The Puttalam Base Hospital needs to be brought under the administration of the Central Government. Only through the successful completion of this process can the long-standing expectation of the people to have the hospital upgraded as a District General Hospital be achieved. Efforts towards this objective have been ongoing for nearly two decades.
This process had finally reached a successful stage in April this year.
However, the transition of the Puttalam Base Hospital from the administration of the Provincial Government to the Central Government is currently taking place department by department.
The complete transfer of all departments of a hospital from provincial to central administration can take more than one year. Therefore, we must understand that this transitional period is important, requires patience in handling matters, and naturally involves a number of practical difficulties.
There are several reasons for these challenges.
The funds required for the capital and recurrent expenditure of the Puttalam Base Hospital for the 2026 financial year were allocated through the 2026 North Western Provincial Budget. At that time, in November 2025, the hospital had not yet come under the administration of the Central Government. Therefore, no specific allocation had been made for the Puttalam Base Hospital in the budget of the Ministry of Health of the Central Government.
As a result, questions have now arisen regarding the source of funding for various requirements during this transition period.
For example:
- Salaries of doctors and other hospital staff have to be obtained through the Provincial Ministry. There is a possibility that such payments could be interrupted if the Provincial authorities decide to do so.
- Supply of medicines and medical supplies is another area requiring attention during the transition.
- There are also challenges regarding the approval process for certain matters, including whether approval should be obtained from the Provincial or Central Government authorities.
During this period, the doctors, nurses and other staff working at the hospital are continuing their duties under considerable difficulties. In particular, almost all of the specialist doctors serving at the hospital are from outside the district.
Until all the official procedures and mechanisms are fully completed, difficulties and shortages are likely to arise. As the people of Puttalam, we need to remain calm and patient. While we must be patient in achieving our objectives, we must also understand that patience is required during this transitional process.
Unfortunately, however, during this transition period, almost every issue concerning the hospital is being exaggerated and widely discussed on social media. This is not merely my observation. Doctors who are continuing to serve at the hospital despite numerous difficulties have themselves expressed these concerns.
Across the country, many hospitals have previously been transferred from Provincial Government administration to the Central Government. In some cases, it has taken two years or more to fully complete the transition. Nevertheless, during the transitional periods and the difficulties that naturally arose, the people of those areas remained patient and extended their cooperation.
Several doctors have expressed their disappointment, asking, “Why is this happening only in Puttalam?”
Two weeks ago, under the leadership of Hon. Faisal MP, several members of our team, including Puttalam Mayor Rinsad, met with the Minister of Health at his Ministry. During a four-hour discussion, extensive attention was given to the challenges arising during the transitional period, possible solutions to overcome these difficulties, and the expected timeline for completing the entire process and transforming the Puttalam Base Hospital into a District General Hospital.
Following this discussion, last week the Director of Chilaw General Hospital visited the Puttalam Base Hospital without delay.
During his visit, doctors raised concerns regarding the ICU building, which had become non-functional due to heavy rainfall. Despite the numerous challenges they are facing, one of the specialist doctors became emotional while explaining how doctors who are working beyond their capacity are being subjected to extremely harsh criticism on social media, even over minor shortcomings.
There is no need for the doctors and hospital staff to be discouraged by the criticism of a small group. This is a hospital for our people. The doctors, nurses and all other staff working here must be allowed to continue their duties without interruption.
I left the hospital after making my position clear: the doctors and other staff serving at the Puttalam Base Hospital have the unconditional support of the majority of the people of Puttalam, across all communities and religions.
This is a transitional period that requires patience, understanding, cooperation and responsible engagement from everyone. The ultimate objective is to complete the transition successfully and establish the Puttalam District General Hospital for the benefit of the people of Puttalam.
Puttalam Municipal Council
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