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- Northern Province ensures quality healthcare system
- The war problem in the Northeast will be resolved quickly
- The development dividend will benefit the entire region
- The training and research building of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, was put into use
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Jaffna Hospital will be upgraded to a national hospital in the near future to strengthen and ensure quality medical standards in the Northern Province. He further stated that the Cabinet has approved the upgrading of Karapitiya Hospital to a national hospital.
President Wickremesinghe made the remarks yesterday (24th) when he attended the inauguration ceremony of the Clinical Training and Research Building at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor Sampath Amaratunga, stressed the need for all science colleges in the country, including engineering, medicine, science and agriculture, to modernize their technology. He stressed that the current outdated technology is a hindrance to progress and adaptability to the modern world.
Furthermore, he noted that Sri Lankan children studying abroad excel not because of the technology they use but because of the wealth of knowledge they possess. He stressed that the integration of new technologies can greatly move the country forward. In response, the President directed the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education to collaborate in drafting a proposal for the technological modernization of these faculties and submit it to him for consideration.
The President highlighted the significant developments in the region, particularly the construction of the University of Jaffna’s Department of Clinical Training and Research building – the first of its kind in 46 years. The facility, which represents an investment of Rs942 million, will house 1,200 undergraduate and postgraduate students for clinical training and promote international research collaboration.
The building covers an area of 6,000 square meters and includes multiple lecture halls, clinical skills laboratories and an auditorium. In addition, it also houses basic medical facilities such as operating rooms, recovery rooms, cleaning and processing areas, sterilization units, preparation rooms and storage facilities.
The building also houses waiting rooms, treatment rooms, and specialist departments specialising in endoscopy, vascular surgery and mammography. It also houses research laboratories, a forensic investigation unit and an educational museum.
Under the management of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with support from the Department of Surgery and other consultants at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, the Maternity Care Unit will provide a wide range of services including specialist consultations, diagnostic procedures and treatment facilities.
Meanwhile, the Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) will promote clinical research on cost-effective treatments for local patients. In addition, the Clinical Genetics Unit (CGU) will assist in research on genetic cost-effectiveness, disease management and preventive measures. After the unveiling and completion of the new building, the President began his inspection.
The President further said at the meeting: “Your request for a national hospital in Jaffna has been duly addressed. Coincidentally, I was also thinking about the same. Just last week, the Cabinet approved the upgrading of the Karapitiya Hospital and the next hospital to be upgraded to a national hospital will be the Jaffna Hospital.
Jaffna must have an excellent healthcare system that ensures equitable access to quality health care not only in Colombo and the southern region, but also in the northern and central regions. However, our efforts should not stop there. We must also focus on the wider development needs of the region.
Regarding my frequent visits to Jaffna, let me clarify the purpose of my latest visit. Despite the long weekend, I felt compelled to address outstanding issues, particularly the inauguration of two hospitals, which was requested by the local community and the Dutch Ambassador during my previous visit.
I recognize the urgent need to resolve the long-standing problems caused by the conflict in the north and east, and I make a point of visiting Jaffna regularly. It is time to turn our focus to development. There are people here looking for work, and Jaffna has huge potential for development, which is the word to describe it. Jaffna has seen limited development in recent years, but it has huge potential for growth.
While I may not go into all of them today, it is clear that progress has been made in addressing certain challenges, such as those related to land. However, there are still outstanding issues that require our attention, including detainees and other related issues. But we still have to bring this process to a close, and that is primarily around the remaining political issues.
Going forward, we have to prioritize reconciliation, address the issue of missing persons, and develop mechanisms for reparations, truth and reconciliation. I think now is the time for us to address all of these issues.
These are complex issues that require the collaboration and engagement of all stakeholders. I have discussed with MPs from the North and East about what steps we need to take.
In recent years, due to economic difficulties, we have not been able to allocate significant funds. However, we must allocate resources to truth and reconciliation work. The Government is committed to establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), but we must address the critical issue of access to justice.
