Hemas Hospitals celebrates International Friendship Day

To mark the UN designated International Day of Friendship which concluded recently, Hemas Hospitals hosted a specially planned, day long health camp for religious leaders, community school principals, teachers and students.  Held at their hospital in Thalawathugoda, the day’s event had free health check- ups, consultations as well as a talk on dental and oral care. 

The medical and health examinations that were provided were for high blood pressure, blood sugar levels and general height, weight and BMI calculations for healthy maintenance of the body. Highlight of the day was the awarding of five scholarships to needy students, to assist and support their schooling from Grade 6 up to the end of their secondary and tertiary education. 

International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between people, communities, cultures and individuals can inspire peace, build bridges between communities and defines the culture of peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that rejects violence and endeavours to promote peaceful co-existence.

In embracing these values and attributes, Hemas Hospitals Managing Director Dr. Lakith Peiris said the idea of the camp, open to neighbourhood schools and leaders, was to promote the ideals of International Friendship Day through harmony and strengthening communities.

“Our hospitals welcome everyone and all are treated with the same respect, understanding and responsibility. This occasion is to remind ourselves that cultivating warm ties and promoting the well-being of our society will remain a priority at Hemas Hospitals,” emphasised Dr Peiris.

Dr. Peiris went on to note that Hemas Hospitals was proud to organise and support community led projects and the presence of school children from neighbourhood less-privileged schools underscored the hospital’s commitment to efforts of involving young people in community activities and initiatives, “as they are our future leaders,” explained Dr .Peiris.

The UN resolution on International Day of Friendship also places particular emphasis on involving the youth in contributing to the efforts of promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation, all key attributes of the special day.