Buildings, medical equipment and medicines required for health services are essential. However, it is the human resources that operate them who are the lifeblood of health services. Providing a better working environment for nursing officers, who work in particularly close and continuous contact with patients, is essential to ensuring quality health service delivery, said Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan.
The foundation-stone laying ceremony for a hostel for nursing officers, to be constructed at Vavuniya District General Hospital at an estimated cost of Rs. 170 million under the Provincial Specific Development Grant (PSDG), was held today – On Thursday, 17 September 2026. Hon. Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa also participated in the event.
Stating that this project marks another important initiative in the history of Vavuniya District General Hospital, the Governor noted that, in a situation where nursing appointments had long not taken place in the Northern Province, steps have now been taken to grant appointments to 300 health assistants, which will serve as necessary human resource support for health institutions.
The Governor also stated that Rs. 80 million has been allocated under the Provincial Specific Development Grant (PSDG) for the second-stage development of the Accident and Emergency Treatment Unit of Vavuniya District General Hospital. He noted that, as Vavuniya Hospital is a key hospital situated at the gateway to the Northern Province, its development represents not only progress for the Vavuniya District but also a significant step in strengthening the health infrastructure of the entire Northern Province.
Stating that Hon. Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa has been working proactively to translate matters raised regarding the health needs of the Northern Province into practical action, rather than merely listening to them, the Governor expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Minister for this.
Noting that the working environment of nursing officers has a direct impact on the quality of their service, the Governor observed that, as interest among young women from the Northern Province in joining the nursing service has declined in recent years, a situation has arisen where nurses from other provinces are required to serve in Northern Province hospitals. He stated that it is the Province’s responsibility to provide the necessary accommodation and basic facilities for those who travel long distances from their home areas to serve.
The Governor further noted that, since some officers are leaving on transfer even as new nursing appointments are made, the expected increase in the overall nursing workforce has not materialised, and he requested the Minister to pay greater attention to nursing appointments based on the actual needs of the Northern Province.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa put forward a request to the Governor that the nurses’ hostel building to be constructed at Vavuniya District General Hospital be designed as a four-storey structure. Responding to this, the Governor stated that the request would be submitted to the Finance Commission and that appropriate action would be taken.
The Minister also requested officials to forward to the Ministry of Health detailed information regarding the medical equipment required by all hospitals in the Northern Province.
Following the event, Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan and Hon. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa visited Vavuniya District General Hospital in person for an inspection. During this visit, direct attention was given to the conditions and needs of the hospital’s various units.
This was followed by a discussion with the staff of Vavuniya District General Hospital, at which the various needs facing the hospital were discussed in detail. In particular, requests were made regarding staffing needs, funding allocation for hospital maintenance, and the construction of a new maternity hospital building complex, among other matters.
Following the welcome of the chief guest and invited guests, the traditional lighting of the oil lamp took place, after which the foundation stone was laid for the nursing officers’ hostel building. This was followed by a tour of the hospital premises, during which a children’s park developed jointly with the Vocational Training Authority under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme was also opened. This was followed by a briefing on the hospital’s operational progress and strategic development, along with a discussion on operational challenges and future priorities.
The event was attended by Hon. Parliamentarians M. Jegatheeswaran, S. Thilakanathan, P. Sathyalingam and Kathar Masthan, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Director of Health Services of the Northern Province, the Regional Director of Health Services – Vavuniya, the Director of Vavuniya District General Hospital, medical specialists, doctors, nursing officers and health workers, among many others.
