Mullaitivu should no longer be regarded merely as a backward district; it must emerge as a district that is writing a new chapter of progress. The Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the objective is to create an environment in which people can access quality healthcare services within their own district, eliminating the need to travel long distances to other districts to obtain medical treatment.
The foundation stone was laid today – on Wednesday 16 September 2026 for a new four storey medical complex at the Mullaitivu District General Hospital, constructed with a grant of Rs. 600 million from the Government of India.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake; Hon. Minister of Health, Nalinda Jayatissa; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha. The Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, also participated in the ceremony.
Noting that the aspirations of the people of Mullaitivu District, who were severely affected by the war and have faced longstanding development challenges extend beyond physical development to the fundamental desire to enjoy equal opportunities and a quality of life on par with people across the country, the Governor stated that these aspirations are gradually being realized through ongoing development initiatives.
Highlighting the significant progress being made in the infrastructure and healthcare sectors in Mullaitivu District, the Governor noted that the foundation stone for the Vadduvakkal Bridge was laid last year and that construction is now progressing rapidly. He emphasized that, once completed, the bridge will serve as a vital infrastructure link, strengthening connectivity and facilitating transportation, trade, economic activity and the day to day lives of the people in the district.
The Governor stated that personally inspecting the existing patient wards at the Mullaitivu District General Hospital enabled him to gain a clear understanding of the hospital’s pressing infrastructure and service needs. He further noted that a new two storey ward, constructed with an allocation of Rs. 135 million made last year, is nearing completion and is expected to be opened shortly, further strengthening the hospital’s capacity to provide healthcare services to the people of Mullaitivu.
Noting that Mullaitivu District has now received another significant healthcare infrastructure project with the generous support of the people of India, the Governor emphasized that a strong and sustainable healthcare system can be built only through the integrated development of hospital infrastructure, facilities and working environments for medical professionals, quality patient care, and an adequately trained and committed healthcare workforce.
Stating that the need for the people of Mullaitivu to travel long distances to other districts in search of medical treatment must be progressively reduced, the Governor emphasized that the priority is to create the necessary conditions for them to access quality and comprehensive healthcare services within their own district.
Meanwhile, the Governor stated that In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment is being provided completely free of charge at the Provincial Women’s Specialty Hospital, located within the premises of the Kilinochchi District General Hospital.
Noting that the provision of such advanced medical treatment completely free of charge within the public healthcare system is both a rare and commendable initiative, the Governor stated that he was pleased to share this positive development in the presence of His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Governor stated that, although the treatment programme commenced only two months ago, a mother from the first group of patients to undergo the procedure has already conceived. He noted that while the success of a medical facility can be measured through statistics and numbers, the joy and emotional significance experienced by a mother upon learning that a new life is growing within her cannot be quantified by any statistic.
Stating that this service is being provided in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Jaffna, the Governor commended the dedicated medical team for their commitment and contribution, with special appreciation for Dr. Raguram and the role he has played in advancing this service.
