In a significant step towards strengthening access to specialised cardiac healthcare beyond Colombo, Nawaloka Medicare officially inaugurated its new Heart Centre at Nawaloka Medicare Hospital in Negombo on 14 October 2026. The facility aims to bring advanced cardiac diagnostic and treatment services closer to patients in the Gampaha District and surrounding areas, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena as the Chief Guest, with the participation of Prakash Nair of the High Commission of India, Nawaloka Medicare Chairman Harshith Dharmadasa, Director Tracy Dharmadasa, and Dr. Lakkumar Fernando, Director of Nawaloka Medicare Hospital, Negombo. The opening marks an important milestone in the hospital’s continued efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare infrastructure and improve the availability of cardiac care services in the region.
Commenting at the opening ceremony, Nawaloka Medicare Chairman Harshith Dharmadasa said: “Our priority is to make advanced heart care more accessible and affordable for families in Negombo and the wider Gampaha District. This investment brings modern imaging technology closer to our communities while keeping specialist expertise and patient safety at the centre of care. As Sri Lanka moves towards greater use of AI and digital healthcare, innovation must translate into timely treatment, better value and a smaller gap in access to quality services.”
At the heart of the facility is the Philips Azurion 7 C20 diagnostic and image-guided therapy system. The platform brings together advanced medical imaging, integrated software and clinical workflow tools to support specialists during diagnostic assessments and image-guided interventions.
Image-guided therapy allows clinicians to use medical images to navigate instruments and guide treatment within the body. This supports minimally invasive procedures, with the clinical team retaining control over assessment, treatment planning and decision-making throughout the process.
The Azurion platform combines high-quality imaging with radiation-dose management capabilities designed to support clear visualisation at low X-ray dose levels. Its integrated controls and streamlined workflow help clinical teams access relevant imaging and applications during procedures, supporting efficient coordination and reducing avoidable interruptions. Flexible equipment positioning also supports access to the patient and the practical requirements of the treatment team.
By bringing cardiovascular and interventional radiology services into a dedicated setting, the new centre expands the range of specialist care available locally. The investment is particularly relevant to Gampaha, which the 2024 Census identifies as Sri Lanka’s most populous district, with approximately 2.44 million residents.
For patients and families in Negombo and surrounding communities, greater local availability of specialist services has the potential to reduce travel to distant facilities, time away from work and the practical burden of arranging treatment. These indirect costs are an important part of healthcare affordability, alongside the charges for consultations, investigations and procedures.
The centre’s emphasis on affordability links advanced technology with the wider objective of improving access to quality healthcare. Efficient use of equipment, coordinated clinical workflows and transparent pricing can help translate investment in sophisticated medical systems into better value for patients. Such gains depend on how services are organised and delivered, as well as on the technology itself.
The opening also highlights the next stage of Sri Lanka’s private healthcare development. Advanced imaging and integrated digital workflows are creating opportunities for more precise, coordinated care. As AI-assisted tools become more widely adopted, their value will depend on supporting clinicians, improving the use of information and producing measurable benefits for patients.
For the industry, future-ready healthcare will require investment in professional skills, reliable digital systems and clinical quality alongside equipment. Extending these capabilities to regional centres can help narrow geographic differences in access and strengthen specialist care beyond Colombo.
The Nawaloka Medicare Heart Care Centre represents a step towards that objective: bringing advanced diagnostic and image-guided treatment capabilities closer to communities while keeping safety, accessibility and affordability central to service development.