Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the new Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Complex Building of Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura under the Health and Medical Service Improvement Project
2026/9/17
On 16th September 2026, H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, attended the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremonies for the new Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Complex Building of Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, 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 medical equipment to be provided under the project.
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 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. In early days of late 1970s through 1990s, we assisted the establishment of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, the establishment of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital and the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya. Here at this Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Japan also supported its development through grant aid in 2008 and 2009. Today, this hospital is not only a major centre for advanced medical care, but also an important centre for the education and training of the next generation of doctors, nurses and other medical service professionals in the North Central Province.”
In his address, Ambassador ISOMATA stated, “Japan has a time-honored history of cooperation with Sri Lanka in its health sector. In early days of late 1970s through 1990s, we assisted the establishment of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, the establishment of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital and the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya. Here at this Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Japan also supported its development through grant aid in 2008 and 2009. Today, this hospital is not only a major centre for advanced medical care, but also an important centre for the education and training of the next generation of doctors, nurses and other medical service professionals in the North Central Province.”
Noting that non-communicable diseases are the cause of more than 80% of all death in Sri Lanka with cardiovascular diseases only accounting for approximately 40%, he continued, “I hope the new facilities will enable patients in the North Central Province to receive faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment, ultimately helping to save many lives.”
Ambassador ISOMATA remarked, “I am confident that this project will further strengthen our friendship and partnership by supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable and holistic development ahead. 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 remarked, “I am confident that this project will further strengthen our friendship and partnership by supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable and holistic development ahead. 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.”
In his speech, H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka stated that Sri Lanka’s health sector is being strengthened under three key areas to ensure healthy lives for all citizens. The President also pointed out that bringing free healthcare service closer to the people, introducing the world’s most advanced medical equipment as well as medical practices and establishing a systematic management system are the three key areas. The President also stated that, after a considerable period, steps have been taken to develop the human resources required to maintain a strong healthcare service in the country.
On the same day, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was also held for the New Cardiology Unit Building at District General Hospital Trincomalee under the project.
On the same day, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was also held for the New Cardiology Unit Building at District General Hospital Trincomalee under the project.