The ‘Thilaka de Silva Jayasekera Memorial Cancer Ward’, which was built at a cost of Rs.35 million with donations from philanthropist Hakkini Rathnathidasa de Silva at the Avissawella Base Hospital Cancer, was opened last Saturday.
Rathnathidasa, aged 88, who hails from Randombe, Balapitiya, established himself as a hardware merchant in Avissawella almost 70 years ago. He donated the funds for the cancer ward in memory of his late wife who passed away four years ago.
Speaking to the media before the function, de Silva said that the ward would have been completed two years ago if not for the previous government’s “bureaucracy and red tape”.
The ward, which houses 26 beds, was opened by Hakkini Rathnathidasa de Silva and Dr. Priyankara Jayawardena.
Consultant Oncologists at the Avissawella Base Hospital, Dr. Jaliya Jayasekara, said that the new ward would benefit many cancer patients in the area as previously, they could only visit for clinic appointments.
Avissawella Base Hospital Cancer Director Dr. Dimuthu Rathnayaka, hospital staff, well-wishers, and government officials attended the event.