary for NCD prevention

10th & 11th February 2012

The 21st Rotary District Conference was held on the 10th & 11th February 2012 under the theme “Embrace Humanity” and it was most encouraging to note that WHO was invited to speak on Non Communicable Diseases part of the two day proceedings. The conference brought together Rotarians from all part of the country with the purpose of advancing the objectives of the rotary movement through fellowship, presentations and discussions related to key avenues of rotary service.

Training for members of the Sri Lanka Police Lifesaving Unit to the international standard Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

The Sri Lanka Police have been involved in life saving since 1928 and became an official part of the National Life Saving Association when it was formed in 1947. They support the provision of life savers at major public events such as Poson Poya and sporting activities. Through the years they have continued to develop their water rescue and basic life support skills. However, for the first time in its history, the unit now has an elite group of twenty police men and women who have completed 120 hours of intensive EMT training by Med 1’s International Medical Training Institute in Ratmalana, supported by the World Health Organization.

Strengthening Horizontal Collaboration with Vietnam in the Area of Tobacco & Alcohol Control

The delegation was headed by the vice chairperson of the parliamentary committee for social affairs and a comprehensive program was organized for them including a meeting with the Parliamentary committee on health, Ministry of health, Ministry of finance, Attorney general, Civil society and also a visit to Kandy to witness a district tobacco control cell. A meeting was organized at the WHO country office where an informative session was conducted by country representative WHO, Dr F R Mehta on the role of WHO in NCD prevention in Sri Lanka.

Launch of the official website of Cosmetic, Devices and Drugs Regulatory Authority

The launching of a website of Cosmetics, Devices & Drugs Regulatory Authority (CDDA) Sri Lanka marks yet another milestone in the Ministry of Health’s endeavour towards a transparent, people friendly and effective drug regulatory system. The website was jointly launched by Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health and Dr Firdosi Rustom Mehta, WHO Representative to Sri Lanka on 13 January 2012.

National Training on healthy ageing—Sri Lanka

1st & 2nd December 2011

Sri Lanka is one of the fastest ageing populations in Asia. The Sri Lankan population above 60 years is predicted to reach an increase of 24% by 2040. The post graduate Institute of Medicine in Sri Lanka together with Ministries of health & Social Services have done much work in this area and embarking on initiating a diploma course in Elderly Medicine. It was at their request that the WHO country office together with support from WHO South East Asia Regional Office supported two day training. Two known experts Prof A. B. Dey, Professor, department of medicine & Nodal officer at the National institute of ageing of the all India Medical Institute and Prof Prasad K.Mathew, Professor, department of Geriatric Medicine, CMC Hospital, Vellore attended the training as resource persons. A curriculum for a short course in healthy ageing had already been prepared by PGIM and this was revised to include topics such as active & healthy ageing—Policy & Implementation, health promotion in old age, healthy ageing initiatives, principles of approaching older patients in clinical practice, developing an old age health care system, elder abuse & systems review of health & disease in older age.

The 10^th ASCoN conference

21st & 22nd October 2011

The 10th ASCoN conference was organised in Sri Lanka on the 21st & 22nd October 2011. The Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) consists of a group of organisations in the Asia region that have come together to share and learn from each other in all aspects of spinal injury management from initial treatment of the patient to re-integration of the person. The Network has evolved as a catalyst for positive change in the treatment, rehabilitation and community inclusion of people with spinal injury across the Asia region. It also provides an opportunity for people in the Asia region to come together and network with others regionally and internationally, to share ideas and discuss or debate dilemmas and the latest developments and innovations in spinal injury management.

International Day of Older Persons

1 October 2011

International Elders Day

1st October 2011

‘Ageing is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength’

On 14th December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October, the international day of older persons. This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna international plan of action on Ageing—and endorsed later that year by the UN general Assembly.

World Heart Day

29 September 2011

After two years of focusing on heart health in the work place, this year the world heart federation calls on individuals to reduce their own and their family’s risk of heart disease and stroke. World heart day provides an opportunity to take stock of the situation and lessen the impact of CVDs though healthy diet, regular physical activity and saying no to tobacco.

Sri Lanka unites to prevent and control Non Communicable Diseases

19 July 2011

A national multistakeholder meeting on Non Communicable diseases was held on 19th July 2011 with a

gathering comprising of central & provincial health ministry officials, other ministerial officials from the

central line ministries and provinces, academia, private sector, UN Organisations, NGOs and civil organisations.

Violence & Injury Prevention Training Workshop

8 – 10 June 2011

This training was the first VIP training that was held in Sri Lanka. There were 45 participants including medical officers NCDs, representative from the road safety council, national institute of education, drowning prevention unit of the police. The financial support for this activity was provided by WHO HQ and regional office.

