FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Mikhail Murashko, the Russian Minister of Health, is set to visit Sri Lanka on May 3 for a three-day official engagement, accompanied by a delegation, as announced by the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka.
Throughout the initial two days of his visit, Minister Murashko will engage in discussions with Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath. The primary focus of these discussions will be to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in the health sector, according to a statement from the Health Ministry.
Additionally, the Russian Minister and his team will tour the National Hospital of Sri Lanka located in Colombo, along with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo.
The visit aims to foster collaboration across various facets of the health sector, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, specialized medical training, academic partnerships such as exchange programs and joint courses, Ayurveda, and health tourism, as per the Health Ministry’s announcement.
Historically, the collaboration between Sri Lanka and Russia in the health sector has been robust, particularly in medical education and growing partnerships in pharmaceutical supply chains and advanced technical training.
As of 2026, Russia continues to be a key destination for Sri Lankan medical students, with the Russian government providing annual scholarships and several prominent universities offering programs recognized by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).
The partnership was notably strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted by the emergency approval and distribution of the Sputnik V vaccine.
In recent discussions held in April 2026, both Sri Lanka and Russia reiterated their commitment to expanding their partnership into pharmaceutical manufacturing and specialized clinical training.
The Russian Embassy has been proactive in facilitating internships for Sri Lankan physicians at leading scientific institutions in Moscow and St. Petersburg, particularly in advanced areas such as oncology, transcatheter heart valve replacement, and pediatric nephrology.
This comprehensive cooperation is viewed as a strategic element of Sri Lanka’s initiative to upgrade its public health system while broadening its access to medical expertise.
