British Sri Lankan doctors visit the country

Four young British Sri Lankan doctors visited Sri Lanka from 3-10 November 2012, to explore how they and others in the United Kingdom (UK) could further support healthcare initiatives across Sri Lanka.

 Like other recent delegations from the UK, the group was composed of young people from different ethnic and religious groups in the Sri Lankan diaspora who are keen to support post-war recovery and development, and to encourage others to do the same.

During their stay in Sri Lanka, the group met officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of External Affairs and a range of medical professionals in Colombo, and other parts of the country. They also visited the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital and Medical Faculty, Medical Faculty of the University of Colombo, Jaffna Teaching Hospital and Medical Faculty, Medical Faculty of the Eastern University, National Institute of Mental Health and Lady Ridgeway hospital in Colombo.

One of the doctors said, “The aim of this visit was to get a better understanding of current healthcare issues and challenges across Sri Lanka, and develop longer lasting collaborative ties with individuals and institutions. We feel excited and enthusiastic about the potential for joint initiatives that promote reconciliation through identifying areas of common interest.”

The group comprised Dr. Akneeswaran Jeganathapillai, Dr. Asanga Fernando, Dr. Chrisanthi Pathmanathan and Dr. Malathi Gunaratne. The visit was organised by International Alert and the One Text Initiative and supported by the British High Commission in Colombo.