Severe space shortage at Tangalle Hospital morgue

2026-02-13 - 05:00

The mortuary at Tangalle Base Hospital is experiencing a critical shortage of storage space, forcing staff to place bodies covered in ice on trolleys in the corridor outside the morgue, media reports say. The hospital, a key medical facility in the Hambantota District, receives patients from areas including Beliatta, Tangalle, Weeraketiya, Nakulugamuwa, Walasmulla, and Ranna. In addition, bodies from regional and district hospitals such as Beliatta, Nakulugamuwa, Ranna, Angunakolapelessa, and Weeraketiya, as well as accident victims, are also brought to Tangalle Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Hospital staff reports that inadequate freezer facilities have caused difficulties for the past 04 years. The old morgue had a freezer capable of storing 06 bodies, but it is now beyond repair and has become unusable. The new morgue has only one freezer with a capacity for 02 bodies, which is insufficient to handle demand, hospital staff said. Yesterday (Feb. 12), with the mortuary full, staff were forced to place 03 bodies covered in ice in the corridor outside the morgue. Tangalle Municipal Coroner Eranga Shyamal Warnakulasooriya commented, “When there is not enough space to store bodies, we use ice. At times when even that cannot be found, there have been occasions where bodies are simply left as they are, and they begin to decompose. Then both we and the doctors have to face complaints from relatives. We request authorities to pay attention to this matter.” Meanwhile, MP Dilip Wedaarachchi also visited the mortuary, noting that “A son of one of our members at the Katuwana Pradeshiya Sabha had died and the body had been sent from Walasmulla Base Hospital to Tangalle Hospital. Since there was no space in the cold room, they had asked for ice. Last night (Feb. 12), I brought ice from Kudawella and provided it. The cold room that can hold six bodies is now filled with other items. It is said to be broken.” When inquired about the situation, the Director of Health Services, Hambantota District, Dr. Deepika Patabendige stated that the Ministry of Health has already been informed about the issue. (Source: Aruna)