RIYADH: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will open a 242-bed epilepsy hospital, which is fully funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), in Colombo on Tuesday.
The SR100 million ($26.7 million), 10-story hospital consists of a surgical theater, an intensive care unit, a high-dependency unit, 242-bed male and female wards, and an auditorium for capacity building for the country’s medical staff.
The SFD recently financed an additional SR48 million to buy all necessary equipment including a CT scanner, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment, physical therapy devices and medical furniture.
A four-member SFD delegation has left for Colombo to take part in the event, which will also be attended by Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.
The Saudi team comprises Fawzi Al-Saud, director general of operations; Abdulla Al-Shedokhi, adviser; Bandar Al-Otaibi, engineer from the technical department; and Meshal Al-Najashi, loan researcher at the legal department.
Sri Lankan Ambassador Azmi Thassim told Arab News that SFD's support helped fulfill a long-standing need of the island nation.
He recalled that the fund has been supporting Sri Lankan projects for more than three decades.
“We were able to complete major projects such as the Kinniya bridge with its assistance,” he added.
Saudi-funded SR100m epilepsy hospital opens in Colombo today
Saudi-funded SR100m epilepsy hospital opens in Colombo today
More than 1,100 scouts assist worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques
MAKKAH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association is running public service camps at the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan, involving more than 1,100 scout leaders and members.
The volunteer program runs throughout the fasting month, providing services to Umrah performers, other worshippers, and fasting visitors in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The scout teams’ tasks include providing guidance, orientation and crowd management services, assisting the elderly and people with disabilities, and delivering humanitarian and on-site support at designated locations at the Two Holy Mosques.
Backed by intensive training and preparation programs, the scouts have strengthened their readiness on the ground and elevated their performance to meet the association’s highest standards of quality and governance, reflecting their commitment to leadership and excellence in organized volunteer work.
The association emphasized that these camps are managed under a unified institutional framework that brings together all scouting sectors, following clear operational plans and precise organizational structures.
This approach helps standardize procedures, boost performance efficiency, and maximize the positive effect of services provided, fulfilling the vision of the Kingdom’s leadership in caring for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
