The Maristella College, Negombo Batch of 1989 has commenced work on creating a Free Rest Area at the Negombo Hospital Outpatient Department (OPD) to address a long-standing need. This facility will serve the thousands of patients who visit the OPD daily for treatment.
The soon-to-be-established facility will be named the “Hon. Brother Clinton Resting Launge ”, in honour of the former Principal of Maristella College (1979–1989), Hon. Brother Clinton Perera. The ceremonial launch of the project took place on 07 August 2025 at Marist House Negombo.
Located on the ground floor of Negombo Hospital, the rest area will span approximately 25 feet by 25 feet (625 square feet) and will include:
• 135 comfortable seats
• Multiple electric fans
• Clean drinking water facilities, including purification and storage units (water dispensers)
• Two large-screen televisions
• An automated token system for OPD doctor consultations, with a digital display board
• A reading corner with books and magazines for patients to enjoy while resting
• A dedicated mother-and-child area for breastfeeding
• Many other modern and technical amenities
The total estimated cost of the project exceeds LKR 7 million.
A special fund for this initiative has been established under the name of Hon. Brother Clinton Perera, who is now 85 years old and living in retirement due to illness. Prior to the launch ceremony, a special Holy Mass was offered for his health and peace at the Supuwath Arana Chapel, conducted by Rev. Fr. Daryl Coonghe, Director and an alumnus of Maristella College.
The total estimated cost of the project exceeds LKR 7 million.
A special fund for this initiative has been established under the name of Hon. Brother Clinton Perera, who is now 85 years old and living in retirement due to illness. Prior to the launch ceremony, a special Holy Mass was offered for his health and peace at the Supuwath Arana Chapel, conducted by Rev. Fr. Daryl Coonghe, Director and an alumnus of Maristella College.
The launch ceremony was attended by:
• Nicholas Fernando, South Asia Regional Provincial of the Marist Brothers
• Chamara Hettiarachchi, Assistant Bursar of the Marist Brothers
• Sales Fernando, former Principal of Maristella College Primary Section
• Relatives of Hon. Brother Clinton Perera
• Other invited guests
Speaking at the event, Mr. Shenal Fernando, Founding Initiator a member of the Batch of 1989, stated that several other Maristella alumni batches, the retired teachers’ association, various sports teams, and individual alumni have pledged financial support for the project.
Dr. D.S. Peiris, another alumnus from the batch, explained that the main purpose of the rest area is to provide not only physical comfort but also mental relaxation for the thousands of OPD patients each day. He added that “a patient who is mentally at ease can recover physically much faster.” He further stated that this project is both a noble social service and a lasting tribute to Hon. Brother Clinton Perera.