A statue commemorating the contributions of B. A. Mahipala was unveiled at Homagama Base Hospital recently, celebrating a legacy of philanthropy and dedication to healthcare.
It was built by the Bamunu Arachchi Foundation.
The statue stands as a testament to Mahipala’s pivotal role in transforming the hospital into a modern healthcare facility.
The story of Homagama Hospital is one of vision and generosity. Originally founded by B. A. Semaneris Appuhamy, a pioneering philanthropist, the hospital was donated to the Government on February 16, 1946, along with its 5-acre premises. For over six decades, it has catered to the healthcare needs of Homagama and nearby communities.
Following in his father’s philanthropic footsteps, B. A. Mahipala set out to modernise and expand the hospital, establishing the Bamunu Arachchi Foundation.
Collaborating with the Government Health Service authorities, he and the foundation undertook a comprehensive master plan to enhance the hospital’s services substantially.
The modernisation efforts began in 2009 with the completion and handover of a new Outpatient Department and Diagnostics Block. Over the years, additional phases introduced a Ward Complex, state-of-the-art Operating Theatres, and an Intensive Care Unit, all funded by Mahipala, the Foundation, family, and friends.
Today, the Homagama Base Hospital offers a wide array of services across 23 specialties, serving a population of 600,000. It has a staff of around 225 doctors, 50 paramedics, and 350 nurses, alongside 520 inpatient beds and comprehensive diagnostic services. In 2024, the hospital treated around 200,000 patients and performed 10,000 surgical procedures.
