Fire protection for developing countries

Safe Bottle Lamp Foundation Consultant President and Surgeon Dr. Wijaya Godakumbura made a presentation at ‘The 19th International Conference on Safe Communities’ held in Korea recently explaining the burn prevention work his NGO has been doing for the past 18 years.

Burns are widely believed to be the “most devastating type of injury that a person can sustain and survive”.  While some succumb to the injury, those who recover usually end up with hideous scars, often involving face, neck and hands.

While there are several effective burn prevention interventions in developed countries like smoke alarms and fire retardant sleep wear, such strategies are very rare in developing countries.

Therefore the Sri Lankan project has received wide global recognition that includes winning four international awards, viz. Rolex, Lindbergh, Reader’s Digest and World Challenge, and invitations to make presentations at scientific gatherings.