SuwaSeriya 1990 emergency ambulance service was launched in 2016 for the first time in Sri Lanka. This was initiated to provide an immediate service for people who report an emergency via the 1990 hotline. 

The 1990 call centre has facilities to identify the distance of the victim from the nearest ambulance. A doctor at the call centre will decide if the need for an ambulance is critical or can be delayed. 

If for any reason the ambulance is unable to reach the victim on time, one of the victim’s family members will be informed. 

Suwaseriya Paramedic Ambulance Services was in the frontlines of the anti-coronavirus battle with staff of the ambulance service picking up patients whether or not they are infected with COVID-19, taking a high risk on themselves. 

On the 3rd of July 2022 Suwa Seriya 1990 emergency medical service announced that its patient transfers would be delayed due to lack of fuel. Suwa Seriya assured in a special notice that it would do its utmost to maintain effective ambulance service to people however faces significant constraints in the midst of the fuel crisis. 

As concerned women professionals and citizens of Sri Lanka we urge the Minister to ensure that Suwa Seriya 1990 emergency medical service is provided with the necessary fuel to be able to respond to urgent medical needs. 

The State must provide its citizens with an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families. This includes efficient and affordable access to emergency healthcare. 

We strongly assert that the health and safety of all citizens must remain a priority in the provision/dispersal of fuel and that citizens should not be made to suffer as a result of fuel shortage for the ambulance service.