News

Dialysis centre donated by Lions now open

Published

3 years ago

2022/01/19

“LIONS Kidney Dialysis center”, a state-of-the-art kidney dialysis centre was declared open on Friday, 14th January 2022 at the Colombo East Base Hospital, Mulleriyawa. This project has been the brainchild of the Past District Governor of Lions International, Lion Mahinda Perera, and ably assisted by Project Chairman Lion Susantha Caldera and Project Manager Lion Athula de Silva. It is one of the most impressive and challenging tasks undertaken by the Lions District 306C1 in recent times.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest humanitarian service organisation which has its representation in more than 210 countries with a global membership of more than 1.4 million service minded people who have rendered their humanitarian services for over 100 years with the motto “WE SERVE”.

It is a known fact that many urban Sri Lankans in the Western Province, suffer from kidney disease, for which they need medical treatment from government hospitals, mainly due to the very high cost of treatment from private hospitals in Colombo. Cost of kidney Dialysis in private hospitals is not affordable to an ordinary low income citizen in Sri Lanka as average charges are Rs.8,500/= for one time treatment. Normally a kidney patient has to go through the dialysis process 2-3 times a week. Hence the charges per month will be approximately Rs.100,000 p.m. Further, due to this high cost, Socio Economic Impact of Chronic Kidney Diseases on the affected families are impossible to think of. The Majority of chronic kidney patients are still in the working and economically productive ages. As a result, the disease has a considerable impact on such a household’s income

During the last decade it has been observed that the occurrences of chronic kidney diseases and other renal diseases has increased rapidly. Given these critical circumstances, the need for a dialysis centre at the Colombo East Base Hospital is of immense importance. Hence the District 306C1 of International Lions Clubs decided to donate a state of the art LIONS KIDNEY DIALYSIS CENTRE to Colombo East Base Hospital, as part of their humanitarian projects. They have constructed the building for the centre at the hospital premises and donated all medical equipment needed for the unit. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) came forward to invest in all the Dialysis machines, RO Plants, and other equipment. Total value of this noble project is around Rs. 45 million, out of which Rs.16.2 million was funded by the Lions club international Foundation (LCIF). The cost of construction of the building was entirely borne by the Lions and other well-wishers. The Ministry of Health and the hospital authority are responsible for maintenance and management of the this multi -million Hemodialysis centre

The facility was built within 21 months amidst several interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the first phase of this project, the dialysis centre is equipped with 07 ICU beds and could accommodate seven patients at a time with a total of more than 25 patients per day. They aim to provide this invaluable service free of charge to the innocent kidney patients who are always dependent on dialysis.

The centre was declared open by Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella in the presence of Lions dignitaries District Governor 2019-2020 Lion Mahinda Perera, Lion Mahendra Amarasooriya International President 2007-2008, District Governor 2021-2022 Lion Amal Nishantha Pussllage, Dr. Priyantha Karunaratne, Director, Colombo East Base Hospital, Ministry of health Officials, Lions dignitaries , donors and well-wishers.

The remarkable generosity that was shown by the Lions towards this meritorious project will pave the way for the destitute kidney patients of the country to be benefited by the services of the Lions Kidney Dialysis centre for a long period to come.

All News Advertisement

News

Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country – PM

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/12

Priyan

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the people of Sri Lanka should no longer be burdened by conflict and the Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country, with the government and the public service must discharge their duties to meet the needs of the people.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held in Velanai, Nallur, and Vadamarachchi.

The Prime Minister said that:

“There are numerous issues regarding infrastructure development in the Northern Province ranging from roads, drinking water supply, agriculture, and unemployment, to education and health sectors.

Many of these development tasks fall under the responsibility of local governments and provincial councils that represents your areas. However, these responsibilities have not been properly discharged.

While it is said that the issues raised in the North and East were caused by the war, 16 years have passed since the end of the war. What real change has taken place? Have the lives of the people in these areas has improved?

Although the central government allocates funds to provincial governing bodies, there should be a transparent mechanism in place to ensure that these funds are properly utilized for the relevant projects.

On May 6th, you will hold the decisive right to elect the local government closest to you that will work to uplift your lives and develop your communities. Elect representatives who are committed to serving the people, and free of fraud and corruption.

The government is actively participating in lifting the country from its fallen state and to overcome the current economic challenges. We accept that there is a long way to go. The prices of goods are still high but the government is currently working towards a change, and the people will receive the benefits in the near future.

Measures have been taken to increase the basic salary of public servants from this year’s Budget. The public service must commit to discharging duties with dedication. This must be not only a people’s government, but also a public service that belongs to the people.

Even after the independence, this country has seen much bloodshed and conflict. The people have suffered greatly as a result. The government is determined to ensure that such a situation never arises again. Therefore, the government is committed to fostering peace within the country.”

The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, along with several Members of Parliament and local representatives in the North.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Focus on streamlining Research and Development activities related to defence sector

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/12

Priyan

A meeting organized by the National Initiative for Research & Development Commercialization (NIRDC) was held on Thursday (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to streamline and commercialize research and development activities in the defence sector.

Participating institutions included the Centre for Defence Research and Development under the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the Research and Development Division of the Sri Lanka Police.

The NIRDC Unit, established under the Presidential Secretariat, aims to accelerate national development by facilitating investment opportunities to commercially apply completed or nearing completion research projects from both public and private institutions.

Defence institutions play a critical role for the progress of technology and science in relation to national security and development. Acknowledging this importance, the meeting was chaired by Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya.

During the meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding the completed and on-going research and development projects within the defence sector, as well as those planned for the future. Special attention was given to identifying opportunities for collaboration among research and development units, enhancing innovation capabilities, and exploring ways to share resources effectively.

The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration between research and development units relevant to these sectors, enhancing innovation capabilities and exploring ways to share resources effectively. It also examined possible steps to strengthen coordination between civil and defence research institutions. The discussion concluded productively, with several innovations identified that have the potential for future commercialization.

The event was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) . Russel Aponsu, NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director (Investments) . Idunil Gunathilaka along with other officials.

[PMD]