Sri Lanka has a well-developed healthcare system that is a blend of public and private services. The public healthcare system is government-funded and provides free medical care to all citizens, while the private sector offers a range of services with modern facilities and shorter waiting times. The country is known for its high-quality medical professionals, many of whom have received international training. This “all in one content” tutorial is designed to provide a deep dive into the nation’s leading medical facilities. For more information, you can always visit our comprehensive healthcare resource, Myhospitalnow.
Premier Public Hospitals
These institutions are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s public healthcare system, providing essential care and serving as major referral centers.
1. National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo
Introduction: Located in the capital city of Colombo, the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) is the country’s largest and oldest public hospital. It serves as the main tertiary referral center for the entire country and is a key teaching hospital for medical students. It is a bustling hub of medical activity, providing care to millions of patients each year.
- Specialization of Treatment: Cardiology, Neurosurgery, Nephrology, and Emergency Medicine.
- Address: Regent St, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 112 691 111
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 1,500 doctors and 3,400 beds.
2. Teaching Hospital, Kandy
Introduction: The Teaching Hospital in Kandy is the largest public hospital in the Central Province. It serves as a major referral center for a large population and is a key teaching hospital. It is known for its comprehensive services and its commitment to providing high-quality care to the local community.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Address: William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 812 222 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 800 doctors and 1,500 beds.
3. Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Galle
Introduction: The Teaching Hospital in Karapitiya is the main public hospital for the Southern Province. It is a major tertiary care center and a key teaching hospital. It is known for its specialized services and its role in providing advanced medical care to the southern part of the country.
- Specialization of Treatment: Cardiology, Neurology, and Traumatology.
- Address: Karapitiya, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 912 222 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 600 doctors and 1,200 beds.
4. Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo
Introduction: Lady Ridgeway Hospital is the largest specialized children’s hospital in Sri Lanka. It is a major tertiary care center for paediatric patients and is a key teaching hospital. It is known for its excellence in paediatric care and its compassionate approach to treating children.
- Specialization of Treatment: Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric Medicine, and Paediatric Oncology.
- Address: 122 Dr Danister de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 112 693 711
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 300 doctors and 800 beds.
5. National Cancer Institute, Maharagama
Introduction: The National Cancer Institute is the country’s primary public hospital for cancer treatment. It is a major referral center for cancer patients and provides a wide range of services, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology. It is known for its commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate cancer care.
- Specialization of Treatment: Oncology, Chemotherapy, and Radiotherapy.
- Address: Boralasgamuwa – Maharagama Rd, Maharagama, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 112 850 252
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 200 doctors and 700 beds.
Leading Private Hospitals
The private sector in Sri Lanka is a growing segment of the healthcare system, providing alternative options for patients seeking specialized and personalized care.
6. Lanka Hospitals, Colombo
Introduction: Lanka Hospitals is a leading private hospital in Sri Lanka, known for its modern facilities and a wide range of specialized services. It is a popular choice for both local and international patients, offering high-quality medical care in a comfortable environment.
- Specialization of Treatment: Cardiology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Organ Transplants.
- Address: 578 Elvitigala Mawatha, Narahenpita, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 115 433 433
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 500 doctors and 350 beds.
7. Nawaloka Hospital, Colombo
Introduction: Nawaloka Hospital is one of the oldest and most well-known private hospitals in Sri Lanka. It is a major player in the private healthcare sector, offering a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services.
- Specialization of Treatment: Cardiology, Oncology, and Neurology.
- Address: 23 Deshamanya, Nawaloka Hospital Mawatha, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 115 777 777
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 600 doctors and 350 beds.
8. Durdans Hospital, Colombo
Introduction: Durdans Hospital is a private hospital in Colombo that is known for its high standards of clinical excellence and a focus on patient-centered care. It is a trusted name in the private healthcare sector, providing a wide range of specialized services.
- Specialization of Treatment: Cardiology, Orthopaedics, and General Surgery.
- Address: 3 Alfred Place, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 115 410 000
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 400 doctors and 200 beds.
9. Asiri Surgical Hospital, Colombo
Introduction: Asiri Surgical Hospital is a leading private hospital in Sri Lanka that specializes in surgical procedures. It is known for its advanced surgical facilities and a team of highly skilled surgeons.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Address: 21 Kirula Rd, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 114 665 500
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 300 doctors and 150 beds.
