New ward complex for Dickoya hospital

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena recently laid the foundation stone for the new ward complex with 150 beds to be constructed at Dickoya Base Hospital with a cost of Rs 1,200 million which is funded by the Indian government, a Health Ministry spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the Indian government agreed to fund this project responding to a request made by Minister Sirisena. The agreement in this regard was signed in May. The new ward complex will benefit estate sector people visiting this hospital from Hatton and Dick -oya. Minister Sirisena expressed gratitude to India on the occasion. "India stood by Sri Lanka as a true friend while some other countries spread fabricated stories against Sri Lanka. Some countries had a hostile attitude towards Sri Lanka's peace efforts but India always helped and stood by Sri Lanka," he said.

Indian High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha said that India will always assist Sri Lanka's development drive.

"The historical friendship between India and Sri Lanka further strengthened after President Mahinda Rajapaksa came into power," he said.