4,000 deaths due to strokes 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Sri Lanka is facing a health crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which account for 89% of deaths, according to Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala.   

The hardest hit are those aged 50 to 60, with four out of ten falling victim to NCDs.  “Each year, 60,000 Sri Lankans suffer strokes, resulting in 4,000 deaths and leaving thousands with serious health issues,” the health secretary underscored.  

“Smoking is another major killer, causing 20,000 deaths annually,” he added.  

To combat this, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is investing Rs 70 billion over the next five years. Their plan includes boosting primary health care and setting up five cardiac catheterization units across the island.  

Dr. Mahipala revealed this during an event held yesterday.