NIHS Marks Centenary with Launch of Sri Lanka’s First Public Health Museum in Kalutara

KALUTARA — The National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) in Kalutara has officially marked 100 years of service to Sri Lanka’s public healthcare sector, inaugurating the nation's first dedicated Public Health Museum alongside a series of centenary commemorations.

The centenary celebrations commenced at the NIHS auditorium in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav. To mark the milestone, officials unveiled a special centenary commemorative postage stamp, a first-day cover, and a commemorative book titled A Legacy of a Century.

Following the ceremonial launches, the newly renovated Public Health Museum and the NIHS EXPO public educational exhibition were opened. The museum displays rare historical records, early 20th-century artifacts, vintage healthcare uniforms, and a historic 1968 WHO anniversary stamp reflecting decades of international public health collaboration.

Founded on July 1, 1926, with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, the institute pioneered South Asia’s first field health unit, establishing the foundation for Sri Lanka's modern Medical Officer of Health (MOH) system. Reorganized as the NIHS in 1979, it remains the primary national training center for Public Health Inspectors (PHIs), Public Health Midwives (PHMs), and public health nurses, while also serving as a regional training hub for South Asian healthcare personnel.

According to NIHS Director Dr. K. Nanthakumaran, month-long national events will follow the opening, including academic health conferences, a public educational expo, regional health sector sports competitions, and alumni events.