22nd February 2020 19:17:43 Hours
Sri Lanka Army, the much-sought service provider in the country is slated to throw its technical expertise, engineering and work force behind the establishment of the world’s first eco-friendly Palliative Care Hospital in Sri Lanka at Anuradhapura where incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Cancer is relatively rampant after a request to this effect was extended to Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva.
The auspicious cornerstone-laying ceremony for its construction, held this morning (22) at Ambatalagama, Mihintale saw a galaxy of religious dignitaries, Ministers, acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, State Officials, Health Ministry Officials, the sponsor of the entire project, Australia-based ‘Shanthi Foundation’s chairman, Dr Suharsha Kanathigoda and its members were present for the cornerstone-laying as distinguished guests.
The project became a reality as a result of the long lasting mutual relations and friendship that have been nurtured by both Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva and Australia - based Dr Suharsha Kanathigoda .The concept was now made into reality with the Army taking over the entire construction.
‘Shanthi Foundation’ is to foot the cost of this unique project, estimated at Rs 120 million and an MOU signed between the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka and the Shanthi Foundation in 2017 resulted in the allocation of this land of 3.1 acres in Ambatalagama where a total of 40 patients in need of palliative care can be accommodated.
Hon Minister of Environment and Wildlife Resources, S.M Chandrasena (MP) representing the Minister of Health, acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Dr Suharsha Kanathigoda, chairman Shanthi Foundation - Australia were among those who laid the first few cornerstones as the auspicious second struck.
The welcome speech, singing of the national anthem and observance of two-minute silence in remembrance of all the dead due to Cancer, Chronic Kidney Diseases and War Heroes followed the auspicious cornerstone-laying as members of the Maha Sangha began chanting ‘Seth Pirith’.
Orations, ‘Anushasana’ by Ven Dr Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of Swarnamali Chaithya, Ven Walahahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent at Mihintale Raja Maha Vihara followed the brief address of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva.
Dr Suharsha Kanathigoda, the pioneer of the project raised the vote of thanks.
Foreign Buddhist delegations, prominent buddhist monks, Major General Kumar Jayapathirane, General Officer Commanding, 21 Division, Navy and Air Force Officers, Police Officers and a representative gathering of Shanthi Foundation were present during the ceremony. url clone | Sneakers Nike Shoes
