The head of Poonakari hospital has had to seek permission from the Sri Lankan military in order to access drinking water from the previous hospital grounds which are now being occupied by the army, as a shortage threatens to affect the health of patients.
The hospital reportedly faces a severe water shortage and can no longer admit any new patients due to the lack of drinking water.
Located in Poonakari, also known as Pooneryn, the hospital was forced to move from its original site, which is currently being occupied by the Sri Lankan military. With a water crisis affecting the hospital, the only source of fresh water remains at the original site.
Northern Provincial Council member S Pasupathipillai said he was aware of the situation and lamented the fact that the Sri Lankan military remained stationed at the hospital.
The government continues to refuse to take any steps towards removing the military he added, stating that the whole of Poonakari has become a militarised zone. Questioning the current government’s claims of ‘good governance’, he went on to state that regardless of which government comes into power, no change has been made regarding militarisation.
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