We are considering whether the Truth and Reconciliation Commission should exercise judicial power, or whether a separate tribunal should be authorized based on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This decision is crucial, and I have tasked the relevant Ministers to draft legislation for parliamentary review, in consultation with parliamentarians and ambassadors.
Furthermore, Jaffna has huge development prospects, especially in renewable energy, agriculture and industry. Harnessing solar and wind power generation capacity can make Jaffna a major energy hub. This is the largest energy hub we have yet to tap, and by that I mean the potential in the northern region is not measured in megawatts, but in gigawatts. In addition, agricultural modernization and industrial zoning plans are intended to boost the region’s economic prospects.
Our goal is to foster a competitive, high-value, export-oriented agricultural sector across the country, and the Northern Province will play a key role. Farmers in the province have the skills they need to achieve this goal, which has the potential to significantly increase individual and provincial incomes.
In the industrial sector, discussions are underway to establish the first investment zone in Kankasanthurai, followed by industrial parks in Paranthan and Mankulam. We are also working with India to develop Trincomalee. In addition, we are exploring tourism prospects in the northern region, anticipating that the upcoming land connectivity will bring transformative changes, especially to Jaffna. These initiatives have the potential to position the Northern Province as a major economic hub in Sri Lanka.
During our visit, we witnessed a wonderful dance performance by students of the Jaffna University Medical School, most of whom were under 21 years old and born in 2002 or 2003.
These people are part of Generation Z, and they are deeply invested in shaping their future. We have a responsibility to help their aspirations come to fruition, which underscores our legislative efforts to drive rapid development under the new economic model.”
Minister Douglas Devananda: “For more than a decade, since 2003, the Jaffna University Medical Students’ Union has tirelessly advocated for the construction of this building. Today, we stand here to witness the realization of this long-standing demand. In addition, swift action was also taken to address other pressing needs, including that of the Faculty of Agriculture.
During a critical period of turmoil in the country, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped up, provided leadership and demonstrated unparalleled resolve, and today we see many development projects underway across the country.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visionary leadership in transforming a non-functioning car into a roadworthy vehicle symbolizes his ability to meet future challenges. His unwavering dedication is inspiring, as is evident in his achievements.
MP Dharmalingam Siddharthan: “President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken the lead in promoting the development of the Northern Province within just two years of taking office. The completion of the Jaffna University Medical College building is another testament to his commitment to the development of the North.
His decisive actions, especially on sensitive issues such as land grants, reflected his deep concern for the well-being of the people of the North. Even as Prime Minister, he played a key role in promoting development in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Mr. MA Sumanthiran (PC): Dear Mr. President, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me this opportunity to address this distinguished gathering on behalf of the people of Jaffna. I also thank you personally for being here today.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been committed to promoting progress in the North and East of Sri Lanka since he became Prime Minister. The inauguration of the Medical College Building at the University of Jaffna is a milestone event that takes place today, underscoring not only the investment in the North but also the significant contribution to the progress of the country. I firmly believe that this university will become the hub of scientific innovation in Sri Lanka in the future.
As highlighted by previous speakers at this event, the President has paid special attention to the development of the Jaffna region and its inhabitants. In 2005, challenges in the northern region may have hampered your journey, a fact I am sure the people of the region now regrettably acknowledge.
I sincerely congratulate the Jaffna University Medical College on the realization of this major project. The return on this investment is bound to be huge. We warmly welcome the President to the Jaffna region and commend his tireless efforts to promote the interests of the North during this visit.”
Northern Province Governor PSM Charles: “I am very proud to inaugurate the opening of the Department of Clinical Training and Research at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, marking a significant milestone after 46 years.
Last March, I asked the President to be here to inaugurate this building. He assured me that he would be here in May, and he has kept his word and is here with us today.
Guests present at the ceremony included Secretary of the Education Ministry Thilaka Jayasundara, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Dean of the Medical College of the University of Jaffna Professor Rajendra Surendrakumaran and former MP Vijayakala Maheswaran.
Posts Jaffna to become national hospital First appeared in Daily News.
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