10. Ninewells Hospital, Colombo
Introduction: Ninewells Hospital is a private hospital in Colombo that specializes in women’s health and fertility treatments. It is a leading hospital for gynaecology, obstetrics, and reproductive medicine.
- Specialization of Treatment: Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Fertility.
- Address: 55/1 Kirimandala Mawatha, Nawala, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 115 401 111
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 200 doctors and 100 beds.
Other Notable Public Hospitals
11. Teaching Hospital, Jaffna
Introduction: The Teaching Hospital in Jaffna is the main public hospital in the Northern Province. It serves as a major referral center for a large population and is a key teaching hospital. It is known for its commitment to providing quality healthcare to the local community.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Medicine, Surgery, and Paediatrics.
- Address: Hospital Rd, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 212 222 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 500 doctors and 1,000 beds.
12. Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura
Introduction: The Teaching Hospital in Anuradhapura is the main public hospital for the North Central Province. It is a major tertiary care center and a key teaching hospital. It is known for its comprehensive services and its role in providing advanced medical care to the region.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Address: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 252 222 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 400 doctors and 800 beds.
13. National Institute of Mental Health, Angoda
Introduction: The National Institute of Mental Health is the country’s main public hospital for mental health services. It is a major referral center for mental health patients and provides a wide range of services, including inpatient and outpatient care. It is known for its commitment to providing compassionate mental healthcare.
- Specialization of Treatment: Psychiatry and Mental Health.
- Address: Angoda, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 112 578 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 100 doctors and 1,000 beds.
14. Chest Hospital, Welisara
Introduction: The Chest Hospital in Welisara is a specialized public hospital that focuses on respiratory diseases. It is a major referral center for patients with lung and chest conditions.
- Specialization of Treatment: Respiratory Medicine and Tuberculosis.
- Address: Negombo Rd, Welisara, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 112 958 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 50 doctors and 300 beds.
15. Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital
Introduction: Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital is a semi-government, autonomous hospital in Sri Lanka. It is a well-regarded medical center that provides a wide range of specialized services with modern facilities.
- Specialization of Treatment: Cardiology, Nephrology, and Orthopaedics.
- Address: Hospital Rd, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 112 778 610
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 300 doctors and 700 beds.
Other Notable Private Hospitals
16. New Philip Hospital, Kalutara
Introduction: New Philip Hospital is a leading private hospital in Kalutara. It is known for its modern facilities and a wide range of services, providing quality healthcare to the local community.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Address: Colombo – Galle Main Rd, Kalutara, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 342 222 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 100 doctors and 150 beds.
17. Hemas Hospital, Wattala
Introduction: Hemas Hospital in Wattala is part of the Hemas network of hospitals, known for its high standards of care and a wide range of specialized services. It is a popular choice for both local and international patients.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Cardiology, and Paediatrics.
- Address: Hendala, Wattala, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 117 888 888
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 150 doctors and 100 beds.
18. Kings Hospital, Colombo
Introduction: Kings Hospital is a private hospital in Colombo that is known for its advanced surgical facilities and a team of highly skilled surgeons. It is a well-regarded medical center with a focus on a wide range of specialized services.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Address: No. 18, De Fonseka Place, Colombo 04, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 112 055 000
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 100 doctors and 70 beds.
19. Browns Hospitals, Ragama
Introduction: Browns Hospitals is a fast-growing private hospital that provides a wide range of specialized services to the community. It is known for its modern facilities and a commitment to clinical excellence.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Cardiology, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Address: 138 Ragama Rd, Mahara, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 117 388 388
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 100 doctors and 80 beds.
20. New Senkadagala Hospital, Kandy
Introduction: New Senkadagala Hospital is a well-regarded private hospital in Kandy. It is known for its personalized patient care and experienced specialists, providing quality healthcare to the local community.
- Specialization of Treatment: General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Address: 66/5, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Contact Details: +94 812 222 261
- Doctors and Beds: Approximately 100 doctors and 100 beds.
Conclusion
Understanding the healthcare options in Sri Lanka is essential, whether you’re a resident, an expatriate, or a medical tourist. As this detailed guide shows, the healthcare system is a blend of robust public institutions and a growing number of private clinics that are committed to providing quality care. From the main referral hospitals to the regional centers and local clinics, the country is working to build a more resilient and comprehensive healthcare network for its population.