Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
KDU Hospital loses over Rs. 8 million in copper theft from safety system
Thieves have made off with nearly 2,200 metres of copper strips from the lightning protection infrastructure at KDU Hospital, resulting in losses exceeding Rs. 8.4 million. The theft was disclosed to parliament's public oversight committee.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital has fallen victim to a significant theft involving critical safety equipment, with approximately 2,199 metres of copper strips stripped from its lightning protection system. The loss, valued at Rs. 8,442,091, was brought to the attention of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) during recent parliamentary proceedings.
The lightning protection system forms an integral part of hospital infrastructure, designed to safeguard both the facility and its occupants from electrical hazards during adverse weather. The extent of the theft raises concerns about the security measures currently in place at the military-affiliated medical facility.
COPE, chaired by MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, received details of the incident as part of its ongoing oversight of public sector institutions and their resource management. The committee's mandate includes scrutinizing irregularities in state enterprises and ensuring accountability in public spending.
The theft underscores persistent challenges with asset security at government institutions across the country. Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the investigation into the incident or any suspects in connection with the copper theft.