KIRIBATHGODA, SRI LANKA – Addressing the opening ceremony of a private hospital in Kiribathgoda on April 4, 2026, the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Upali Pannila , revealed that the government spends over Rs. 6 million in public tax money to train a single doctor.
The Minister emphasized the significant financial commitment made by the state toward higher education, specifically highlighting the high cost of medical training compared to other professions. For instance, he noted that producing an engineer costs the government approximately Rs. 3 million, roughly half the amount required for a medical degree.
Key Points from the Minister’s Address:
- Societal Value: Prof. Pannila referred to the historical legacy of King Buddhadasa, known as a “Veda Raja” (Physician King), to underscore the high regard and societal responsibility expected of medical professionals.
- Public Funding & Accountability: The Minister stressed that because these professionals are supported by public funds, there must be a high standard of accountability and service to the public who financed their education.
- Professional Standards: He expressed confidence that doctors would continue to serve in a manner that upholds the respect they have traditionally held in Sri Lankan society.
The statement comes at a time when the healthcare sector faces various challenges, including debates over the appointment systems for interns and the emigration of state-trained professionals. While some critics argue that doctors repay this investment through years of service and taxes on assets like imported vehicles, the Minister’s remarks were aimed at highlighting the scale of the government’s investment in human capital for the health sector.
