US envoy Keshap donates medical supplies through Operation Pacific Angel to north

Ambassador Keshap, Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran and Minister of National Coexistence, Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan on the way to Jaffna aboard US Air Force plane C130

Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan talks to a resident and a former student of Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam during the PACANGEL medical camp

Ambassador Atul Keshap welcomes residents at the medical camp at Idaikkadu Maha Viyalayam

US Air Force medical team in action at a dental clinic in Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam in the Northern Province

On behalf of the American people, US Ambassador Atul Keshap, representing the American people, donated medical supplies brought in by US Pacific Command’s Operation Pacific Angel (PACANGEL) to Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan who accepted the items on behalf of the people of Jaffna.  

Operation PACANGEL is donating medical and dental equipment and providing free medical care, dental care, optometry, and physical therapy to the people of Jaffna. The supplies include medication to treat acute symptoms, physical therapy equipment, eyeglasses, dental care supplies, and vitamin supplements. Approximately 60 US military members, along with local non-governmental organisations and members of the Sri Lanka Air Force, will participate in the week-long programs to assist people in Jaffna.  

Following ceremonies at Palaly Airport, Ambassador Keshap, R. Sampanthan and Wigneswaran visited the Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam site where a medical clinic has been established and observed American and Sri Lankan medical professionals working together to provide free care for local residents.  

“Americans have been coming to Jaffna since 1816 with the establishment of the first missionary schools and medical centres. We’re proud to continue this long tradition of friendship and assistance to the people in the North,” said Ambassador Keshap.

Also participating were Minister of National Coexistence, Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan, State Minister for Child Affairs Vijayakala Maheswaran, Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian E. Saravanabavan, Health Minister of the Northern Province Dr. S. Sathiyalingam, Agricultural Minister of the Northern Province P. Aingaranesan, Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala, Air Vice Marshal Sumangala Dias and Security Force Commander of Jaffna, Major General Mahesh Senanayake.

Free health services will be offered 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Idaikkadu Maha Vidyalayam (15-17 August) and at Punguduthivu Shri Subramaniya Girls Vidyalayam (19-20 August).  

 On behalf of the American people US Ambassador Atul Keshap donated medical supplies brought in by US Pacific Command’s Operation Pacific Angel (PACANGEL) to Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan who accepted the items on behalf of the people of Jaffna