The Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe, renovated with the direct contribution of the Sri Lanka Air Force, was officially inaugurated yesterday (09) under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
The Minister attended the occasion at the invitation of Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe and emphasised that the initiative serves as an excellent example of the Government’s programme to make optimal use of unused and underutilised State properties for the benefit of the public.
The new management arrangement was implemented following Cabinet approval for a joint proposal submitted by President and Minister of Defence Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Health and Mass Media.
Under the new arrangement, the hospital will operate under a hybrid management framework, replacing the temporary administrative system that had been in place for eight years following its takeover in 2017. The hospital's ownership has been transferred to a company fully (100%) owned by the General Treasury, while its day-to-day operations have been entrusted to the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The initiative aims to provide quality healthcare services to Air Force personnel and their families, as well as the general public, by utilising the expertise, professional standards and efficient administrative capabilities of the Air Force. The hospital's operations will be conducted under the new administration of its Chief Executive Officer, Air Commodore Neeluka Abeysekera.
The Minister stated that the Sri Lanka Air Force had long recognised the need for a dedicated hospital to serve its personnel, and that establishing a hospital specifically for the Air Force was one of the key achievements of this initiative.
He further noted that, under the guidance of the President, this decision is expected to address the shortage of tertiary-level healthcare facilities in Colombo and Gampaha districts, which are home to a population of nearly five million. In particular, people in Kaduwela, Athurugiriya and Avissawella are expected to benefit from the expanded healthcare services.
Following the unveiling of the commemorative plaque and the official opening of the hospital, the distinguished guests participated in an inspection tour of the hospital premises.
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara, Member of Parliament Asitha Niroshana, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Mrs. Swarnamali Fernando, wife of the late Dr. Neville Fernando, former Commanders of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaveera, members of the Board of Directors, senior officers and hospital staff were among those present at the occasion.
