Features
Nursing in Sri Lanka: A Journey of Dedication, Challenges, and Trends
by D. I. I. Amarasinghe
Nursing, often regarded as the heartbeat of healthcare systems, has undergone a profound evolution in Sri Lanka. From humble beginnings to modern-day complexities, the trajectory of nursing services in this island nation reflects a rich tapestry of dedication, challenges, and opportunities. Nursing in Sri Lanka has undergone a significant evolution over the years, reflecting the changing healthcare landscape and societal needs. From its humble beginnings to the present day, nurses in Sri Lanka play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services and improving public health outcomes.
The roots of nursing in Sri Lanka can be traced back to the early 19th century when British colonial influence introduced Western healthcare practices to the island. Initially, nursing was primarily carried out by religious orders and laypersons with rudimentary training. However, with the establishment of formal nursing education in the early 20th century, the profession began to take shape. The advent of nursing schools and the pioneering efforts of individuals like Lady Havelock, who founded the Colombo School of Nursing in 1937, marked significant milestones in the professionalization of nursing.
Over the decades, nursing in Sri Lanka evolved from a vocation to a respected profession, with nurses playing pivotal roles in delivering quality healthcare across the country’s diverse landscapes. The transition from informal caregiving to structured training programmes was pivotal in elevating the status of nursing in Sri Lankan society. With the establishment of nursing schools and the standardisation of curriculum and training, nurses gained recognition as skilled healthcare professionals capable of providing competent and compassionate care to patients.
The evolution of nursing education in Sri Lanka paralleled global advancements in healthcare and nursing practice. The curriculum expanded to encompass a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, nursing theory, and clinical skills. Moreover, practical training in hospital settings became an integral component of nursing education, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care scenarios. This hands-on approach fostered clinical competence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among aspiring nurses, preparing them for the complexities of modern healthcare practice.
In contemporary Sri Lanka, nursing stands as an indispensable pillar of the healthcare system. With the proliferation of nursing education institutions and the establishment of rigorous training programs, the profession has witnessed remarkable growth. Today, Sri Lankan nurses are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge, enabling them to provide a wide array of services ranging from primary care to specialised treatments. Also, they are well received all over the world.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of nursing leadership and management in healthcare organisations. Nurses are increasingly assuming leadership roles in clinical practice, education, research, and administration, driving positive change and innovation within the healthcare system. Moreover, the integration of technology into nursing practice has facilitated improvements in patient care, documentation, communication, and decision-making.
Certainly, nursing in Sri Lanka encounters a myriad of challenges, with the shortage of qualified nursing staff being a prominent issue. In rural areas especially, the scarcity of trained professionals leads to healthcare facilities being understaffed, resulting in increased workloads and compromised patient care. According to recent statistics from the Ministry of Health, rural regions often experience a nurse-to-patient ratio well below the recommended standards set by the World Health Organization. Migrating large number of nursing officers is also affecting for this issue.
Moreover, the inadequate remuneration offered to nurses across the country is a significant deterrent for individuals considering nursing as a long-term career. Reports from nursing associations highlight that the salaries provided are often insufficient to meet the rising cost of living, let alone incentivise individuals to commit to the demanding nature of the profession. This lack of financial security further perpetuates the shortage of nursing staff, particularly in rural areas where alternative employment opportunities are limited.
Additionally, limited career advancement opportunities within the nursing profession discourage talented individuals from pursuing further education and specialization. The absence of structured career pathways and professional development programs hinders the progression of nurses in their careers, leading to stagnation and dissatisfaction among the workforce.
Furthermore, the demanding work environment, characterised by long hours, high patient volumes, and inadequate resources, contributes significantly to burnout and attrition among nursing staff. Studies conducted by healthcare institutions reveal alarmingly high rates of burnout among nurses, adversely affecting both their well-being and the quality of care provided to patients.
