One of the most satisfying tasks it has been my privilege to perform during my long professional life is serving as Honorary Chairman of the Wijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital (WKMH), Seeduwa. I remember the day the hospital was opened in 1999 – Wijaya’s Birthday Day, the 9th of October -- as though it was yesterday. It was during the run-up to President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s successful bid for the second term as the President of the Republic that WKMH became a reality. From very modest beginnings WKMH has now expanded into an institution which has earned an island-wide reputation as an excellent centre for the treatment of eye diseases and also all varieties of ulcers. This is in addition to the dedicated service it provides as a base hospital in the Katana Electorate where Wijaya made his political debut.

With the guidance and support of President Chandrika Kumaratunga and a Board of Directors which included the experienced Accountant/Manager, Mr. Neil Umagiliya from the beginning, it has been possible for me to run the hospital largely by remote control. The Medical Director of WKMH from day one has been Dr. Sarojini Jayalath who did the micro-management of the hospital with exemplary efficiency and dedication.

I thank each and everyone who co-operated with me to make WKMH, Seeduwa an institution which has greatly benefitted the people of the area in which Wijaya Kumaratunga, dazzling film star, spellbinding singer and charismatic politician, was born and bred and lived his tragically short life.

Thank You
Professor Carlo Fonseka.
Chairman
Wijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital