The Health and Mass Media Ministry is committed to strengthening specialist healthcare services, improving postgraduate medical education, expanding hospital infrastructure and introducing modern medical technology to address future challenges in the health sector, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.Speaking at the fifth Annual Academic Session of the Neurosurgeons Association of Sri Lanka (NEUROSURG 2026), held at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo on Thursday (20), the Minister said strengthening specialist healthcare services was among the government’s key priorities.

The academic session, held under the theme “A Collaborative Approach to Neurosurgical Excellence in Sri Lanka,” also marked 70 years of neurosurgery in the country.Minister Jayatissa said the development of specialist healthcare services required continued investment in human resources, medical education, hospital infrastructure and modern technology.

He highlighted the importance of improving postgraduate medical education and providing specialist doctors with the necessary facilities and opportunities to further develop their knowledge and skills.The Minister also highlighted the need to establish appropriate training programs and create a suitable working environment to attract talented young doctors to neurosurgery and other specialized fields.He said the government was committed to creating the necessary conditions for the health sector to meet emerging challenges while ensuring that patients have access to efficient and quality specialist care.

The Minister also said that advances in modern healthcare cannot be achieved by a single individual or professional group. Cooperation among specialist doctors, medical officers, nurses and other healthcare professionals is essential to achieve the best outcomes, he said.The NEUROSURG 2026 session brought together local and foreign experts and academics to exchange professional knowledge, experience and expertise on developments in neurosurgery.The program is focused on modern medical technologies, emerging trends, the expansion and improvement of neurosurgical services in Sri Lanka and future challenges facing the field.

Neurosurgeons Association of Sri Lanka President Dr. Nirukshan Jayaweera chaired the session, while University of Colombo Vice-Chancellor Prof. Indika Karunathilaka attended as the special guest. Neurosurgeon Dr. Sunil Perera of Asiri Surgical Hospital attended as the guest of honour and delivered special lectures on neurosurgical services.

Association Secretary Dr. Saman Pushpakumara, former presidents of the association and members of the Neurosurgeons Association of Sri Lanka were also present.