13th June 2021 18:05:58 Hours
11 Division troops of the Security Force HQ - Central with health authorities converted Somerset Tea Factory in Gampola, Kurunduwatta into an Intermediate Care Centre (ICC) to treat some 300 COVID-19 patients in the event of any increase of infectees. Upon completion, the project was made available to health authorities on 06 June 2021.
General Shavendra Silva, Head, NOCPCO, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, the brainchild behind enhancing of the bed capacity and ICCs in line with the sudden increase of infected ones around the county, instructed Major General Ranjan Lamahewage, Commander, Security Forces - Central to take prompt action for the conversion of this centre for an ICC within a few days.
Hon Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Agriculture, District Secretary for Kandy, General Officer Commanding, 11 Division, Major General Kithsiri Liyanage, Director Nawalapitiya Hospital and a few health officials participated in the formal handover ceremony. This new ICC is equipped with all medical facilities.
The General Officer Commanding - 11 Division formally handed over the ICC to health authorities on the occasion. Commander, 111 Brigade who closely supervised the troops until the completion of the task was also present at the location.
