The Elpitiya Government Hospital will open a maternity ward complex on July 17, allowing husbands of expectant mothers to stay in the wards. This will be a first of its kind in Sri Lanka, the Southern Province Health Ministry Secretary Buddapriya Nigamuni said.

He said that non-governmental organisation Ameri had funded Rs. 4.5 million for the project. The aim of the hospital is to maintain sound mental status of both husband and wife during the delivery.