In addition to personnel-related challenges, systemic issues such as insufficient funding for healthcare infrastructure and equipment further strain the capacity of nurses to deliver optimal care. Outdated facilities and a lack of essential medical equipment impede the efficiency of healthcare delivery, exacerbating the challenges faced by nursing staff on the frontline.
In addition, a major challenge for nursing in Sri Lanka is that due to the medical administration of the Ministry of Health, nurses are deprived of their rights, opportunities and privileges and discriminated against. Although efforts have been made on various occasions and all necessary activities have been carried out, raising the nursing diploma provided by the government nursing colleges to the degree level is still impossible due to various influences. This has resulted in the decline of value and status of Sri Lankan nurses in Sri Lanka as well as in the world.
Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach that involves strategic workforce planning, policy reforms to improve remuneration and career development opportunities, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, and concerted efforts to challenge gender stereotypes and promote the value of nursing as a profession essential to the well-being of society.
Amidst the challenges, new trends and opportunities are emerging that promise to reshape the landscape of nursing in Sri Lanka. The growing focus on community-based care and preventive health strategies presents an exciting avenue for nurses to expand their roles beyond traditional hospital settings. By engaging with local communities, nurses can promote health education, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications, thereby addressing underlying health disparities and improving population health outcomes.
Moreover, advancements in technology and telemedicine are enabling nurses to deliver healthcare services remotely, bridging gaps in access and enhancing efficiency. Tele-nursing, teleconsultations, and mobile health applications empower nurses to reach patients in remote or underserved areas, monitor chronic conditions, and provide timely interventions. This not only extends the reach of healthcare services but also promotes patient empowerment and self-management.
Additionally, the increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration opens doors for nurses to work alongside other healthcare professionals in integrated care teams, fostering holistic approaches to patient management. By collaborating with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and allied health professionals, nurses can leverage their unique expertise in patient-centered care, care coordination, and health promotion, leading to more comprehensive and effective healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, there is a growing recognition of the importance of evidence-based practice and research in nursing. Nurses are increasingly engaged in research activities aimed at generating new knowledge, improving clinical outcomes, and informing policy and practice. By fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation, Sri Lanka can harness the potential of nursing research to address priority health issues, drive quality improvement initiatives, and advance the profession.
To unleash the full potential of nursing in Sri Lanka, concerted efforts are needed at various levels. Firstly, there is a pressing need to address the shortage of nursing staff by implementing targeted recruitment and retention strategies, especially in underserved areas. This could involve incentivising rural postings, offering competitive salaries, and providing opportunities for career advancement and continuous professional development. Additionally, investing in nursing education and training programs, particularly in specialised areas such as critical care, gerontology, mental health, and community nursing, will ensure a skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving healthcare needs.
Furthermore, enhancing the working conditions and well-being of nurses is paramount to retaining talent and maintaining high standards of patient care. This includes improving staffing levels, providing adequate resources and support, implementing evidence-based workload management strategies, and fostering a culture of respect, recognition, and professional growth within healthcare organisations. Additionally, prioritizing the mental health and resilience of nurses through peer support programmes, counseling services, and stress management initiatives can mitigate burnout and improve job satisfaction.
Moreover, strengthening regulatory mechanisms and professional governance structures is essential for upholding standards of nursing practice and ensuring accountability. This involves enforcing licensing requirements, promoting continuing education and competency assessments, and establishing mechanisms for reporting and addressing issues of misconduct or negligence. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, Sri Lanka can enhance public trust in nursing professionals and elevate the status of the profession within the healthcare system.
Encouraging active participation of nurses in national health policies and decision-making processes is crucial for harnessing their expertise and insights. Establishing platforms for nurses to voice their concerns, ideas, and innovations will foster a culture of empowerment and ownership within the profession. This could involve creating forums for professional networking, research dissemination, and policy advocacy, as well as involving nurses in committees, task forces, and advisory boards related to healthcare governance and planning.
