in 1817 deputy inspector general of hospitals charles farell recommended to the british governor robert brownrigg that a hospital for the poor be established. thus colombo's first modern hospital was established in 1819 at prince street in pettah. the hospital had 100 beds but demand was so high the hospital became overcrowded and a decision was taken to build a news hospital at a 32-acre cinnamon land in longden place. governor henry george ward's administration set aside ₤3,000 to establish the hospital. the new 200 bed general hospital opened in 1864.