Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital has 1001 beds. Out of these, people are now talking about the 1001st bed, ignoring the other 1000 beds. This bed had been reserved for the Head of State. However, a few days ago, President Anura Dissanayake decided to allocate this bed to the public. According to government supporters, all 1001 beds of the hospital are now open to the people. They also say this is an example of the President’s generosity and concern for the public.
But Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital is not like the Colombo National Hospital, where treatment is free. It is a hospital where patients must pay for treatment.
Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital exists mainly due to the diplomatic efforts of President J.R. Jayewardene. Although many know its history, it is worth briefly mentioning it.
After World War II, many countries wanted to punish Japan. At the San Francisco Peace Conference on September 6, 1951, most nations supported imposing penalties on Japan. Sri Lanka was represented by Minister J.R. Jayewardene. He challenged this view based on Buddhist philosophy.
While most countries demanded punishment, J.R. Jayewardene argued for forgiveness, quoting the Buddhist teaching “Hatred is not overcome by hatred.” His speech influenced the world to move towards forgiving Japan. Since then, Japan has maintained strong relations with Sri Lanka.
After coming to power in 1977, J.R. Jayewardene received generous support from Japan. Japan helped build the new Parliament, the Rupavahini Corporation, and Peradeniya Hospital, among other projects.
When J.R. requested a hospital from Japan, they agreed to build one with 1000 beds—the largest hospital Japan had ever donated. But J.R. asked for 1001 beds. When asked why, he reportedly said the extra bed was for himself. From then on, that bed was reserved for the Head of State or Prime Minister. However, J.R. himself never used that room. The first patient there was Minister Lalith Athulathmudali, after a bomb attack. Later, former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was also treated there.
It is normal for a Head of State to have a separate hospital room. Even private hospitals keep such rooms reserved, though not publicly announced. These rooms are different from ordinary ones, allowing the leader to continue official duties, with space for security and staff. Even in national airlines, seats are always available for the Head of State. These are not personal privileges but necessary arrangements.
A Head of State, no matter how humble, cannot live like an ordinary citizen eating anywhere, walking freely, or speaking casually. Therefore, the current President should aim to be a leader like J.R., who had a big vision. J.R. proudly gave the country a 1000-bed hospital. In contrast, Anura Dissanayake seems to have a smaller vision being satisfied by giving just one bed from that hospital to the public.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike played an active role in easing the Indo-China conflict. President Premadasa secured the “International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.” Lakshman Kadirgamar helped make Vesak an internationally recognized day at the United Nations. These are examples of achievements by Sri Lankan leaders who had big visions.
The current President should also strive to become such a leader. This requires broad political understanding and pride in the country he represents. If he truly had such pride, he would not call Sri Lanka as a “ Hundu country” in Parliament.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who speaks of his humble beginnings, envisions a ”Maha Bharatha”. He confidently acts among world leaders because of that vision. But leaders of the National People’s Power still seem focused on small, immature ideas—celebrating minor actions like opening water taps or bus stops and sharing photos of them as achievements.