Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (25th June 2021) presided over the opening of High Dependency Unit (HDU) of Colombo South Teaching Hospital Kalubowila, renovated with Navy’s able manpower, as part of its initiatives to strengthen the Government's programme to expand infrastructure required to treat individuals tested positive for COVID-19. The conversion of a ward complex into a High Dependency Unit at Kalubowila Teaching Hospital kicked off utilizing the technical expertise and manpower of Sri Lanka Navy commencing from 20th May 2021, going by the directives of Commander of the Navy. In addition, the Government as well as local and foreign Sri Lankans have provided financial assistance for the project amounting to be around Rs. Accordingly, the Navy was able to complete the construction of this High Dependency Unit in a very short period of 5 weeks, fulfilling an urgent need of the hospital. Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Dr. Sagari Kiriwandeniya, former Acting Director Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe, Acting Director General Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Commodore Kamal Bombugalage, Acting Director General Civil Engineering, Commodore MJRR Medagoda, a cross section of hospital staff and a limited group of officers from the Navy were present on this occasion.

Source: The Nation June 27, 2021 00:33 UTC