Sri Lanka takes a historic leap into futuristic medicine as Hemas launches a Rs. 10 billion hospital in Thalawathugoda. With robotic surgery, advanced cardiac care, and a training hub for surgeons, the facility promises to transform the island into a regional healthcare hub and redefine patient care.
A futuristic leap in Sri Lanka’s healthcare: Hemas unveils a Rs. 10 billion hospital introducing robotic surgery, advanced cardiac care, and training hubs for the next generation of doctors.
Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector is preparing for a transformative shift with the inauguration of Hemas Group’s state-of-the-art tertiary care hospital in Thalawathugoda, launched under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Described as one of the most ambitious investments in the nation’s medical landscape, the project will not only introduce the country’s first robotic surgery facility but also set new benchmarks for patient care, medical training, and international healthcare standards.
The hospital, built at a capital expenditure of Rs. 10 billion, is designed to employ nearly 900 healthcare professionals while expanding its residential capacity to 150 beds. The foundation stone ceremony, themed “A New Meaning for the Future of Healthcare”, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships in the national health strategy.
Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized that Hemas’s investment demonstrates the confidence of the business community in Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth. He noted that the project aligns with government policy to enhance access to high-quality medical services, tackle non-communicable diseases, improve tertiary care facilities, and create employment opportunities in the healthcare sector. The minister also praised the introduction of robotic surgery as a milestone that positions Sri Lanka as a serious contender in the regional healthcare arena.
Robotic surgery, which allows for minimal incisions, faster recovery, and greater precision, will be offered across cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, urology, and trauma care. The hospital will also pioneer spine care treatments including scoliosis correction and endoscopic spine surgery. With a dedicated orthopedic trauma and sports medicine unit, it promises specialized support for both athletes and patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions.
Beyond being a treatment facility, Hemas Hospitals plans to develop an education and innovation hub within the premises. According to Dr. Lakith Peiris, Managing Director of Hemas Hospitals, the hospital will host Sri Lanka’s first robotic surgery training center, ensuring the next generation of surgeons acquire advanced skills. The center will also support research collaborations, digital health integration, and knowledge-sharing partnerships, making it more than just a medical institution but a platform for global academic exchange.
Murthaza Esufali, Chairman of Hemas Group Healthcare, reiterated that the project reflects Hemas’s deep commitment to Sri Lanka. “This hospital will create new jobs, expand healthcare access for communities, and strengthen our vision of positioning the country as a regional healthcare hub,” he said.
Ashish Chandra, Group CEO of Hemas Holdings, emphasized the scale of the group’s presence in Sri Lanka’s healthcare ecosystem. As the largest healthcare group in the country, Hemas operates across pharmaceuticals, surgical and diagnostic manufacturing, distribution, primary care, tertiary care, and home care services. He noted that the new hospital aligns with Hemas’s vision to provide world-class healthcare at accessible and affordable prices, empowering Sri Lankans with life-changing medical solutions.
The project also highlights a broader policy vision. Designed according to international standards, every space within the hospital focuses on patient comfort, safety, and well-being. The initiative also supports the government’s aim of promoting innovation, economic stability, and foreign investment in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. By offering internationally competitive healthcare solutions, the new hospital also seeks to reduce the need for outbound medical travel, thereby retaining valuable foreign exchange within the country.
In addition to cardiac surgery and robotic techniques, the expanded Hemas hospital network will offer advanced renal and gastrointestinal surgeries, comprehensive emergency cardiac care, and specialist treatment units. The integration of cutting-edge technology is expected to significantly improve success rates and patient safety while reducing recovery times.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister Jayatissa expressed his gratitude to Hemas for their long-standing commitment to raising healthcare standards. He stressed that the hospital represents more than a modern building—it embodies a vision of continuous learning, innovation, and service. He underlined that such projects prove that Sri Lanka is capable of becoming not only self-reliant in healthcare but also a recognized destination for medical tourism in South Asia.
Senior officials from Hemas, including Dr. Lakith Peiris, Murthaza Esufali, Ashish Chandra, Dr. Pradeep Eward, and members of the Hemas Group Leadership Team, joined dignitaries and advisors at the event. Their presence underscored the significance of this moment for Sri Lanka’s future in healthcare.
With construction now underway, Thalawathugoda’s futuristic hospital is poised to open a new chapter in the country’s healthcare history. For patients, doctors, and policymakers alike, this initiative is more than an investment; it is a promise of world-class care, innovation, and hope for generations to come.
