The declining trend in the maternal mortality rate (MMR) from the 1930s to the late 1990s resulted from several strategies implemented within and outside the health sector. Expansion of both field-based and institutional services through the past decades contributed to improved geographical access and provision of ‘free’ services improved economic access. These led to increased use of antenatal and natal services provided by trained midwives and other personnel followed by improvements in the availability of specialized care and emergency obstetric care. Integration of family planning and other inputs to the maternal health programme has yielded positive results. The role of the private sector is limited to provision of a component of antenatal services. The organization for service provision and an information system made significant contributions towards improvement. The commitment of the health sector to provide services free of charge supported by non-health inputs, especially female education, has enabled Sri Lanka to make gains in maternal health.