Try GOLD - Free
One in five Lankans affected by diabetes - womb-to-tomb disease
Daily FT
|November 14, 2025
DIABETES is a serious public health issue here at home, with one in five Sri Lankans affected by this silent epidemic.
One of the seven countries and territories in the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) South-East Asia Region, Sri Lanka has the third highest number of adults (20-79 years) with diabetes in the Region.
At the press briefing marking the 30th anniversary of the National Diabetes Centre, (NDC) which is the clinical arm of The Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka (DASL), its President and IDFs Regional Chair-Elect, Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke remarked that around 40% of the Sri Lankan population remains undiagnosed or untreated for diabetes.
"Diabetes is the mother of most noncommunicable diseases and it has become a womb-to-tomb lifestyle disease," said Dr. Sumanathilake who cited cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, vision loss and lower limb amputation among the leading morbidities and other life-altering effects caused by diabetes.
The Western Province of the country has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the county, given its more urbanised lifestyle that triggers the disease.
Types of diabetes
This story is from the November 14, 2025 edition of Daily FT.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Daily FT
Daily FT
GCF Round 2 of Research Grants today
THE Gamani Corea Foundation (GCF) will present Round 2 of the GCF Research Grants Awards on 18 December at the BMICH, marking the second successive grant award scheme conducted by the Foundation.
1 min
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
Govt. repatriates 25 Lankans rescued from cybercrime centres in Myanmar
THE Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, in close collaboration with the Sri Lanka Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Ministry and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar, has successfully facilitated the rescue and repatriation of 25 Sri Lankan nationals who had been trafficked in cybercrime centres in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
1 min
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
David Pieris Group expands global footprint with investment in Dubai-based Navire Logistics
THE David Pieris Group continues to strengthen its international presence with the acquisition of 50% ownership in Navire Logistics Services L.L.C, a reputed logistics company based in Dubai and Oman.
1 mins
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
Sri Lankan players in ILT20 required to return home
SRI Lanka Cricket (SLC) has requested its national players currently participating in the International League T20 (ILT20) tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to return to the country by 20 December, despite having earlier granted permission for them to compete in the League until early January.
1 min
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
Senthilverl exits Maharaja Foods; Yaden enters
HIGH net-worth investor Dr. T. Senthilverl has exited from Maharaja Foods PLC whilst Yaden Capital has entered the company with a 10% stake.
1 min
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
WindForce commissions rooftop solar PV project in Maldives
WINDFORCE PLC yesterday announced that the 432.2 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) power project at Joy Island, Kassanfushi, Kaafu Atoll Maldives, was successfully commissioned on 13 December.
1 min
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
Govt. says Rs. 500 b post-Ditwah spending plan within 2026 borrowing limits
Parliament to consider Rs. 500 b Supplementary Estimate for 2026 at special sitting today Supplementary allocation to increase primary expenditure from Rs. 7.16 t to Rs. 7.66 t Rs. 100 b allocated for housing, Rs. 250 b for infrastructure, Rs. 150 b for livelihoods Finance Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando says move well within Govt.'s fiscal space Funding comes from reallocated capital spending, excess revenue, Treasury funds and aid Assures additional spending kept within 2026 debt ceiling of Rs. 3.74 t Projects 5% GDP growth for 2026 Revenue agencies exceed targets by Rs. 400 b, containing budget deficit despite relief spending
3 mins
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
Govt. confident of securing $ 200 m RFI from IMF
THE Government yesterday expressed confidence in securing $ 200 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), as it moves to manage urgent foreign exchange needs following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, whilst keeping its broader debt restructuring program on track.
2 mins
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
Budget 2026: Parliament and public deprived of real numbers
THE constitution anticipates that the Sri Lankan Parliament “shall have full control over public finance”.
3 mins
December 18, 2025
Daily FT
Sri Lanka Ambassador launches Ceylon Biscuits Company products in Saudi Arabia
Sri Lanka's exports to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieves 19% growth from January to September 2025; bilateral trade up 9%, CBL-Amalcom collaboration is expected to contribute to a further increase in Sri Lankan exports to Saudi Arabia
2 mins
December 18, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size