Previously, the entire health system of Sri Lanka functioned under a Cabinet minister of the Central Government. However, with the implementation of Provincial Council Act in 1989, the health services as devolved, resulting in the Ministry of Health at the national level and separate Ministries of Health in the nine Provinces.The Central Ministry of Health plays a major role in development of national health policies and guidelines, training of medical and Para-medical staff, management of teaching hospitals and specialized medical institutions and bulk purchase of medical requisites.