NFTH Overhaul Gains Momentum Under SLAF Command

Following the recent Cabinet decision to hand over the management of the Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) in Malabe to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) paid an official inspection visit to the hospital today (23 February). He was received by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, upon his arrival.

During the visit, a special discussion was held focusing on the hospital’s current status, long-term vision, and key objectives for advancing medical facilities and services on the premises. The management of NFTH, is now under SLAF oversight as decided at the Cabinet meeting on February 9, 2026.

The Director General of Health Services of the SLAF, Air Vice Marshal (Dr.) Lalith Jayaweera provided a comprehensive briefing highlighting the hospital’s ongoing initiatives, operational capabilities, and plans for future expansion to meet emerging healthcare demands. Discussions also included infrastructure development, financial considerations, and inter-agency coordination to ensure the timely execution of the project.

The Defence Secretary emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to transform the hospital into a state-of-the-art medical facility, noting that such a high standard medical centre would significantly strengthen the country’s healthcare sector.

Senior SLAF officers and representatives from several key ministries were also present during the visit.