Night races then, micro hospitals now – PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that under the good governance government today “micro hospitals” will be dispatched from the location, previously used for ‘night races’ under the former government led by Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He was speaking during the ceremonial launch of the of the emergency ambulance service, implemented through grant assistance of around US$ 7.55 million from India, at the Galle Face Green in Colombo.

The PM stated that three years ago the ground was filled with sand bags and used to stage ‘night racing’ with Lamborghini cars and that some people were even run over by competing vehicles.  

“Today because there is good governance micro hospitals will leave this ground to save lives,” he said. 

Wickremesinghe who noted that he’s happy to be associated with such a noble initiative, said, “We are pleased to keep a promise made to the people during the General Election last year.  This is a service that is much needed by the people and a timely one indeed.”  

The flagging off ceremony of the project was also attended by Health Minister Rajitha Senarathne, Indian High Commissioner Y.K. Sinha and Deputy Foreign Minister, Harsha de Silva.  

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a video message.

Operating initially in the Western and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka through the toll free hotline - 1990, the ambulance service will be rolled out to the entire country eventually.