COLOMBO : Presidential Suite at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital Opened to the Public from Today
The special ward at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, which had until now been reserved exclusively for the use of the Executive President, was opened for the public for the provision of medical treatment to the general public from today (24).
This decision was taken jointly by the Ministry of Health and the hospital administration, in accordance with instructions given by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Constructed in 1984 with a grant from the Government of Japan, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was originally established with a capacity of 1,000 beds. However, in line with the initial design, an additional special unit, designated as Room No. 1001, was included exclusively for the personal use of the Executive President.
Over the 42 years since the hospital’s establishment, this facility has been utilised only on a very limited number of occasions. Nevertheless, it has been maintained over the years in anticipation of a possible visit by a sitting President, without being made available for patient use.
With effect from today, this special unit will be utilised for the benefit of general patients receiving treatment at the hospital. This step has been taken in line with the Government’s policy of ensuring the more efficient use of public assets and resources to meet the healthcare needs of the people.
