Construction of a Japanese-funded eight-storey cardiac care facility at Trincomalee District General Hospital began on Wednesday under presidential patronage, with completion targeted for May 2028.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake formally launched construction of a new cardiology unit at Trincomalee District General Hospital on 16 September. Funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project carries a cost of Rs. 2.403 billion and operates under the Health and Medical Services Improvement Project.
The eight-storey facility will house state-of-the-art operating theatres, outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities, and fully equipped laboratory services dedicated to cardiovascular care. According to sources, the complex aims to provide comprehensive cardiac treatment services to the Eastern Province under a single location and is expected to become one of the most advanced cardiac centres outside Colombo upon completion.
The project has faced significant delays. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra indicated the Trincomalee initiative remained in discussion stage for nearly a decade and was among JICA-assisted health projects suspended during Sri Lanka's recent economic crisis. Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated the proposal had been under discussion for several years before advancing to construction.
The cardiology unit represents part of a larger health sector investment announced on the same day. The minister reported that four major construction projects valued at approximately Rs. 7.1 billion and facilities worth around Rs. 12 billion including equipment were being initiated under presidential patronage. Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata framed the project as part of Japan's longstanding partnership with Sri Lanka in health infrastructure development.