The government is moving ahead with plans to commence operations at the Neville Fernando Hospital, with funding requirements and the hospital’s future development among key issues discussed during a 2027 pre-budget meeting on the Ministry of Defence today (17).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, where officials discussed the allocation of the necessary funds to begin hospital operations and plans for its future.

The meeting also reviewed the operations of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division.

Discussions related to the Neville Fernando Hospital took place alongside broader plans to strengthen the country’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, saying this could improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Officials also discussed accelerating the adoption of modern technology and advanced equipment in the defence sector, as well as increasing funding for overseas training to enhance the skills and knowledge of defence personnel, the PMD noted.

A programme to utilise the labour contribution of defence personnel engaged in construction activities was also discussed.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara, the Commanders of the three Armed Forces, senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministries of Defence and Finance, and heads of institutions under the Defence Ministry.