I am confident that the coordinated efforts of TB prevention activities coupled with government's development policies would result in Sri Lanka being completely free of TB in the future, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message on World Tuberculosis Day.

During the last five decades Sri Lanka has performed well in improving the health status of the nation and these achievements are reflected in the health indicators of the country. This is true in TB control activities too with the prevalence of the disease coming down due to the coordinated control activities of the government's health sector and its development partners, he said.

The President added that the government remains committed to the aims of the National Program for Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases which are to make Sri Lanka free of TB and contribute to the socio- economic development of the nation.

Following is the full text of the message:


I am pleased to send this message on World Tuberculosis Day 2010.

During the last five decades Sri Lanka has performed well in improving the health status of the nation and these achievements are reflected in the health indicators of the country. This is true in TB control activities too with the prevalence of the disease coming down due to the coordinated control activities of the government's health sector and its development partners.

With 35% of TB patients residing in the South East Asian Region, TB is still considered a public health problem in the country. In this context, the government remains committed to the aims of the National Program for Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases which are to make Sri Lanka free of TB and contribute to the socio- economic development of the nation.

Sri Lanka is now at a crucial period in history where the development process has been stepped up with the end to nearly three decades of terrorism. The nation is rebuilding economically while closing the poverty gap and improving the living conditions of all citizens of the country. TB is inexorably linked with poverty with a majority of patients coming from economically disadvantaged social groups. I am confident that the coordinated efforts of TB prevention activities coupled with government's development policies would result in Sri Lanka being completely free of TB in the future.

I extend my fullest support towards all the activities of the National Program for Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases and wish the program all success.