The Ministers first visited the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya and met with the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, the Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter. During the meeting, they inquired about the prelate’s wellbeing and held extensive discussions on the activities of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, as well as several current national issues.
They later visited the Malwathu Maha Viharaya, where they met the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera, the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter. Similar discussions were held regarding the ministry’s ongoing programmes and pressing concerns in the health sector.
The Health Minister briefed the Mahanayake Theras on the government’s planned initiatives, particularly the island-wide establishment of “Arogya Suwatha Centres”, a new concept aimed at improving community-level healthcare services. He explained that five pilot centres launched last year are currently operating successfully, providing medical treatment and essential health services to rural communities.
The Minister announced that the second phase of the project will commence on the 24th of this month, with plans to establish 250 Arogya Suwatha Centres within this year. He further stated that the government aims to expand the programme nationwide over the next two and a half years.
According to the Minister, the initiative will help prevent non-communicable diseases and significantly reduce congestion in major hospitals. The Mahanayake Theras welcomed the project, noting that such timely initiatives would ease the burden on state hospitals. They also praised the inclusion of the Ayurveda sector in the programme and extended their blessings for its success.
The Ministers also briefed the Theras on the current situation at the Kandy National Hospital and other major hospitals, along with future development plans for the healthcare sector.
It was revealed that construction of a fully equipped modern cardiac hospital at the Colombo National Hospital premises will begin this year, with completion expected within three years at an estimated cost exceeding Rs. 12 billion.
The Minister further stated that work has resumed on 62 previously stalled hospital development projects across the country. Plans are also underway to relocate and modernize the Dambulla Base Hospital at a new site.
Addressing recent storm damage, the Minister said that six government hospitals, including those in Halawatha and Mahiyanganaya, were affected by Cyclone Ditva. The severely damaged Wattegama Hospital in Kandy will be relocated to a new location. Reconstruction work is being carried out using both local and foreign assistance.
In addition, discussions were held on matters related to education, tourism, physical planning, and religious affairs. The Ministers also informed the Mahanayake Theras about the upcoming public exposition of sacred relics from India, scheduled to begin on February 4 at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
Commending the leadership of the current Health and Mass Media Ministers, the Mahanayake Theras expressed their appreciation for the steps taken to address national challenges and improve public services.
