COLOMBO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 19 percent of Sri Lanka's population has diabetes, with the actual prevalence potentially higher, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni has said.
Speaking at an event in Colombo on Saturday to mark World Diabetes Day, Wijemuni said diabetes and hypertension were among the major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) placing increasing pressure on the country's healthcare system.
Wijemuni said that despite Sri Lanka's performance in several healthcare indicators, the country continues to face challenges in preventing NCDs, particularly because many people remain unaware of underlying health conditions.
He urged the public to undergo regular medical examinations, even in the absence of symptoms, emphasizing that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment could prevent serious complications. ■
