International Training June 17, 2025

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Forge Partnership to Enhance Urban Health Services

A high-level delegation from Bangladesh’s Urban Primary Health Care Services Delivery Project-II (UPHCSDP-II) successfully completed an immersive five-day training course in Sri Lanka focused on fostering city-to-city collaboration for improved healthcare. Organized by the Ceylon Institute of Management & Technology (CIMT) in association with MTI Ltd., the program ran from June 12-17, 2025, and aimed to equip officials with actionable strategies to address urban health challenges.

With Bangladesh's urban population rapidly expanding, the pressure on primary healthcare services has become a critical development issue. This training was designed to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing Bangladeshi officials to study Sri Lanka's successful models for public health, municipal management, and strategic partnerships. The program blended high-level discussions with practical, on-the-ground field visits to key institutions.

Two images in the same row
Experience sharing session at the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
Delegates in an experience-sharing session at the Ministry of Health in Colombo.
Crest presentation to the Director General of Health Services
A crest is presented to Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services.

The intensive agenda included meetings with officials from the Colombo Municipal Council, the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), and the Ministry of Health. These sessions focused on enhancing local economic competitiveness, integrating SDGs into urban planning, and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Field visits to primary health clinics, a child welfare center, and a microbiology lab provided invaluable real-world perspectives on service delivery and community engagement.

Two images in the same row
Field visit to a curative health department
Examining health education materials at a local curative health department.
Field visit to a child welfare center
A visit to the Child Welfare Center in Nagaswatta, Kirulapone.

The program culminated in a meeting with H.E. Andalib Elias, the High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka, reinforcing the diplomatic significance of the partnership. By honing the skills of these key officials, this initiative has significantly strengthened their capacity to implement effective and sustainable health solutions, aligning with the Government of Bangladesh's commitment to advancing public well-being.

Group photo on its own row
Group photo with the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Sri Lanka
The delegation with H.E. Andalib Elias, the High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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