Furthermore, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals will enhance synergies and drive innovation in patient care. By fostering partnerships between nursing associations, academic institutions, healthcare organisations, and government agencies, Sri Lanka can leverage the collective expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders to address complex health challenges and improve healthcare delivery systems.
Additionally, investing in leadership development and mentorship programs for nurses will cultivate a new generation of healthcare leaders capable of driving positive change and innovation. By providing opportunities for career progression, professional development, and leadership training, Sri Lanka can empower nurses to take on leadership roles in clinical practice, education, research, administration, and policy advocacy.
By recognising and valuing the contributions of nurses as integral members of the healthcare team, Sri Lanka can leverage their expertise to propel the country towards a healthier society. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments in nursing education, practice, and leadership, Sri Lanka can harness the full potential of its nursing workforce to address current health challenges and build a resilient healthcare system for the future.
In conclusion, nursing in Sri Lanka embodies a rich legacy of dedication, resilience, and innovation. While facing numerous challenges, the profession continues to evolve and adapt to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the nation. By addressing systemic barriers, embracing emerging trends, and empowering nurses to lead change, Sri Lanka can unlock the full potential of its nursing workforce and pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous society.
(The writers is a Special Grade Nursing Officer (Education), School of Nursing Rathnapura)
by Dr Gotabhya Ranasinghe
Senior Consultant Cardiologist
National Hospital Sri Lanka
When we sought a meeting with Hon Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health, he graciously cleared his busy schedule to accommodate us. Renowned for his attentive listening and deep understanding, Minister Pathirana is dedicated to advancing the health sector. His openness and transparency exemplify the qualities of an exemplary politician and minister.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the current Health Secretary, demonstrates both commendable enthusiasm and unwavering support. This combination of attributes makes him a highly compatible colleague for the esteemed Minister of Health.
Our discussion centered on a project that has been in the works for the past 30 years, one that no other minister had managed to advance.
Minister Pathirana, however, recognized the project’s significance and its potential to revolutionize care for heart patients.
The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility at the premises of the National Hospital Colombo. The project’s location within the premises of the National Hospital underscores its importance and relevance to the healthcare infrastructure of the nation.
This facility will include a cardiology building and a tertiary care center, equipped with the latest technology to handle and treat all types of heart-related conditions and surgeries.
Securing funding was a major milestone for this initiative. Minister Pathirana successfully obtained approval for a $40 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank. With the funding in place, the foundation stone is scheduled to be laid in September this year, and construction will begin in January 2025.
This project guarantees a consistent and uninterrupted supply of stents and related medications for heart patients. As a result, patients will have timely access to essential medical supplies during their treatment and recovery. By securing these critical resources, the project aims to enhance patient outcomes, minimize treatment delays, and maintain the highest standards of cardiac care.
Upon its fruition, this monumental building will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, symbolizing the unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering a healthier society.We anticipate a future marked by significant progress and positive outcomes in Sri Lanka’s cardiovascular treatment landscape within the foreseeable timeframe.
by Fr. Emmanuel Fernando, OMI
Jesuit Fr. Aloysius Pieris (affectionately called Fr. Aloy) celebrated his 90th birthday on April 9, 2024 and I, as the editor of our Oblate Journal, THE MISSIONARY OBLATE had gone to press by that time. Immediately I decided to publish an article, appreciating the untiring selfless services he continues to offer for inter-Faith dialogue, the renewal of the Catholic Church, his concern for the poor and the suffering Sri Lankan masses and to me, the present writer.
It was in 1988, when I was appointed Director of the Oblate Scholastics at Ampitiya by the then Oblate Provincial Fr. Anselm Silva, that I came to know Fr. Aloy more closely. Knowing well his expertise in matters spiritual, theological, Indological and pastoral, and with the collaborative spirit of my companion-formators, our Oblate Scholastics were sent to Tulana, the Research and Encounter Centre, Kelaniya, of which he is the Founder-Director, for ‘exposure-programmes’ on matters spiritual, biblical, theological and pastoral. Some of these dimensions according to my view and that of my companion-formators, were not available at the National Seminary, Ampitiya.
