In a move aimed at providing crucial medical support to children in need, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed financial assistance from the President’s Fund for critical surgeries on young children. The directive targets liver transplant surgeries for young patients at the Ragama Teaching Hospital and cochlear implant surgeries at the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital.

Recognizing the financial strain faced by impoverished families, particularly those with children in need of specialized medical care, President Wickremesinghe's decision underscores the government's commitment to the welfare of its youngest citizens.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) announced that each liver transplant surgery for children under 16 years old at the Ragama Teaching Hospital will receive Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund, effective January 1, 2024.

The PMD stated that over 200 children in Sri Lanka require cochlear implant surgery, vital for their auditory development. The financial burden, estimated at over Rs. 5 million per surgery, has hindered access to this essential procedure. To alleviate this obstacle, President Wickremesinghe has authorized financial aid from the President’s Fund, covering the surgery costs of Rs. 600,000 per child at the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital.