A new four-story children’s ward at the Apeksha Hospital, funded by the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple as an offering to God Kataragama, was handed over to the public on Thursday (January 2).
The facility features a specialised unit for paediatric bone marrow and stem cell transplants, which is a first of its kind available at government hospitals. This unit has the capacity to treat up to four patients at a time, thereby enhancing the pediatric blood and marrow transplant services at the hospital.
Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs R.M.P. Rathnayake, Air Force Commander Udeni Rajapaksa, the Director of Apeksha Hospital, Dr. Aruna Jayasekara, and several medical specialists were present.
This project was completed under the leadership of the Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple, Dishan Gunasekara. The religious rites at the opening ceremony was conducted by Chief Incumbent of Kiriwehera Kataragama, Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera.
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 170 million. During the opening, a foundation stone was laid for the construction of a dining hall, which will be used to prepare meals for hospital patients. The Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple will fully fund the dining hall project.
This marks a milestone in the history of the Kataragama Dewalaya, showcasing how funds contributed by thousands of devotees have been channeled towards a project that will benefit countless children and families across the nation.