Dental health camp

Last week end we had a health camp organized by JICA (Japan International Corporation Agency) Alumni Association. It was basically an eye and dental camp for the people lived in a very remote area called Rajanganaya in the north central province of Sri Lanka. This area belongs to the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. It is the first kingdom of Sri Lanka. It belongs to the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the temperature usually touches 35 degree centigrade or above. However, as this is the rainy season in Sri Lanka, it was little cooler than usual.

We as Sri Lankans, love to visit the area at least once a year because there are lot of ancient ruins (Buddhist temples, Castles, etc.) which reminds us the work of our ancestors. However, Rajanganaya where our health camp was held is about thirty kilometers away from Anuradhapura main city.

It was a very successful health programme. Eight dental surgeons (all my colleagues working at Dental hospital (Teaching) of University of Peradeniya) including myself and four dental nurses participated. I was the co-ordinator for the event from the Faculty of Dental Sciences side. We examined and treated around 500 patients, mainly school children. There were Japanese volunteer workers working in different parts of Sri Lanka also attended the event. Therefore, I had a rare chance of speaking with them and polishing my Japanese speaking abilities.