18th July 2020 14:37:31 Hours
The newly constructed Army Base Hospital was ceremonially opened by Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Major General HMJK Gunarathne WWV RWP RSP ndc psc, Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi.
The new Army Base Hospital comprises an OPD medical section, emergency unit, surgery unit, laboratory, document section, dispensary, pharmacy, isolation ward, female ward, medical store, officers’ ward, etc. This Hospital was built by 11 Corps of Engineer Services troops within a matter of 4 months on the instructions of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva in close coordination with SFHQ-KLN troops, commanded by Major General Jayantha Gunaratne, Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi. The new hospital cost Rs 26.9 million.
The day’s opening ceremony, adhering to strict health guidelines, the day’s Chief Guest on arrival at the Main entrance of ABH was greeted in a Drive pass, presented by 3 Gajaba Regiment troops, after he was warmly welcome by The Commander, Security Forces – Kilinochchi.
After a while, Commander of the Army unveiled a plaque and opened the newly-constructed Army Base Hospital, distinguished visitors afterwards had a look around the entire hospital complex and shared a couple of views on their facilities and technical aspects. Meantime, he was planted a sapling in the hospital premises to mark his visit.
A group photo in front of the new hospital complex with all Senior Officers and construction team added memories to the occasion. The Commander also left his signature in the Visitors’ Book with compliments on the same occasion as memories.
Later, the Commander of the Army addressed all Officers and Other Ranks of Security Forces Kilinochchi at Nelumpiyasa Auditorium. Thereafter, Major General Jayantha Gunarathne upon completion of the day’s event gave away a special memento to the visiting Chief Guest as a token of appreciation.“To recapitulate briefly, troops must remember the sacrifices that have been made by our valiant War Heroes to secure the entire Kilinochchi region from the grips of LTTE terrorism before May 2009 at the expense of so many precious lives. Today, you all are dedicated to the service of the country as well as the people of Kilinochchi by working towards peace, harmony and well-being of the people in the region. Remember that many northerners are very supportive of our projects that would improve their living standards and work for betterment of helpless lives and community projects”.
“The new hospital is an extension of welfare relief, being provided to hardworking troops of our armed forces. Those health facilities are also now open to our sister service, airmen serving Kilinochchi region. You must take care of this new place and use it for your medical requirements since those facilities have now turned up on your doorstep”.
Commenting on COVID-19 epidemic, the visiting Commander of the Army told the gathering that the Army, like in many other areas, has the pride of running the most number of Quarantine Centres in the country undertaking the challenge of this task at the request of HE the President.
“It is our bounden duty to take all preventive measures against the transmission of this pandemic among us as the most disciplined members of the Security Forces. That is why the Army was able to manage the situation with all precautions. I expect all of you to continue this alertness to the virus and behave accordingly in line with health guidelines, already issued to you,” Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva added.
Director General, General Staff, Commander, Forward Maintenance area, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Senior Officers and Officers associated with the Commander’s itinerary in the Kilinochchi. Before his departure he added a complimentary remark in the Visitors' Book to mark his visit with an appreciation note
