The foundation stone for the “Sathpethi” Interventional Centre for Autism and Neurodiversity at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo was laid today (November 6) by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
The four-storey project carries an estimated total cost of Rs. 363 million, with Rs. 252 million specifically allocated for building construction. The centre aims to provide comprehensive multidisciplinary care, including identifying unique developmental needs, enhancing individual skills, socialization, speech and language therapy, daily living skills and family centered support.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa urged officials to expedite the construction originally slated for 546 days so that the facility can be handed over to the public by December next year. He emphasized the importance of coordinating medical equipment procurement and training specialized staff concurrently to ensure services commence immediately upon completion. He also highlighted the need for changing societal attitudes to embrace children with autism as an integral part of the community.
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Swarna Wijetunga noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s allocation of Rs. 200 million in his maiden budget was a crucial turning point for the project. Referencing global and local statistics, she pointed out that World Health Organization data indicates 1 in 100 children globally has autism, while a 2009 Sri Lankan study recorded 1 in 93 and US CDC data shows 1 in 36. With over 50 percent of patients visiting the Lady Ridgeway Hospital’s child and adolescent mental health clinics presenting with neurodevelopmental conditions, she stressed the urgent necessity for such a formal facility.
The project is implemented under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, with engineering services handled by the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) and construction carried out by Nawaloka Constructions.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director Dr. Pradeep R. Vanniarachchi, ministry officials, medical specialists and hospital staff. (Newswire)