Nawaloka Medicare (Pvt.) Ltd., Sri Lanka’s premium healthcare provider, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at its state-of-the-art facility in Negombo, with the participation of Harshith Dharmadasa, Chairman of Nawaloka Medicare, and the Board of Directors. Since its opening in 2014, Nawaloka Medicare Negombo has set a high standard for healthcare, committed to providing top-tier medical services and bringing hope to countless individuals across the community. Over the past decade, the hospital has played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare standards, offering a broad range of services to meet diverse patient needs.
The facility has expanded with a new wing that includes fully equipped consultation rooms and a dedicated Maternal and Baby Centre. This expansion reflects the hospital’s growth and continued momentum. Additional specialized services have been added, such as a kidney transplant unit, a dengue treatment center, cardiac surgery, and orthopedic surgery.
A significant part of the celebration was the release of a new stamp by the Department of Postal Services, honoring the late Deshamanya H.K. Dharmadasa. The first stamp was presented to Mr. Harshith Dharmadasa, Chairman of Nawaloka Medicare, the visionary behind Nawaloka’s healthcare initiatives. His interest in private healthcare began after a visit to London for a medical check-up, where he realized how beneficial it would be to establish a fully equipped hospital in Sri Lanka. Upon his return, he was determined to make this vision a reality, providing life-saving treatments at a more affordable cost. At a time when patients had to travel abroad for heart surgeries and other major treatments, Deshamanya Dharmadasa envisioned a hospital that could offer world-class care locally.
Deshamanya H.K. Dharmadasa’s commitment to philanthropy was unwavering. He recognized that healthcare should be affordable and accessible to all, and his vision for a modern healthcare system in Sri Lanka became a reality with Nawaloka Medicare. His philanthropic contributions extended beyond healthcare to temples, schools, hospitals, roads, and community projects, making him one of Sri Lanka’s most generous individuals. Former Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara honored him as a “modern-day Anatha Pindika,” a reference to great philanthropists in Sri Lanka’s history.
Deshamanya Dharmadasa’s journey began in Sultanagoda, where he worked alongside his father on community projects. After his father’s passing, he moved to the city, where his business ventures grew. From timber sales to small construction projects, he had never looked back. He never accepted “no” for an answer, and every venture he began became a great success. From selling timber and undertaking small construction works, the name Nawaloka slowly became a household term, synonymous with reliability, quality, and professionalism. When he ventured into construction, he embraced vertical integration—backwards and forwards—manufacturing building materials, piling, property development, and furniture. Plasticware and packaging were another venture. Many thousands found employment with Nawaloka, both directly and indirectly.
He successfully constructed major housing schemes, including over 1,201 houses, all within the stipulated time period. Dharmadasa Mudalali was always ready to take up the challenge. He seemed to enjoy facing challenges, finding joy in overcoming them. The Nawaloka Group was able to hand over the housing project right on schedule, completed as per the terms of the contract. In addition to construction, he expanded his business into the manufacturing of polysacks, both locally and overseas in the Sharjah Free Trade Zone. His success created thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly benefiting the community. He was a unique entrepreneur in his own right.
The anniversary celebrations also included recognizing staff members who have served with dedication over the last decade. Several CSR initiatives, including free surgeries and other welfare projects, underscored Nawaloka Medicare’s continued commitment to social responsibility and honoring the legacy of its founder.