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Foundation stone for Nine Wells Hospitals laid

"The dawn of a new era of peace and prosperity with the cessation of violence, has started to encourage Sri Lankans of eminence who have achieved fame and recognition in other countries, to serve this country and contribute towards its developments by making projects such as the 'Nine Wells Hospital' feasible. We have to take advantage of these situations to develop programs and Dr. Bongso Professor of Bio Technology of the National University in Singapore, a man of eminence has been specially selected by the Government of Singapore to join hands with Dr Haththotuwa of Sri Lanka to start this Hospital in our own country" said Prof. G. L. Peiris, Chief Guest at the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the Nine Wells Hospital to be constructed at Narahenpita with the collaboration of the Board of Investment and the private sector.

The Minister emphasised that Institutions and Organisations best suited to carrying these processes forward have to be selected to make a project such as this, feasible. For example the Sri Lanka Board of Investment, one of the largest institutions of this country, with extensive resources at its command has many aspects to it particularly in its operations related to current priorities, such as healthcare and housing, two critical areas. The BoI is actively involved in providing the needs of the society particularly in both the urban and rural areas of Sri Lanka.

"The Nine Wells Hospital addresses a deeply felt need-treating infertility at a sophisticated level in our country. The Apollo Hospital too will be commencing operations shortly. It is quite apparent that the contributions by the BOI in the past especially in the expansion of healthcare facilities has been vast. Parallel and complementary development projects such as the Millennium Park and Nivasi Housing Project have been undertaken with close and continuing collaboration with the Private sector. This is a happy augury for the future, said the Minister.

Minister G. L. Peiris said that the value of this work, carried out by the Board of Investment, is acknowledged by all political parties. The Minister made reference to the decision taken by the Parliament even under difficult circumstances, to pass without hesitation the amendment required to the BoI law in order to give legal validity to some BOI Agreements. This, according to the Minister is something that would have a critical bearing and severe repercussions on the economy of the country, if legislation were not passed by Parliament. It is to be appreciated said the Minister, that all are mindful of the fact that the BoI has correctly identified its priorities. Hence, it was a cross party recognition and a tribute to the BoI for work done that this amendment was passed expeditiously. The BoI will be restructured to serve contemporary needs and important developments are to take place in future. The manner which the BOI should be restructured to cater the contemporary needs and priorities has already been planned and is in the process of being implemented. The country will be divided in to five major Investment Zones by which it is hoped to overcome most bottlenecks and other barriers that prevent and deprive the rural investor and most facilities by having everything referred to Colombo. By this move it is hoped to start off ventures speedily with fair and equal considerations to all parts of Sri Lanka.

"However, there are instances, said the Minister, where the BoI has to address certain issues in collaboration with other government departments. In order to ensure speedy operations and smooth entrepreneurial activity, this matter is now being addressed having inter-department linkages and condition strengthened for the BOI to intensify is future involvements and create an environment conducive for the investor and entrepreneur.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena, Minister of Rehabilitation Affairs, Mr. Arjun Mahendra Chairman BOI and Dr. Rohana Haththotuwa Chairman, Nine Wells Hospitals also addressed the gathering. 

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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