Injuries and Accidents Have Been Primary Cause of Hospitalization in Sri Lanka for Decades – Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe

written by NHL Werasinghe Wed Sep 16, 2:29 pm Source

Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media, highlighted that injuries and accidents have been the leading cause of hospitalization in Sri Lanka for several decades.

He made these remarks while addressing the ceremony held this morning (16) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to mark the commencement of construction work on the Emergency and Trauma Unit at the Mannar District General Hospital.

Aiming to further expand healthcare facilities for the residents of Mannar, the fully equipped unit is being constructed at a cost of LKR 600 million funded by a grant from the Indian Government. Construction work is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2028.

Speaking further at the event, Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated:

“Injuries and accidents have been the primary cause of hospitalizations in Sri Lanka for decades. Given that Mannar is to some extent geographically isolated, prompt access to free, high-quality healthcare services for the Mannar District is crucial.

The assignment of intern medical officers to this hospital began this year. Procurements for a CT scanner for the Mannar District Hospital are also currently underway, and the hospital is expected to receive improved radiological facilities by late this year or early next year.

In my 36 years of public service, I must state that the past year was the only period during which I faced no financial constraints while discharging my duties. Owing to the prudent macroeconomic management of the current government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the necessary fiscal space has been created to advance the country’s healthcare services.”

The event was attended by Mannar District Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Fidelis Lionel Emmanuel Fernando (Gnanapragasam Anthonypillai), Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, Members of Parliament representing the Mannar District, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, heads of the security forces, officials from the Ministry of Health, officials from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, Consul General of India in Jaffna Sai Murali S. alongside consulate staff, as well as the hospital director and staff.