World No Tobacco Day

31 May 2011

The World No Tobacco Day was celebrated in Sri Lanka with a series of events at both central and district level. The main event on the May 31st itself was organized by the National Authority of Tobacco & Alcohol (NATA) where a consultative meeting was held for over 100 participants representing various governmental departments, the civil society and media. The meeting was presided by the Hon. Minister of Health, Deputy Minister of Finance and the Country Representative of WHO. The Health Minister committed to speed up the amendments making all public places smoke free. He also stressed the need for politicians to take leadership against the tobacco industry across the country.

Social Inclusion ‐ Essential for Better Health

11 May 2011

An awareness and educational programme of national importance ,to make the decision makers and the wider community aware of the important and beneficial aspects of Social inclusion was conducted by IDIRIYA on the eve of the 11th May with participation of approximately 150 persons. This event was organised by IDIRIYA which is a registered non profit humanitarian organization comprising a group of professional in diverse fields. The chief guest at the event was Hon. Maithreepala Sirisena—Minister of Health.

Launch of “Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 – 2020”

11 May 2011

The decade of road safety in Sri Lanka was ceremonially launched by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Wednesday 11th May 2011. There were over 600 dignitaries present including the Minister of Transport, Minister of Health , other ministers from relevant ministries, members of parliament, chief ministers and other officials from the provinces, mayors of the municipal councils, officials of the relevant ministries & departments, experts in the field, heads of relevant international agencies, heads of foreign missions, heads of media institutions, students, representatives of relevant civil organizations & the private sector.

Framework of Action for Road Safety

Workshop for finalization of the National Action Plan on Ageing

31 March 2011

A workshop for the finalization of the national action plan for ageing was conducted on the 31^st March with approximately 120 persons participating from a wide variety of ministries, public sector, private sector, civil societies & non governmental organizations. A draft action plan was available with 19 strategies identified under 4 priority areas namely, Elders & development, Advancing health and well being in old age, ensuring, enabling and supportive environments & implementation & follow up. The participants were divided into groups to discuss and finalise the action points under the 19 strategic areas.

‘Life is for Living’ – Walk for Cancer

06 March 2011

We all had a reason to walk… There were cancer survivors... there were persons who had family members with cancer or  friends with cancer... 

This was the beginning of a long walk in  raising awareness for a condition that is preventable….

WHO Country Office for Sri Lanka Staff Retreat 2011

All staff participated in a two and a half day staff retreat in the coastal town of Bentota, 60km away from Colombo. This retreat was after lapse of one year and eight months. It was encouraging to see 44 members (near 100%) of the staff participating including field staff from the Jaffna and Vavuniya field offices. A team of facilitators, namely 3rd Wave was contracted to conduct sessions and activities and exercises on “Team Building” which was the main focus of the retreat.

International Women’s Day 2011

Equal access to education, training, and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women

The 100th commemoration of International Women’s Day stresses the importance of equal access to education, training and science and technology to drive economic growth, empower women and ensure the well being of their families, their communities and nations.

To make the centenary events, WHO too as member of UNCT participated in various activities scheduled for the day. WR participated in an exhibition organized by the founder of ‘Dilani Kantha Shakthi Foundation” to help women to come up in life on their own and generate income of their own to better their lives and that of their children. WHO Gender & HPE focal point participated as resource person for briefing of print media journalist on the 24th of February and also in a live telecast on Shakthi TV in Tamil on 8th March as a panelist on a discussion and to answer questions from viewers to mark the centenary events of International Women’s Day of 2011.

Flash Floods – January 2011

The rains that started in November 2010 affecting 5 districts then, has continued throughout December and into January 2011. The areas currently affected are more towards the central and eastern part of the country. Today, another 2 districts reported being affected by flash floods as a result of the on-going heavy rains, bringing the total number of affected districts to 16. These districts include Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Kegalle, Kandy, Ampara, Trincomalee, Matale, Ratnapura and Kurunegala, Mullaitivu districts with Puttalam and Mannar also being affected. Batticaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee districts are the most affected.

Situation Reports

WHO SEARO Regional Director’s Visit to Sri Lanka

6-9 December 2010

The Regional Director of World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia (WHO SEARO), Dr Samlee Plianbangchang visited Sri Lanka from 6 – 9 December 2010. The main purpose was to visit the National Institute of Health Science to extend his support to make this a Regional training centre for public health workforce and to exchange ties with the Ministry of Health and WHO Country Office for Sri Lanka. RD’s last visit to Sri Lanka was in April 2008 to launch and open the Public Health Lounge in Colombo.

World Diabetes Day

14 November 2010

2010 marks the second year of the five-year focus on 'Diabetes education and prevention", the theme selected for World Diabetes Day 2009-2013. The campaign calls on all those responsible for diabetes care to take control of diabetes. For the general public and people at high risk of diabetes, the campaign aims to raise awareness and disseminate tools for prevention. For people with diabetes, the focus will be on disseminating tools to improve knowledge of the disease in order to better understand it and prevent complications. For governments and policymakers, efforts will go towards communicating the cost-effective implications of diabetes prevention strategies and promoting diabetes education as a core component of diabetes management and treatment.

