Health Minister Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella said that the cordial relationship between China and Sri Lanka reached a significant milestone with the commissioning of a newly constructed outpatient building of the Colombo National Hospital. The Minister said so addressing the
handing over ceremony of the newly constructed outpatient building project of the National Hospital, Colombo yesterday. The new outpatient building, which was commissioned jointly by Minister Rambukwella and Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Qi Zhenghong, has been constructed with a donation given by China-Aid of the Peoples’ Republic of China. This donation is the largest ever donation by China to Sri Lanka as the project cost is around US $ 80 million.
The Minister said that the two countries have been maintaining a cordial rapport for centuries but the historic Rubber - Rice Pact signed between the two counties made a tremendous contribution to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. After completing the final phase of arrangements it has been planned to bring the building to the operational stage within a month period widening the service rendered by the National Hospital further. However a few novel technologies and facilities are scheduled to attach to this project within next one year period aiming to streamline the health service further.
The Minister requested the hospital authority to well utilise these health facilities to render a better service. Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Qi Zhenghong said that China is willing to assist Sri Lanka especially in the field of health.