2026-02-05 / Oral Question: STD/AIDS Control Programme and State Land Lease Issues (Q.6/2025 and Q.7/2025) 2026-02-05
## Summary
Hon. S.M. Marikkar submitted a written parliamentary question to the Minister of Health and Mass Media seeking detailed information on the Sri Lanka National STD/AIDS Control Programme. The question has three main areas of inquiry: the operational status of the programme, including the number of clinics, patient numbers, and whether a permanent director has been appointed; the procurement and current stock levels of the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug used to prevent HIV/AIDS, including its source; and the current stock levels of three specific antiretroviral drugs — Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir — along with questions about a possible shortage of these medicines, accountability for any such shortage, and remedial steps being taken.
asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media:
Will he state—
(a)
(i) the number of clinics that are conducted under the Sri Lanka National STD/AIDS Control Programme;
(ii) the number of patients who receive services from those clinics;
(iii) whether a permanent director has been appointed to administer the above-mentioned Programme; and
(iv) if not, the manner in which the administrative affairs are carried out?
(b)
(i) the volume of the current stock of the pre-exposure prophylaxis drug that is given to prevent AIDS;
(ii) whether the said drug is received as a donation to Sri Lanka;
(iii) if so, the name of the institution that donates the said drug; and
(iv) if not, the manner in which the said drug is procured?
(c)
(i) the volumes of the current stocks of each of the antiviral drugs given to AIDS patients, namely Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir, separately;
(ii) whether he is aware that there is a shortage of essential antiviral drugs given to AIDS patients;
(iii) if so, the name of the person who is responsible in that regard; and
(iv) the steps that will be taken regarding the above-mentioned shortage?
(d) If not, why?