Referring to a newspaper report that the government had changed the decision, the President stated that the government has not reversed the decision and will take necessary steps ton carry out capital punishment against drug smugglers.The President said he would summon the heads of the fields of judiciary, prisons and law and order next Tuesday to appoint a committee in this regard.

“This committee, which will consist of representatives of all the relevant fields, would make decisions about the convicted personnel who should be executed,” he said. The construction works of the National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa, which is a gift from China, was commenced today (21) under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.

This New Hospital is being built as the largest kidney hospital in South Asia, at a cost of Rs. 1.2 billion, fulfilling a long term aspiration of the President to provide services for kidney patients. The hospital would be a great asset and a gift to the people of Sri Lanka, not only for the people living in the North Central Province but also in other areas. The hospital project includes state-of-the-art equipment and all necessary facilities for kidney patients. The hospitals consist of 200 bedded ward complex, OPD with 100 dialysis machines and six modern operation theaters.

A 200-seated auditorium and a car park which has 300 parking slots and residential facilities for hospital staff will also be included in this hospital. The project is expected to complete within 24 months and accordingly in July 2020 the hospital will be ready for functioning.