Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan stated that six major projects worth Rs. 2,103 million have been launched over the past four days to further strengthen the health sector of the Northern Province.
He noted that foundation stones were laid for health projects worth Rs. 600 million each at the Mannar and Mullaitivu District General Hospitals. In addition, a nurses’ hostel costing Rs. 170 million has been started in Vavuniya, a hostel for medical officers costing Rs. 185 million in Kilinochchi, and a project worth Rs. 336 million comprising a medicine stores and staff quarters at the Chavakachcheri Base Hospital. Today, the foundation stone was laid for a new residential complex for nursing officers, worth Rs. 212 million, at the Point Pedro Base Hospital.
The foundation-laying ceremony for the new residential complex for nursing officers at the Point Pedro Base Hospital was held this afternoon – on Saturday (19 September 2026). The event was held with the Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, as chief guest, and Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan also attended.
In his address, the Governor stated that the residential complex for nursing officers at the Point Pedro Base Hospital will be implemented in two phases.
The Governor remarked that the launch of health projects worth over Rs. 2,103 million in the Northern Province within the past four days is a significant step forward. More important than that, he said, these four days have demonstrated how the needs of the people can be swiftly converted into practical action when the Central Government and the Provincial Council work together.
The Governor commended the Hon. Health Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, who, since last Wednesday and up to today, has travelled from place to place without rest, participating in every event and personally inspecting conditions at each hospital. He added that the Minister has been taking part not only in health-related events but also in other government projects.
Noting that the Minister’s pace is driven by the aim of seeing needs first-hand and acting immediately, the Governor pointed out that on many occasions, as soon as a need was raised with the Minister, he immediately contacted the relevant officer, instructed him to take action, and provided guidance for the next steps.
The Governor stated that over the past four days the Minister has directly observed the strengths and shortcomings of the Northern Province’s health sector, and expressed confidence that a clear outline of the matters requiring further strengthening in the next phase will have taken shape in the Minister’s mind.
At the event, the foundation stone was laid for the new hostel complex for nursing officers. Thereafter, the stage proceedings were held. Following this, after visiting the hospital hostels, a discussion was held with medical specialists, doctors and nurses.
Those who participated in the event included Hon. Parliamentarian S. Sribavanandarajah, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary of Provincial Ministry of Health – Northern Province, the Provincial Director of Health Services of the Northern Province, the Government Agent of Jaffna District, the Director of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, the Regional Director of Health Services of Jaffna, the Coordinator of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee, the Superintendent of the Point Pedro Base Hospital, medical specialists, doctors, nursing officers, health service assistants and representatives of the Patient Welfare Society.
