Updates from PHM Sri Lanka

Peoples’ Health Movement Sri Lanka (PHMSL) was launched in the year 2001. The focal point is Sarvodaya Movement and the National Co-ordinator is Dr Vinya Ariyaratne, Executive Director of Sarvodaya.

HMSL conducts monthly meetings in Colombo. Representatives come from various Districts of the Island. PHMSL is an organization keenly interested in health rights and other health related activities such as the Drug Policy and has published booklets and leaflets as and when necessary. PHMSL launched a HIV/AIDS Policy to protect the rights of the People who are Living with HIV (PWLHIV) and has held a few poster campaigns for health rights to create an awareness among people.

Now we are trying to build PHM groups at district level as more organizations are able to participate in the PHM network and by this time is saved so as traveling expenses. Recently, a PHM group was formed in Badulla. Initial discussions were also held to form a PHM group in the Kandy District. Similarly, initial discussions were held to form a PHM group in the Moneragala District. All organizations in these districts have had good long term relationships with PHMSL and will send their representatives to Colombo for the monthly meetings.

In addition, from time to time, PHMSL has sent protest letters and demand letters to various organizations and we have strongly campaigned to include health rights in the Sri Lanka Constitution.

Non-Governmental Organizations, Trade Unions, Political Parties and Professional Organizations work jointly with PHM SL. The Member Organizations are as follows :

Government Printers’ Union, Health Education Professionals Association, Sarvodaya, Janaavabodaya Centre, Alternate Community Health Action, Sathyodaya, Sri Lanka Janaraja Health services Union, Communist Party, Lanka Samasamaja Party, Savisthri Womens’ Organization, Community Education Centre, Grama and Praja Sanwardena Sahayogithawaya, Wikalpanie Womens’ Organization, United Social Development Foundation, Democratic Left Front, ACHAN Sri Lanka, Co-operation, Co-operative & Commercial Services Union, National Christian Council, Service Civil International, Christian Workers’ Fellowship, Monlar, Puls Sri Lanka, People’s Health Protection Society, Bulathkoupitiya Grama Sanwardana Sangamaya, Ruhunu Praja Sanwardena Centre, Community Strength Development Foundation, Red Flag Union, Socialist Party, Future in our Hands, Lakbime Mothers & Daughters, Dabindu, National Fishers Solidarity Federation, Mahajana Party, Community & Environment Development Foundation, Uva Wellassa Womens’ Farmers Organization, Rumassala Environmental Protection Association, Gami Pahana (37 in total)

Prepared by Sirimal Peiris

People’s Health Movement – Sri Lanka

You can download a presentation with pictures below