Ever since that time, our Oblate formators/ accompaniers at the Oblate Scholasticate, Ampitiya , have continued to send our Oblate Scholastics to Tulana Centre for deepening their insights and convictions regarding matters needed to serve the people in today’s context. Fr. Aloy also had tried very enthusiastically with the Oblate team headed by Frs. Oswald Firth and Clement Waidyasekara to begin a Theologate, directed by the Religious Congregations in Sri Lanka, for the contextual formation/ accompaniment of their members. It should very well be a desired goal of the Leaders / Provincials of the Religious Congregations.
Besides being a formator/accompanier at the Oblate Scholasticate, I was entrusted also with the task of editing and publishing our Oblate journal, ‘The Missionary Oblate’. To maintain the quality of the journal I continue to depend on Fr. Aloy for his thought-provoking and stimulating articles on Biblical Spirituality, Biblical Theology and Ecclesiology. I am very grateful to him for his generous assistance. Of late, his writings on renewal of the Church, initiated by Pope St. John XX111 and continued by Pope Francis through the Synodal path, published in our Oblate journal, enable our readers to focus their attention also on the needed renewal in the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. Fr. Aloy appreciated very much the Synodal path adopted by the Jesuit Pope Francis for the renewal of the Church, rooted very much on prayerful discernment. In my Religious and presbyteral life, Fr.Aloy continues to be my spiritual animator / guide and ongoing formator / acccompanier.
Fr. Aloysius Pieris, BA Hons (Lond), LPh (SHC, India), STL (PFT, Naples), PhD (SLU/VC), ThD (Tilburg), D.Ltt (KU), has been one of the eminent Asian theologians well recognized internationally and one who has lectured and held visiting chairs in many universities both in the West and in the East. Many members of Religious Congregations from Asian countries have benefited from his lectures and guidance in the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) in Manila, Philippines. He had been a Theologian consulted by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences for many years. During his professorship at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was called to be a member of a special group of advisers on other religions consulted by Pope Paul VI.
Fr. Aloy is the author of more than 30 books and well over 500 Research Papers. Some of his books and articles have been translated and published in several countries. Among those books, one can find the following: 1) The Genesis of an Asian Theology of Liberation (An Autobiographical Excursus on the Art of Theologising in Asia, 2) An Asian Theology of Liberation, 3) Providential Timeliness of Vatican 11 (a long-overdue halt to a scandalous millennium, 4) Give Vatican 11 a chance, 5) Leadership in the Church, 6) Relishing our faith in working for justice (Themes for study and discussion), 7) A Message meant mainly, not exclusively for Jesuits (Background information necessary for helping Francis renew the Church), 8) Lent in Lanka (Reflections and Resolutions, 9) Love meets wisdom (A Christian Experience of Buddhism, 10) Fire and Water 11) God’s Reign for God’s poor, 12) Our Unhiddden Agenda (How we Jesuits work, pray and form our men). He is also the Editor of two journals, Vagdevi, Journal of Religious Reflection and Dialogue, New Series.
Fr. Aloy has a BA in Pali and Sanskrit from the University of London and a Ph.D in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Sri Lankan, Vidyodaya Campus. On Nov. 23, 2019, he was awarded the prestigious honorary Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) by the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, the Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Dharmakirthi Sri Kusala Dhamma Thera.
Fr. Aloy continues to be a promoter of Gospel values and virtues. Justice as a constitutive dimension of love and social concern for the downtrodden masses are very much noted in his life and work. He had very much appreciated the commitment of the late Fr. Joseph (Joe) Fernando, the National Director of the Social and Economic Centre (SEDEC) for the poor.
