“The treasury reported the Cabinet that the income from the taxes for liquor and cigarettes has been reduced for the first time in the history. Though this is a decrease of the income for the government, we consider it as a great investment for the future generation”, he said.

The President was speaking at the ceremony to open the new building complex of the Theldeniya District Base Hospital, Kandy yesterday (11th April).

He pointed out that the main benchmark of the development of a country is education and health. “A country where educated and healthy people are living is rapidly moving towards development”, he said.

He said it is the government’s goal to lead all sections of the country towards an efficient development. “Today Sri Lanka is getting international support like never before. The government’s objective is to use that support for the development of the country”, he said.

The President on 4th of May, 2013, as then the Health Minister laid the foundation stone for the four storied building with surgical complex, ICU and Forensic Medical Unit, sponsored by the JAICA and the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine.

The President appreciated the assistance given by Japan without any conditions as a good friend. He thanked the government of Japan and the people on this regard.
He also registered the first patient to be admitted to the new ward complex.