The eight-story outpatient building project of the Colombo National Hospital built with Chinese assistance was officially handed over to Sri Lanka on Tuesday (25).
The building was officially handed over to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella by Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong during a ceremony held yesterday.
The Chinese Ambassador and Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella representing the two sides officially signed the handover documents and other documents related to the medicines and medical equipment to be provided by China during the course of this year.
The project constructed at a cost of 80 million USD and with a construction area of about 50,000 square meters, would bring the hospital’s daily handling capacity to 6,000 patients, and greatly help alleviate local medical resource constraints.
Appreciating China’s long-term support, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the outpatient building is a considerable and really needed project for the country’s health sector.
He further stated that he believes that medical professionals in the country will make the best use of it for the people, who will benefit immensely.
According to Chinese media Xinhua, noting that the Chinese government has prioritized the health sector in the development of bilateral relations, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said China has provided medical supplies and vaccines to Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ambassador also said that China has also provided emergency medicine supply to Sri Lanka, hoping China’s efforts could bring tangible benefits to front-line medical workers and patients. (NewsWire)