World Stroke Day

29 October 2011

On World Stroke Day, 29 October 2010, the World Stroke Organisation launched the “1 in 6” campaign. The theme was identified to mirror today’s reality that one in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. A simple life-saving message on World Stroke Day was released : Do not take chances. One in six people is at risk for stroke – it could be you. Learn the facts. Save a life today. Act Now!

BUDGET 2011: A Positive Step Towards the Prevention & Control of Non Communicable Diseases

A three year action plan targeting the control of non communicable diseases will be implemented from 2011 through improvements in the primary health care system. An additional allocation of Rs 900 million for this has been proposed.

A sum of Rs 200 million will be allocated to implement “Mathata Thitha” initiative aggressively in every single village and township as a national priority.

Increase Tax on profits of businesses engaged in the manufacture & distribution of liquor, cigarettes and casinos from 35% to 40%.

Visit of Mr Yohei Sasakawa WHO Goodwill Ambassador to Sri Lanka

Mr Yohei Sasakawa is Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, a private, non-profit foundation established in 1962 for the purpose of carrying out philanthropic activities, using revenue from motorboat racing. Mr Sasakawa joined the Foundation as a trustee in 1981, served as president from 1989 and became Chairman on 1 July 2005.

WHO Support to Humanitarian Efforts in Sri Lanka

WHO support to humanitarian efforts in North Sri Lanka has been mainly directed through the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Northern Provincial Ministry of Health. The aim of WHO support is to ensure that everyone has access to adequate and essential health care services whether they are in the Internally Displaced Personnel (IDP) Welfare Centers or in their areas of origin in the Vanni following the Government’s accelerated programme of resettlement.

Quality Improvement For Trauma Care – Sri Lanka

This course was initially developed by the injury and violence prevention Department of the WHO Geneva and the college of Surgeons of Sri Lanka headed by Dr Ranjith Ellawela initiated to hold this course in Sri for the very first time.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Auditorium of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka on 20th September. The attendees included Country Representative for WHO  Dr Firdosi Rustom Mehta and Additional secretary of Medical Services from the  Ministry of Health Colombo Dr P.G. Maheepala, all the overseas faculty members and all participants were present for the inauguration.

DPM addresses the 17th Annual Scientific Sessions of the College of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka

The 17th Annual Scientific Sessions of the College of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka was ceremonially inaugurated at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla recently. The College of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka is a professional body established to encourage and develop the capacity of members who are involved in the management of health care institutions of the country. It has a membership of over 170 professionals who are from the Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Institutions, Armed Forces and Private sector Medical Institutions.

Community Housing Project 2009-2010 Halfway Home-Mulleriyawa, Sri Lanka

There are approximately 600 patients with chronic mental health needs and different levels of functional capacities in the Psychiatric Institute Angoda.  In addition to rehabilitation, discharging these patients is challenging.In many cases, families have destituted them leaving the patient stranded in the hospital. This affects the confidence and self-esteem of the patient who would be otherwise discharged.

Approximately 200 women are fit for discharge and able to work out side the Psychiatric Institute.

WORLD HEALTH DAY 2010:  Urbanization and Health – Urban Health Matters   

World Health Organization Country Office (WCO) Sri Lanka has supported activities to mark the World Health Day 2010 together with its counterparts. Relevant directorates of Ministry of Health, non health government organizations, UN agencies, and nongovernmental organizations and more importantly the municipalities and urban councils have been invited to partner with WCO in ensuring the success of this endeavor.

External Review of National Response to TB control

Prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) in Sri Lanka is low in comparison to other countries in South East Asia (SEA).  Multi-drug resistance levels and incidence of TB-HIV are also low.  Key achievements of the National TB Programme are that both case detection and treatment success global targets have been reached and sustained mainly due to good implementation of Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS). The overall default rate has dropped to over 12% to 6% within five years due to intensified default tracing efforts involving all the categories of health staff at field level.

International Women’s Day 2010

The International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on the 8^th of March. In Sri Lanka the United Nations (UN) inaugurated IWD on the 5^th of March as 8^th was packed with various other activities for the local partners, under the global theme “Equal Rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all” 

Humanitarian Situation in North Sri Lanka

As of the end of November, MoH reported that about 16,000 IDPs remain in Menik Farm, being accommodated in zones 0, 1 and 3. Zones 2 & 4 were closed during the middle of November where IDPs voluntarily moved to zones 0 & 1. Competent Authority reports about 20,000 still remain and the discrepancy is due to the fact that a considerable number through registered in Menik Farm stay outside using the “pass system”. So far, about 70,000 people have resettled back to Jaffna, another 55,000 back to Mullaitivu, 120,000 to Kilinochchi, Mannar 50,000 and Vavuniya with 50,000.

Significant Days in the UN Calendar