The Out-Patient Department (OPD) building of the Sri Lanka National Hospital, the largest ever China-Aid project in Sri Lanka was handed over to the Health Ministry on Tuesday (25).
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong and Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella were among those present at the handing over ceremony.
The Out-Patient Department (OPD) building of the Sri Lanka National Hospital with eight stories has a 50,000 square meter area and a daily access of 6,000 patients.
Speaking at the event Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella said China decided to donate the OPD building project to Sri Lanka in response to a request by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his term in office as Head of State.
Minister Rambukwella added that the project is the largest ever, single grant given by the government of China.
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the OPD clinic will be operational within one month, adding however it will take around one year to be fully functional.
Speaking at the event Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said he hopes the donation by the Chinese government will help health care workers and patients in need in Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said the OPD building is a landmark that represents the longstanding relationship between China and Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador assured that China will continue to provide assistance to Sri Lanka.