Sunday Times 2
A gift of hope from a Right Royal-Rotary Club partnership
View(s):
Janek Jayasekara and Kasun Hewamallika handing over the machines and accessories to Apeksha Hospital Director Dr Wasantha Dissanayake. Viranga Wickramaratne, Indika Premarathna, Dr Rukmal Gunatilaka, Wikum Geeganage and Kanchana Mathew, Chamila Hewawasam (not in pic) and representatives from the Royal College Group of 96 Committee were also present at the event
The Royal College Group of ’96 and the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency joined hands recently to gift much needed equipment and accessories for the Children’s ward of the National Cancer Hospital of Sri Lanka (Apeksha Hospital).
This gift was initiated by Group of ’96 member Dr Rukmal Gunathilake, a Consultant Paediatrician attached to the Apeksha Hospital. The request was unanimously endorsed by the Group of ’96 committee, and a strategic partnership ensued with the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency, which incidentally is led by another Group of ’96 member Kasun Hewamallika.
The funds were collected in an astonishing three weeks.
Speaking at the event, Group of ’96 president Janek Jayasekara said, “We were primarily an organisation set up with the intention of looking after the interest of our Alma Mater Royal College and the welfare of our batch mates, but realised that we also have an obligation to society. We wanted to expand our footprint and repay the debt we owe, given that we are all products of free education.”
The team handed over two high-flow oxygen machines, accessories and the consumables for use in the paediatric intensive care unit.
“It was truly a fantastic team effort, where everyone came together for one common cause, as almost all of us have been impacted by cancer in some way. This was our way of using the might of our networks to make something happen in a short space of time and I am personally grateful to each donor who made this event a reality” said Mr Hewamallika.
Dr Gunathilake commented: “I see the hope we have been able to give the children and their parents with this gift. I know that we have made a difference to those who cannot do much but hope, and be encouraged that there are so many people willing to share in their pain and help from across the world, ultimately saving lives.”