ComBank refurbishes De Soysa Hospital Maternity Ward

Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank presents the project agreement to Dr. Ajith Danthanarayana

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has undertaken the renovation of Ward No. 03 at the historic De Soysa Hospital for Women in celebration of International Women’s Day, underscoring its ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment.

The project, undertaken through the Commercial Bank Social Responsibility Trust, was formally inaugurated at a symbolic event at the hospital, where Sanath Manatunge, the Bank’s Managing Director/CEO met with the hospital’s management to exchange undertaking letters, signifying the official commencement of the renovation. 

The hospital was represented by its Director, Dr. Ajith Danthanarayana and Ward Head, Senior Professor Athula Kaluarachchi.

Strategically aligned with the Bank’s Women’s Month initiatives, the project underscores Commercial Bank’s commitment to strengthening maternal healthcare and enhancing the wellbeing of mothers and infants.

Established in 1879, the De Soysa Hospital for Women is the first maternity hospital in Sri Lanka and the second oldest in Asia. 

Ward No. 03, which is the focus of the Bank’s renovation initiative, handles a substantial share of this patient load, accounting for approximately 2,500 to 3,000 deliveries and 4,000 to 5,000 admissions annually.

 The planned refurbishment is expected to significantly enhance patient care, safety and comfort, directly benefiting thousands of mothers and newborns while contributing to the overall improvement of national maternal healthcare standards.

Over the decades, De Soysa Hospital has also been at the forefront of medical advancement in Sri Lanka, including performing the country’s first caesarean section in 1905 and establishing one of its earliest organised operating theatres in 1907. 

The Commercial Bank Social Responsibility Trust, through which this project is implemented, serves as the Bank’s primary vehicle for delivering sustainable and impactful community initiatives.