Veteran Sri Lankan actor Jackson Anthony's extended stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital has sparked controversy, with his family defending their decision to use a ventilator donated by friends and family for an astounding 458 days. The actor, who had met with a fatal accident a year prior, remained in the ICU for a total of 500 days.

At Jackson Anthony's funeral ceremony, his son, Sajitha Anthony, revealed the family's use of the donated ventilator, shedding light on the actor's prolonged ICU stay. Sajitha Anthony explained that his father had been reliant on the ventilator for nearly 500 days while undergoing treatment at the Colombo National Hospital's ICU.

The revelation stirred controversy, with some individuals questioning the fairness of utilizing ICU facilities for such an extended duration. Critics suggested that this was an unjust allocation of resources, and some speculated that political influence may have played a role in the matter.

In response to the criticism, Sajitha Anthony emphasized that the extended use of the ventilator was not an act of privilege but a decision made to ensure his father received the best possible care during his arduous recovery journey. He noted that Jackson Anthony's condition necessitated the use of the ventilator, and the family's sole focus was on his well-being.

Furthermore, Sajitha Anthony clarified that the ventilator would now serve a broader purpose. He announced that the ventilator, which had been generously donated by friends and family for Jackson's recovery, would be made available for those in need. This move aimed to transform the controversy into a positive contribution to healthcare facilities and, in turn, benefit individuals requiring critical care.