2027 Defence Budget to boost funding for Neville Fernando Hospital

Plans to commence operations at the Neville Fernando Hospital move ahead as funding requirements and future development take centre stage during a pre-budget meeting for 2027 at the Ministry of Defence today (17).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chairs the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, where officials discuss the allocation of necessary funds to begin hospital operations alongside broader plans to strengthen the country's defence sector, while also reviewing operations at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, according to a statement issued by the President's Media Division.

President Dissanayake proposes consolidating research and development centres operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force into a single national centre to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Officials also discuss accelerating the adoption of modern technology and advanced equipment in the defence sector, increasing funding for overseas training to enhance personnel skills and knowledge, and utilizing defense labor contributions in construction activities.

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 institutional heads attended the meeting.