Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the new Cardiology Unit Building of District General Hospital Trincomalee under the Health and Medical Service Improvement Project

On 16th September 2026, H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, attended the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the new Cardiology Unit Building of District General Hospital Trincomalee, which was also attended by H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, and Mr. Shigeo HONZU, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office.
 
This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the "Health and Medical Service Improvement Project," financed through a concessional loan from the Government of Japan worth JPY 10.6 billion (equivalent to approximately USD 70 million). The project aims to improve the medical service for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular disorders, by improving the medical facilities and equipment in tertiary hospitals and training centers for medical staff. The project includes training for the maintenance of the medical equipment to be provided under the project.

Under this project, new facilities will be constructed at Trincomalee District General Hospital and Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura. Advanced medical equipment, including those manufactured by Japanese companies, will also be introduced to both hospitals, along with three other key tertiary hospitals in Kandy, Kurunegala, and Badulla, as well as training equipment for Medical Laboratory Technologists.

In his address, Ambassador ISOMATA stated “Japan has a time-honored history of cooperation with Sri Lanka in its health sector. Some of the signature projects at early stages include the establishment of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, the establishment of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital and the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya. Our assistance this time at the District General Hospital Trincomalee is part of this longstanding partnership.”

Noting that non-communicable diseases are currently the cause of more than 80% of all death in Sri Lanka with cardiovascular diseases alone accounting for approximately 40%, he continued, “I hope the new facilities will enable patients in the Eastern Province to receive faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment, ultimately helping to save many lives. Japan stands ready to continue to assist Sri Lanka in improving medical infrastructure and achieving a sustainable healthcare system, in tandem with the efforts of the Sri Lankan government in this regard.”

Ambassador ISOMATA, referring to Japan's assistance policy with regard to Sri Lanka, emphasized, “Japan has been focusing its efforts on providing assistance in the socio-economic development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, including consistent assistance in demining over the past quarter century. We see national reconciliation and sustainable development are closely interrelated. This project is, therefore, a tangible demonstration of Japan's continued commitment to the well-being of the people of the Eastern Province.”

In his speech Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, stated, “This project in Trincomalee is for both construction and equipment of new Cardiology Unit Building of District General Hospital Trincomalee with Japan assistance. This building will have 8 floors and is fully equipped with Cath Lab, CT and X ray facilities, and will be made available in this hospital in 2028 onwards. Waiting time of the patients who are currently on a waiting list will be reduced as these facilities are improved.” Minister Jayatissa also said, “We are thankful and grateful today to the Government of Japan and People of Japan for the cooperation extended to this worthy work”.
 
On the same day, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was also held for the New Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Complex Building at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura under the project.