As part of the This is Public Health (TIPH) Project’s ongoing podcast series on Sri Lanka’s public health achievements, two expert interviews were conducted in April 2026, focusing on major milestones in communicable disease control and maternal health.
On 2nd April 2026, an interview was held under the theme “Prevention & Control of Communicable Diseases”, with a focus on Leprosy Control in Sri Lanka. The discussion featured Dr. Indira Kahawita, Consultant Dermatologist, who shared valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s progress in leprosy prevention, surveillance, treatment, and public health interventions. The session was hosted by Dr. Sivaganesh Suganja, Student Ambassador of the TIPH Project and Lecturer, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
A second interview explored the topic “Successful Achievement in Maternal Health”, featuring Dr. Chithramali De Silva, a public health specialist with nearly 40 years of distinguished service in Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, and former Director of Maternal and Child Health. The discussion highlighted the key policies, health system strengthening efforts, and community-based interventions that contributed to Sri Lanka’s internationally recognized achievements in maternal health. The session was also hosted by Dr. Sivaganesh Suganja.
The video and audio production for both interviews was carried out by Ms. Mathavy Umasuthasarma, Project Fellow of the TIPH Project, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
These interviews contribute to the TIPH Project’s mission of documenting and disseminating Sri Lanka’s public health success stories while providing valuable learning resources for students, academics, public health professionals, and the wider community.
