In keeping with its commitment to assist Sri Lanka in addressing various challenges related to the aftermath of the armed conflict in northern Sri Lanka, the Government of India arranged for the deputation of an artificial limb fitment camp in the Northern Province from March 13 to April 8, 2010. The camp, which is fully funded by the Government of India, was run by a team of 19 experts from the Jaipur-based Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the world famous non- governmental organization better known as “Jaipur Foot”. The BMVSS has the distinction of having fitted the largest number of limbs to disabled persons around the world and is well known for the innovative and user-friendly devices that it has developed over the years.

In Sri Lanka, the Jaipur Foot camp was set up in Zone 1 of Menik Farm in Vavuniya district. It was run from the same location where the Indian emergency hospital had earlier, in 2009, treated nearly 50,000 idPs. The camp, which was officially inaugurated on March 19 by the High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, and Mr. Douglas Devananda, Hon’ble Minister for Social Services and Social Welfare, started functioning from 13th March 2010. By the time the camp closed on 8th April, it had fitted artificial limbs and other devices to 1400 beneficiaries in all. These included 1087 prosthesis (limbs), 123 orthosis (calipers) and 190 crutches.

The Government of India remains committed to continuing its assistance to the idP population in the Northern Province with a view to helping them return to lives of peace, normalcy and dignity.

P.S.: A couple of photographs of the ceremony organized at Hotel Taj Samudra today at 5.00 p.m. to hand over certificates of appreciation to the 19 team members of BMVSS are attached. High Commissioner; the Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Govt. of Sri Lanka; and Brig. Sudhantha Ranasinghe, Commissioner General, Rehabilitation, Govt. of Sri Lanka, handed over the certificates of appreciation to the team members. In addition, a presentation on the camp was also made by Dr. A.S.A. Safras, Rehabilitation Coordinator, Northern Province, Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition of the Govt. of Sri Lanka.