Renovation work at MRI begins

The first Medical Research Institute (MRI) building, built 113 years ago marking a milestone in Sri Lanka's medical history, will be renovated and restored by the Health Ministry to highlight the past glory and history of its medical research wing.

Named the De Soysa Bacteriological Institute, the building was donated by J.W. Charles de Soysa, in commemoration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 1900. It was opened by the then Governor of Ceylon Sir Joseph West Ridgeway on January 31, 1900, MRI Director Dr. Anil Samaranayake said.

Of late, the building has been in a neglected State and Health Minister Maithreepala Sirisena has allocated funds for the renovation. The building depicts the glorious past of the country's free medical service and is of historical value. The renovation activities began last week under the aegis of the Health Minister.