Two wards damaged in the recent explosion at the China–Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology Specialized Hospital in Polonnaruwa could reopen within two days following minor repairs, according to Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
Jasinghe inspected the hospital on October 1 to assess the damage and ongoing restoration work.
The explosion damaged the hospital kitchen and affected adjoining male and female wards, the main operating theatre and the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
Following discussions with hospital management and medical staff, instructions were issued to expedite repairs to the two wards so inpatient admissions can resume.
Work is also underway to restore the operating-theatre complex and intensive-care services.
Blood-transfusion services resumed the day after the explosion.
Dialysis services are continuing, although inpatient admissions remained suspended at the time of the Health Secretary's inspection.
Authorities are working to gradually restore other essential services, including surgery.
Technical teams are examining damage affecting areas including electrical circuits and medical-gas systems.
Some repairs can be undertaken by the hospital, while others require specialised technical support.
The Government is also coordinating through the Department of External Resources regarding possible assistance under China's emergency-relief mechanism.
Investigations into the explosion are continuing.
The recovery timetable does not establish the cause of the explosion and should not be presented as an investigative finding.