SAITM hospital handover this month

Chairman of the South Asian Institute for Technology and Medicine (SAITM), Dr. Neville Fernando, yesterday said the Sri Lanka-Russia Friendship Teaching Hospital (SLRFTH) Hospital, constructed to facilitate clinical training of SAITM medical undergraduates would be handed over to the government by the end of this month. Dr. Fernando said the hospital worth three billion rupees and its equipment would be handed over to the government on June 30.
Dr. Fernando said that he hoped to invite President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and several ministers to the handing over ceremony.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Highways, in a communique issued in early April, said the Health Ministry would take over the SLRFTH better known as ‘Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital’. The hospital would continue to function as a Teaching Hospital, the ministry said.
The ministerial decision was taken following protests by student and several health service trade unions, headed by the Government Medical Officers’ Association, demanding the closure or the takeover of SAITM.
(Source: The Island – By Norman Palihawadane)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka moves to restore Central Highlands after Cyclone Ditwah landslides January 21, 2026
- Sri Lanka launches ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy tour in Colombo January 21, 2026
- Motorcycle mechanic arrested for Rs. 50,000 bribe attempt at Bemmulla Police Station January 21, 2026
- IMF Chief reaffirms strong support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery January 21, 2026
- Over 61kg of ICE seized in Nittambuwa STF raid January 21, 2026


I would want to clarify the comment made by DR Sivapriyan Sivarajasingham is totally false.He was a good friend of mine for the past 45 years.This language and content does not fit his chracter.He passed away on 7th June 2017.These comments are made on June 9th.Please don’t assassinate his character please.RIP Sivapriyan.