Japan strengthens advanced healthcare capacity in Sri Lanka with cutting-edge medical equipment

• Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital  gets state-of-the-art CT Angiography system the first of its kind in South Asia-as well as dental units

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata, this week attended the handover ceremony of the dental unit and 4D Angio CT suite at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, together with the Health Minister Dr. Jayatissa, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the hospital, highlighting the strong partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka in the health sector.

This handover marks the second phase of the project, following the initial provision of ophthalmic equipment in December 2023. The current phase represents a significant milestone, featuring the introduction of a state-of-the-art CT Angiography system-the first of its kind in South Asia-as well as dental units. These contributions are expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, stroke, and diabetes, thereby saving lives, reducing long-term complications, and improving the quality of life of patients.

The CT Angiography system integrates CT scanning and angiography functions, enabling highly accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment. It is expected to further strengthen the hospital’s role as a key medical hub in Sri Lanka and the wider region.

In addition, the provision of 10 dental units will support the establishment and enhancement of dental services at the hospital. In Japan, oral health is considered closely linked to overall health and plays an important role in extending healthy life expectancy. This support is therefore also expected to contribute to the promotion of preventive healthcare in Sri Lanka.

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was constructed in 1984 with grant assistance from the Government of Japan. The well-known “1001-bed” story—originating from former President J.R. Jayewardene’s remark to add one more bed to the originally planned 1,000—remains a memorable episode reflecting the history of this cooperation.

Japan has consistently supported Sri Lanka’s health sector over the decades, including the development of medical facilities, strengthening of blood supply systems, and support during the Covid-19 pandemic through vaccine delivery assistance. Furthermore, during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis, Japan provided fuel essential for maintaining healthcare services, and in times of natural disasters, dispatched emergency medical teams to deliver urgent care. These efforts demonstrate Japan’s continued commitment to standing by Sri Lanka, especially in times of need. These efforts reflect Japan’s commitment to “investment in people” and “human security,” supporting a healthcare system in which all individuals can live healthy and dignified lives.

Ambassador Isomata remarked, “This support is not merely for the provision of equipment, but also for the consolidation of the foundation for safeguarding lives and livelihoods. Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, built with the support of Japan, stands as a symbol of the longstanding friendship between our two countries. We sincerely hope that this project will contribute to building a sustainable healthcare system that benefits future generations in the field of medicine and further strengthen our partnership.”

Minister Dr. Jayatissa highlighted,“ This is not just a donation of machines.  It is an investment in the lives and futures of our patients. By establishing this modern dental unit, we are addressing a critical need in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases for our population. I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for this generous assistance. These are acts of true friendship, and the people of Sri Lanka will always remember them with gratitude.”

Japan will continue to work closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen the healthcare sector and deepen the longstanding friendship between the two 

countries.