Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thero has hailed President Anura Dissanayake’s decision to admit his mother to a government hospital for treatment as a significant symbol of the “system change” long-awaited in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to the media during a visit to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, where the President’s mother is undergoing treatment in Ward 18, Sobitha Thero emphasized the uniqueness of this situation. “It is truly extraordinary to see the mother of the country’s President receiving treatment at a government hospital. This reflects the kind of system change the people of this nation have been yearning for,” he remarked.
Accompanied by Attangane Rathanapala Thero, Sobitha Thero extended blessings to the President’s mother and praised the President for setting a noteworthy example. “By admitting his mother to her village hospital rather than seeking treatment abroad or in a private hospital, the President demonstrates faith in our public healthcare system,” he stated.
This gesture contrasts sharply with past practices, where the families of influential politicians typically sought medical care in private hospitals or even overseas, creating an impression of distrust in Sri Lanka’s healthcare services. Sobitha Thero expressed hope that this example would inspire other politicians, including MPs and ministers, to follow suit and build public trust in the nation’s health sector.
“This act instills confidence in the capabilities of our medical system. It’s a call to action for all leaders to connect with the public by relying on the same services they advocate for the people,” Sobitha Thero concluded, urging broader adoption of this practice.
