Saudi-funded US$50M medical faculty opens at Sabaragamuwa University in Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA—The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the Government of Sri Lanka have officially inaugurated the new Faculty of Medicine at Sabaragamuwa University, marking a major step forward in the two countries’ long-standing development partnership.

The project aims to strengthen medical education while helping Sri Lanka train more healthcare professionals to meet growing national demand.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, attended the inauguration alongside Eng. Faisal Al Kahtani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development; senior government officials; and representatives from both countries.

The ceremony highlighted more than four decades of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka in supporting infrastructure and social development.

The Faculty of Medicine was built with US$50 million in funding from the Saudi Fund for Development.

The investment has created a modern learning environment designed to expand access to medical education and improve the quality of healthcare training across the country.

The new complex features advanced medical laboratories, para-clinical teaching facilities, and a well-equipped library.

It also includes student accommodation, staff quarters, a large auditorium, and a professorial unit at Ratnapura Teaching Hospital to strengthen clinical education and research.

Together, these facilities will provide students with practical training while supporting the country’s healthcare system.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Amarasuriya praised the strong relationship between the two nations.

She said Sri Lanka values the Saudi Fund for Development’s continued contribution to higher education and its efforts to create more opportunities for future generations of medical students.

Eng. Al Kahtani described the project as an investment in people, knowledge, and opportunity rather than simply a new academic building.

He noted that the Saudi Fund for Development has partnered with Sri Lanka for more than 40 years to improve lives through sustainable development projects in key sectors.

Long-standing partnership continues

The new Faculty of Medicine is the latest addition to a broad portfolio of Saudi-funded projects in Sri Lanka.

Since 1981, the Saudi Fund for Development has financed initiatives in education, healthcare, water, transport, and energy.

Through 15 development loans covering 12 projects, the Fund has committed approximately US$422.7 million to support the country’s social and economic development.

The opening comes just days after Sri Lankan officials highlighted the project’s wider impact on regional development.

The new medical faculty spans about 20 acres and is expected to accommodate hundreds of students while expanding clinical training capacity in the Sabaragamuwa Province.

Officials also noted that the facility will help decentralize medical education beyond the country’s traditional university centres and address future shortages of healthcare professionals.