Suwa Seriya marks 10 years : India to provide 100 more ambulances

Sri Lanka’s 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service marked its 10th anniversary on Friday, with Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announcing plans to expand the national emergency response fleet to 470 ambulances.

The commemorative event was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo with the participation of Suwa Seriya founder and MP Dr. Harsha de Silva and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.

Launched on July 28, 2016, with 88 ambulances donated by the Government of India, the free pre-hospital emergency care service has since expanded to a nationwide fleet of 319 ambulances.

According to the Health Ministry, Suwa Seriya has responded to more than 10 million emergency calls and provided lifesaving assistance in over 2.6 million emergencies during the past decade.

Addressing the event, Dr. Jayatissa described Suwa Seriya as “a separate chapter in Sri Lanka’s history,” saying every life saved by the service represents hope for families and communities across the country.

The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of Dr. Harsha de Silva, former Health Ministers, Health Ministry officials and the Government of India for helping establish and sustain the service.

He said India is in the final stages of providing 100 additional ambulances, which are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. Another 50 ambulances are also expected through the Tata Foundation, increasing the Suwa Seriya fleet to 470 ambulances.

Dr. Jayatissa further said the Health Ministry is working to strengthen and formalize the existing pre-hospital emergency care system with the aim of transforming Suwa Seriya into Sri Lanka’s national ambulance service.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Harsha de Silva said Suwa Seriya demonstrates how successful public initiatives should continue regardless of changes in government, noting that the service has been supported by successive administrations since its launch in 2016.

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha reaffirmed India’s continued support for Suwa Seriya, describing healthcare as a key pillar of cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.

During the event, a commemorative postage stamp and a new Suwa Seriya mobile application were also launched, while 160 long-serving members of the ambulance service were honoured for their contribution. (Newswire)

The post Suwa Seriya marks 10 years : India to provide 100 more ambulances appeared first on Newswire.