the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University has commenced a new Degree programme in Medicine for Military Medical Cadets who could fulfill the requirement of the military medical services of the country and functioning of the proposed Teaching Hospital of the above University, as early as possible, is essential for the training of Military Medical Cadets who are to commence their professorial clinical appointments by August 2013. The hospital will also cater to foreign patients and also provide ultra modern facilities for medical check-ups for which Sri Lankan patients opt to go abroad spending large amount of foreign exchange. It will also cater to advanced rehabilitation and physiotherapy for disabled soldiers. The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence and Urban Development, to proceed with the project at a cost of US $201.6 million (approximately Rs.26 billion), with funds to be provided by a State Bank, was approved by the Cabinet.