The government is progressing with plans to launch operations at Neville Fernando Hospital, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chairing discussions on funding and development during a pre-budget meeting focused on the Defence Ministry.

The government is moving forward with efforts to commence operations at Neville Fernando Hospital, according to discussions held during a pre-budget meeting on the Ministry of Defence. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, where officials examined funding requirements needed to begin hospital operations and reviewed plans for its future development. The meeting also assessed the current performance of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital.

Beyond the hospital initiative, the meeting addressed broader strategies to strengthen Sri Lanka's defence sector. President Dissanayake proposed consolidating the research and development centres operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force into a single national centre, citing potential improvements in efficiency and effectiveness. Officials also deliberated on accelerating the adoption of modern technology and advanced equipment across defence operations, while exploring increased funding for overseas training programmes to enhance the professional capabilities of defence personnel.

Additional topics discussed included a programme to utilize the labour contribution of defence personnel engaged in construction work. The meeting brought together Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara, the Commanders of the three Armed Forces, senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, and representatives from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, along with heads of institutions under the Defence Ministry.