Artificial Limbs For Sri Lankans With Indian Support

COLOMBO (News 1st); The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence is conducting an Artificial Limb Camp for 1000 Sri Lankans which includes civilians and armed forces personnel in three phases.

"India's unconditional assistance during times of crisis in Sri Lanka has always been our natural response rather than a conditional transaction. Our development partnership stands at over USD 5 Billion with project spanning across all 25 districts in the country, in the domains of education, health, public transportation, skills development, housing, renewable energy, fisheries and so on. Recently, we signed USD 10 Million project for solar electrification of Buddhist Temples across the country. Another one for hybrid renewable energy systems, in the three islands off the coast of Jaffna. This is just a sample of what we have done in less than five months that I have served in Sri Lanka. This is also to illustrate India's strong commitment to the people, from devotees to fishing communities, to each and every Sri Lankan and to the future of the country," said Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka at the event.

The Sri Lanka Army, in bilateral cooperation with the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, initiated a program to manufacture artificial limbs at the Ranaviru Sevana, Ragama.

This endeavor not only signifies the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and India but also reflects a collective commitment to support those who have made sacrifices for the nation's security and are now confronting challenges due to disabilities.

The program commenced on 03 May 2024, with the participation of 8 Indian resource personnel renowned for their expertise in artificial limb production.

Scheduled for completion on 23 May 2024, the workshop aims to provide artificial limbs to 375 Army, 75 Air Force, Navy, and Police personnel. Apart from this, it is planned to distribute artificial limbs to 200 civilians.

During a symbolic ceremony held as part of the program, artificial limbs were donated to 4 deserving members of the Army.

Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, the State Minister of Defence graced the event as the chief guest.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage , Commander of the Army and Commandant of Ranaviru Sevana, Ragama participated in the event.