The objectives of the report were: to review the organization, structure and financing of Sri Lanka’s national health system; provide basic descriptive parameters; identify strengths and weaknesses of the system, with reference to earlier performance and any available international bench marks; identify emerging trends in the development of the health system; and to review current policy agenda and identify system issues.

This is a preliminary report assessing the current status of Sri Lanka’s health care system, its problems, future challenges, and issues to consider in the development of potential reform options. The report indicates significant problems in both the original conceptualization of devolved government as well as its actual implementation since 1987.