The Out-Patient Department (OPD) building of the Sri Lankan National Hospital has been handed over to Sri Lankan authorities yesterday (25).
The 08 storey building with 50,000 sq. metres, is the largest ever China-Aid project in Sri Lanka, is expected to be open to the public soon and would help the hospital’s daily handling capacity to 6,000 patients.
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Minister of Health – Keheliya Rambukwella, representing the two sides, signed the handover documents and attended a ceremony in Colombo to celebrate the event.
Noting that the Chinese government has prioritized the health sector in the development of bilateral relations, ambassador Qi said China has provided medical supplies and vaccines to Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noting the opening of the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Hospital in Polonnaruwa, the largest specialized hospital on kidney diseases in South Asia, Qi said eight mobile labs gifted by China have been deployed last year to help detect chronic kidney disease in rural areas.
The ambassador also added that China has also provided emergency medicine supply to Sri Lanka, hoping China’s efforts could bring tangible benefits to front-line medical workers and patients.
Appreciating China’s long-term support, Rambukwella said that the outpatient building is a considerable and really needed project for the country’s health sector, and he is sure that medical professionals in the country will make the best use of it for the people, who will benefit immensely.
🇨🇳🏥🇱🇰The Out-Patient Department (OPD) building of the Sri Lankan National Hospital, the largest ever China-Aid project in #SriLanka with 8 stories, 50000 square meters area & a daily access of 6000 patients, was handed over to Lanka today. It's expected to open to public soon. pic.twitter.com/BOeJuyr1CL
— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) April 25, 2023
The Ministry of Youth and Sports today distributed cricket equipment to 30 selected schools in the Western Province that currently do not offer cricket.
The programme is done with the goal of ensuring that every child interested in cricket has the opportunity to pursue the sport, despite their economic status. It is also expected to be expanded to all districts in the future.
The distribution was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne at the Ministry premises.
Officials from the Ministry, principals, teachers, and students from the selected schools participated in the event.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Mr K.G.P. Pushpakumara as the Chief Secretary of the Western Province.
The official letter of appointment was handed over to Mr Pushpakumara today (June 06) at the Presidential Secretariat by Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The government has decided to present a bill to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, stated that the bill has been finalized by the Legal Draftsman and is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament next month.
In addition, the Minister announced that the issuance of vehicle licenses to MPs has also been suspended, as part of broader efforts to reduce public expenditure and restore trust in political accountability.
(dailynews.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)