Sri Lanka and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in healthcare, with a focus on modernising primary health services and expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the sector.
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko held talks with Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa in Colombo, following Murashko’s arrival in the country on Sunday for a three-day official visit.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni and Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan also attended the discussions.
The two sides exchanged views on developing primary healthcare, advancing medical education, improving pharmaceutical production and supply chains, and deploying modern medical equipment.
A key focus of the talks was AI-based systems, with the Russian delegation briefing Sri Lankan officials on a technology platform developed to identify and diagnose 42 diseases across agricultural and urban populations, including through laboratory services and paediatrics.
Murashko said Russia had prioritised primary healthcare and had adopted a range of measures to deliver effective health services to its people.
He expressed Russia’s readiness to support the further development of Sri Lanka’s health system and to deepen bilateral ties.
He also invited Minister Jayatissa and Sri Lankan health officials to visit Russia to observe its healthcare system, modern medical equipment and AI-supported treatment services first hand.
Murashko said Russia was prepared to offer additional medical education opportunities for Sri Lankan doctors and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in pharmaceutical production and supply chains.
He added that a Memorandum of Understanding between the two health ministries would help both countries move forward through closer coordination.
Russia was also ready to extend support to Sri Lanka in addressing challenges in areas including energy, he said.
Minister Jayatissa thanked his counterpart for the visit and for Russia’s expressed interest in supporting Sri Lanka’s health sector.
He outlined the country’s new programme to strengthen primary healthcare and stressed the importance of integrating modern technology and advanced medical equipment into the system.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni and Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan also attended the discussions.