In Sri Lanka, a few religious Congregations – the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Christian Brothers, the Marist Brothers and the Oblates – have invited him to animate their members especially during their Provincial Congresses, Chapters and International Conferences. The mainline Christian Churches also have sought his advice and followed his seminars. I, for one, regret very much, that the Sri Lankan authorities of the Catholic Church –today’s Hierarchy—- have not sought Fr.
Aloy’s expertise for the renewal of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka and thus have not benefited from the immense store of wisdom and insight that he can offer to our local Church while the Sri Lankan bishops who governed the Catholic church in the immediate aftermath of the Second Vatican Council (Edmund Fernando OMI, Anthony de Saram, Leo Nanayakkara OSB, Frank Marcus Fernando, Paul Perera,) visited him and consulted him on many matters. Among the Tamil Bishops, Bishop Rayappu Joseph was keeping close contact with him and Bishop J. Deogupillai hosted him and his team visiting him after the horrible Black July massacre of Tamils.
Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
By Gomi Senadhira
senadhiragomi@gmail.com
“You might tell fairy tales, but the progress of a country cannot be achieved through such narratives. A country cannot be developed by making false promises. The country moved backward because of the electoral promises made by political parties throughout time. We have witnessed that the ultimate result of this is the country becoming bankrupt. Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet.” – President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 2024 Budget speech
Any Sri Lankan would agree with the above words of President Wickremesinghe on the false promises our politicians and officials make and the fairy tales they narrate which bankrupted this country. So, to understand this, let’s look at one such fairy tale with lots of false promises; Ranil Wickremesinghe’s greatest achievement in the area of international trade and investment promotion during the Yahapalana period, Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA).
It is appropriate and timely to do it now as Finance Minister Wickremesinghe has just presented to parliament a bill on the National Policy on Economic Transformation which includes the establishment of an Office for International Trade and the Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade.
Was SLSFTA a “Cleverly negotiated Free Trade Agreement” as stated by the (former) Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate on the SLSFTA in July 2018, or a colossal blunder covered up with lies, false promises, and fairy tales? After SLSFTA was signed there were a number of fairy tales published on this agreement by the Ministry of Development Strategies and International, Institute of Policy Studies, and others.
However, for this article, I would like to limit my comments to the speech by Minister Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate, and the two most important areas in the agreement which were covered up with lies, fairy tales, and false promises, namely: revenue loss for Sri Lanka and Investment from Singapore. On the other important area, “Waste products dumping” I do not want to comment here as I have written extensively on the issue.
1. The revenue loss
During the Parliamentary Debate in July 2018, Minister Samarawickrama stated “…. let me reiterate that this FTA with Singapore has been very cleverly negotiated by us…. The liberalisation programme under this FTA has been carefully designed to have the least impact on domestic industry and revenue collection. We have included all revenue sensitive items in the negative list of items which will not be subject to removal of tariff. Therefore, 97.8% revenue from Customs duty is protected. Our tariff liberalisation will take place over a period of 12-15 years! In fact, the revenue earned through tariffs on goods imported from Singapore last year was Rs. 35 billion.
The revenue loss for over the next 15 years due to the FTA is only Rs. 733 million– which when annualised, on average, is just Rs. 51 million. That is just 0.14% per year! So anyone who claims the Singapore FTA causes revenue loss to the Government cannot do basic arithmetic! Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I call on my fellow members of this House – don’t mislead the public with baseless criticism that is not grounded in facts. Don’t look at petty politics and use these issues for your own political survival.”
I was surprised to read the minister’s speech because an article published in January 2018 in “The Straits Times“, based on information released by the Singaporean Negotiators stated, “…. With the FTA, tariff savings for Singapore exports are estimated to hit $10 million annually“.
As the annual tariff savings (that is the revenue loss for Sri Lanka) calculated by the Singaporean Negotiators, Singaporean $ 10 million (Sri Lankan rupees 1,200 million in 2018) was way above the rupees’ 733 million revenue loss for 15 years estimated by the Sri Lankan negotiators, it was clear to any observer that one of the parties to the agreement had not done the basic arithmetic!
