Suwa Seriya name change – Nissanka Malla 2.0

The Government has clandestinely changed the name of Sri Lanka’s highly acclaimed pre-hospital, emergency ambulance service from Suwa Seriya to Sri Lanka Emergency Medical Service. The recent newspaper advertisement published by the organisation which called applications for its CEO post has omitted the word Suwa Seriya and instead used the new name.

The controversial move reminds of the stories associated with King Nissanka Malla who ruled the country from 1187 to 1196 during the Polonnaruwa era. The famous ruler is recalled by the history for taking credit for the initiatives that were launched by his predecessors. Changing the name of an organisation usually becomes necessary when the reputation of an institution has suffered an irreparable damage due to a grievous misconduct or pathetic performance. Ironically, none of that is related to Suwa Seriya, as it has been internationally acknowledged for its impressive delivery, effectiveness, and speed of response.

The value of this highly acclaimed initiative was felt by everybody in the island during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic when the dedicated staff attached to the emergency-care service worked 24/7 to safeguard the lives of patients. Last year, the islandwide ambulance service was lauded as one of the most advanced and efficient emergency medical services worldwide by none other than the premier international development lender – the World Bank. The Washington-based global lender’s Vice President for South Asia region Martin Raiser once praised Suwa Seriya for saving countless lives while providing citizens the highest level of pre-hospital care. The international financial institution also noted that by addressing gaps in pre-hospital care and enhancing connectivity between emergency services and primary care facilities, 1990 Suwa Seriya was not only saving lives but also bolstering Sri Lanka’s healthcare system as a whole. 

Suwa Seriya was perhaps the most successful project of the 2015-19 Yahapalana government and the extremely fruitful scheme is synonymous with SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva – who is widely regarded as its founder. Beginning from 88 ambulances in two provinces, it was launched in 2016. The Colombo District MP’s passion to launch this project was motivated by a traumatic experience he had to undergo almost a decade ago when the vehicle he was travelling with others met with an accident in Kantale, which resulted in one of his friends getting seriously injured and requiring immediate medical assistance. During this ordeal, the MP was shocked by the pathetic state of pre-hospital care, ambulance service he came to observe first hand in a remote area of the country. The distressing encounter inspired the economist-turned politician to come up with a remedy to address this grave shortcoming within the nation’s healthcare system if ever he got an opportunity.

When the Indian Premier Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka in 2015, the Indian Government was keen to fund a project of national importance to mark the friendship between the two countries. De Silva, who was a Deputy Minister at that time, came up with the proposal to launch a program which is similar to the 108 Ambulance Service operating in India. The then Deputy Minister’s proposal received the fullest blessing of the then Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, and his longstanding friendship with his Indian counterpart too contributed towards the successful implementation of the venture. 

Changing the name, colour and, logo of an institution which has been universally appreciated defies any logic. Recolouring the ambulances and changing the ambulances would involve a considerable amount of taxpayers’ money which cannot be justified.

It is obvious to anyone that the intention behind this questionable action is to remove Harsha de Silva’s association with Suwa Seriya, representing nothing but petty-mindedness, inferior complexity as well as lack of class and grace. Even the much maligned Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration refrained from such low-grade activities. The Government needs to take this cherished Sri Lankan healthcare legacy into greater heights instead of undertaking acts that would sabotage its operations.