According to the Director, the hospital premises are currently submerged, with water levels rising above five feet, making it impossible to continue operations safely.
Critically ill in-patients have already been airlifted to hospitals in Colombo and Puttalam with the assistance of Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters. Other patients were transferred to Wariyapola and Kurunegala hospitals once water levels receded slightly, with support from the Navy and the Army.
Dr. Attanayake further stated that the hospital’s CT scanner has also been damaged by floodwaters, while several wards have been inundated, creating numerous operational challenges.
He added that the hospital will reopen only after it is fully restored to a safe and functional condition. As the timeline for repairs remains uncertain, the public has been urged not to bring any patients to Halawatha General Hospital until an official update is issued.