Six years later, according to a report published by “The Morning” newspaper, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) on 7th May 2024, Mr Samarawickrama’s chief trade negotiator K.J. Weerasinghehad had admitted “…. that forecasted revenue loss for the Government of Sri Lanka through the Singapore FTA is Rs. 450 million in 2023 and Rs. 1.3 billion in 2024.”
If these numbers are correct, as tariff liberalisation under the SLSFTA has just started, we will pass Rs 2 billion very soon. Then, the question is how Sri Lanka’s trade negotiators made such a colossal blunder. Didn’t they do their basic arithmetic? If they didn’t know how to do basic arithmetic they should have at least done their basic readings. For example, the headline of the article published in The Straits Times in January 2018 was “Singapore, Sri Lanka sign FTA, annual savings of $10m expected”.
Anyway, as Sri Lanka’s chief negotiator reiterated at the COPF meeting that “…. since 99% of the tariffs in Singapore have zero rates of duty, Sri Lanka has agreed on 80% tariff liberalisation over a period of 15 years while expecting Singapore investments to address the imbalance in trade,” let’s turn towards investment.
Investment from Singapore
In July 2018, speaking during the Parliamentary Debate on the FTA this is what Minister Malik Samarawickrama stated on investment from Singapore, “Already, thanks to this FTA, in just the past two-and-a-half months since the agreement came into effect we have received a proposal from Singapore for investment amounting to $ 14.8 billion in an oil refinery for export of petroleum products. In addition, we have proposals for a steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million), sugar refinery ($ 200 million). This adds up to more than $ 16.05 billion in the pipeline on these projects alone.
And all of these projects will create thousands of more jobs for our people. In principle approval has already been granted by the BOI and the investors are awaiting the release of land the environmental approvals to commence the project.
I request the Opposition and those with vested interests to change their narrow-minded thinking and join us to develop our country. We must always look at what is best for the whole community, not just the few who may oppose. We owe it to our people to courageously take decisions that will change their lives for the better.”
According to the media report I quoted earlier, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chief Negotiator Weerasinghe has admitted that Sri Lanka was not happy with overall Singapore investments that have come in the past few years in return for the trade liberalisation under the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. He has added that between 2021 and 2023 the total investment from Singapore had been around $162 million!
What happened to those projects worth $16 billion negotiated, thanks to the SLSFTA, in just the two-and-a-half months after the agreement came into effect and approved by the BOI? I do not know about the steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million) and sugar refinery ($ 200 million).
However, story of the multibillion-dollar investment in the Petroleum Refinery unfolded in a manner that would qualify it as the best fairy tale with false promises presented by our politicians and the officials, prior to 2019 elections.
Though many Sri Lankans got to know, through the media which repeatedly highlighted a plethora of issues surrounding the project and the questionable credentials of the Singaporean investor, the construction work on the Mirrijiwela Oil Refinery along with the cement factory began on the24th of March 2019 with a bang and Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his ministers along with the foreign and local dignitaries laid the foundation stones.
That was few months before the 2019 Presidential elections. Inaugurating the construction work Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the projects will create thousands of job opportunities in the area and surrounding districts.
The oil refinery, which was to be built over 200 acres of land, with the capacity to refine 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was to generate US$7 billion of exports and create 1,500 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs. The construction of the refinery was to be completed in 44 months. Four years later, in August 2023 the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to cancel the agreement with the investors of the refinery as the project has not been implemented! Can they explain to the country how much money was wasted to produce that fairy tale?
It is obvious that the President, ministers, and officials had made huge blunders and had deliberately misled the public and the parliament on the revenue loss and potential investment from SLSFTA with fairy tales and false promises.
As the president himself said, a country cannot be developed by making false promises or with fairy tales and these false promises and fairy tales had bankrupted the country. “Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet”.
(The writer, a specialist and an activist on trade and development issues . )
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