Centre provides artificial limbs

By J.A.L. Jayasinha

A social service centre in Kundasale has embarked on a charitable venture in producing artificial limbs to about 5000 men, women and children who have lost their limbs either due to bomb blasts, being born sans feet or losing them due to accidents. No cost would be charged for those receiving the artificial limbs.

The centre has already donated limbs to as many as 500 needy children from border villages in the Anuradhapura, Mullaitivu, Ampara and Polonnaruwa areas. This was disclosed by Mr. Chamil Peiris chairperson of the Centre for the Handicapped. The Indian government has promised aid and already action is being taken to provide artificial limbs to another 25 persons.

The Assistant Indian Commissioner Rajan Pillai said that he would help the centre with financial aid from India for the production of artificial limbs.

Mr. Pieris added that artificial limbs would be offered to soldiers who lose their limbs in the war and that no discrimination would be shown.

The centre’s Manager Anura Rathmalsinghe said the centre had already issued artificial feet to children aged 10 – 12. Canon Ratnayake and T.R.R. Rajan are the pioneers of the centre which is managed by a board consisting of Dentist Vijaya Kumaran and others. The centre has incurred heavy expenses in giving away artificial feet free of charge, among others to 50 soldiers at Panagoda and 30 at the Ibbagamuwa Aarmy Unit.

The centre hopes to collect funds from local and foreign agencies with a view to afford self-employment to the disabled.