US and Sri Lanka partner to refurbish Akaragama Hospital
COLOMBO –The Akaragama Divisional Hospital, jointly refurbished by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) at a cost of LKR 40.5 million (US$135,000), was ceremonially reopened on Friday (12) with the participation of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Ministries of Defence and Health.
Hospital staff and community members also participated in the ceremony.
The renovation, jointly planned and executed by SLAF and USAF engineers, delivered critical upgrades to hospital infrastructure, including improvements to structural integrity, roofing, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC facilities, power generation, interior fixtures, and security features.
The collaboration, the US Embassy in Colombo said, highlights the trust and partnership at the heart of US–Sri Lanka defence cooperation, reinforcing broader ties across the Indo-Pacific.
The hospital, which serves more than 45,000 patients each year, many from low-income backgrounds, is now better equipped to provide high-quality care through its nine specialized clinics.
The Embassy said the joint investment reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen essential health services and improve the well-being of local communities.
Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, noting that the refurbishment of Akaragama Hospital shows how the United States and Sri Lanka can work side by side to deliver meaningful results for communities, said, “By sharing resources and expertise, we have improved vital infrastructure while strengthening trust between our nations. What we build together today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s shared security. When our partners are secure, America is more secure.”
-ENCL
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.