The National Hospital of Sri Lanka; heart and soul of Sri Lankans, completes 150 years of services and enters its golden era with added vigor and splendor. I consider it my privilege to send greetings on this memorable occasion.
First established in the Colombo Fort, NHSL has moved in 1864 and taken root at the Hospital Square; provides health care facilities for 3500 inmates and 5000 outdoor patients per day.
Today NHSL is equipped with ultra-modern, complex medical technology and further expanding with facilities including a Heart Valve Bank and special infrastructure provided for disabled patients; patients with special needs.
Medical care provided by the NHSL especially during national disasters, natural or man-made, was commendable. Intensive medical care made available through Accident and Emergency services during the 30 year war has been at internationally compatible standards.
Provision of post-war health care has claimed national pride and was instrumental in overcoming international criticism and challenges.
NHSL is the symbol and the cornerstone of free health care services provided to the nation throughout the past 150 years.
Let me felicitate and thank sincerely the entire medical staff served since its establishment, competent and committed to offer services of very high standards to the needy, and all other allied services including the security services.
It is our firm responsibility and wish that NHSL should continue to play the lead role in providing quality health care for generations to come in line with the most sophisticated , modern health care institutions in the world.
