BLENDING PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY WITH PRIVATE AGILITY FOR NEXT GEN CARE

Q: Lanka Hospitals stands out as an SOE operating in the private healthcare space… how does this unique structure influence the hospital’s strategic approach?

A: Lanka Hospitals occupies a rare and compelling position in Sri Lanka’s healthcare landscape. While we are a state owned enterprise, we operate entirely within the private healthcare domain – subject to the same competitive pressures, quality benchmarks and patient expectations as any top tier private hospital.

This dual identity allows us to combine public accountability with private sector agility. It empowers us to reinvest in innovation and infrastructure while remaining accessible, ethical and aligned with national healthcare priorities.

As Group Managing Director, I am responsible for ensuring competitiveness and strong governance, leaving little room for compromise as we strive to uphold high ethical standards and deliver exceptional service.

Q: Lanka Hospitals has earned considerable international recognition… how does this translate into value for local patients?

A: A major milestone for us was achieving Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, the global gold standard in hospital quality and safety. I was part of the Lanka Hospitals team when we earned this in 2014.

This means a Sri Lankan patient entering our facility receives care that meets the same rigorous standards as in top hospitals abroad at a considerably lower cost. We’re committed to delivering world-class healthcare locally with excellence embedded in our clinical governance, infection control and patient outcomes.

Q: What differentiates Lanka Hospitals from others operating in the same space?

A: Our ongoing effort to address a critical void in the healthcare sector truly sets us apart. Many Sri Lankans with complex medical needs still feel compelled to travel overseas for treatment, often at great emotional and financial cost. At Lanka Hospitals, we are changing that narrative by offering the highest standards in clinical expertise, technology and compassionate care under one roof.

We are the only hospital in Sri Lanka accredited by JCI and operating the country’s first medical reference laboratory, which has also earned the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation, the highest international standard in lab quality.

Our centres of excellence are led by renowned consultants and supported by cutting-edge technology. In several specialties, we’ve consistently delivered the highest volumes and continue to expand our capabilities to serve both local and international patients.

Q: How is Lanka Hospitals leveraging its reputation to attract international patients?

A: This is an exciting and growing focus for us. Sri Lanka’s appeal as a tourism destination allows us to promote medical tourism. With our international accreditations, advanced diagnostics and surgical capabilities, we’re well positioned to attract patients from South Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa.

The country’s geographic location also offers convenience and we aim to blend top-quality healthcare with the broader advantages Sri Lanka offers.

We train future healthcare professionals, host global partnerships, and support visiting students and clinicians. What strengthens our value proposition is our exceptional panel of consultants and medical administrators, many with international training and experience in globally recognised institutions.

Additionally, we are backed by Fortis Healthcare, a leading Indian hospital network holding nearly 30 percent equity in Lanka Hospitals, which adds strategic strength.

Q: How would you describe Lanka Hospitals Laboratories’ (LHD) expansion and role within the Group?

A: LHD is Sri Lanka’s first reference medical laboratory, operating across the country through our centre and strategic partnerships. What makes Lanka Hospitals Laboratories unique is its continued CAP accreditation, regarded as the global gold standard for clinical lab quality. I’m proud to say we are the only hospital based lab in Sri Lanka with College of American Pathologists’ accreditation, now secured for the fourth consecutive cycle.

This reflects our commitment to maintaining international standards for accuracy, safety and quality. Our lab professionals are highly qualified and undergo regular international training to stay ahead in the field.

Q: What future innovations or expansions are in the pipeline?

A: In a highly competitive industry, Lanka Hospitals continues to set benchmarks while expanding services to global audiences. We’re preparing to launch several key healthcare offerings that will redefine private healthcare in Sri Lanka. While details will be announced soon, our focus areas include greater accessibility, digital integration and early intervention models, addressing urgent and unmet needs.

Our aim is to go beyond treating illness to transforming the way healthcare is delivered and experienced.

Q: As the newly appointed Group Managing Director, what is your vision for Lanka Hospitals?

A: My vision, aligned with that of the boards, is clear: to make Lanka Hospitals the most trusted, technologically advanced and patient centred healthcare provider in the region. We are investing in people, infrastructure and technology while staying true to our founding mission: delivering ethical, world-class care to every Sri Lankan.

Importantly, our reputation is now extending beyond borders. Healthcare is built on trust, and our goal is to become the benchmark for trust both locally and internationally.

– Compiled by Nirmali Ameresekere
COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 5430000 | Email: info@lankahospitals.com | Website: www.lankahospitals.com