“The government has already allocated a higher amount of funds for free health and free education. It is the government’s ambition to provide better health service and better education”, the President said.
The President made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the new building complex of the Negombo General Hospital yesterday (Oct. 12).
The building complex has been build at a cost of Rs. 200 millions, within 50 days demonstrating excellence of Sri Lankan engineers.
President Sirisena pointed out that issues were arisen as the buildings constructed in 2000 at Gampaha and Negombo hospitals were not up to the standard quality. “The opening of this building complex at Negombo hospital will solve those issues”, he said.
We cannot separate as Provincial Council and the government when providing the services of health and education. Every party should fulfill their responsibilities in accordance with the basic government policy.
Negombo hospital, which was started as a dispensary in 1909, gradually upgraded into a District General Hospital in 1950s considering the population growth in the province and to fulfill the requirements of the workers of the Free Trade Zone in Katunayake.
The hospital consists of 18 wards, 24 specialist doctors and 1200 of staff.
The President also observed the hospital premises, after unveiling the plaque.
The President registered the first patient to the new ward complex.
The President also presented biopsy analyzing machine for the Children’s ward.
The President inquired into the well being of children at the hospital and gave gifts to them.
President Sirisena presented a memento to the Senior Professor, T. Jayasinghe, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa.
Rajitha Senaratne – Minister of Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine, K. C. Logeshwaran- Governor of Western Province, Chief Minister Isura Devapriya, State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Deputy Minister Nimal Lanza, Director General of Health Dr.Palitha Mahipala, Director of the Hospital Dr. Hemantha Ranasinghe and others participated in the event.