Ten Percent of Sri Lankans Are Kidney Patients: Specialist Dr. Anupama de Silva

22-Nov-2025

.

Around 10% of the total population in the country have been diagnosed with kidney disease, and there are also undiagnosed patients living within the community. Even today, many kidney patients seek medical help only after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, said Dr. Anupama de Silva, a kidney disease specialist at the National Nephrology Hospital in Maligawatta.

She made these remarks during a press briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau to raise awareness among the public about dialysis treatment and kidney transplant procedures.

Continuing, she said:

Approximately 10% of the country’s total population have been identified as kidney patients. Last year, a professor conducted a study primarily focusing on the Kandy district, and that study revealed that 10% of the population in that area suffer from kidney disease.

However, there are still undiagnosed patients within the community. Even today, many kidney patients come to the hospital only after the disease has reached an advanced stage.

Among adults in particular, 15% are kidney patients. Nationwide, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease have increased significantly. As these diseases rise, so does the number of people affected by kidney disease. About 90% of kidney disease cases are caused by non-communicable diseases.

People infected with leptospirosis (rat fever) or who suffer from snakebite are also at risk of kidney damage over time. Sri Lanka has been identified as the Asian country with the highest rate of diabetes.

A large number of kidney patients are being detected in Colombo, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Polonnaruwa. Due to changing lifestyle patterns, the number of people affected by kidney disease is rapidly increasing.

Furthermore, oral medications marketed for skin whitening, skin lightening, and muscle growth are causing kidney damage. Those between the ages of 40 and 50 are the most affected by kidney disease, she said.