The first annual convention of the Association of Professional Sri Lankans (APSL) in the United Kingdom in November 2009 introduced a cost effective artificial limb project for the war injured in Sri Lanka.
A press release from the APSL said the keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Bandara Panagamuwa who is a consultant in rehabilitative medicine on the project, designed a ‘Pana-Ankle’ which is not only cost effective but involves computing, design and engineering skills which if done by a western multinational would result in a high cost product. Dr. Panagamuwa also spoke on the cost of war to society and the work carried out to help conflict affected people in the armed forces, the civilians affected by bomb blasts and LTTE combatants, mainly child soldiers recruited by fear and force by the LTTE.
The APSL, formed in February 2004, aims to project a more positive image of Sri Lankans in the UK as a skilled and disciplined sector of people making a valuable contribution to the country’s economy and culture. APSL works closely with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK in a partnering approach for the advancement and discussion of matters of professional interest for the ultimate benefit of Sri Lanka including rural development through seminars, workshops and voluntary services.
According to the press release, the convention produced an informative document on ‘Corruption through the Professional Eye’, analyzing the effects of corruption and making recommendations for minimizing corruption.
The APSL said it has embarked upon having an annual event in Sri Lanka in addition to its events in the UK. A workshop was held in Sri Lanka in July 2009 in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) to finalize the solar energy strategy for Sri Lanka.
The final proposal was handed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to form the basis of Sri Lanka’s policy. |
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