First PCR Machine presented to Karawanella Base Hospital
SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT and Telecommunications Service Provider, in demonstrating purposeful
leadership to help communities overcome the pandemic, has stepped up efforts to further support the
nation by donating several Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing machines to District Hospitals
across the country. The first PCR machine valued at over Rs. 5 million was gifted to Karawanella Base
Hospital, in the Kegalle district today (16).
The machine was handed over by Mr. Prabhath Dahanayake, CMO of SLT on behalf of SLT-MOBITEL to
Dr. Ms. Manel Wimalarathne, Acting Medical Superintendent of the Karawanella Base Hospital in the
presence of the State Minister Kanaka Herath, Mr. Tikiri Bandara Kobbekaduwa, Governor,
Sabaragamuwa province; Dr. K.B. Kannangara, Provincial Director of Health Services / Sabaragamuwa;
Dr. P.K. Wickramasinghe, Regional Director of Health Services and officials from SLT-MOBITEL and
hospital staff were also present at the occasion.
Based on requests from hospital and government authorities, SLT-MOBITEL will also be donating PCR
machines to three other district hospitals; namely the Monaragala Base Hospital, District General
Hospital, Matale and the University Hospital of the Kothalawala Defense University.
These hospitals cater to a large section of the population and communities in the respective districts.
Residents in these areas face severe hardships due to the lack of proper COVID-19 testing equipment,
and are forced to travel to nearby cities or in some instances to Colombo to be tested.
Commenting on the donation, SLT Group Chief Executive Officer Lalith Seneviratne said, “We
understood the urgent healthcare requirements at Hospitals and accelerated the facilitation of PCR
machines to support those most affected. We firmly believe that this situation can be overcome with
joint, comprehensive, and targeted community efforts and we are committed to standing strong with
the nation during these challenging times.”
SLT-MOBITEL is donating these machines as a community-centered CSR project while catering to the
needs of the people, also helping communities in the surrounding areas and scattered remote villages.