This is the first such facility to be constructed under the Health service and it is aimed at assisting those who cannot conceive normally, but desires to have a child of their own through IVF (In vitro fertilisation).

In Sri Lankan communities if a couple fails to have a child within a few years of marriage, there is great pressure on them by their families. In such circumstances, these couples could seek help from this new Assisted Reproductive Treatment Centre.
Currently, there are around 800 mothers registered at the Castle Street Hospital for Women in anticipation of having children and the majority of them are around 35 years of age. Many Sri Lankan couples seek this In vitro fertilisation in foreign countries such as India.

By establishing this Assisted Reproductive Treatment Centre these couples could obtain such treatment in Sri Lanka without having to go overseas.The government is expected to spend around Rs. 104 million for the construction of this two-storied facility.

The Castle Street Hospital Director Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe and several other officials participated in this event.