Minister of Health Maithreepala Sirisena and Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Ashok K. Kantha laid the foundation stone for the construction of a150-bed hospital at Dickoya on July 5.

The hospital is being built under grant assistance of Government of India at an estimated cost of 1.2 billion rupees.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Maithreepala Sirisena has termed the project a monument to India-Sri Lanka friendship. He has expressed Sri Lanka's appreciation for India's consistent support, both domestically and internationally.

Indian High Commissioner Kantha has thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for its support and cooperation which had made the project a reality.

He has reiterated the readiness of the Government of India to work together as partners as Sri Lanka forges ahead after three decades of armed conflict, a High Commission press release said.

The completed multi-specialty hospital will have seven operation theatres and will provide services in the areas of General Medicine, Respiratory Disease, Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Burns Unit, Obstetrics & Gynecology etc.